THE STORM IN THE BARN

Eleven-year-old Jack Clark feels useless on his family’s Kansas farm. It’s 1937: The rain went away when he was seven, so he’s never been able to help out. His older sister Dorothy is sick with Dust Pneumonia, and little sister Mabel doesn’t provide much companionship. Jack is the favorite target of the town bullies, but general-store owner Ernie tries to cheer Jack with traditional “Jack tales.” Then the boy sees a mysterious flash in the Talbots’ abandoned barn. When he investigates, he discovers a frightening apparition. Talking about it starts rumors he is suffering from Dust Dementia. Just when his family has given up hope, Jack, inspired by Ernie’s stories, confronts the creature and fights a fantastic battle with miraculous results. Author/illustrator Phelan’s first graphic tale is part historical mystery, part fantasy thriller. The pencil-and-watercolor panels are cinematically framed and often wordless, advancing the plot and delineating character with careful strokes. The bleakness of the Dust Bowl comes through in both the landscape and the hopeless faces of his characters. This is not to be missed. (Graphic fiction. 9-14)