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If I Ever Get Out of Here
Now in paperback: The debut novel Laurie Halse Anderson praised for "fearlessly laying down the truth" about friendship, poverty, and the joys of rock 'n' roll.
Lewis "Shoe" Blake is used to the joys and difficulties of life on the Tuscarora Indian reservation in 1975: the joking, the Fireball games, the snow blowing through his roof. What he's not used to is white people being nice to him -- people like George Haddonfield, whose family recently moved to town with the Air Force. As the boys connect through their mutual passion for music, especially the Beatles, Lewis has to lie more and more to hide the reality of his family's poverty from George. He also has to deal with the vicious Evan Reininger, who makes Lewis the special target of his wrath. But when everyone else is on Evan's side, how can he be defeated? And if George finds out the truth about Lewis's home -- will he still be his friend?
Lewis "Shoe" Blake is used to the joys and difficulties of life on the Tuscarora Indian reservation in 1975: the joking, the Fireball games, the snow blowing through his roof. What he's not used to is white people being nice to him -- people like George Haddonfield, whose family recently moved to town with the Air Force. As the boys connect through their mutual passion for music, especially the Beatles, Lewis has to lie more and more to hide the reality of his family's poverty from George. He also has to deal with the vicious Evan Reininger, who makes Lewis the special target of his wrath. But when everyone else is on Evan's side, how can he be defeated? And if George finds out the truth about Lewis's home -- will he still be his friend?
360 pages, Paperback
First published July 30, 2013
250 people are currently reading
6730 people want to read
About the author
Eric Gansworth
24 books175 followersGansworth is an enrolled citizen of the Onondaga Nation; however, he grew up in the Tuscarora Nation as a descendant of one of two Onondaga women present among the Tuscarora at the foundation of the nation in the 18th century. Gansworth originally qualified in electroencephalography, considered a profession useful to his nation; however, he went on to study literature and to continue a lifelong interest in painting and drawing.
Gansworth has written five novels, including the award-winning Mending Skins (2005) and Extra Indians (2010). In all his novels, illustrations form an integral part of the reading experience. His most recent novel, If I Ever Get out of Here is his first Young Adult novel, and deals with the 1975 friendship between two boys, one a resident of the Tuscarora Nation, the other living on the nearby Air Force base. In a starred review, Booklist stated that the book succeeded in "sidestepping stereotypes to offer two genuine characters navigating the unlikely intersection of two fully realized worlds."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Ga...
Gansworth has written five novels, including the award-winning Mending Skins (2005) and Extra Indians (2010). In all his novels, illustrations form an integral part of the reading experience. His most recent novel, If I Ever Get out of Here is his first Young Adult novel, and deals with the 1975 friendship between two boys, one a resident of the Tuscarora Nation, the other living on the nearby Air Force base. In a starred review, Booklist stated that the book succeeded in "sidestepping stereotypes to offer two genuine characters navigating the unlikely intersection of two fully realized worlds."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Ga...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 658 reviews
November 25, 2024
This book begins with an “Indian” (Native American) entering Jr. High. While, on the surface, his trials and tribulations appear to be based on ethnicity and, in turn, poverty. The facts are that many students entering Jr. High (or Middle School) this year will experience the same taunting, teasing and bullying that Lewis tolerates. Maybe a student will be singled out due to ethnicity, body shape, hair color, name or wardrobe. The results are the same, which is why I strongly recommend this book. Although a work of fiction, the core issues are very, very real and kids need to know that they are not alone.
It is so easy to recognize exclusion and to immediately attribute it to race, ethnicity, size or social class, when maybe that is not exactly the case. The old chicken or egg. Yes, maybe Lewis was ostracized, at first, because of his red skin and low socioeconomic standing. Maybe, that initial reaction caused him to be defensive and to toughen up. But, what about the next year? Is it possible that he carries the defensiveness with him? If so, maybe people are turned off, not by the color of his skin, but by the prickliness in his personality.
Another aspect of this book that I truly love: friendship. As Lewis leaves behind the kids he has grown up with to attend a “White” school, he begins to learn the difference between true friendship and friendship by default. He sees that although he has grown up with and hung out with someone almost every day of his life, that person may not actually be a true friend; whereas a new guy, free with unsolicited advice, may turn out to be the best friend he’s ever had. This is the most realistic portrayal of a true friendship between boys that I have ever seen. The strength and loyalty become clear based on actions and secrets kept hidden, rather than articulated enthusiastically as tends to be the case with girls.
This story, set in 1977 and filled with Beatles and Paul McCartney references, is remarkably well-written. The prose is not flowery or lyrical; rather, it is a bit raw---exactly as it should be for the subject matter. The simplicity is deceiving. Mr. Gansworth manages to say more, with fewer words. I experienced many emotions while reading this book. I felt sad for the nastiness Lewis is constantly faced with, I felt frustrated with him for not trying a bit harder---for seeming to be too stubborn. The random acts of kindness filled me with joy, and the show of true friendship renewed my hope.
This Review originally written for Buried Under Books Blog.
It is so easy to recognize exclusion and to immediately attribute it to race, ethnicity, size or social class, when maybe that is not exactly the case. The old chicken or egg. Yes, maybe Lewis was ostracized, at first, because of his red skin and low socioeconomic standing. Maybe, that initial reaction caused him to be defensive and to toughen up. But, what about the next year? Is it possible that he carries the defensiveness with him? If so, maybe people are turned off, not by the color of his skin, but by the prickliness in his personality.
Another aspect of this book that I truly love: friendship. As Lewis leaves behind the kids he has grown up with to attend a “White” school, he begins to learn the difference between true friendship and friendship by default. He sees that although he has grown up with and hung out with someone almost every day of his life, that person may not actually be a true friend; whereas a new guy, free with unsolicited advice, may turn out to be the best friend he’s ever had. This is the most realistic portrayal of a true friendship between boys that I have ever seen. The strength and loyalty become clear based on actions and secrets kept hidden, rather than articulated enthusiastically as tends to be the case with girls.
This story, set in 1977 and filled with Beatles and Paul McCartney references, is remarkably well-written. The prose is not flowery or lyrical; rather, it is a bit raw---exactly as it should be for the subject matter. The simplicity is deceiving. Mr. Gansworth manages to say more, with fewer words. I experienced many emotions while reading this book. I felt sad for the nastiness Lewis is constantly faced with, I felt frustrated with him for not trying a bit harder---for seeming to be too stubborn. The random acts of kindness filled me with joy, and the show of true friendship renewed my hope.
This Review originally written for Buried Under Books Blog.
May 30, 2013
There are LOT of reasons I love Eric Gansworth's debut novel, and there's lot of entrance points for a broad range of readers, too.
If you're looking for a book with any of these, IF I EVER GET OUT OF HERE delivers.
Native characters
Kids with parents in the Air Force
Books in which Beatles/Queen figure prominently
Single mom
Viet Nam vet
Cross cultural friendships
My full review is at American Indians in Children's Literature
"What I like about Eric Gansworth's IF I EVER GET OUT OF HERE" - http://americanindiansinchildrenslite...
If you're looking for a book with any of these, IF I EVER GET OUT OF HERE delivers.
Native characters
Kids with parents in the Air Force
Books in which Beatles/Queen figure prominently
Single mom
Viet Nam vet
Cross cultural friendships
My full review is at American Indians in Children's Literature
"What I like about Eric Gansworth's IF I EVER GET OUT OF HERE" - http://americanindiansinchildrenslite...
September 28, 2013
Review is below PSA that everyone should know about.
