this book is great for childeren in the age of 8-120
Tools for this page
Out of the Dust
(1997, Fiction - Historical Fiction, Written by Karen Hesse)
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9. -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
A penetrating look at a poor child's life.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 9 and Up
What to watch out for
-
Violence:
-
Sex:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Out of the Dust
Parents need to know that this powerful and poignant tale set amid Oklahoma's "Dust Bowl" years is told entirely in free verse, which might pose a challenge for some readers. And although the writing is exceptional, the subject matter is relentlessly bleak; the book's joylessness might limit its appeal to young readers.
Read our full review by Megan McDonald
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the Dust Bowl in a historical context, focusing on the effect the severe storms had on the livelihood of working families. If you and your family were faced with the same conditions, do you think you could survive? Did hardship bring Billie Jo's family closer together -- or tear them farther apart? How did Billie Jo's relationship with her father change in the wake of her mother's death?
Our Members Say
See all 7 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
Out of the dust
- I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
Out of the Dust
The book Out of the Dust is about a girl living durring the Great depression. Unfortunatly, She lives in Oaklahoma,smack dab in the middle of the Dust bowl. Billie Jo (the main character) is pretty lonely being an only child. Though her mom is expecting a baby. The only thing that keeps Billie Jo from feeling alone is playing the piano. Then one day Billie Jo's dad acsidentally leaves a bucket of kerosene by the stove. Billie Jo's mom mistakes it for water and pours it on the stove. It catches on fire she tries to though it out the door, but it hits he mom instead!her mom gets badly burnt and so are Billie Jo's Hands. Will she ever play piano again?
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
What's Great?........ This book
I loved all the drama in this book I think it really explains what it would be like back in that time. I though there was alot of drama in the book.I think the Dad of Billie Joe is the one who creats the most drama well he is drinking after the mother and son died. I feel that towns people also blame Billie Joe for poring the oil on the mother when she made a simple mistake. I was sad when Billie Joe ran away but somehow I knew she was going to go back because she couldn't just leave her fater there by himself. In the end everything turns out ok and that's what make's this book so speacial to me I mean that's why I read it every year now.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
I Loved This!!!
I don't understand why people did not enjoy this book because it had to be one of the best books I have ever read! The author's technique was very attractive, easy to read, and unique. I cannot wait to read another book by Karen Hesse.
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Have you read it? 
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
