Out of the dust by Karen Hesse

Out of the dust by Karen Hesse is a poetry/historical fiction novel published in the year 1997. This book won a series of awards such as the Newberry Medal and the Scott O’Dell Award. I liked this book because the book kept me wanting to read it. Billie Jo Kelby, a fourteen year old girl living in Cimarron county Oklahoma is a long legged redhead girl who resembles her dad. Because her dad expected a boy, Billie Jo and her dad’s relationship has been strained. Ma taught Billie Jo how to play the piano when she was young. Since then, it had become a passion for her. Things are now about to change since Ma discovered she was about to have a baby. Just when things are opening up for Billie Jo’s music career, a tragedy occurs in the kitchen while making breakfast. Her mother mistakes a pail of kerosene for water and pours it on the stove releasing flames. Ma immediately runs out of the kitchen and outside. Not knowing that ma would come back, Billie Jo hurls the flaming pail of kerosene outside at the moment Ma returns, catching her on fire. Billie Jo attempts to smoother out the flames, burning her hands in the process. Several days later, Ma dies giving birth to a boy who Pa names Franklin. I find this book very intriguing and emotional. I would recommend this book to people who love poetry and want to learn about the history during the great depression.