When I first started If I Ever Get Out of Here I immediately wanted to compare it to Sherman Alexie's amazing The Absolutely True Diary of A Part-Time Indian. Which is absolutely terrible of me. If I Ever Get Out of Here is a good book in it's own right. It doesn't need to be compared to Alexie's work. There is room for more than one YA book about the American Indian experience growing up on a reservation.
First I want to address the similarities because I know everyone's curious. Yes the books have a few things in common. The main characters are students of above-average intelligence that are surrounded by white classmates who don't always understand them. They're poor and live on a reservations. That's pretty much it. Let's not talk about how many white YA main characters are written as smart misunderstood kids because I'm pretty sure that's a commonality among most heroes and heroines. As for the rest, I think that's just a realistic portrayal of the American Indian experience. (Being white and from Kentucky it's hard to actually know that though).
So now that I've gotten that out of the way let's talk about the book (And FYI that was not to criticize anyone else. That was 100% to criticize the way I originally approached reading this book). Lewis is a poor boy, like pretty much everyone on the rez, but unlike all of his Indian friends he was placed in a higher level class by the guidance counselor. Intelligence-wise, Lewis belongs in that class but socially he has trouble fitting in. He doesn't have the money to buy nice clothes, doesn't know how to dress and doesn't hang out where all of the white kids do.
When Lewis finds out there's going to be a new kid in his class he hopes for another Indian. What he gets instead is George, a military brat who's just moved to rural New York from Guam. Against the odds, George and Lewis become best friends. They're both big fans of the Beatles, Wings and Queen. Even though they are friends, it's painfully obvious at times that they don't understand each other's lives.
While on one-hand this book is about growing up on a reservation, it's also about growing up in poverty. To me that's where this book really struck a chord. After seeing George's nice clean house, Lewis's makes up lie after lie to avoid inviting George to his home. It's not because he doesn't like George or doesn't trust him. It's because he's ashamed. Lewis lives with his single-mother and disabled uncle and it's hard to keep the house clean and pay the bills. His house is falling apart and he doesn't want George to see how he really lives. Reading the sections about poverty and Lewis's shame was painful, but in absolutely the best way because those sections rang heartbreakingly true.
This book deals with friendship realistically, with all it's embarrassments, pitfalls and awkward moments but also how friends overcome obstacles, arguments and ultimately forgive. In some ways this book is very sad and bittersweet, but mostly because it chooses to be realistic. And I like that. It doesn't beat around the bush or give you a neatly-wrapped-box ending. Instead it just tells you a story, gives you a window into someone else's life experience and hopefully increases your understanding and empathy because of it.
I received an advance reading e-book in exchange for an honest review.
For this review and more check out my blog Galavanting Girl Books
When I first started If I Ever Get Out of Here I immediately wanted to compare it to Sherman Alexie's amazing The Absolutely True Diary of A Part-Time Indian. Which is absolutely terrible of me. If I Ever Get Out of Here is a good book in it's own right. It doesn't need to be compared to Alexie's work. There is room for more than one YA book about the American Indian experience growing up on a reservation.
First I want to address the similarities because I know everyone's curious. Yes the books have a few things in common. The main characters are students of above-average intelligence that are surrounded by white classmates who don't always understand them. They're poor and live on a reservations. That's pretty much it. Let's not talk about how many white YA main characters are written as smart misunderstood kids because I'm pretty sure that's a commonality among most heroes and heroines. As for the rest, I think that's just a realistic portrayal of the American Indian experience. (Being white and from Kentucky it's hard to actually know that though).
So now that I've gotten that out of the way let's talk about the book (And FYI that was not to criticize anyone else. That was 100% to criticize the way I originally approached reading this book). Lewis is a poor boy, like pretty much everyone on the rez, but unlike all of his Indian friends he was placed in a higher level class by the guidance counselor. Intelligence-wise, Lewis belongs in that class but socially he has trouble fitting in. He doesn't have the money to buy nice clothes, doesn't know how to dress and doesn't hang out where all of the white kids do.
When Lewis finds out there's going to be a new kid in his class he hopes for another Indian. What he gets instead is George, a military brat who's just moved to rural New York from Guam. Against the odds, George and Lewis become best friends. They're both big fans of the Beatles, Wings and Queen. Even though they are friends, it's painfully obvious at times that they don't understand each other's lives.
While on one-hand this book is about growing up on a reservation, it's also about growing up in poverty. To me that's where this book really struck a chord. After seeing George's nice clean house, Lewis's makes up lie after lie to avoid inviting George to his home. It's not because he doesn't like George or doesn't trust him. It's because he's ashamed. Lewis lives with his single-mother and disabled uncle and it's hard to keep the house clean and pay the bills. His house is falling apart and he doesn't want George to see how he really lives. Reading the sections about poverty and Lewis's shame was painful, but in absolutely the best way because those sections rang heartbreakingly true.
This book deals with friendship realistically, with all it's embarrassments, pitfalls and awkward moments but also how friends overcome obstacles, arguments and ultimately forgive. In some ways this book is very sad and bittersweet, but mostly because it chooses to be realistic. And I like that. It doesn't beat around the bush or give you a neatly-wrapped-box ending. Instead it just tells you a story, gives you a window into someone else's life experience and hopefully increases your understanding and empathy because of it.
I received an advance reading e-book in exchange for an honest review.
For this review and more check out my blog Galavanting Girl Books
May 5, 2019
I have to be honest. The narrator's voice sometimes sounds unnatural as he educates his friends (and the reader). The book is very educational, and earnest. The bits of actual adventure are relatively brief. And there's hardly any humor to leaven the message.
Otoh, it's fascinating, and important, and will definitely make all the difference to the right boys, and fill appalling empty gaps in collections. Just, teachers, tread lightly, and please don't spoil it for your students by telling them how to dissect it or how to feel about it.
Recommended by me and by Debbie Reese.
(Btw, I now officially feel old. I'm almost the same age as the kids, and this is referred to as historical fiction.)
Otoh, it's fascinating, and important, and will definitely make all the difference to the right boys, and fill appalling empty gaps in collections. Just, teachers, tread lightly, and please don't spoil it for your students by telling them how to dissect it or how to feel about it.
Recommended by me and by Debbie Reese.
(Btw, I now officially feel old. I'm almost the same age as the kids, and this is referred to as historical fiction.)
April 8, 2021
I don't tend to read a whole lot of books set in the past (is the 70s historical fiction now?), so I don't have a vast knowledge of life in the 70s. It's a brief snapshot of a young boy's life growing up on a reservation but attending the local, mostly white US school, where he is the only person from the reservation in his class's smartest section.
This book explores so many issues through the main character, Lewis, and the people surrounding him. Lots of racism, bullying, shame, growing up in poverty, etc. The list goes on and on, so the novel was quite heavy for me. I found that I would put the book down every once in a while just to muster the energy to read about Lewis more. I wasn't in a particularly heavy-reading mood either, so it took me a long time to finish. It's also a pretty slow story. There isn't really anything that the story is building up for, so it doesn't have that page-turner reading experience that I tend to gravitate towards. The characters aren't looking forward to any specific trial or anything. That being said, the story just sort of ends. I felt like there was some closure and some catharsis, but there isn't much wrapped up since this is just a year or so slice of a kid's life that I suspect is semi-autobiographical.
I think this novel accomplishes what it was intended to do, which isn't always what a reader is hoping for it to be. You could really feel Lewis's constant worries and inner turmoil with his situation, and the novel showcases some of the historical and contemporary issues surrounding Native Americans and the countries that occupy their land. For that, I really appreciated the chance to read this story.
