Bibliography Hesse, Karen. 1997. Out of the Dust. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780590360807 Review & Critical Analysis Karen Hesse’s well-known historical verse novel, Out of the Dust, combines history, fiction, and poetry seamlessly, transporting readers to the Dust Bowl ravaged Oklahoma and into the home of 14-year-old Billie Jo Kelby and her family. The free verse poetry of this novel has a simple rhythm that easily conveys the voice of Billie Jo. Hesse uses Billie Jo’s youthful, innocent voice to create a vivid image of what living on a struggling farm during the Dust Bowl was like. She paints a picture with words that enables the reader to see the layers of dust that cover the house, the dying wheat in the field, and the beautiful piano that Billie Jo and her mother love to play. This imagery, along with Billie Jo’s distinctive voice, creates an emotional impact on the reader. You feel her family’s struggle as they try to keep the dust at bay and produce enough wheat to survive, you feel Billie Jo’s passion as she comes alive at the piano, and you feel the family’s despair as her mother and baby brother pass away. The poems in this book bring the history of the Dust Bowl to life. Even young readers will be able to put themselves into the story and relate to Billie Jo and her feelings throughout the book. Even though Billie Jo’s experiences may not translate to every child, it is an engaging and entertaining way to help students understand the Dust Bowl and its effects on our country. It relates the history of this time in a way that is impactful and relevant for child and adult readers alike. The poems are consistent in their format and effectively stimulate many different emotions and responses. Throughout the story, I found myself laughing, crying, and hoping for the best outcome for Billie Jo and her family. Hesse is able to vividly, yet appropriately, address major issues such as the death of Billie Jo’s mother and Billie Jo running away in a way that even younger readers can understand. The poems are arranged in chronological order through the seasons and each poem has the date at the end. This helps the reader sequence the events easily. This poetry book is well-thought out and arranged in a way that makes it easy and engaging to read. This free verse historical fiction novel leaves a lasting impact on the reader and would make a great supplement to a historical study of the Dust Bowl. It is easy to read, emotional, and incredibly engaging for readers of all ages. This is a book I will recommend for years to come! Spotlight Poem Migrants We’ll be back when the rain comes, they say, pulling away with all they own, straining the springs of their motor cars. Don’t forget us. And so they go, fleeing the blowing dust, fleeing the fields of brown-tipped wheat barely ankle high, and sparse as the hair on a dog’s belly. We’ll be back, they say, pulling away toward Texas, Arkansas, where they can rent a farm, pull in enough cash, maybe start again. We’ll be back when it rains, they say, setting out with their bedsprings and mattresses, their cookstoves and dishes, their kitchen tables, and their milk goats tied to their running boards in rickety cages, setting out for California, where even though they say they’ll come back, the just might stay if what they hear about the place is true. Don’t forget us, they say. But there are so many leaving, how can I remember them all? April 1935 This poem, found on page 160, is a poignant reminder of the transience of the Dust Bowl from the perspective of young Billie Joe. She watches people leave without any real knowledge that they will find something better elsewhere. She watches them pack up all they own, leave behind their farms and lives, and head out in to the unknown. I would introduce this poem to students by reading it aloud, encouraging them to close their eyes and visualize what they hear. After reading, I would ask them what they saw, and depending on the age of the students, have them draw a picture of what stood out to them. As a follow-up activity, I would have students imagine they are leaving their home behind in search of a better life and they can only bring necessities with them on their journey. These items would have to fit in their car along with their family. I would ask students to describe what they would bring, either through writing or through a picture, and discuss why they chose those items.
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AuthoRMy name is Mrs. Scott and I'm a secondary Media Resource Specialist (librarian) in Texas. This blog was created as part of my graduate coursework at Texas Woman's University. All reviews and opinions are my own. Archives
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