Module 7: Historical Fiction

Out of the Dust

by Karen Hesse

Hesse, K. (1999). Out of the dust. (1st ed.). New York: Scholastic.

In 1934 Oklahoma, Billie Jo is facing many overwhelming events.  It’s the middle of the Dust Bowl and dust storms are wiping out crops.  The only life Billie Jo knows is evaporating with the dust as her neighbors are leaving in hopes of finding a way to survive.  Not only are the conditions rough, but a tragic accident prevents her from doing what she loves most, playing the piano, and brings great loss.   The accident also makes it impossible for her to talk to her parents.  Despite the tragedy Billie Jo has to learn that home isn’t a place you are, but a place you want to be. 

Presented in a journal format as a collection of poems, this novel is a quick read for even struggling readers while also providing an intriguing story.  The author’s descriptive writing allows the reader to suffer the hardships that existed in Oklahoma during the mid-1930’s and provides an understanding of how severe the storms could be.  Although the Dust Bowl is a crucial backdrop to the story, it also deals with the most basic human feelings, such as guilt, anger, despair, and hope.  The story perfectly intertwines history with the human condition.  The reader holds on through the story hoping that things will get better for the main character as well as the land. It’s a beautifully written novel with interesting historical background.

My personal feelings about the book are that is would be great to share in a classroom, especially if you plan to discuss Earth science or the history of the Dust Bowl. It would also be a great book to introduce for a section on poetry.  As an adult this was a good book.  I think it was clearly written with the younger reader in mind, but could be interesting to some older readers.  A great read for those history buffs, poetry lovers, or someone looking to escape for a few hours.  Although this book has been on my shelf for a while, I was reluctant to read it since it was told in a collection of poems.  However, I have discovered that the author’s poems read more like prose.  Hesse’s style of writing is just simply engaging.