"Sometimes, a flame can be utterly extinguished. Sometimes, a flame can shrink and waver, but sometimes a flame refuses to go out. It flares up from the faintest ember to illuminate the darkness, to burn in spite of overwhelming odds."
Karen Hesse
Author
Karen Hesse is a celebrated author known for her poignant exploration of resilience and identity in children's literature, particularly in 'Out of the Dust.'
- Born
- August 1, 1952
- Quotes
- 10
- Rank
- #732
About Karen Hesse
Karen Hesse — Life and Legacy
Karen Hesse is a distinguished author recognized for her impactful contributions to children's literature, particularly through her novel 'Out of the Dust.' This work, set during the Dust Bowl, delves into themes of resilience and identity, capturing the struggles of a young girl in a harsh environment. Hesse's writing often reflects a deep understanding of human emotions, as seen in her quote, 'Words can be like a fire,' which underscores the transformative power of language. Her characters frequently navigate complex challenges, revealing the strength found in vulnerability. Hesse's focus on children's perspectives allows her to convey profound truths about life, making her narratives both relatable and thought-provoking. The emotional depth in her work continues to resonate with readers, highlighting the importance of resilience in shaping one's identity.
Quote collection
Karen Hesse quotes
10 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"And I know now that all the time I was trying to get out of the dust, the fact is, what I am, I am because of the dust. And what I am is good enough. Even for me."
"I hear the first drops. Like the tapping of a stranger at the door of a dream, the rain changes everything."
"As long as you live, it is never too late to make amends. Take my advice, child. Don't waste your precious life with regrets and sorrow. Find a way to make right what was wrong, and then move on."
"Now Livie's gone west, out of the dust, on her way to California, where the wind takes a rest sometimes. And I'm wondering what kind of friend I am, wanting my feet on that road to another place,instead of Livie's."
"The work of one author or artist may stimulate another author or artist to push the edge, to take the risk, to go where the field hasn't gone before. The result -very exciting children's literature and art ... exciting both for the professional and for the intended audience, the children."
"My father and I, we can't soothe each other. I'm too young, he's too old, and we don't know how to talk anymore if we ever did"
"the way i see it, hard times aren't only about money, or drought, or dust. hard times are about losing spirit, and hope, and what happens when dreams dry up."
"I don't know what I am thinking. But I am alone. I am trapped in the net of the room. In the net of humans. I think maybe I am drowning in the net of humans."
"When Ma died, I didn't know how to go on, either. I don't know how. I don't feel the same know, not exactly. Now that I see that one day comes after another and you get through them one measure at a time. But I'd like to go, not like Fonda Nye, I don't want to die, I just want to go, away, out of the dust."