The Big Read - More reading ideas

Last week's blog post announced The Big Read - a program for readers across Arizona to join in reading and discussing Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath. But there are more opportunities to read about the Great Depression and Dust Bowl eras, for kids and adults alike!

Blue Willow tells the story of Janey, the young daughter of an itinerant worker, who no longer has a home she can call her own as she and her family follow the crops from farm to farm. Blue Willow was written in 1940, just a few years after the Dust Bowl, and won recognition as a Newbery Honor book.

Survival in the Storm is part of the Dear America series of young adult novels written in the style of diaries. Twelve-year-old Grace tells about life in her Texas town as they try to survive, from the dying cattle who could barely survive on the dirt-choked crops, to the roofs that collapsed under the buildup of dust, to the school lunch program instituted to help starving children. Author Katelan Janke wrote Survival in the Storm when she was fifteen, wanting to tell the story of her hometown's history.

For younger readers, the popular American Girl series features Kit, a girl whose father's business is shut down by the Great Depression. A film adaptation of Kit's story is also available.

And for adults who might have dim memories of reading The Grapes of Wrath in school but want a fresh look at the novel, try reading the chapters out of order. Steinbeck wrote the odd-numbered chapters as historical background and the even-numbered chapters as the plot of his story. Try reading the shorter, odd-numbered chapters first, then follow the unbroken flow of the story by reading the even-numbered chapters.

Thanks to Jo at Basha for the reading suggestions.