Told in free verse in the spare and haunting voice of 14-year-old Billie Jo Kelby, Out of the Dust is a journey to the heart of a family caught in the Oklahoma dust-bowl. It is the story of Ma, who sees the idea of herself burn away with every parched day, until she herself is consumed by fire. It is the story of Bayard, her husband, who cannot comes to terms with his failure to provide for his family. But most of all, it is the story of Billie Jo who knows she must find a way to get out of the dust, even if it means ...
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Told in free verse in the spare and haunting voice of 14-year-old Billie Jo Kelby, Out of the Dust is a journey to the heart of a family caught in the Oklahoma dust-bowl. It is the story of Ma, who sees the idea of herself burn away with every parched day, until she herself is consumed by fire. It is the story of Bayard, her husband, who cannot comes to terms with his failure to provide for his family. But most of all, it is the story of Billie Jo who knows she must find a way to get out of the dust, even if it means leaving behind everything she has ever loved.
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Simply Brit – welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there's something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality.
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Seller's Description:
The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.
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Seller's Description:
Very Good. Very Good condition. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain a few markings such as an owner's name, short gifter's inscription or light stamp.
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Seller's Description:
Good. Good condition. A copy that has been read but remains intact. May contain markings such as bookplates, stamps, limited notes and highlighting, or a few light stains. Bundled media such as CDs, DVDs, floppy disks or access codes may not be included.
this book should be in every school and should be read by students and teachers
Tarissa
May 25, 2010
Dust Bowl Times
"Out of the Dust" is a fictional account of one girl's life in Oklahoma, during the hardships of the great Dust Bowl. Billie Jo's story is written through her own eyes, in the form of freestyle poetry.
This book is unique in it's own way. It somewhat reminds me of fictional books that are written in diary form, yet this book is still very different than even that.
The storyline:
There's one thing that Billie Jo really loves in life. It's playing the piano. Feeling the keys underneath her fingers. It seems to take her away from the grimy dirt, the dust in her eyes, and the sand dunes that daily pile up higher.
Neighbors give up on their farms. Dear friends move away, in search of a better place to live. A devastating accident takes it's course in Billie Jo's own family. She blames everything on the dust storms. They have ruined her life.
The only thing she wants to do now, is to sweep all the dust out of her heart permanently.
waller66
Dec 31, 2009
Read book
Written in the first person point of view, we learn about how the main character is able to not only survive during the Dust Bowl, but comes out a better person. A historical fiction book that depicts what it was really like in Oklahoma. An easy read for 6th grade students.
Karen69
Aug 4, 2008
excellant
The school I was subbing for used this book as part of their study on the era of history discribed in the book. The students enjoyed the book and had good discussions
sd6161
Sep 30, 2007
Embrace the Light
Told by Karen Hesse with freedom and resonance, Out of the Dust allows the reader a view through the eyes of a child. Billy Jo, who is but 14 years old and struggling between the everyday mystical transition of adolescence and the reality of survival during the Depression era dust-bowl. A time in United States history when children were often thrust into appalling situations and compelled to make decisive measures regarding life choices. Hesse's writing style balances both the tragedy and triumph of the human spirit in such a way as to offer a multifacited opportunity for teachers and students as they transition from elementary reading to various forms of classic American literature.
