Grades 6-9 Word Search Puzzle Pack for Use with Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse

This Out of the Dust word search pack helps students review vocabulary from Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse, written for Grades 6-9. It is a no-prep 40-page printable PDF with answer keys, sold on Teachers Pay Teachers.

At a glance

• Book: Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse
• Grades: 6th–9th
• Resource type: Word search
• Format: 40-page printable PDF
• Answer key: Included
• Teaching duration: 1 Week
• Standards: L.6.4, L.6.6, L.7.4, L.7.6, L.8.4, L.8.6, L.9-10.4, L.9-10.6
• Price: $2.50

Bring the harsh beauty of the Dust Bowl to life in your classroom with this no-prep word search puzzle pack for Karen Hesse’s Out of the Dust. Students will love reinforcing the key vocabulary, characters, and powerful themes woven through this Newbery Medal–winning verse novel.

Save time and keep students engaged—whether you’re introducing a new seasonal section, reviewing for an end-of-book assessment, or simply need a meaningful activity for early finishers, these print-and-go puzzles fit seamlessly into your routine.

What’s Included:

• 10 complete word search puzzles: 8 section-specific puzzles (Winter 1934 through Autumn 1935) plus 2 whole-novel review puzzles
• 15 carefully selected words per section puzzle—blending character names (Billie Jo, Daddy, Mad Dog), key settings, plot-critical objects, and tiered Dust Bowl vocabulary
• 20 words in each cumulative review puzzle for end-of-unit reinforcement
• Full answer keys for every puzzle—grading is effortless
• Well-illustrated design with clean, era-appropriate artwork that respects the novel’s tone
• Available in both full-color and ink-saving black & white versions (40 pages total)
• Ready-to-use format with generous spacing—no cutting, folding, or prep required

These puzzles are perfect for literacy centers, warm-ups, homework, sub plans, early finisher activities, or end-of-chapter review. Use them for independent practice, partner work, or whole-class vocabulary games.

Reinforcing vocabulary has never been easier. The words target both Tier 2 academic language (drought, resilience, pneumonia) and Tier 3 domain-specific terms (panhandle, kerosene, migrants), directly supporting Common Core Language standards L.6.4, L.6.6, L.7.4, L.7.6, L.8.4, L.8.6, and L.9.4–6 for vocabulary acquisition and grade-appropriate academic language. While students hunt for words, they’re also building spelling, visual scanning, and word-recognition skills in a low-stakes, high-engagement format.

Get this resource on Teachers Pay Teachers today and give your class a ready-made, standards-aligned way to dive into the language of Out of the Dust—no prep, no stress.

Disclaimer:

This product is an independent supplemental resource designed for use with Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the author or publisher. All references to characters, settings, and events are used for educational purposes only to support reading comprehension and classroom instruction. This resource does not include the original text. Students must have their own copy of the book to complete the activities. All content in this resource is original and created by the seller.

Fonts Used:
Roboto by Christian Robertson | Open Sans by Steve Matteson | Playfair Display by Claus Eggers Sørensen | Lexend by Dr. Bonnie Shaver-Troup & Thomas Jockin | Poppins by Jonny Pinhorn | Montserrat by Julieta Ulanovsky
(All fonts are available via Google Fonts and licensed for commercial use under the SIL Open Font License.)

More Out of the Dust resources

All Out of the Dust activities & puzzles

Frequently asked questions

What grade level is this for?

It is written for Grades 6-9 (TpT lists 6th-9th).

How long is it?

It is a 40-page printable PDF. Suggested teaching time: 1 Week.

Are answer keys included?

Yes. Answer keys are included.

Do students need their own copy of Out of the Dust?

Yes. This is an independent supplemental resource and does not include the text of Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse, so students need their own copy.

How do I get this resource?

It is sold on Teachers Pay Teachers ($2.50) as a PDF download. Use the Buy on TpT button on this page.