“The way I see it, hard times aren't only about money, or drought, or dust. hard times are about losing spirit, and hope, and what happens when dreams dry up.”
~Karen Hesse, Out of the Dust
In 1934 Billy Jo and the rest of Oklahoma are experiencing tough times. People are struggling financially, and their crops are not growing. Dust is blowing everywhere and making its way into homes, schools, eyes, mouths, lungs, and hair. Billy Jo’s dad is not able to grow the wheat they need to eat, and he isn’t making any money. Her mom has ideas about ways he can use the land in order to possibly grow other crops, but he won’t listen. Luckily, Billy Jo’s mom taught her to play the piano, and playing the ivories helps take her mind off of the terrible dust storms that blow in unexpectedly and the rumble in her belly. She hopes music will help carry her far away from her dusty home. When tragedy strikes, Billy Jo’s world changes drastically. It's hard for her not to be sad missing all the things she used to have, and her life is now lonely and filled with pain. Dreams are lost and relationships are changed. Of course, she still prays for rain. Can Billy Jo ever forgive herself for what happened? Will she be able to escape the dust? Is it possible for her family survive the terrible tragedy? Will the rain come in time? You'll have to travel back in time with Billy Jo to learn firsthand about the Dust Bowl.
~Karen Hesse, Out of the Dust
In 1934 Billy Jo and the rest of Oklahoma are experiencing tough times. People are struggling financially, and their crops are not growing. Dust is blowing everywhere and making its way into homes, schools, eyes, mouths, lungs, and hair. Billy Jo’s dad is not able to grow the wheat they need to eat, and he isn’t making any money. Her mom has ideas about ways he can use the land in order to possibly grow other crops, but he won’t listen. Luckily, Billy Jo’s mom taught her to play the piano, and playing the ivories helps take her mind off of the terrible dust storms that blow in unexpectedly and the rumble in her belly. She hopes music will help carry her far away from her dusty home. When tragedy strikes, Billy Jo’s world changes drastically. It's hard for her not to be sad missing all the things she used to have, and her life is now lonely and filled with pain. Dreams are lost and relationships are changed. Of course, she still prays for rain. Can Billy Jo ever forgive herself for what happened? Will she be able to escape the dust? Is it possible for her family survive the terrible tragedy? Will the rain come in time? You'll have to travel back in time with Billy Jo to learn firsthand about the Dust Bowl.
Out of the Dust by Karen
Hesse is told in free verse. This was a
powerful way to tell this story. Fewer words were needed, but they packed a
punch. I loved that I had a clear idea of Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl, and
Billy Jo’s personality was strong and clear. It would have been a treat to hear her play the piano as the passion she put into it must have been
contagious. While I was reading I couldn’t
help but be impressed by the strength of the people who survived the dust
storms. How awful to be breathing it in, eating it, sleeping with it, and
digesting it with every meal. My heart went
out to Billy Jo and her family for the terrible things they had to go through,
both with their farm and within their family. The story was beautifully told, and I really connected with Billy Jo. I
wished I could erase her pain. She has so much spunk that I would be friends
with her if I met her. This is a wonderful book for people of all ages, and I
think kids in fourth through eighth grade will especially relate to Billy Jo
and appreciate the time period. The book touches on issues in history and
allows us to look at life during the 1930s. We get to see what it was like
for a typical family struggling to make ends meet out on the plains. I found
myself hoping that good things would come their way and was impressed with
their perseverance. If you have not read
it yet, I highly recommend it. Through verse, history will come to life and you'll sit back and appreciate your own life a bit more.
Has anyone else read Out of the Dust? Or
have you read another book by Karen Hesse? We'd love to hear your thoughts!
Stop by Friday for an interview with Karen Hesse and find out more about her story.
Happy Reading! ~L
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Stop by Friday for an interview with Karen Hesse and find out more about her story.
Happy Reading! ~L
