When Billie Jo is just fourteen she must endure heart-wrenching ordeals that no child should have to face. The quiet strength she displays while dealing with unspeakable loss is as surprising as it is inspiring.
Written in free verse, this award-winning story is set in the heart of the Great Depression. It chronicles Oklahoma's staggering dust storms, and the environmental--and emotional--turmoil they leave in their path. An unforgettable tribute to hope and inner strength.
Download and start listening now!
"The format in which this book was written was part of what drew me in when I first began reading (that, and it's the book we're reading in class). The story soon sucked me in, as well. It's a sad, gripping, beautifully written book about an average girl with not-so-average struggles. I enjoyed it so much, I recommended it to my mother! I'm glad we're reading this in class, otherwise I might not have ever read it."
— Haeley (5 out of 5 stars)
" This is my favorite book I've ever read aloud to my children. The story is heartwrenching. The prose is wonderful! "
— Chantal, 2/19/2014" Just reading about them having to put their cups upside down on the table before dinner so that the dust wouldn't get inside made me so grateful. I can't imagine living like that. A great story that taught me about life in that time period and area and how to love where you are, and see the beautiful things. "
— Marneen, 2/12/2014" I thought this book was a bunch of poems. And it tought me a valuable lesson. Don't leave kerosene on the stove because in the end, it will kill your wife and unborn child. "
— Eli, 2/2/2014" This was such a beautifully told story. I loved that each chapter was written as a poem. It was a hard time of life, and therefore a difficult story to read. But it has a satisfying ending and I loved it. "
— Kristine, 1/31/2014" I was recommended this book and was surprised to find out it was written in verse when I opened it up. Generally not my cup of tea, but it made for quick reading. Because I read it so quickly, I didn't really get too into but enough to be a little upset with the plight of Billie Jo and her family at times. Newbery winner. "
— Amy, 1/21/2014" Hard times!!! "
— Mary, 1/21/2014" The book was pretty good. I e felt really bad for Billie Joe. Not being able to play the piano because she tried to save her mom. Not good. "
— Corbin, 1/13/2014" 1999 Newbery Medal. A juvenile delinquent gets sentenced to a work camp where they have to dig precise holes - not knowing they are looking for treasure. "
— Ann, 12/22/2013" I know it's not fair to rate this the same as the hunger games considering its writing style is really good. It's really less about the book itself, and more about my lack of excitement while reading it. Some very cool phrases in it though. "
— Marc, 11/4/2013" Thank you, Mr. Dubois,, for directing me to another sad book that begins and ends sadly. o.o "
— Emily, 9/16/2013" Brilliant. Read it in school and fell in love. I love how it is in poetry form, but it isn't exactly poetry, you know what I mean? "
— Catherine, 8/25/2013" Brilliant story written in poems. The language is so clear and vivid, you can actually imagine you're there. Its a beautiful book. "
— Kelly, 7/10/2013" It's a book seemingly written for children due to its simple, clear language. But it's really a book meant for adults. This is one of those books that I'd recommend to a middle-schooler and then tell them to read it again in 10 years. "
— Megan, 7/10/2013" At first it was hard to get used to reading the versus, but then it begun to flow and I really enjoyed reading it that way. Living in South Dakota and having family living on farms I can get an idea of the life style back then. It was a great way to experience the dust bowl without being there. "
— Krisha, 3/17/2013" Loved the prose style of this novel and Billie Jo's character. "
— Kristi, 3/15/2013" poetry very ..... um ...... depressing kinda i guess? "
— maisha, 2/15/2013" I enjoyed this book a lot more than I enjoyed Thomas Rivera's '...And the Earth did not Devour Him'. I like the poem style of writing that was shown in this book. It was interesting and I understood it. "
— Mea, 8/26/2012" soooooooooooo sad!!!! "
— savvy7, 8/13/2012" It was a very touching book, the word choice was really nice. The emotion evoked in the reader is very strong. I loved this book. 5/5 "
— Michelle, 7/7/2012" easy to read and very moving "
— Trang, 6/10/2012" very quick read sad "
— Diane, 4/25/2012" Beautiful read for middle grades. "
— Kasey, 12/26/2011" For YA lit "
— Tara, 12/10/2011" Such great descriptions of living through the dust bowl and a heartfelt story "
— Andrea, 10/18/2011" I enjoyed reading this book. I think it is the best book we have read together as a class. I like the way the text is. It makes me more interested in reading when its not the plain old text. This book had vignettes and was emotional. "
— Talara, 7/21/2011" It's very sad there's a fire caused by billy jo who's the girl. Her mom's expecting. While she giving birth to the child her mom dies and so does the baby. "
— Miah, 5/19/2011" A powerful story delivered in free verse. Since a class on poetry was a mjor let down, I thought I'd dread reading this but it is actually a very engaging story. It is also very heartbreaking and uplifting. "
— Ricky, 5/18/2011" Love this book! It's written in prose so it is different then what you are used to reading. Such a touching tribute to the Depression Era "
— Laura, 5/18/2011" I liked the writing style, makes for a nice change. What a terrible time. "
— Joshlyn, 5/17/2011" i enjoyed this much more than Grapes of Wrath.... :) "
— Noellebastian, 5/16/2011" i love this story its intersing and sad "
— Gabriel, 5/15/2011" Beautiful, tragic, and hopeful. Loved how it was written in free verse, conveying so much information and characterization in such spare prose. "
— Nollie, 5/11/2011" This was a amazing book! "
— Julia, 5/8/2011" I originally thought this novel would be extremely boring, but I was quickly immersed in the life of the main character and her family's hardships. The poetic format pulls you in and keeps you there! A quick, easy, and terrific read! "
— Melyssa, 5/4/2011" Written in a poetic format, it is interresting and easy to read if your kids need a quick read. It was interresting, but a little dry. I liked it enough to recommend it, but didn't love it. "
— Jane, 5/4/2011" Reading level 5.1<br/><br/>This girl goes through A LOT of hard times and I think those hard times could potentially relate to the students. "
— Nikki, 5/3/2011" Written in pose this book presents a fascinating picture of what life was like in Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl. "
— Sherry, 5/1/2011Karen Hesse is the author of some fifteen books for children, and was recently awarded a prestigious MacArthur Foundation “Genius Grant” for her contribution to literature for children and young adults. Her many novels have garnered considerable success, including the Sydney Taylor Award, the IRA/YA Award, 5 Notable Books for Children, 4 Best Books for Young Adults, and the Newberry Medal. Hesse has spent many years promoting her books to the school market, and is well-known in classrooms throughout the country. She and her husband, Randy, live in Brattleboro, Vermont.