Setting & Plot
Where and when is the novel mainly set?
Oklahoma panhandle
Who narrates the story?
Billie Jo
According to Miss Freeland, which event was NOT a cause of the Dust Bowl?
A massive flood washed sod away from much of the land
“Some day I’ll leave behind the wind, and the dust and walk my way West and make myself to home in that distant place of green vines and promise.”
Which place is Billie Jo describing?
California
What is one main theme of the story?
Loss & Grief; Guilt; Rebuilding Relationships; Making Peace with the Past; Overcoming Hardships
What does the Kelby family look forward to at the story’s start?
a new baby
Which character is a traveling singer who befriends Billie Jo?
Arley Wanderdale
Why was Billie Jo allowed to go on the road with Arley one summer?
She was paid in dimes and promised to not neglect her chores
Who said: “You’ll get it back, you can travel with us again this summer if you’d like.”?
Arley Wanderdale
Why does Billie Jo stop playing the piano regularly?
Pain swells in her hands and goes up her arms
What disaster/event happens the day Ma dies?
What disaster/event happens the day Ma dies?
What word best describes Billie Jo’s father Bayard?
Stubborn or other acceptable answer
How did the kitchen fire start?
Ma thought a pail of kerosene next to the stove was water
Who said: “And use them, Billie Joe, they’ll heal up fine if you just use them.”?
Doc Rice
What does Billie Jo like about Louise?
She is honest and makes her laugh; She doesn't judge
Describe one thing that changes for Daddy soon after Ma’s death.
He digs a deep hole / sits in parlor / shows grief/ starts drinking heavily/ spends all the emergency money
How does Daddy interact with Billie Jo after Ma’s death?
He is silent and just stares at her
What hopeful thing happened after Daddy accepted a government loan?
It rained and the tractor started
Which word best describes Billie Jo?
a: Imaginative; B: Selfish; C: Strong; D: Funny
C: Strong
How does the novel show grief affecting family relationships?
Give Examples
Examples: Daddy’s silence and staring; Daddy digs a deep hole; Billie Jo leaves and returns leading to forgiveness
On the train, Billie Jo realizes something important about her father. What is it and how does it affect her decision?
She realizes he still keeps a home for her
Name two ways Louise’s presence changes Daddy.
He laughs more; cleans kitchen after meals; plans to plant other crops
Explain three reasons Billie Jo decides to leave home and go west
a) Her father’s silence; b) Mad Dog’s success; c) The spots on her father’s skin
Which statement is NOT true about Billie Joe’s musical talent?
a. Her talent impresses Arley Wanderdale.
b. She has a beautiful singing voice.
c. Ma taught her how to play the piano.
d. The piano is heaven to Billie Jo.
b. She has a beautiful singing voice.
When Billie Jo returns, many good things happen, except
a. Daddy goes to see Doc Rice.
b. Daddy plans to stock the pond with fish.
c. Neighbors share their apple harvest.
d. Billie Jo starts to forgive her father.
c. Neighbors share their apple harvest.