Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Amanda

In the time of the Great Depression, a young pianist girl, Billie, is playing her life for us through Out of the Dust. She lives in the Dust Bowl where her family has a farm. She loves piano and has a great gift for it. Also, in the area, her family grows apple trees. One day, her mother asks her to get the water for the trees. She picks up the kerosene kettle instead. She comes out to her mom and topples her burning her mother and the baby inside her. The baby is lost. Billie can barely play the piano with her own burnt hands. The mom is injured, sad, and angry. How will all of this affect the crop lacking rain? Read Out of the Dust to find out!


Billie’s diary vividly expresses the truths and opinions of the Dust Bowl and its inhabitants in the form of graceful poetry. The conflict and sorrow in this novel will tear readers apart. My enjoyment of the story came through the piano-playing. I am a piano player. I recommend Out of the Dust for ages 10 and up, although, many students have chosen it for any easy read in older years. I give it 5 stars for uniqueness and originality.