Out of the Dust (Scholastic Gold) - by Karen Hesse (Hardcover)

About the Book

In a series of poems, fifteen-year-old Billie Jo relates the hardships of living on her family's wheat farm in Oklahoma during the dust bowl years of the Depression.

Book Synopsis

Acclaimed author Karen Hesse's Newbery Medal-winning novel-in-verse explores the life of fourteen-year-old Billie Jo growing up in the dust bowls of Oklahoma.

"Dust piles up like snow across the prairie. . . ."A terrible accident has transformed Billie Jo's life, scarring her inside and out. Her mother is gone. Her father can't talk about it. And the one thing that might make her feel better -- playing the piano -- is impossible with her wounded hands.To make matters worse, dust storms are devastating the family farm and all the farms nearby. While others flee from the dust bowl, Billie Jo is left to find peace in the bleak landscape of Oklahoma -- and in the surprising landscape of her own heart.

Review Quotes

Awards and Praise for Out of the Dust: Winner of the Newbery MedalWinner of the Scott O'Dell AwardAn ALA Notable Children's BookAn ALA Best Book for Young Adults A School Library Journal Best Book of the YearA Booklist Editors' ChoiceA Book Links "Lasting Connection"A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the YearA New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing selection* "Hesse's spare prose adroitly traces Billie Jo's journey in and out of darkness.... With each meticulously arranged entry she paints a vivid picture of Billie Jo's emotions, ranging from desolation.... to longing... to hope." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review* "Hesse uses free-verse poems to advance the plot, allowing the narrator to speak for herself much more eloquently than would be possible in standard prose. The author's astute and careful descriptions of life during the dust storms of the 1930s are grounded in harsh reality, yet are decidedly poetic... Hesse's ever growing skill as a writer willing to take chances with her form shines through superbly..." -- School Library Journal, starred review* "The story is bleak, but Hesse's writing transcends the gloom and transforms it into a powerfully compelling tale of a girl with enormous strength, courage and love. The entire novel is written in very readable blank verse, a superb choice for bringing out the exquisite agony and delight to be found in such a difficult period lived by such a vibrant character." Booklist, starred review

About the Author

Karen Hesse is the award-winning and critically acclaimed author of many books for children. Her titles include Witness, The Cats in Krasinski Square, and the Newbery Medal winner Out of the Dust, among many others. She lives in Vermont with her husband and two teenaged daughters.