Walking under the blazing, hot sun, Billy Jenkins and Jimmy Scott continue their pretend soldier march around their Hooverville. The tall, muscular Jimmy yells, “Left, left, left, right, right, left,” as the short, scrawny Billy struggles to keep up, tripping over the mess created from the residents’ poorly built homes. It is 1933 Oklahoma and people only care about themselves, but not Jimmy and Billy, the 10 year olds watch out for each other no matter what comes their way. The smell of rust and dirt fills their noses, while no green can be seen anywhere. The community is filled with people, who are covered in brown and sadness.

“Jimmy, they are calling this the Great Depression, why?” Jimmy replies, “I reckon it’s because of the dust storms and everyone’s attitude.” Billy asks, “Why do we live in this mess?” Jimmy stops their march and replies angrily, “Look out yonder, do you see another place to live?” The poor boy shamefully says “No”. “Then let’s head back to the house, the old man is waiting for us.” The two boys walk into their makeshift house, Billy nervously exclaims, “We’re home Ol’ Greg!” The elderly man responds, “Get in here! You kids need to be workin! Ain’t no army here, ever since the Hoover guy came in with rugged …show more content…
Ever since that feller Roosevelt has come into office, there have been more places for people to work! The Tennessee Valley Authority or the Civilian Conservation Corps are providing good work for people.” Ol’ Greg looked pleased, he had not been able to work or receive money for 4 years. Billy whispered to Jimmy, “I told you so!” The 10 year old grinned and then began to look out the window searching for the color green. He was disappointed. Everything the human eye could see was brown and gray, until they got to California. It seemed like the entire country had been affected except for this little town. The beach was a beautiful blue, green surrounded the community, and the brown dirt was rarely