Illus. with photographs from the Dust Bowl era. This true story took place at the emergency farm-labor camp immortalized in Steinbeck's The Grap...
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Mar 04, 2011
Erika
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this book is about the okie children. the okies were kids that migrated with their families from oklahoma and out of the dust to california were they thought they could find work. unfortunatly california advertised to much about the extr hands needed on the farms and what not, in result to many people migrated to cali. towns would post signs on the edges of their town and say that there are no okies wanted her, move on if your looking for work, and things like that. the okie children were not
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Jan 25, 2011
Nicola
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Reason for Reading: Read aloud to my son for our history curriculum.
This is the story of a group of people who called themselves "Okies", having come from the Oklahoma region, who migrated to California from the Dust Bowl area during the Depression of the 1930's. Through extensive photographs and quotes from those who were youngsters at the time we get an insider's look at the Dust Bowl and what it was like to live there at the time. We are taken along for the ride as jalopie More...
This is the story of a group of people who called themselves "Okies", having come from the Oklahoma region, who migrated to California from the Dust Bowl area during the Depression of the 1930's. Through extensive photographs and quotes from those who were youngsters at the time we get an insider's look at the Dust Bowl and what it was like to live there at the time. We are taken along for the ride as jalopie More...
Jun 21, 2010
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Jan 21, 2012
Natalie
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This was a fabulous book about people making a difference at a tough time. The author succinctly detailed the circumstances of the "Okies" and the migration to California, during the Great Depression. I didn't know the stories of the "Okies" and it was very interesting to learn about them.
As a teacher, I was greatly impressed with the story of the school. As I was reading I thought "that sounds fun!" In a way I wish that's what teaching could be like no More...
As a teacher, I was greatly impressed with the story of the school. As I was reading I thought "that sounds fun!" In a way I wish that's what teaching could be like no More...
Apr 20, 2009
Cindy
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This true story starts “on the plains of Oklahoma when the sky was red and the land was being carried away by the winds of despair.” It is a true account of the events and people who were forced out of Oklahoma by the disasters of the Dust Bowl, and their migration to California in hopes of a more promising future. When they arrived there, they faced harsh prejudices from the Californians, and they were placed in Weedpatch Camp, one of the camps for "Okies." They had left the prairies
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Oct 30, 2011
Jennifer
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Overall, Children of the Dust Bowl is an excellent book to use when teaching students about the life of Great Plains farm laborers during the Great Depression and the long drought that plagued residents west of the Mississippi River in the 1930’s and early 1940’s. While the text is compelling, the black and white photographs of the people, their homes and modes of transportation add a level of depth that no words can describe. The photos almost let you see into the souls of these children and th
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Apr 14, 2009
Tara
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This book shows the emigration of the "Okies" to California during the Great Depression. It's heartbreaking, it's hopeful, it's powerful. The pictures, the songs, the stories all weave together to tell an important story. And as a person not particularly interested in history, you know it has to be good for me to recommend it!
Also, as a future teacher, I just really loved the story of Leo Hart and the School at Weedpatch Camp. What an inspiration for what we should do a More...
Also, as a future teacher, I just really loved the story of Leo Hart and the School at Weedpatch Camp. What an inspiration for what we should do a More...
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Sep 01, 2010
Janele
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This is one of the best books I've read that takes place during the Dust Bowl years. I was caught up in the awfulness of life for so many. No one can really imagine living in this era that wasn't there. I wasn't there but had no idea of how hard daily living was and how little most people had because of where they lived and nature letting loose on the innocent. I fear I could not have been as brave as these people had to be. And to add to the facts were so many pictures that I had a hard ti
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Nov 25, 2008
Paula
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I thought this was a very good book about the "Okies" who poured into California after being promised jobs but none were to be found. They lived in camps and were vilified and ridiculed. A Superintendent from a school district would come and play with the kids in the Weedpatch Camp and eventually purchased the land next to the camp. He taught them to build, plant, kill their own food and cook. All the things they needed in life. A crew of teachers also signed on and it turned out to
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Feb 04, 2010
Becky
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As an educator, I found this book to be inspiring. Even if, however, I was not an educator, the history and information about this little school would still strike a chord in me. This book really does speak to the heart of all learning, that when you can spark in someone the essential kernel of what one needs, you can bring about great personal development. I realized that with cooperation between students and teachers, each student could begin to feel ownership of his or her own education. In m
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Apr 12, 2011
Jennifer
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This book is an example of historical fiction for older children. It is an informative, yet interesting book about children who are suffering during the Great Depression. I think that this is such a great book because it uniquely teaches children about the Great Depression. Children seem to enjoy a book much better when they can relate to the characters in it, and this book does just that. I would recommend this book.