I think if you absolutely love The Beatles and Paul McCartney specifically, you'll enjoy this maybe a bit more than I did. All the chapter and part titles have to do with either The Beatles or Paul McCartney after their disbandment. I don't have a huge connection with either, so I didn't really invest in Lewis's love of their music or in playing their music, but you might. I think though, that the concept behind Lewis's love for The Beatles is very relatable.
Overall, I enjoyed the experience, but I can understand why students forced to read it wouldn't enjoy it as much as they would if they picked it up on their own.
This book explores so many issues through the main character, Lewis, and the people surrounding him. Lots of racism, bullying, shame, growing up in poverty, etc. The list goes on and on, so the novel was quite heavy for me. I found that I would put the book down every once in a while just to muster the energy to read about Lewis more. I wasn't in a particularly heavy-reading mood either, so it took me a long time to finish. It's also a pretty slow story. There isn't really anything that the story is building up for, so it doesn't have that page-turner reading experience that I tend to gravitate towards. The characters aren't looking forward to any specific trial or anything. That being said, the story just sort of ends. I felt like there was some closure and some catharsis, but there isn't much wrapped up since this is just a year or so slice of a kid's life that I suspect is semi-autobiographical.
I think this novel accomplishes what it was intended to do, which isn't always what a reader is hoping for it to be. You could really feel Lewis's constant worries and inner turmoil with his situation, and the novel showcases some of the historical and contemporary issues surrounding Native Americans and the countries that occupy their land. For that, I really appreciated the chance to read this story.
I think if you absolutely love The Beatles and Paul McCartney specifically, you'll enjoy this maybe a bit more than I did. All the chapter and part titles have to do with either The Beatles or Paul McCartney after their disbandment. I don't have a huge connection with either, so I didn't really invest in Lewis's love of their music or in playing their music, but you might. I think though, that the concept behind Lewis's love for The Beatles is very relatable.
Overall, I enjoyed the experience, but I can understand why students forced to read it wouldn't enjoy it as much as they would if they picked it up on their own.
![Profile Image for laurel [the suspected bibliophile].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1645808644i%2F7494844._UX200_CR0%2C6%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 22, 2023
I have a lot of mixed feelings on this one.
But ultimately it's about the power of friendship, of uniting through a love of music and aloneness. George is the boy who always leaves. Lewis is the boy who will always stay. And both realize the importance of being proud of where they are from, of looking at their home without shame, of realizing that there are all walks to life, and all are valid and worthy of respect.
There's a serious bullying plotline, however, so be warned.
But ultimately it's about the power of friendship, of uniting through a love of music and aloneness. George is the boy who always leaves. Lewis is the boy who will always stay. And both realize the importance of being proud of where they are from, of looking at their home without shame, of realizing that there are all walks to life, and all are valid and worthy of respect.
There's a serious bullying plotline, however, so be warned.
October 29, 2017
An AMAZING book - can't wait for his next title to come out in May 2018! This book gave me so much to think about, and I'm very happy that 1) I read this for a Librarian Battle of the Books and 2) I already had it in my MSHS library. Should be required reading in all schools in the US.
November 17, 2020
National American Indian Heritage Month 2020 Read #3 🍂
4.5 stars
This book was honestly so amazing and insightful. I didn’t realize how much it got to me until I was done, at which point I realized my eyes were watering.
Our story follows 13-year old Lewis “Shoe” Blake, a Native American boy living on the Tuscarora reservation in New York in 1975. We go on this journey with Lewis as he deals with life on the reservation, his struggle with identity, his friendships, and his transition into young adulthood.
I really enjoyed this story because at its core, it’s about the loss of innocence and growth that marks our passage into being young adults. I found myself relating to Lewis on so many levels; his witty, introspective narration and the things he goes through brought me back to when I was his age, trying to find my place in the world while confronting its harsh realities for the first time.
Lewis is an intelligent, contemplative, bright boy who is surprisingly mature for his age. It was so heartbreaking to see him deal with the things that he did:
Identity and Racism
Lewis’s identity is a big struggle for him throughout the novel as a direct result of the racism his community endures. I completely related with his desire to fit into the white standard, as a survival mechanism against the discrimination he and his fellow Natives face every singe day.
The racism is absolutely abhorrent. Not to mention, the horror of how incompetent and ignorant the adults in his school are. It made me want to tear my hair out. Gansworth is able to make the reader truly feel the frustration and loneliness that Lewis experiences; we’re there with Lewis as he comes to the bitter realization that the world—people—can be cruel, heartless, and completely devoid of justice.
Poverty
This book is not shy about illustrating the reality of poverty on the reservation. It was so pervasive, to an inescapable degree, and sad to read about. It was insightful to see how Lewis navigates this particular struggle.
Friendship
Lewis’s friendship with George was so endearing. Gansworth really did a good job at showing how good friendships, no matter how long or short, can impact us and help us grow as individuals. It was really sweet and it made me want to cry.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I could talk about it forever. The more I think about it, the more I appreciate it. I think every middle schooler/high schooler should read this. In fact, this book should be taught in schools as part of the curricula. If you want to learn more about the Native experience, especially from the point of view of an young person, please read this book.
I loved it so much. It’s a highly recommend from me.
4.5 stars
This book was honestly so amazing and insightful. I didn’t realize how much it got to me until I was done, at which point I realized my eyes were watering.
Our story follows 13-year old Lewis “Shoe” Blake, a Native American boy living on the Tuscarora reservation in New York in 1975. We go on this journey with Lewis as he deals with life on the reservation, his struggle with identity, his friendships, and his transition into young adulthood.
I really enjoyed this story because at its core, it’s about the loss of innocence and growth that marks our passage into being young adults. I found myself relating to Lewis on so many levels; his witty, introspective narration and the things he goes through brought me back to when I was his age, trying to find my place in the world while confronting its harsh realities for the first time.
Lewis is an intelligent, contemplative, bright boy who is surprisingly mature for his age. It was so heartbreaking to see him deal with the things that he did:
Identity and Racism
Lewis’s identity is a big struggle for him throughout the novel as a direct result of the racism his community endures. I completely related with his desire to fit into the white standard, as a survival mechanism against the discrimination he and his fellow Natives face every singe day.
The racism is absolutely abhorrent. Not to mention, the horror of how incompetent and ignorant the adults in his school are. It made me want to tear my hair out. Gansworth is able to make the reader truly feel the frustration and loneliness that Lewis experiences; we’re there with Lewis as he comes to the bitter realization that the world—people—can be cruel, heartless, and completely devoid of justice.
Poverty
This book is not shy about illustrating the reality of poverty on the reservation. It was so pervasive, to an inescapable degree, and sad to read about. It was insightful to see how Lewis navigates this particular struggle.
Friendship
Lewis’s friendship with George was so endearing. Gansworth really did a good job at showing how good friendships, no matter how long or short, can impact us and help us grow as individuals. It was really sweet and it made me want to cry.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I could talk about it forever. The more I think about it, the more I appreciate it. I think every middle schooler/high schooler should read this. In fact, this book should be taught in schools as part of the curricula. If you want to learn more about the Native experience, especially from the point of view of an young person, please read this book.
I loved it so much. It’s a highly recommend from me.
April 5, 2020
This is probably the most relateable book for middle school students and either side. Just below and just above grades. The book supplies more than just an attempt to entertain its readers. It is about alienation, resiliency, intelligence and grit.
