Are there any examples of hyperbole found in Out the Dust by Karen Hesse?

You're right to think about hyperbole in "Out the Dust"! Hyperbole, the use of exaggeration for emphasis, is a powerful tool in literature, and Hesse uses it effectively. Here are a few examples, focusing on the emotional impact:

* "The wind was like a demon howling outside my window." (Chapter 1)

* This is a classic example of hyperbole, comparing the wind to a demon. It emphasizes the intensity and fear the wind inspires in Billie Jo.

* "My heart was a hummingbird trapped in my chest." (Chapter 5)

* Here, the hummingbird imagery is used to exaggerate the feeling of Billie Jo's racing heart, suggesting immense anxiety.

* "I scrubbed and scrubbed, but the smell of dust clung to everything." (Chapter 10)

* This hyperbole emphasizes the pervasiveness of the dust storm's effects, both physically and emotionally.

* "I felt as though I had swallowed a thousand miles of dust." (Chapter 16)

* This hyperbole is a vivid way to express the feeling of choking and suffocation caused by the dust.

* "My tears were like the dust, they wouldn't stop falling." (Chapter 21)

* This comparison uses the dust storm as a metaphor for Billie Jo's uncontrollable grief and sadness.

It's important to note that the hyperbole in "Out the Dust" isn't always about grand gestures. The most poignant hyperbole is often found in the subtle details, where Billie Jo's inner turmoil is mirrored in the harsh and unforgiving environment.