The Steinbeck family name is Joad, a four-letter word. The Joad family is a fictional family in John Steinbeck's novel, The Grapes of Wrath. The novel follows the Joads as they leave their home in Oklahoma and travel to California during the Great Depression. The Joads represent the struggles of many families during this time period, and their story serves as a reminder of the hardships faced by those affected by the Dust Bowl.