Out of the Dust

Out of the Dust

by

Karen Hesse

Out of the Dust: 18. Tested by Dust Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
While Billie Jo is taking a test at school, the wind picks up and blows dust right through the cracks of her schoolhouse. Everyone coughs and gets covered in grime while taking the test. Billie Jo hopes she gets extra credit for completing the test under such strenuous conditions.
Interstitial chapters such as this one demonstrate how quickly these dust storms can disrupt everyday affairs. It also highlights the resilience someone like Billie Jo must demonstrate to perform as well as she does.
Themes
Nature, Survival, and the Dust Bowl Theme Icon
Coming of Age Theme Icon