Author- Karen Hesse
Title- Out of the Dust
Year-1999
Genre- Newbery
Format- Paperback
Publisher- Scholastic Signature
Reading Level- Intermediate
Interest Level- Upper Elementary
Topics- Family, Tragedy, Dust bowl, Great Depression
Summary- This book took place in the 1930's during the Great Depression. It is a story about a little girl named Billie Jo. She has a very sad story about her and her family. In the story Billie Jo and her parents are struggling through extremely difficult economic times. They lived on a farm and it was getting destroyed by the Dust bowl. If times weren't hard enough a tragic accident happens that severely injures Billie Jo's mother and baby. Also scarring Billie Jo and taking away her ability to play piano. The story is a quick read but is very deep. Taking up serious topics that children are most likely learning about for the first time.
Extension Activity- Have an education lesson on the Dust bowl and the great depression. Discuss the crisis along with the lifestyle of the 1930's.
- Discuss their clothing, music, food and other things that built our culture in this time.
