LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Out of the Dust, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Nature, Survival, and the Dust Bowl
Poverty, Charity, and Community
Coming of Age
Family and Forgiveness
Summary
Analysis
A volcano erupts in Kilauea, Hawaii. When Billie Jo hears about the event, it reminds her of a dust storm.
This short poem emphasizes the power and impact of a dust storm by comparing it to a similarly dramatic natural disaster, but one that’s generally better known: a volcanic eruption.