Out of the Dust Summary

Summary

Out of the Dust is Billie Jo Kelby's first person narration of her life near Joyce City, Oklahoma from January 1934 though December...

(The entire section is 337 words.)

Get Better Grades

Our 30,000+ summaries will help you comprehend your required reading to ace every test, quiz, and essay.
Save Time

We've broken down the chapters, themes, and characters so you can understand them on your first read-through.
Access Everything From Anywhere

We have everything you need in one place, even if you're on the go. Download our handy iOS app for free.
Start Free Trial to Unlock

Next:Characters

"Piano, my silent mother I can touch you, ... smooth and willing to stay with me talk to me..."...

Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse invites much debate about its diary-like structure and poetic devices. It is narrated by fourteen-year old Billie Jo, an unreliable narrator, and can be enjoyed for...
Did Billie Jo's mother die in Out of the Dust?

Billy Jo's mother did indeed die. In the section entitled "Devoured," dated August 1934, Billy Jo wrote, "Ma died that day giving birth to my brother." Ma had been burned in a terrible accident,...
In Out of the Dust, how does entering the talent show affect Billie Joe's relationship with her...

Billie Jo's father gains a new respect for his daughter after he sees her compete in the talent show. Billie Jo says, "It's okay with him if I want to play. He didn't even know I was at the piano...
In "Out of the Dust", how is Billie Jo emotional, musical, thoughtful and caring?What does the...

In Karen Hesse's novel "Out of The Dust, the narrator is Billie Joe Kelby. She demonstrates many different qualities throughout the novel. She is a very talented piano player. She dreams and...
What does everyone gather to see at Mrs. Brown's house during the middle of the night in the book...

Mrs. Brown is a woman who lives in the area of Oklahoma where the story takes place; her home is within walking distance from Bilie Jo's house. Mrs. Brown owns a cereus plant, a desert cactus...