This historical fiction verse novel is set during the mid 1930's during America's great depression and the Oklahoma dust bowl. Billie Jo is a young girl who continues to suffers remorse over the death of her mother and baby brother, whose life she felt was taken by her own doing. After continuing to grow more and More distant from who father, Billie Jo almost seems to have lost hope. When she finds out that her father might be sick and could potentially leave her behind alone, Billie Jo finds the need to flee all that she knows to avoid any more pain. While traveling on a train she meets a man who is wanting to do just as her-leave the family that he has. As she realizes that sticking together is what needs to happen, she quickly returns home to her father. The next fall, life begins to look better for Billie Jo and her father. He isn't sick, he meets a woman and becomes engaged and more than this-IT RAINS! Billie Jo perseveres in her efforts to play the piano she always loved, disregarding the pain that her hands have felt.
This story would be a good one to read in studying the history of America throughout the great depression. Incorporating texts like this one would give students a perspective into history that would take them into the heart of familial times and struggles that were overcome by perseverance and hope.
Historical Fiction/Chapter Book
This story about a young girl growing up during the stressing time of WW II and jewish persecution is a story that will continue to grip minds and hearts of readers for years on end. The realistic events portrayed by Lois Lowry in Number the Stars, will help students to always remember the horrific events that took place long ago. 
