Sam Babb traveled far and wide to find only the most talented and dedicated young women basketball players. Despite being physically disabled, Babb was a talented coach. The girls he recruited simply loved playing basketball, and they were no strangers to hard work. For most of the team, this was their first time being away from home, but it was a dream come true. Not only did they get to play the sport they loved, but they also had the opportunity to receive a college education. Along the way, they became national champions during the Great Depression. This story of grit, tenacity, friendship, and compassion will keep you on the edge of your seat as the lady Cardinals battle one of the best athletes of the era.

The Bottom Line: This inspiring read is a look back in time when things were tough during the Great Depression. Not only did their coach provide them with the chance to play basketball, but each girl had the opportunity to better themselves and their families. These women went on to become coaches, teachers, and mothers and influenced generations of women after them. Enthusiastically recommended reading for high school and college classes, sports fans, and readers of women's history.

For the complete review including Book Club Notes, please visit the Mini Book Bytes Book Review Blog. ( )

It's probably a fine oral history, but i was expecting something different.

I listened to the audiobook, and found it very enjoyable. The book weaves together threads of national, state, sport, and personal history really well to provide a pretty clear picture of the many different factors that led to the story as a whole. There was just enough detail about each of the people involved and the history of the school to enrich the story and not bog it down. The history of women’s basketball in and of itself was fascinating, I just had no idea of any of it at all!
The story of the OPC Cardinals and their coach was incredible, and the inner workings of how their amazing winning streak came about should catch the interest of coaches and players alike, as well as those who just enjoy a good sports story. ( )

I really wanted to enjoy this book, and in the beginning I was hooked. The introduction of the characters and the time and location was very good but then I felt distracted by recycled experiences that did not add any new insights or layers.

I had hopes for the book. The Dust Bowl Girls is a story worth knowing.

My bookclub will discuss the book tonight, it will be interesting to hear feedback from them. ( )

FROM AMAZON: At the height of the Great Depression, Sam Babb, the charismatic basketball coach of tiny Oklahoma Presbyterian College, began dreaming. Like so many others, he wanted a reason to have hope. Traveling from farm to farm, he recruited talented, hardworking young women and offered them a chance at a better life: a free college education if they would come play for his basketball team, the Cardinals.

Despite their fears of leaving home and the sacrifices faced by their families, the women followed Babb and his dream. He shaped the Cardinals into a formidable team, and something extraordinary began to happen: with passion for the sport and heartfelt loyalty to one another and their coach, they won every game.