The year is 1935, and the country is in the midst of the Great Depression. In the Plains region, times are especially bad. A severe drought has struck the area and strong winds blow the dry land into the air, creating tremendous storms of dust. The situation is so devastating that the region comes to be called the Dust Bowl. Hoping for Rain tells the story of 16-year-old Earl Buckler and his 12-year-old sister Patty. Follow these children and their family as they endure cropless droughts, "black blizzards," and dust-covered meals. Hear their stories of leaving home to emigrate to California as "Okies." Combining a rich factual background with the moving fictional story of the Buckler children, this illuminating book tells the story of the Dust Bowl and its devastating effect on our American landscape and way of life. Book jacket.