Out of the Dust

A poem cycle that reads as a novel, "Out of the Dust" tells the story of Billie Jo, a girl who struggles to help her family survive the dustbowl years of the Depression. Fighting against the elements on her Oklahoma farm, Billie Jo takes on even more responsibilities when her mother dies in a tragic accident. A testament to the American spirit, this novel is an instant classic. Awards include Newbery Medal, Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction, "Publishers Weekly" Best Book of the Year, "School Library Journal" Best Book of the Year, "Booklinks" Best Book of the Year, 1998 ALA Notable Children's Book, and a 1998 ALA Best Book for Young Adults.