Out of the Dust

Awards and Praise for Out of the Dust Winner of the Newbery Medal Winner of the Scott O’Dell Award An ALA Notable Children’s Book An ALA Best Book for Young Adults A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year A Booklist Editors’ Choice A Book Links “Lasting Connection” A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year A New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing selection

• “Hesse’s spare prose adroitly traces Billie Jo’s journey in and out of darkness…. With each meticulously arranged entry she paints a vivid picture of Billie Jo’s emotions, ranging from desolation…. to longing… to hope.” – Publishers Weekly, starred review
• “Hesse uses free-verse poems to advance the plot, allowing the narrator to speak for herself much more eloquently than would be possible in standard prose. The author’s astute and careful descriptions of life during the dust storms of the 1930s are grounded in harsh reality, yet are decidedly poetic… Hesse’s ever growing skill as a writer willing to take chances with her form shines through superbly…” – School Library Journal, starred review
• “The story is bleak, but Hesse’s writing transcends the gloom and transforms it into a powerfully compelling tale of a girl with enormous strength, courage and love. The entire novel is written in very readable blank verse, a superb choice for bringing out the exquisite agony and delight to be found in such a difficult period lived by such a vibrant character.” Booklist, starred review

Newbery winner Karen Hesse re-creates Cook’s momentous voyage through the eyes of this remarkable boy, creating a fictional journal filled with fierce hurricanes, warring natives, and disease, as Nick discovers new lands, incredible creatures, and lifelong friends.