"Treasures in the Dust" is a beautifully written story of two young girls, Annie Weightman and Violet Cobble, who live in the Pan Handle of Oklahoma during the era of the Dust Bowl.  They love each other and struggle to stay together in spite of the dust.  The book is written in first person, being told from both character's points of view.  They alternate chapters.  Annie's family is surviving fairly well with plenty of chickens and cows.  However, Violet's family is struggling to survive and take care of an extra family member, Aunt Miracle.  When Aunt Miracle dies, Violet's family decides to move to California so that her father can find work.  Violet keeps in contact with Annie through letters.  Annie and the reader learn about the hardships the Oklahoma bound families suffered through Violet's letters.  In the meantime, Annie finds a valuable arrowhead that the librarian offers to start a museum with. Annie gets to help with the museum.  Annie, her father, and her brother help take care of the Cobble's house while they are gone.  The Cobbles experience many different camps where all the family members except the baby must work in order to pay for staples to keep the family alive.  Finally, the Cobble family stumbles upon the Weed Patch Camp that is run by very nice people who help them get on their feet again.  Violet's father gets a job at a slaughterhouse where he earns good money.  Though they have traveled this far, Mr. Cobble finds no refuge in California.  They still plan to return to the Pan Handle.  The Pan Handle was beginning to get a little rainfall here and there.  This gave hope to everyone.  Violet's family returns to the Pan Handle to continue the life they had left behind with intentions of never leaving again.