The main character in the book is a Native American Indian in the late 70s just after the Vietnam War. Not only is Lewis an Indian in a White middle school, he is poor and smart, thus the perfect target for taunting, teasing and bullying. These childhood attitudes are as true today as it was then, and are often based on size, clothes, and other visible and non visible characteristics. The advantage of today is that there is more open communication about this today and more education about the consequences of bullying.
The story uses the lyrics by the Beatles and Paul McCartney but is not flowery or lyrical despite the use of the songs. I thought the use of music helped express emotion that was not clearly expressed in the writing. Gansworth writes in a straightforward and clear manner. I felt that Lewis and his family was a bit worn down and often part of my frustration with the situation was that, clearly my frustration as it seemed to be absorbed by Lewis and the family.
I think this book fills a huge gap in the literature, fiction and nonfiction and that is for boys in this age group. Boy literature has taken a back seat to graphic novels. I think graphic novels set the stage for more visual observation, but less emotional development. This of course is strictly a personal opinion but it is mine. This book seems to fill some of that gap.
I do recommend the book to parents of boys, boys of almost all ages, middle school kids and to everyone that likes character driven writing.
A 4 star reading
Happy Reading.
The main character in the book is a Native American Indian in the late 70s just after the Vietnam War. Not only is Lewis an Indian in a White middle school, he is poor and smart, thus the perfect target for taunting, teasing and bullying. These childhood attitudes are as true today as it was then, and are often based on size, clothes, and other visible and non visible characteristics. The advantage of today is that there is more open communication about this today and more education about the consequences of bullying.
The story uses the lyrics by the Beatles and Paul McCartney but is not flowery or lyrical despite the use of the songs. I thought the use of music helped express emotion that was not clearly expressed in the writing. Gansworth writes in a straightforward and clear manner. I felt that Lewis and his family was a bit worn down and often part of my frustration with the situation was that, clearly my frustration as it seemed to be absorbed by Lewis and the family.
I think this book fills a huge gap in the literature, fiction and nonfiction and that is for boys in this age group. Boy literature has taken a back seat to graphic novels. I think graphic novels set the stage for more visual observation, but less emotional development. This of course is strictly a personal opinion but it is mine. This book seems to fill some of that gap.
I do recommend the book to parents of boys, boys of almost all ages, middle school kids and to everyone that likes character driven writing.
A 4 star reading
Happy Reading.
September 22, 2020
Read for my YA lit class !! Overall this was pretty good and I enjoyed the class discussions we had (: it just wasn’t my absolute fav
July 30, 2015
*11/5 stars
{seriously it deserves a million stars}
^ my reaction after finishing this book
conclusion: I freaking loved everything about this book I need to reread it about twenty times over.
This book broke my heart. Its story rang so true to me, and after closing the book, I almost felt like crying in memory of all the amazing characters I had been taken on a journey with. It's not easy to create characters that readers will love, but it's a true talent to be able to write a story where every character feels real and important. Eric Gansworth's YA debut is brilliant, inspiring, and telling of the experience American Indians had on reservations.
Lewis Blake is the only Tuscarora Indian in the advanced class in his year, and as a result of this, he has no friends in his class. His identity makes him an outcast, and as much as tries to make friends, everyone ignores him.
"The force field kept me inside and everyone else out. I'd given up trying to make friends by Christmas break."
Yet as he starts his new school year, he befriends new kid George Haddonfield and they forge a bond that transcends cultures and society's rules. George and Lewis's friendship is portrayed wonderfully well, Eric Gansworth somehow manages to describe the barrier between the two and the simultaneous connection they have with each other. You see the stark contrast between their experiences and how they fit together like two puzzle pieces. Where Lewis can be a little bit of a cynic, George sees the other side of things and vice versa. I was never bored of their interaction and it killed me when
Beyond that friendship, I loved how Eric Gansworth portrays the relationships that Lewis has with everyone. Lewis experiences It's amazing how they each have a unique viewpoint and their own experiences, and how it feels like we know each of these characters personally, no matter how likeable/hateable they were or how small of a role they played. This novel almost read like a memoir with how fresh the experiences were.
Honestly, this book is so, so much more than what the summary has to offer, or even what I can tell you about it. It covers a myriad of things like family relationships, racism, pop culture, friendship, prejudice, single moms, life in poverty, bullying, standing up for yourself, and so many other issues. You'd think that if a book tried to describe all those things in depth in a span of about 360 pages, it would drag and become boring. But If I Ever Get Out of Here was entertaining while being educational, and it linked all of these together flawlessly. Now excuse me while I crumple in a ball of feelings and recommend this book to everyone I know.
{seriously it deserves a million stars}
^ my reaction after finishing this book
conclusion: I freaking loved everything about this book I need to reread it about twenty times over.
This book broke my heart. Its story rang so true to me, and after closing the book, I almost felt like crying in memory of all the amazing characters I had been taken on a journey with. It's not easy to create characters that readers will love, but it's a true talent to be able to write a story where every character feels real and important. Eric Gansworth's YA debut is brilliant, inspiring, and telling of the experience American Indians had on reservations.
Lewis Blake is the only Tuscarora Indian in the advanced class in his year, and as a result of this, he has no friends in his class. His identity makes him an outcast, and as much as tries to make friends, everyone ignores him.
"The force field kept me inside and everyone else out. I'd given up trying to make friends by Christmas break."
Yet as he starts his new school year, he befriends new kid George Haddonfield and they forge a bond that transcends cultures and society's rules. George and Lewis's friendship is portrayed wonderfully well, Eric Gansworth somehow manages to describe the barrier between the two and the simultaneous connection they have with each other. You see the stark contrast between their experiences and how they fit together like two puzzle pieces. Where Lewis can be a little bit of a cynic, George sees the other side of things and vice versa. I was never bored of their interaction and it killed me when
Beyond that friendship, I loved how Eric Gansworth portrays the relationships that Lewis has with everyone. Lewis experiences It's amazing how they each have a unique viewpoint and their own experiences, and how it feels like we know each of these characters personally, no matter how likeable/hateable they were or how small of a role they played. This novel almost read like a memoir with how fresh the experiences were.
Honestly, this book is so, so much more than what the summary has to offer, or even what I can tell you about it. It covers a myriad of things like family relationships, racism, pop culture, friendship, prejudice, single moms, life in poverty, bullying, standing up for yourself, and so many other issues. You'd think that if a book tried to describe all those things in depth in a span of about 360 pages, it would drag and become boring. But If I Ever Get Out of Here was entertaining while being educational, and it linked all of these together flawlessly. Now excuse me while I crumple in a ball of feelings and recommend this book to everyone I know.
September 13, 2022
I especially recommend the book: If I Ever Get Out of Here by Eric Gansworth for teachers, parents and young adults (12 to 17), and especially boys.
If I Ever Get Out of Here is a novel about Lewis, who is a Native American seventh grader who lives on a Native American reservation in New York state. The story takes place in the 1970s Lewis loves the Beatles and Paul McCarthy and he doesn't have any friends. He is in the academic advanced track at school and there are no other Indians in his class. Being in this Middle School is the first time he is experiencing a non-reservation school. It is not easy to get used to the social isolation he experiences from his classmates.
A new boy, George, who lives on the military base, shows up in his class. They have similar interests and over time become friends. It is a realistic story filled with strong characters. The serious issues of bullying and cultural difference are a big part of this story. Lewis does not let George learn about his life on the reservation. On the other hand, George invites Lewis to his house and Lewis begins to learn about George’s family, their life and some of what it means to be a transient family due to the reality that George’s father can be reassigned to a new location at any time.
