ALTMAR, PARISH, WILLIAMSTOWN – APW Central School District was recently visited by nationally-renown author Dusti Bowling as part of a contest through the BOCES School Library System. In a presentation for students in grades four through eight, Bowling was able to share her own story alongside valuable life lessons.
Local families may recognize Bowling for her book “Across the Desert,” which was featured in this year’s Battle of the Books competition. Her other works include “Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus,” “The Canyon’s Edge,” “24 Hours in Nowhere,” the Aven Green series, and her upcoming publication “Dust.” Bowling’s works are known across the country and have earned her numerous awards, including Best Books of the Year.
Bowling’s presentation at APW discussed her inspiration for each of her stories, often citing the beauty and danger of Arizona’s Sonoma Desert which Bowling calls home. Yet one of her most important points was in encouraging students to achieve the goals that some might see as impossible. Bowling — the child of a divorced home where both parents struggled with drug addiction — pushed through adversity and rejection to live her dream as a professional author. Bowling encouraged students to do the same, even in the face of their own challenges.
Following her presentation, enthusiastic students were able to ask questions of the author, offering far more than Bowling was able to answer. Fifth and sixth grade students who had participated in this year’s Battle of the Books were able to meet with her privately afterwards for photos, book signings, and an investigation of some of the artifacts Bowling had brought with her from the Sonoma Desert.
“The students really enjoyed Dusti and her presentation,” noted Sara Bostick, teacher librarian for APW Elementary school. She praised Bowling for sharing her own story, encouraging students, and introducing them to the many careers associated with professional writing. She also emphasized the importance of reading works like Bowling’s.
“When we read, we’re able to step into other worlds and other people’s realities, grow in empathy, and better understand the wonderful variety of the world.”
missing or outdated ad config
