Across the Desert

Dusti Bowling

Mar 2022 · Tantor Media Inc · Narrated by Stacy Gonzalez

About this audiobook

One girl sets out on a journey across the treacherous Arizona desert to rescue a young pilot stranded after a plane crash in this gripping story of survival, friendship, and rescue from a bestselling and award-winning author. Twelve-year-old Jolene spends every day she can at the library watching her favorite livestream: The Desert Aviator, where twelve-year-old "Addie Earhart" shares her adventures flying an ultralight plane over the desert. While watching this daring girl fly through the sky, Jolene can dream of what it would be like to fly with her, far away from her own troubled home life where her mother struggles with a narcotic addiction. And Addie, who is grieving the loss of her father, finds solace in her online conversations with Jolene, her biggest-and only-fan. Then, one day, it all goes wrong: Addie's engine abruptly stops, and Jolene watches in helpless horror as the ultralight plummets to the ground and the video goes dark. Jolene knows that Addie won't survive long in the extreme summer desert heat. With no one to turn to for help and armed with only a hand-drawn map and a stolen cell phone, it's up to Jolene to find a way to save the Desert Aviator. Packed with adventure and heart, Across the Desert speaks to the resilience, hope, and strength within each of us.

Ratings and reviews

Jolene is the only witness to an online pal's escapade gone wrong. Determined to help her, Jolene takes off for the desert ill-equipped and helpless to do anything but push forward with a self-made map, a tagalong teenager, and a very little bit of hope that she might make it in time.

About the author

Dusti Bowling holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and a Master of Education, but her true passion is writing. She is the author of Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus, Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus, and 24 Hours in Nowhere. She lives in Carefree, Arizona, with her husband and three daughters.

Stacy Gonzalez is feisty, bright, and expressive. She specializes in YA, self-help, and romance, especially when the narration calls for a good handle on comedy, wit, and sass. AudioFile magazine has praised her pace and her ability to create bold characters.