Out of the Dust

By Karen Hesse

Book #1 in the Newbery Medal Book series

A girl seeks solace amidst dust storms and personal tragedy.

5.3/7 Bookroo expert·3.8/5 Goodreads · 80,597 ratings

227 pages· 19,706 words· Est. 2 hour read

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Bookroo's summary

In the heart of the Dust Bowl, fourteen-year-old Billie Jo faces unimaginable loss and hardship. A tragic accident leaves her scarred and unable to play the piano, her only solace. As dust storms ravage the land, Billie Jo's father remains silent, and her mother is gone. While others flee, she must find peace in the desolate Oklahoma landscape and within herself. Can Billie Jo overcome the devastation and find hope in the dust? Discover her journey of resilience and self-discovery in a world where everything seems lost.

From the publisher

Out of the Dust joins the Scholastic Gold line, which features award-winning and beloved novels. Includes exclusive bonus content!

“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.

Awards

Newbery Medal (1998)Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction (1998)

At a glance

Format
Pages: 227
Words: 19,706
Reading age: 10–15
Audience: Young Adult
Lexile: ~829L

Themes & topics

Books about rural living Books about economic depressions Books about storms Books about 20th century Books about history

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.3

out of 7

5.3

“A Newbery Medal winner, this book is interesting, poignant, and inventive. I read this book as a child and found myself fascinated and touched. The form of the book - long-form poetry - was a new experience for me and helped me grow as a reader. It's a great way to learn about the dust bowl and Depression.”

Lauren Hancock

Trusted reviewer

For readers who can't stop at one