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
Billie Jo thinks about how last year, Coach Albright tried to get her to play basketball. She also thinks about how her father used to tell her to put her hands to good use. Now, no one talks about her hands anymore except Arley, who encourages her to try playing the piano again.
People pity Billie Jo and treat her differently now that her hands are burned, which only makes her feel worse. Arley is the rare person who does not change how he treats Billie Jo. However, it is unclear whether she will heed his advice.