The bullying Lewis experiences leads to Lewis and, as time goes on, George responding. The tension and drama are real and the stakes are important. The story is straight forward and not sanitized to down play or remove the realities of life.
I recommend this book because it is a good story for middle or high schoolers. And I see it as being a great catalyst for family discussions. This is the kind of novel that both the parent and the teen might want to read at the same time and discuss together.
The potential discussion topics might include: reservation life, Indian boarding schools, bullying, the Beatles, children with a career military parent, friendship, parenting, the varying status of students within a school and so many more possibilities.
The author, Gansworth, is an enrolled citizen of the Onondaga Nation; however, he grew up in the Tuscarora Nation as a descendant of one of two Onondaga women present among the Tuscarora at the foundation of the nation in the 18th century.
If I Ever Get Out of Here is a novel about Lewis, who is a Native American seventh grader who lives on a Native American reservation in New York state. The story takes place in the 1970s Lewis loves the Beatles and Paul McCarthy and he doesn't have any friends. He is in the academic advanced track at school and there are no other Indians in his class. Being in this Middle School is the first time he is experiencing a non-reservation school. It is not easy to get used to the social isolation he experiences from his classmates.
A new boy, George, who lives on the military base, shows up in his class. They have similar interests and over time become friends. It is a realistic story filled with strong characters. The serious issues of bullying and cultural difference are a big part of this story. Lewis does not let George learn about his life on the reservation. On the other hand, George invites Lewis to his house and Lewis begins to learn about George’s family, their life and some of what it means to be a transient family due to the reality that George’s father can be reassigned to a new location at any time.
The bullying Lewis experiences leads to Lewis and, as time goes on, George responding. The tension and drama are real and the stakes are important. The story is straight forward and not sanitized to down play or remove the realities of life.
I recommend this book because it is a good story for middle or high schoolers. And I see it as being a great catalyst for family discussions. This is the kind of novel that both the parent and the teen might want to read at the same time and discuss together.
The potential discussion topics might include: reservation life, Indian boarding schools, bullying, the Beatles, children with a career military parent, friendship, parenting, the varying status of students within a school and so many more possibilities.
The author, Gansworth, is an enrolled citizen of the Onondaga Nation; however, he grew up in the Tuscarora Nation as a descendant of one of two Onondaga women present among the Tuscarora at the foundation of the nation in the 18th century.
December 30, 2017
Another shout out to Powell’s Daily Dose for alerting me to this YA novel about Lewis Blake, a middle-school boy growing up in the Tuscarora Reservation in upstate New York in the 1970’s. Like Junior in Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Lewis moves between two different worlds—the mostly white world of his junior high, where he gets tracked into the “smart section” but he is the only reservation kid—and his home on the Tuscarora reservation—where he lives with his mom and Uncle Albert in a dilapidated house with no indoor plumbing.
After a disastrous sixth grade year, Lewis hopes that seventh grade will be different and his encounter with a new kid, George Haddonfield, on the first day seems to suggest that it will. Recently relocated to the local air force base, George and his parents have come from Guam and before that, Germany. George and Lewis connect over music, especially the Beatles and post-Beatles Paul McCartney, as well as a shared sense of humor. However, as their friendship develops, Lewis has to face the fact that they do live in two completely different worlds and he’s not ready to show George his. To add to this tension, a school bully has decided that Lewis is the perfect target and the bully’s personal connections go so high, there is nothing the school will do about it, especially because Lewis, no matter how academically gifted, is just another reservation kid.
This is not just a story of two worlds—one white and one Native American—it’s also a story of a particular time—one that I lived through with its 33 rpms, Wacky Packs, the 7-3 section of seventh grade and the blizzard of 1977. Gansworth recreates middle school hallways and elements of grinding poverty with a sure hand and a steady eye and both his and Lewis’s love of music shines through this heartbreaking yet curiously optimistic story.
After a disastrous sixth grade year, Lewis hopes that seventh grade will be different and his encounter with a new kid, George Haddonfield, on the first day seems to suggest that it will. Recently relocated to the local air force base, George and his parents have come from Guam and before that, Germany. George and Lewis connect over music, especially the Beatles and post-Beatles Paul McCartney, as well as a shared sense of humor. However, as their friendship develops, Lewis has to face the fact that they do live in two completely different worlds and he’s not ready to show George his. To add to this tension, a school bully has decided that Lewis is the perfect target and the bully’s personal connections go so high, there is nothing the school will do about it, especially because Lewis, no matter how academically gifted, is just another reservation kid.
This is not just a story of two worlds—one white and one Native American—it’s also a story of a particular time—one that I lived through with its 33 rpms, Wacky Packs, the 7-3 section of seventh grade and the blizzard of 1977. Gansworth recreates middle school hallways and elements of grinding poverty with a sure hand and a steady eye and both his and Lewis’s love of music shines through this heartbreaking yet curiously optimistic story.
June 23, 2014
Yes, yes, this book can absolutely be compared to Sherman Alexie’s novel The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian BUT there are some major differences between the two main characters (both of whom I love) that make each story separate.
Lewis attends school off the reservation and has been placed with the smart kids almost since kindergarten. That part is great, because he likes school. What he doesn’t like is being completely invisible due to him being a res kid- an Indian. He has tried to make friends but the banter that he is used to with his reservation friends is out of place here at school, not to mention his clothing is all wrong and due to a decidedly bad choice in haircuts, he isn’t exactly much to look at. This finally changes when Lewis meets George, a military kid whose dad was just transferred here. George is used to meeting new kids and handles the transition well and he talks to Lewis. Eventually a friendship is forged out of the love of music. I should mention this takes place in 1975 and if you aren’t a Beatles, Paul McCartney, Wings or Queen fan, you just might very well be after reading. Lewis and George’s friendship does have its flaws. Lewis is extremely embarrassed at his poverty and home and constantly makes excuses as to why George can never come over. George gets a girlfriend and their time spent together overrides his time with Lewis.
This is a great story about friendship, identity, and music. Mad props to George’s dad in this story. Always refreshing to see a good, strong male role model for those teenage boys. Not all of the adults in this story got the same reaction from me. Be warned-you will be angry.
Lewis attends school off the reservation and has been placed with the smart kids almost since kindergarten. That part is great, because he likes school. What he doesn’t like is being completely invisible due to him being a res kid- an Indian. He has tried to make friends but the banter that he is used to with his reservation friends is out of place here at school, not to mention his clothing is all wrong and due to a decidedly bad choice in haircuts, he isn’t exactly much to look at. This finally changes when Lewis meets George, a military kid whose dad was just transferred here. George is used to meeting new kids and handles the transition well and he talks to Lewis. Eventually a friendship is forged out of the love of music. I should mention this takes place in 1975 and if you aren’t a Beatles, Paul McCartney, Wings or Queen fan, you just might very well be after reading. Lewis and George’s friendship does have its flaws. Lewis is extremely embarrassed at his poverty and home and constantly makes excuses as to why George can never come over. George gets a girlfriend and their time spent together overrides his time with Lewis.
This is a great story about friendship, identity, and music. Mad props to George’s dad in this story. Always refreshing to see a good, strong male role model for those teenage boys. Not all of the adults in this story got the same reaction from me. Be warned-you will be angry.
November 28, 2017
I stayed up until 2 am finishing this. When I started, I was all, "Oh, Part-Time Indian in upstate New York." But no. I still love Alexie's book, but this is no imitation or little brother. If I Ever Get Out of Here stands firmly on its own feet. It is a story of friendship, first and foremost. It's a story of family, school, poverty, standing up for yourself in the face of intense prejudice--but mostly it's about the power of friendship. And music.