Mar 04, 2011
The okie family has destruction. They moved to the lying land of California. Where they claimed to have good PAYING jobs, when in reality, then plantations payed the workers the poverty wage of 25 cents, which is rediculous. But hey, what do you need to spend money on when there isn't any food to buy, and their gas went drie, to me it's either life or death, I'd pick death in that age of "The Dirty Thirties."
Sep 14, 2009
Jen
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The story of this book was very, very interesting. I had actually never heard of all the trials and challenges the "Okies" had to go through. There were some horrible things that happened to them, but it was encouraging to see them rise from their troubles and make great lives for themselves. The only thing I didn't love about this book was the author made it boring sometimes. It was really hard to get through some of the sections.
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Aug 05, 2010
Jenny
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I didn't know that there were a group of farmers called "the Okies" that moved from the midwest to California because of no rain and dust storms that killed their crops. The Okies lived through many hardships. One man Leo Hart knew of the situation and stepped in an made a BIG difference. Other than a few swear words of names that the Okie's were called, it was a great story.
Apr 26, 2011
Jessie
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This book was surprisingly enjoyable. It was chosen by our principal for our book club, and I was sort of dreading it. It didn't look at all like a book I would enjoy. But I did. It was a quick, easy read that got to the heart of things but didn't linger there unnecessarily. This story reminds us of the power and importance of education, autonomy, and hope.
Mar 22, 2011
Cathy
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Beautiful account of how education took on the many children who arrived with their families in Central California during the Depression. Due to the efforts of one man, Leo B. Hart, "Okie" children were given an opportunity for an education, something that up until that point had been denied to them.
Mar 16, 2009
Aleisa
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Anyone bummed out by Grapes of Wrath and the plight of the displaced "Okies" during the dust bowl and subsequent California migration should pick up this book. Over 60 photos, an unexpected hero, and the satisfaction of a non-fiction happy ending make this book a gem.
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Mar 12, 2011
Mama
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Made me want to dust off my copy of Grapes of Wrath. The photos were especially moving. A nice reminder of a day when American children valued and appreciated the opportunity for an education - probably because everything else was taken from them. Love Leo Hart.
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Mar 10, 2010
Michelle
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My daughter recommended this book after she had to read it in a college lit. class. Simple, sad, and a true story that inspires us to keep on going when the going gets tough! Motivated me to pull out Grapes of Wrath and read more about the Okies in California.
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Jul 17, 2009
Erin
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An interesting informational book about the education of kids growing up during the dust bowl. I learned a lot about this time period in history and about how unkind kids were to the "Okies" that came from Oklahoma.
Apr 28, 2011
Yates
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This book is about the Dust Bowl and the lives of the children. Great for children to relate to due to the fact that it is about children. I really enjoyed reading this book.
Jun 03, 2011
Claire
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Great nonfiction book about the Dust Bowl and kids who help build their own school. Multidimensional view of poverty. Good pictures for SS unit.
Oct 30, 2009
Shalet
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This is a great nonfiction story about a group of people called the "Okies" who faced opposition at nearly every turn until one man decided to help.
Nov 02, 2009
Adam
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This is one of the greatest books no one has ever read. It tells the story of a man who sets up schools for people who are in poverty
Feb 06, 2012
Erik
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Very inspiring book. If you love nonfiction, you MUST read this book. It will blow you away! (pardon the pun)
Jan 14, 2009
Alexis
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This would be a great book to read to your students. It is longer, but there are some great passages!
Apr 01, 2011
Amanda
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I loved it! Leo Hart is one of my new heroes. I wish I would have read this before I read Grapes of Wrath.
