This document provides a summary of the historical fiction book "Out of the Dust" by Karen Hesse. It describes the book as being written in poetic free verse from the first person point of view of the main character Billy Jo. The setting is rural Oklahoma in 1934 and the themes are survival and forgiveness. Brief biographical information is provided about author Karen Hesse, including her background, current life, and awards received for her writing including the 1998 Newbery Medal for "Out of the Dust". The document closes with a quote from Hesse about having dreamed of being a writer since the 5th grade.