Written by Karen Hesse
Cover designed by Elizabeth B. Parisi
Published by Scholastic Press 1997
Genre: Chapter Book, Historical Fiction
Award: Newberry Medal 1998; Scott O'Dell Award 1998
Theme: Tragedy, Depression, Natural Disasters, Restoration
Summary: Billy Jo, a fourteen year old girl being raised in Oklahoma during the mid 1930s, shares her experiences during a troubled period of American history.The setting, written about a period referred to as "The Dust Bowl" adds a sense of dread and hopelessness, which helps the reader identify with the plight of Billy Jo. How can a young girl endure so much and still maintain the strength to grow and not lose faith in life? Will the ever present dust continue to shape the course of Billy Jo's life?
Book usage: This book should be used in middle or high school as part of the curriculum of a Social Studies class. It will help children understand the hardships encountered by farmers as they struggle to survive personal, financial and natural hardships to grow the crops necessary to feed others.
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