Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse was about a family with two parents and two kids who lived in a town that had dust storms all the time. There was a tragic fire in the home and the pregnant mother died while giving birth. Billie Joe, the daughter, witnessed this tragedy. My favorite poem is "Not Too Much To Ask" because this family has very little of anything and they (the mom) are still willing to give to others in need. I think this book should be read by the age group of 13 year olds and older. This group would have the ability to understand what is happening and appreciate it. One literary technique that is used in this story is imagery. The descriptions of the area make the reader feel as if it is a personal experience. The reader feels the dust in their mouths. I disliked this book because it did not hold my interest and it was boring.