Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse

Life is hard in the Oklahoma Dust Bowl in the 1930s, where farmers wait for rain and pray that their crops aren’t destroyed by the frequent dust storms.  For Billie Jo Kelby, life becomes even harder after a terrible accident takes the life of her mother and unborn brother, and leaves her hands burned and useless.  Unable to talk to her father, who is struggling to deal with the loss, and unable to play piano, which had been her passion and release, Billie Jo wonders how she can escape from the dust and the sadness at home.  Like the gentle rain that brings hope and relief to the farmers, Billie Jo learns that forgiveness can allow healing to begin and a new life to start.

Out of the Dust manages to be both heartbreaking and beautiful.  The story is completely written in a series of free-verse poems told from Billie Jo’s perspective, as if she was keeping a poetic diary as the events of 1934 and 1935 unfolded.  Along with recounting the private struggles of her family and neighbors, Billie Jo has an awareness of the events taking place throughout the nation, from the proclamations of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the attempts of migrants to make new lives for themselves in California, the local excavation of dinosaur fossils, and even the news of quintuplets born to a woman in Canada.  What results is a moving tale of grief and redemption.  Winner of the 1998 Newbery Medal and several other awards.

Board Game Night

Don't miss out on our board game night!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010
7pm at the Main Branch

The library will provide some games, but feel free to bring some of your own that you want to play!  We'll also have a jigsaw puzzle table.

Questions?  Ask in the comments!

Rock 'n' roll camp for girls: How to start a band, write songs, record an album, and rock out!!

Genre: Music/DIY
Age Level: 8-18
Rating: 5

Get ready to rock with the book inspired by the Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls. This how-to guide takes you through everything you need know, from picking out the right guitar, to playing your first show.

Rock 'N' Roll Camp for Girls was started by women who believed in creating a program to empower young girls by enhancing their self-esteem and developing life skills through music. This instructional how-to guide covers everything you need to know to get your band started, or simply work on creating your own sound in the privacy of your bedroom. Kaia Wilson takes you through the basics of songwriting including finding inspiration and arranging a song, while Beth Ditto gives advice on how to use your voice and create the sound you're looking for. Learn how to pick out a guitar and amp that's right for you, and get started on learning those chords. If you're into drums, learn some basic beats and how to set up your kit. There is also coverage on keyboards, and making samples and beats. Of course, now you've got all the pieces, so you need to know how to put them together-- setting it up, breaking it down, recording music, booking shows, creating a press kit, and finding support in your community-- it's all here.

The book isn't as much about learning to play music as it is about finding your confidence and getting your start, which is often the hardest part.

About the author: Carrie Brownstein is best known as the guitarist/vocalist behind the now defunct band Sleater-Kinney. Her writing has appeared in The Believer, and she currently writes the blog, Monitor Mix Music, for NPR.


If you liked this, check out these titles:
Girls Rock! (DVD)
Fat Kid Rules the World