If I Ever Get Out of Here

Bibliography

Gansworth, E. (2015). IF I EVER GET OUT OF HERE. Arthur A. Levine Books. ISBN: 978-0-545-41731-0.

Plot Summary

IF I EVER GET OUT OF HERE follows Lewis "Shoe" Blake growing up on the Tuscarora Reservation in the 1970s. Although living on the reservation, Lewis goes to school outside of the reservation that is mostly white, causing him to feel isolated and out of place. Thankfully, a new boy has recently moved to the area and becomes friends with him. Lewis does not feel as alone but still struggles with bullying, poverty, racism, and not telling George everything out of fear.

Critical Analysis

IF I EVER GET OUT OF HERE is a great historical fiction focusing on Native teen experiences. Being a coming-of-age story, most young adults will connect with Lewis' struggle to fit in. Being set in the 1970s, we are grounded by the music, clothing, and social attitudes written. Following a Tuscarora main character and reservation life, this is a great representation for Native American literature.

Lewis is a strong YA character because he is quite aware of how others see him. Lewis is thoughtful, funny, and insecure. These all connect well with how young adults are today, allowing for readers to connect. His friendship with George feels real as it grows from their shared love of music. But as George learns more about Lewis' life, it begins to be tested. 

Author Eric Gansworth is a member of the Onondaga Nation and was raised at the Tuscarora Nation. His writing comes from cultural and personal knowledge, allowing this book to be more authentic, grounded, and respectful to the culture. It gives readers a Native character who is true for readers to connect with. 

Overall, this story is great historical fiction for young adults that is centered on Native American culture. It is powerful because it gives young adults a coming-of-age story for young adults to connect with while giving a deeper look at Native life during a historical era.

Review Excerpts

" In a narrative full of humor and rife with tender, honest, and unsettling truths, author Eric Gansworth explores identity, and what it means to find and be a friend." CCBC, starred review.

"Gansworth's debut for young people is a worthy exploration of identity and friendship between middle school boys who live in different worlds." Kirkus, starred review.

Connections

This book would work well in a historical fiction unit. It could also work well in a unit discussing Native American life or racism. However, it should not be the only time students are exposed to Native American literature.