24 Hours in Nowhere
on Goodreads (2,876)
What’s inside...
When you come from Nowhere, can you ever really make it anywhere? Author Dusti Bowling returns to the desert to create a gripping story about friendship, hope, and finding the power within oneself. In Nowhere, Arizona, the least livable town in the U.S., thirteen-year-old Gus dreams of escaping his life and going to college. His plans are complicated by Bo Taylor, the town bully. When Bo forces Gus to eat a dangerously spiny cactus, Rossi Scott, a skilled racer, rescues him but loses her prized dirt bike to Bo. Determined to reclaim it, Gus and his friends Jessie Navarro and Matthew Dufort, along with Rossi, venture into Dead Frenchman Mine in search of gold. As they face challenges like cave-ins and mountain lions, they share their struggles and realize that this adventure may be their ticket out of Nowhere. Reminiscent of Louis Sachar’s Holes with its quirky characters and unique desert setting, this is a middle-grade read that will easily transport readers somewhere special.” – School Library Journal (Starred review)
Age
3-12
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Gus
Rossi
Jessie
Matthew
Bo Taylor
Discussion points
What do you think Gus learned about friendship and courage throughout his adventure in the desert?
If you were in Rossi's shoes, how would you handle the challenges she faced?
How do the desert and the cave serve as characters in the story? What role do they play in the journey of Gus and his friends?
What does the title '24 Hours in Nowhere' signify in the context of the story? How does the time constraint affect the characters' decisions?
How can this adventure change the way we view our own problems and fears?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think beyond the surface of the story by asking them how they would feel in similar situations. Discuss the importance of teamwork and bravery in overcoming obstacles. Relate the physical journey in the book to personal challenges they might face, fostering empathy and resilience. Draw parallels between the book’s setting and your child's environment to make the discussion more relatable and grounded. Use the desert's vastness and challenges as metaphors for personal growth and exploration.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: In '24 Hours in Nowhere', the protagonist, Gus, experiences how cooperation and forming alliances can help overcome obstacles. As Gus and his friends work together to navigate challenges in the desert, they learn the importance of mutual support.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the importance of working with others to achieve common goals, whether in classroom projects, sports teams, or family activities.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Throughout the story, Gus encounters various physical and emotional challenges. His journey teaches him—and young readers—about the significance of perseverance and inner strength.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persist through difficulties, whether tackling challenging school tasks or dealing with personal setbacks, and emerge stronger.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: Gus's adventure in the desert exposes him to different people and situations, broadening his understanding and empathy towards others' feelings and backgrounds.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children grasp the importance of empathy in daily interactions and fosters a more inclusive attitude towards classmates and friends from diverse backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: Gus regularly confronts his fears throughout the novel, which illustrates the growth that comes from stepping out of one's comfort zone.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of facing their fears, encouraging them to try new activities or stand up for themselves in intimidating situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of problem-solving
Explanation: In '24 Hours in Nowhere', Gus and his group are constantly faced with puzzles and obstacles that require creative thinking and problem-solving techniques to navigate.
Real-World Application: This story highlights the need for critical thinking and creativity, skills that children can utilize in school assignments, social situations, and later in their careers.