Grittier than many MG novels, but solidly PG, with an ending that is realistic yet optimistic. I could read this to a middle school class--porn movies and magazines are alluded to, and a few people who really, really deserve it are called assholes, but that's as far as it goes.
Grittier than many MG novels, but solidly PG, with an ending that is realistic yet optimistic. I could read this to a middle school class--porn movies and magazines are alluded to, and a few people who really, really deserve it are called assholes, but that's as far as it goes.
February 4, 2018
I picked it up after recognizing that we had the title in our library and it had been featured on a list of books with Native American main characters. But I didn’t connect and it likely had more to do with the incongruous way that it was supposed to be set in 1975 but the book itself looks and reads contemporary. It did not compute and then add the musical elements that was supposed to place it in history and I just because disinterested.
Reading fail unfortunately.
Reading fail unfortunately.
September 12, 2022
Incredibly well-done contemporary fiction (well, unless you consider 1977 to be historical=^_^=) with its fair share of emotional gut punches. And BONUS, it turns out the author is also a pretty talented audiobook narrator!
Read
December 24, 2017Read for the 2017 Diversity Bingo: indigenous main character (#ownvoices).
I think it's really a testament to how good this was that I managed to enjoy it despite the dangerous combination of many, many Beatles references and my own passive-aggressive attitude towards the Beatles! (That was a compliment, if it wasn't clear.)
I think it's really a testament to how good this was that I managed to enjoy it despite the dangerous combination of many, many Beatles references and my own passive-aggressive attitude towards the Beatles! (That was a compliment, if it wasn't clear.)
November 5, 2017
I have a feeling that parts of this book are going to stay with me for a long time. I loved the friendship, the family relationship, and a lot more. I would definitely recommend this.
February 8, 2017
Review copy from Netgalley
I had really been looking forward to reading this book after reading the review from Debbie Reese at American Indians in Children's Literature. Whenever she raves about a book, I know I will love it or at the very least find something that makes me think. I was not disappointed. It was everything I had hoped it would be and more. If I Ever Get Out of Here is a look into the life of a boy as he's coming of age. Like many young people, Lewis is searching for his identity. He thought he knew who he was, but as he comes into more contact and closer relationships with people outside his reservation, he questions himself. He straddles that line of embracing his home culture and feeling the need to distance himself from it so he can fit in with the mainstream culture of his classmates.
Gansworth has crafted an intriguing story that will appeal to a wide variety of young people with music, humor, fights, friendship, and romance. He wove the music of the Beatles and Paul McCartney throughout using songs as chapter titles and within the storyline too. Music is something that can connect people across age, gender, and even culture lines. We don't have to share the same background to share an enjoyment of music.
I loved the subtle and not so subtle moments of humor in the story. Lewis and his friends and relatives hassle each other as part of their way of bonding with rather rude nicknames like Stinkpot. Often though, the humor is just his matter of fact rather deadpan style like the exchange with his mother after he had someone cut off his braid.
"You look like a Welfare Indian."
"I am a Welfare Indian," I said.
"You don't need to look the part," she said.
Another example is way back in the acknowledgments. Even there Gansworth is still cracking jokes. He begins, "If you're reading this book for class, you can skip this page. There will surely not be a quiz on any of this information."
Along with humor, Gansworth has included quite a few heavy topics. Bullying and how to fight or not fight takes up a good deal of the book. More importantly, friendship is examined. Friendship across cultural lines can be an amazing thing, but it can also be difficult and Gansworth reveals this over and over again.
Another aspect of this book mentioned within the first five pages is the history of the Indian boarding schools and the long-term damage that they caused. The effect of the Indian boarding schools is far reaching and is being brought to light in more and more works of children's literature (there are a few titles for older readers in this list also).
The boys start navigating the waters of dating before too long. This brings up the complications of dating and marrying non-Indians. If a man married a non-Indian, their children wouldn't have legal status as an Indian. That is some heavy stuff to think about as a middle-schooler and being the kid that he is, Lewis is thinking about it.
I would highly recommend this book to any young adult. Lewis and George come alive in the book and there are so many fabulous personalities. Lewis's Uncle Albert and George's father add great voices to the story. I am going to be sharing this title with many people because these characters should not be missed.
This review was originally posted at http://readingtl.blogspot.com/2013/11...
I had really been looking forward to reading this book after reading the review from Debbie Reese at American Indians in Children's Literature. Whenever she raves about a book, I know I will love it or at the very least find something that makes me think. I was not disappointed. It was everything I had hoped it would be and more. If I Ever Get Out of Here is a look into the life of a boy as he's coming of age. Like many young people, Lewis is searching for his identity. He thought he knew who he was, but as he comes into more contact and closer relationships with people outside his reservation, he questions himself. He straddles that line of embracing his home culture and feeling the need to distance himself from it so he can fit in with the mainstream culture of his classmates.
Gansworth has crafted an intriguing story that will appeal to a wide variety of young people with music, humor, fights, friendship, and romance. He wove the music of the Beatles and Paul McCartney throughout using songs as chapter titles and within the storyline too. Music is something that can connect people across age, gender, and even culture lines. We don't have to share the same background to share an enjoyment of music.
I loved the subtle and not so subtle moments of humor in the story. Lewis and his friends and relatives hassle each other as part of their way of bonding with rather rude nicknames like Stinkpot. Often though, the humor is just his matter of fact rather deadpan style like the exchange with his mother after he had someone cut off his braid.
"You look like a Welfare Indian."
"I am a Welfare Indian," I said.
"You don't need to look the part," she said.
Another example is way back in the acknowledgments. Even there Gansworth is still cracking jokes. He begins, "If you're reading this book for class, you can skip this page. There will surely not be a quiz on any of this information."
Along with humor, Gansworth has included quite a few heavy topics. Bullying and how to fight or not fight takes up a good deal of the book. More importantly, friendship is examined. Friendship across cultural lines can be an amazing thing, but it can also be difficult and Gansworth reveals this over and over again.
Another aspect of this book mentioned within the first five pages is the history of the Indian boarding schools and the long-term damage that they caused. The effect of the Indian boarding schools is far reaching and is being brought to light in more and more works of children's literature (there are a few titles for older readers in this list also).
The boys start navigating the waters of dating before too long. This brings up the complications of dating and marrying non-Indians. If a man married a non-Indian, their children wouldn't have legal status as an Indian. That is some heavy stuff to think about as a middle-schooler and being the kid that he is, Lewis is thinking about it.
I would highly recommend this book to any young adult. Lewis and George come alive in the book and there are so many fabulous personalities. Lewis's Uncle Albert and George's father add great voices to the story. I am going to be sharing this title with many people because these characters should not be missed.
This review was originally posted at http://readingtl.blogspot.com/2013/11...
August 22, 2015
I don't want to compare this to The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, because every single review compares the two. I'm pretty sure this is because that book is just about the only book with a Native American protagonist that almost anyone has ever read, but you know - there we go.
All of that aside, I did really enjoy this book. Part of it was the fact that this book takes place in the '70's - that not-quite-historical-fiction-yet is one of my favorite time periods for books to be set in. Like, the Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, or the The Miseducation of Cameron Post type of deal. As well as that, this is the story of Lewis, a Native American kid who's the only one from his class to get into the 'smarter' class at the white school. There's issues with a bully, with a friend that he doesn't quite want to take back to his house, and just a plethora of things that you don't really think about.
