This document provides a summary of the historical fiction book "Out of the Dust" by Karen Hesse. It describes the book as being written in poetic free verse from the first person point of view of the main character Billy Jo. The setting is rural Oklahoma in 1934 and the themes are survival and forgiveness. Brief biographical information is provided about author Karen Hesse, including her background, current life, and awards received for her writing including the 1998 Newbery Medal for "Out of the Dust". The document closes with a quote from Hesse about having dreamed of being a writer since the 5th grade.

1. Out of the Dust Written by Karen Hess

2. Genre: Historical Fiction Point of view: 1st Person Style: Poetic, Free Verse Tone: Serious Theme: Survival & Forgiveness Characters: Billy Jo, Ma, Pa Setting: Integral, Oklahoma 1934 Conflict: Person vs. Nature, Person vs. Self

6. Karen Hesse

7. Karen Hesse Born in 1952, grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. She graduated from the University of Maryland, with a B.A. in English and minors in Psychology and Anthropology. Currently lives in Vermont with her husband, Randy and two teenaged daughters. She writes from the attic office of her home. When writing she surrounds herself with books, cozy places, and her favorite artwork.

8. Awards 1998 Newbery Medal, Out of the Dust Winner of the 1998 Scott O'Dell Award An ALA Notable Children's Book An ALA Best Book for Young Adults Recipient of a MacArthur Fellows Grant in 2002

9. “From the time I was ten I thought of myself as ‘good with words,’ thanks to a perceptive and supportive fifth grade teacher. Mrs. Datnoff believed I could be a professional writer some day and because she believed, I believed too. Though I gave up all my other career dreams, I never gave up dreaming of publication. It took more than thirty years to see that fifth grade dream come true. I don't know whether that makes me extremely patient or just plain stubborn.” - Karen Hesse