In the novel Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse, the main character Billie Jo learns that life is too short to hold grudges. Forgiving causes Billie Jo have better appreciation for things she didn’t value before. The challenges Billie Jo faces provide many opportunities for her to forgive the wrongdoings of herself and others. Billie Jo’s first major challenge begins when a fire starts in her home. The fire occurs when Billie Jo’s mother mistakes a pail of kerosene for water. Billie Jo’s mother and soon to be baby brother died in this fire. After the incident, her father took the emergency money and went out drinking. He leaves Billie Jo to care for her dying mother on her own. In addition, Billie Jo’s scarred hands from the fire make it challenging