Out of the Dust

By: Karen Hesse

Narrated by: Marika Mashburn

Length: 2 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

Billie Jo has a great deal to forgive: Her father for causing the accident that killed her mother; her mother for leaving when Billie Jo needed her most; and herself for being the cause of her own sorrow. Daddy's too wrung out to help her, and there's no one else to care. So at 14, Billie Jo must heal herself - even if it means tearing up her roots and leaving behind everything she's ever known.

©1997 Karen Hesse (P)2008 Random House, Inc.

it was good

I had to read it for school. I liked how it was short but sweet ;)
I really enjoyed it. bye!

Touching and charming

A historical learning experience coupled with sadness and human nature, ending with love and hope. It’s a book for everyone, not just children and young adults.

A good read

About tough life on a rural farm in the U.S. in the times of The Great Depression . This young girl who narrates the story, is grief stricken after a tragic life changing event involving loved ones. She learns the greatest lesson of all, that The love of your Father and friends is very valuable , and sometimes finding your own way may be something to look forward too , but not now , not yet, be a child for now. Tomorrow is another day, as you grow things change.

slow but effective narration

What did you love best about Out of the Dust?

Out of the Dust is a quick read that creates a sympathetic reader. I love that it is written as prose.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Since it's written as a journal, you really only get the inside look at Billy Jo. She's spunky. She's a survivor. She's impossible not to love.

Have you listened to any of Marika Mashburn’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yep

Sad

This book just put me in a really sad mood bro. It didn’t really have the “”happy ending there I was looking for.

Great!

Great Texas accent and great fluency and emotions! Great! This is a great book! Listen to it!

it's a MUST READ

So much to gain from this story!!!!!! My 7th graders loved it and loved learning about the dust bowl.

Good book

Yes it did meet my expectations
Yes it was an adventure to read it
Yes it was read well
Bye

Great

It was better than reading quietly because of the emotions became real. I felt like I was there in the dust storms.

Excellent story! Fast read!

Would you listen to Out of the Dust again? Why?

Absolutely! I have already recommended it to a friend. I am studying to be an elementary teacher and I had to read some Newbery Award/ or honor books for my elementary literature class. I wasn't real excited about reading "Out of the Dust", as I thought it would be dry as dust. Boy was I wrong! This is an excellent story! Very realistic! It dives into some deep feelings, so I would probably use this for older elementary or middle school children. It is written in a poetic format, but comes across as though it was a series of journal recordings that take you through about 1 1/2 years of this girls life.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character was Louise. I liked how she gently made her entrance into the family with great sensitivity.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, I listened to it in one sitting, the recording was under 3 hours. I guess I could have spread it out over several sittings. As a teacher, I might be fun to read a little bit each day to the class and spread it over a week or two. Maybe use it when you are trying to focus on journaling. This way you can show the class how journaling can turn into a wonderful story.