The author, Eric Gansworth, grew up on the reservation that Lewis lives on, and I kind of assume that at least parts of this book are autobiographical. And I find it really interesting. I think it's an important book, too, and one that needs to be read more. Talked about more. Like, dude, I'm all for diversity in books, but one group of people that always gets shunted to the side is the Native American population. You get books like this, and Sherman Alexie's, but other than that, you've got nothing. This is a fairly recent YA release, and a) I'm definitely going to be reviewing it on my channel, for more than one reason, and b) it was great, so go read it.
My thoughts are all jumbled on this book, and this review wasn't all that coherent, but my main point is - this was great, and there need to be more books like it. And also read it.
All of that aside, I did really enjoy this book. Part of it was the fact that this book takes place in the '70's - that not-quite-historical-fiction-yet is one of my favorite time periods for books to be set in. Like, the Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, or the The Miseducation of Cameron Post type of deal. As well as that, this is the story of Lewis, a Native American kid who's the only one from his class to get into the 'smarter' class at the white school. There's issues with a bully, with a friend that he doesn't quite want to take back to his house, and just a plethora of things that you don't really think about.
The author, Eric Gansworth, grew up on the reservation that Lewis lives on, and I kind of assume that at least parts of this book are autobiographical. And I find it really interesting. I think it's an important book, too, and one that needs to be read more. Talked about more. Like, dude, I'm all for diversity in books, but one group of people that always gets shunted to the side is the Native American population. You get books like this, and Sherman Alexie's, but other than that, you've got nothing. This is a fairly recent YA release, and a) I'm definitely going to be reviewing it on my channel, for more than one reason, and b) it was great, so go read it.
My thoughts are all jumbled on this book, and this review wasn't all that coherent, but my main point is - this was great, and there need to be more books like it. And also read it.
March 4, 2014
Actual rating: 4.5 stars. It's 1975 and Lewis is a Tuscarora Indian living in poverty on the reservation. Being the only Indian on the "smart kids" track at the white school, Lewis is friendless and feels invisible. At the beginning of 8th grade, he vows to fit in and make a friend. Luckily for Lewis, this is the year George's Air Force officer father is transferred to the base in Lewis' town. George and Lewis become friends mainly due to their shared love of music - especially the Beatles and Paul McCartney & Wings. Their friendship is not an easy one; however. Lewis feels he must hide his poverty and keep his Indian life separate from his white life. The beauty of this book is how Lewis slowly learns to trust George and his family through all of the adversity Lewis faces, including bullying and prejudice.
Oh, how I loved, loved, loved this book! Although I wouldn't categorize it as a page turner, I could not put it down because I was so in love with the story and the characters. I read it in one day. I was in awe of the way Gansworth wrote this story. It was set in 1975, but the time period was not jammed down the readers' throats. One way the time period does stand out is that Lewis and George (and George's dad who is the best YA Dad I've read since Eleanor & Park and TFIOS) listen to records. And the main records they listen to are by PM & Wings. By the time these three go to the Wings concert, I couldn't stand it anymore. And by "couldn't stand it anymore" I mean I finally had to click on the iTunes store and purchase Wings' Greatest Hits and listen to it on loop the rest of the day/evening as I read/finished this book. BTW, I highly recommend you do that, too :). Another cool thing Gansworth did in the way he told the story was include his original artwork (just a bit, but it was awesome) and use Beatles/Wings songs as chapter titles. Very cool playlist and discography included. I would really love to see this book make the Gateway list and I plan to fight to get it there!
Oh, how I loved, loved, loved this book! Although I wouldn't categorize it as a page turner, I could not put it down because I was so in love with the story and the characters. I read it in one day. I was in awe of the way Gansworth wrote this story. It was set in 1975, but the time period was not jammed down the readers' throats. One way the time period does stand out is that Lewis and George (and George's dad who is the best YA Dad I've read since Eleanor & Park and TFIOS) listen to records. And the main records they listen to are by PM & Wings. By the time these three go to the Wings concert, I couldn't stand it anymore. And by "couldn't stand it anymore" I mean I finally had to click on the iTunes store and purchase Wings' Greatest Hits and listen to it on loop the rest of the day/evening as I read/finished this book. BTW, I highly recommend you do that, too :). Another cool thing Gansworth did in the way he told the story was include his original artwork (just a bit, but it was awesome) and use Beatles/Wings songs as chapter titles. Very cool playlist and discography included. I would really love to see this book make the Gateway list and I plan to fight to get it there!
Read
February 14, 2017I thought I would like this and move on, but I loved it and want everyone who likes school stories or John Green or E. Lockhart or whatever to pick it up and read it right now. There is so much to identify with as far as not being sure whether your friend also thinks they are your friend, which I don't think enough people write about, and it's also funny, and there is stuff about interracial friendships that are not the usual cliched storyline or melodrama about it. It's subtle and nuanced, which is real and refreshing. It also made me think about how, even though we are in a very, very bad place with race right now, I at least did not go through as blatant mistreatment from adults in school as Lewis and other kids in the 70s did, and having a brown parent who went to high school in the late 60s, it makes me want to ask him questions. Good book. Everyone will like it, but you're going to have to force them to pick it up, since anything about nonwhites is niche, y'know.
August 13, 2018
I purchased this book for my library because I feel like there is a serious lack of Native American characters in YA books. Being a kid of the 70's who enjoys the Beatles and Queen, made this an easy pick for me. I liked the book. It was very informative and the character development is fantastic. I really felt like I knew all of the characters in the book very well. The only problem I have with the book is that I think it is too long and the pacing is fairly slow for a teen. The teens at my library love realistic/historical fiction, but I don't feel like they would stay with the book long enough to get carried away by the story. Don't worry...I will be booktalking this book, but it's going to take the right teen to read it. I've already purchased the next book for my library. I hope teens give it a chance.
January 5, 2014
Lewis Blake is a Tuscarora Indian living on a reservation near Buffalo, New York, in 1976. His family is very poor and he is the only Native kid in the advanced class at school, making him friendless and the target of a vicious bully. Things can for the better when a military kid, George, becomes his best friend. Music plays a big role in their lives, especially the Beatles and Queen, and the chapters are lyrics from their songs. Lewis fears George and his family will reject him and tells various lies about why they cannot visit until a blizzard forces them together. Slow at the beginning, sappy at some points, and sad at the end.
July 20, 2016
Lewis has a hard time making friends. It doesn't help that he's the only American Indian in the "smart kids" track. But that all changes when a new Air Force kid, George, shows up. They bond over The Beatles and other music but Lewis keeps him at arm's length. Can he really trust a white kid to be his friend?
Recommended for people who love Sherman Alexie.
Recommended for people who love Sherman Alexie.
September 13, 2014
A very good read, realistic in it's peek at Rez life. I found it sometimes funny sometimes sweet, sometimes heartbreaking and more often then not I found it bittersweet. I great look at the other side of the coin from the other side's viewpoint
April 25, 2017
If I Ever Get Out of Here is a book club book. I listened to this book on audiobook, which made my two-hour daily commute more interesting. The audiobook is a little over 10 hours long given the length of the book. I appreciate the fact that this book is read and recorded by the author. He is able to read aloud the words in a fashion that is aligned to how he intended them to be read. The true emotions of the characters came out through Eric Gansworth’s reading. The author read with voice, which kept me engaged throughout the text.
