Out of the Dust By Karen Hesse

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– Write the three most interesting facts from the video. 2- Write one simile and one metaphor to describe the dust bowl Write one question you would like to ask about the dust bowl or ask one of the people in the documentary.

Journal Writing Billie Jo returns four cents too the store because they got too much change back. Do you think it is important to return such a small amount? Why or why not? Billie Jo’s family sacrifices. Do you think it was hard for them? Have you ever had to make sacrifices like Billie Jo and her family? If so what? What damage has been caused by wind, drought, and rain?

Reflection Billie Jo’s father abuses alcohol after the accident. How do you think he should have dealt with his problem in a better way? Do you think he solves his problem by digging the hole? The neighbor women come over and help after Ma dies and the words they say hurt Billie Jo. If you were one of the women there, what would you say to the others?

Journal Writing Why do you think Billie Jo dealt with playing the piano the way she did? Do you think she will play again? Why or why not?

Journal Writing Why do you think the baby was abandoned? What are some reasons a family might choose to leave their baby?

Journal Writing Why do you think Billie Jo runs away?

Historical Fiction The author did a great deal of research on life in the dust bowl to help her create authentic setting, events, and characters. Skim through the book for details that reflect the facts you learned while watching the documentary Surviving the Dust Bowl. What are the most interesting facts you learned about the setting, everyday life in the 1930s? Cite the page number and name of the poem of reference.

Forgiveness One of the universal themes in this novel is forgiveness. How does Billie Jo show that she has forgiven her father and herself? How does the father show he has forgiven Billie Jo, himself, and the land? How does the author suggest that in some ways the land has forgiven the people for their misuse?

Acts of Courage Billie Jo and others face many grave difficulties in this story. In your opinion, which character in this story showed the greatest courage? What did he or she do? Please cite page number and the name of the poem.

Change In one year, Billie Jo grows and changes a great deal. Review each of the seven main sections of the book. What are Billie Jo's main concerns in each section? How is Billie Jo the same in each section? How does she change? If Billie Jo were to describe herself in 1936, how might her life be different? How would it most likely be the same? How have you changed since last winter? For homework ask your parents and/or sibling how they think you have changed in the past year. Ask them to give you examples of this change.

Self Reflection Make a bubble map and write down words that describe you. Think about personality as well as appearance.

Self Reflection Turn these descriptions into metaphors and similes.

Writing Prompt Reread the poem "Beginning: 1920," the first entry of the book. Use it as a model to create a portrait of yourself. The portrait can describe such things as how or where you were born, what you look like, and what you like to do. Note the way Karen Hesse uses similes, comparisons with like or as (e.g. "cheekbones like bicycle handles," "mean as a rattler") in her poem. Use your own similes in the poems you write. You must include 5 similes and/or metaphors.