When Dust Made People Sick — Reading Comprehension

The Dust Bowl was a time in U.S. history when giant dust storms covered parts of the country. In the 1930s, the land in places like Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas became very dry. There was little rain for many years. The ground cracked and turned to dust.

Farmers tried to grow crops, but the soil was too dry. The wind blew the dry dirt into the air. Huge clouds of dust called storms rolled across the land. These storms blocked the sun and made the sky dark. People called it a "black blizzard."

The dust came into homes, schools, and even people's mouths and noses. Many people became sick with a disease called dust pneumonia. It was hard to breathe. One child said, "We had to stuff wet rags in the windows. Still, the dust came in."

Farmers lost their crops and animals. Without food or money, many families had to leave their homes. They packed their cars and moved to other states, like California, to look for work and a better life. This was called migration.

Even when times were hard, people helped each other. Neighbors shared food and water. They worked together to keep their families safe. The government made new laws to help the land. Farmers learned new ways to plant crops to keep the soil strong.

Over time, the rains came back. The land slowly became healthy again. Families who stayed worked hard to rebuild their farms. The Dust Bowl was a tough time, but people showed bravery and unity when they needed it most.

Interesting Fact: Some dust storms from the Dust Bowl were so big that dust from the Great Plains reached cities as far away as New York and Washington, D.C.

What was the Dust Bowl?

Which states were hit by the Dust Bowl?

Why did families leave their homes?

What is dust pneumonia?

How did neighbors help each other?

What happened when the rains came back?

People called the dust storm a 'black blizzard.' True or false?

What does 'migration' mean?