Out of the Dust - Study Guide

Through Karen Hesse's vivid portrayal of the Dust Bowl, students will learn:

About the Author: Learn about Karen Hesse.

Background Information: Dust Bowl, open form poetry.

Vocabulary words used throughout the novel, utilizing a variety of activities to stimulate retention and growth.

Literary Techniques: Poetic devices, figurative language, onomatopoeia, structure, sensory images, poetic caesura, compare and contrast, symbolism, similes, metaphors, extended metaphor, personification, alliteration, consonance, assonance, repetition, dilemma, line structure, theme, dynamic characters, rhyme, conflict, double meaning, climax, resolution.

Moral Lessons and Character Values: Relationship, anger, generosity, the effect of our words, stewardship, blame, grief, freedom, forgiveness, coming-of-age.

Activities and Writing Assignments: Great Depression, history, mapping, class discussions, service project, farming, art, poetry, writing.

Suggestions for Further Reading: We include a wonderful reading list of more books by the same author(s) and other books that tie in with, or are similar to, Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse.

All of the unit lessons are written from a Christian worldview!

Features and Benefits of the study guide

Printed Workbook Format

• Large 8.5x11 format is convenient to read and easy on the eyes
• Every question has plenty of whitespace for student’s answers
• Encourages neat and clean handwriting practice
• Easily transports without the need for a laptop or other expensive equipment
• Provides a permanent record of the student’s work
• Convenient, removable answer key included for the teacher!