The book is set in the 1970’s Tuscarora Indian reservation. The story is about a 7th grade boy named Lewis who is Indian and lives on the reservation with his mom and uncle. Lewis attends a local school with mostly kids who don’t live on the reservation and a few who do. Lewis struggles with making friends and fitting in at his school. In his opinion, being Indian does not make the friend-making process easier. At the start of a new school year, Lewis is hopeful that he will make a new friend. On the first day of school, he meets George, who is new to town and lives in an area for families in the Air Force. To Lewis’ surprise, the two become friends and, eventually, best friends. The two share their interest and passion in music and the Beatles. The two grow closer through sleepovers at George’s house. Lewis visits George more frequently. Although George wants to visit Lewis’ house ever since the beginning, Lewis keeps making up excuses and lies to prevent George from visiting his home; reason being Lewis feels his family’s poverty and way of life is too different from George’s “normal” life. There are too many differences between the two boys. Throughout the story, Lewis struggles with having to choose between two worlds, one being his life on the reservation and the other being his life with George’s family. Along with the other regular struggles a middle school student goes through, Lewis is in a tough situation.
This book touches on the themes of friendship, belonging, differences and changes. It is told in a first person point of view of Lewis, who is the main character. The plot of the story is relatable to students in middle or high school. This text can be used with middle or high school students during literacy to have discussions regarding any of the themes. Diversity is present in the book because the main character is Indian and lives on the Tuscarora Indian reservation. The story discusses stereotypes that Lewis experiences throughout the story due to his cultural background. The stereotypes placed on him influence his view about being different and belonging to a group. The text addresses the stereotypes through the lens of Lewis and causes the reader to rethink the stereotypes while reading.
The book is set in the 1970’s Tuscarora Indian reservation. The story is about a 7th grade boy named Lewis who is Indian and lives on the reservation with his mom and uncle. Lewis attends a local school with mostly kids who don’t live on the reservation and a few who do. Lewis struggles with making friends and fitting in at his school. In his opinion, being Indian does not make the friend-making process easier. At the start of a new school year, Lewis is hopeful that he will make a new friend. On the first day of school, he meets George, who is new to town and lives in an area for families in the Air Force. To Lewis’ surprise, the two become friends and, eventually, best friends. The two share their interest and passion in music and the Beatles. The two grow closer through sleepovers at George’s house. Lewis visits George more frequently. Although George wants to visit Lewis’ house ever since the beginning, Lewis keeps making up excuses and lies to prevent George from visiting his home; reason being Lewis feels his family’s poverty and way of life is too different from George’s “normal” life. There are too many differences between the two boys. Throughout the story, Lewis struggles with having to choose between two worlds, one being his life on the reservation and the other being his life with George’s family. Along with the other regular struggles a middle school student goes through, Lewis is in a tough situation.
This book touches on the themes of friendship, belonging, differences and changes. It is told in a first person point of view of Lewis, who is the main character. The plot of the story is relatable to students in middle or high school. This text can be used with middle or high school students during literacy to have discussions regarding any of the themes. Diversity is present in the book because the main character is Indian and lives on the Tuscarora Indian reservation. The story discusses stereotypes that Lewis experiences throughout the story due to his cultural background. The stereotypes placed on him influence his view about being different and belonging to a group. The text addresses the stereotypes through the lens of Lewis and causes the reader to rethink the stereotypes while reading.
January 31, 2019
This book follows a year and a half long journey of a seventh grader Lewis Blake as he navigates life at a predominately white school and life on the Tuscarora Native American Reservation in New York. Lewis is an avid Beatles fan, and the novel chapters and sections are all include titles from either Beatles songs or Paul McCartney songs which alternate for each chapter. Lewis' first person narration engulfs readers in his various challenges of living in poverty with a single mom, and Uncle Albert, navigating his first friendship with a new white boy, George, whose father is in the Air Force and confronting a racist bully at his school. It is clear that the author offers an insider perspective into Native American life because of the intricate details he weaves seamlessly into the story and the many different perspectives and Native American characters he includes throughout the novel.
One of the strengths of the novel is the beautifully interwoven themes and motifs the author includes throughout the story. The main theme of the novel is the idea of friendship and navigating cultures as an insider and outsider. Both themes are often referenced in the reoccuring image of “Venus and Mars,” which symbolize the two different planets the boys come from, one being the Native American Reservation and one being the white world outside. Their friendship attempts to find that place “between the two planets, maybe building the rez rocket Albert said didn’t exist.” (p.331) As both boys attempt to navigate their insider and outsider status in the world around them, readers are taken through a relatable and powerful coming of age story where issues of race are not only challenged, but issues of masculinity and pride are also explored.
Due to the mature themes and occasional swear words, this book is definitely suited for sixth grade and up. It is longer YA book which might be too long to sustain a class’s attention as read aloud but it would work well as a book club choice for smaller group reading. It is also a historical period piece, set in 1975, so it could offer the platform for rich discussions about the time period as well as issues of race and gender as they were presented during this time period. The novel also offers several “round characters” including the protagonist Lewis, George, his father, Mr. Haddonfield, his mother. Teachers could have students complete a character study of Lewis or George and examine the way their friendship causes the characters to change throughout the story.
One of the strengths of the novel is the beautifully interwoven themes and motifs the author includes throughout the story. The main theme of the novel is the idea of friendship and navigating cultures as an insider and outsider. Both themes are often referenced in the reoccuring image of “Venus and Mars,” which symbolize the two different planets the boys come from, one being the Native American Reservation and one being the white world outside. Their friendship attempts to find that place “between the two planets, maybe building the rez rocket Albert said didn’t exist.” (p.331) As both boys attempt to navigate their insider and outsider status in the world around them, readers are taken through a relatable and powerful coming of age story where issues of race are not only challenged, but issues of masculinity and pride are also explored.
Due to the mature themes and occasional swear words, this book is definitely suited for sixth grade and up. It is longer YA book which might be too long to sustain a class’s attention as read aloud but it would work well as a book club choice for smaller group reading. It is also a historical period piece, set in 1975, so it could offer the platform for rich discussions about the time period as well as issues of race and gender as they were presented during this time period. The novel also offers several “round characters” including the protagonist Lewis, George, his father, Mr. Haddonfield, his mother. Teachers could have students complete a character study of Lewis or George and examine the way their friendship causes the characters to change throughout the story.
February 13, 2018
This book had a lot of stuff you don't see a lot in YA Fiction:
-It occurs in the 70's
-Native American characters
-Details about life on a reservation
-Characters in an active military family
-Friendships between cultures
-Lots of Beatles and Queen references
-Vietnam veterans
It was all great! There were parts that totally broke my heart and others made me laugh. I really appreciated seeing a window into life for an American Indian living on a reservation in this time period. It was so eye-opening to read examples of prejudice and racism against a group of people I haven't had much contact with.
Most of all, I really loved the friendship portrayed between the two teenaged boys. To me it was so sweet and there aren't enough pure friendships like this in books. There were some differences (of course with the different cultures), but they worked through them.
I think everyone should read this book- but especially teachers and people who work with youth.
-It occurs in the 70's
-Native American characters
-Details about life on a reservation
-Characters in an active military family
-Friendships between cultures
-Lots of Beatles and Queen references
-Vietnam veterans
It was all great! There were parts that totally broke my heart and others made me laugh. I really appreciated seeing a window into life for an American Indian living on a reservation in this time period. It was so eye-opening to read examples of prejudice and racism against a group of people I haven't had much contact with.
Most of all, I really loved the friendship portrayed between the two teenaged boys. To me it was so sweet and there aren't enough pure friendships like this in books. There were some differences (of course with the different cultures), but they worked through them.
I think everyone should read this book- but especially teachers and people who work with youth.
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