Dixie Storms

Dixie Storms is a coming of age story for 14-year-old Margaret Peyton (aka, Dutch). When Cousin Norma, who is a couple of years older than Dutch, comes to visit during the summer, lots of changes come about. Norma is from Richmond and brings with her an air of sophistication and all-knowing of all things. Dutch is taken in by what she thinks she can learn from her cousin. Both girls end up gaining something from the other. Dutch has to care for her family, which consists of her father, her brother Flood, her nephew Bodean, and her Aunt Macy. She tends to hold everything together, yet she isn't as well versed as someone who comes from a big city and has worldly knowledge. Both girls come away with some good life lessons and a better outlook of their own life. After reading the author interview, I felt I had a better understanding of this story, although I wasn't really sure what timeframe this story was set in. I did feel it could have been set in the '50s, 60s or even the present day, although "Dixie Storms" don't seem to be as prevalent in the present day, by the description of what a "Dixie storm" is. Armchair Interviews says: An enjoyable, quick read--a really nice little young adult story, probable target audience 13-15 year old girls.

this book toke me two days to read i9 could not put it down it was the best bookn i ever read i wish barbra hall wrote more books she is the best writier

The summer seems neverending to fourteen year old Dutch Peyton. The drought her family is experiencing on their farm is destroying their crops, not to mention destroying their hope for the future. Even though that is more than the Peytons need to worry about, they have some difficult family situations that need to be worked out. Dutch learns a lot that summer, about love, life and family. I would recommend Dixie Storms to anyone. The setting is vividly described, and the characters are realistic and true to life. Although the plot is somewhat slowly moving, Dixie Storms is still a terrific book.

dutch's cousin norma comes to visit. she has never seen norma before. they have alot of fun together. then when the drought comes and theres no rain on the farm they are frightened that they might have a parie fire or they might lose all of there crops due to the drought. what will happen? well you'll just have to read the book to find out.