The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck is a classic novel that follows the Joad family, an Oklahoma family of 'Okies' who are forced to migrate to California during the Great Depression. The term 'Okie' refers to a MIGRANT or EMIGRANT from Oklahoma, and is used to describe the main characters in the novel. The Joad family is led by Tom Joad, an Okie, who is joined by his family and other migrants as they travel to California in search of a better life. The novel also follows the struggles of other migrants, including an EMIGRANT from Oklahoma, as they face the harsh realities of life on the road.