Out of the Dust Autumn 1935

Doc Rice tells Billie Jo to

• stop using her hands.

• go to a specialist.

• bake more often.

• use her hands.

In the end, Billie Jo

• leaves Oklahoma

• graduates from high school

• plays piano again

• goes to live with Aunt Ellis

Which of the following represents the best theme for Out of the Dust?

• A drought can be devastating to many people.

• Billie Jo learns the importance of family, hope, and home.

• In hard times, it is important not to lose hope in yourself and in your loved ones.

• forgiveness

What is the meaning of the word "sauce" in the following passage from "Cut It Deep"? "He says, I wasn't always sure about wheat, about the land, about life in the Panhandle. I dreamed of running off too, though I never did. I didn't have half your sauce, Billie Jo," he says.

• (n.) a condiment or relish for food; especially: a fluid dressing or topping

• (n.) something that adds zest or seasoning

• (n.) slang: courage; bravado or "guts"

• (n.) to be rude to someone, sass

What are Billie Jo's feelings toward Louise?

• Billie Jo is indifferent to Louise and Daddy's relationship.

• Billie Jo is jealous of Louise and Daddy's relationship.

• Billie Jo is saddened by Louise and Daddy's relationship.

• Billie Jo is content with Louise and Daddy's relationship.

What idea is being expressed in the following lines from "Teamwork"? "And she knows how to come into a home and not step on the toes of a ghost."

• Billie Jo's home is haunted by the ghost of Ma.

• Louise knows how to be a part of the family without dishonoring Ma's memory.

• Billie Jo feels that Louise has taken Ma's place in a negative way.

• Billie Jo and Daddy have a talk and Billie Jo decides to forgive him.

What character trait best describes Louise?

• considerate

• curious

• indifferent

• courageous

What is the tone of the following passage from "Finding a Way"? "Daddy started talking about planting the rest of the acres in wheat, but then said, No, let's just go with what we've got right now. And I've been playing a half hour every day, making the skin stretch, making the scars stretch."

• optimistic

• affectionate

• sympathetic

• compassionate

Which of the following best summarizes “Cut it Deep”?

• Billie Jo asks Doc Rice about her hands. He replies that she should be using them in order for them to heal properly.

• Daddy receives treatment for the spots on his skin from Doc Rice. Later Daddy and Billie Jo go through boxes together. Daddy then tells Billie Jo about what life was like for him as a boy and they realize that they have more in common than they previously had thought.

• Daddy receives painful treatments for the spots on his skin from the doctor. Later, Billie Jo and Daddy sadly go through boxes together. Daddy then tells Billie Jo about his exciting plans that he had as a boy. They are surprised to find that they have more in common than they previously had thought.

• Daddy tells Billie Jo that he once wanted to leave the Panhandle, too.

What is the setting of Out of the Dust?

• Gary, Indiana

• New York City

• Oklahoma Panhandle

• Mexico City