How do people in Billie Jo’s town learn what’s going on the world outside their community in Out of the dust?

The fact that we're eavesdropping on Billie Jo's diary makes it pretty clear that she's the main character. That's right: Each chapter/poem is a journal entry, which means we get to be firsthand witnesses to Billie Jo's joys, struggles, and perseverance. Her diary is also a little frustrating, though, because she often isn't completely honest with herself or forthcoming about the details of events in her life. So consider yourself warned: With Billie Jo running the show, remember to pay close attention and read between the lines.

Apple-Loving Artist

Billie Jo's interests and pastimes give us the clearest window into her values and personality. Her favorite activity is playing the piano, which she learned from Ma when she was five years old. Now a teenage piano prodigy, local musician and businessman Arley Wanderdale has been recruiting her to play professionally. Billie Jo's love for the piano clues us into her creativity and perseverance (prodigy or not, no one gets good at the piano without some serious practice), as well as her fondness for her mother.

Plus playing piano is a great source of comfort and peace for Billie Jo amidst the uncertainty of the Depression; early in the book, she describes it as a completely natural act that is "supremely / heaven" (6.2). Amongst so much chaos, the piano offers a break from the harsh realities of life in the Dust Bowl.

Billie Jo is also a great connoisseur of apple-related dishes, and the harvest from Ma's apple tree is a favorite yearly event. Her appreciation for this staple in her life demonstrates an ability to look toward brighter days, no matter how much dust swirls around and clouds the sky.

There's Gotta Be Something More

While Billie Joe is generally content with life at the beginning of the book, we can see hints that she longs for a time when she can see the world outside the Panhandle. She becomes frustrated with Ma when she won't give her permission to play piano shows, enjoys a brief, thrilling summer going on tour with Arley and his band, and is secretly jealous of her friend, Livie Killian, who moves away to California, saying that she is "wanting my feet on that road to another place" (3.6). In short, Billie Jo longs to get out of Dodge.

Explanation:

its hard for me to see which word is supposed to be in bold. if i knew then i would be able to better.

synonymous.

he was ashamed of himself