As a college student, I enjoyed reading Alexie's novel about a Spokane Indian boy facing challenges to make a better future for himself. This text offers us many aspects to study. Here are a few:
1. Culture & Diversity.
This novel is set on the Wellpinit Reservation, just north of Spokane. Some of Spokane's landmarks are mentioned. Arnold, the protagonist, ventures off to Reardan, a rural community, in order to get a better education. His sister marrieds a Flathead Indian and moves to Montana. For Washingtonian students, these details could make them want to read the book more and make them more connected to the text. I felt especially excited when Polson, MT was mentioned because I've been there. As a lesson, the teacher could focus on geography and the history of the tribe. Students can use the text to compare and contrast the two communities on their practices and living conditions. Furthermore, students can discuss how diversity is addressed in this book.
2. Identity.
In the beginning, Junior sees himself as a dirt poor Indian with "water on the brain." He has cerebral palsy and other issues that make him easy to pick on. But his teacher forces him to realize that his identity is not with his drunken tribe members. When Junior starts going to Reardan, he becomes Arnold: a confident student and capable athlete. Arnold builds a positive self view of himself and changes as a person a lot throughout the book. He struggles with being Indian on the reservation but "White" when he is in Reardan. Students can look at that transformation and analyze the resolution.
3. Coming-of-age & high school.
Arnold experiences a lot of hard things and a lot of great things in High School. He learns how to take care of himself and how to become a better student. He gains new perspectives about his tribe and makes decisions based on increasing wisdom.
4. Grief.
Arnold is faced with the death of his grandmother (killed by drunk driver), sister (burned to death while drunk, and Eugene (Dad's friend, shot while drunk). Arnold has to deal with the humor of his grandmother's funeral, the inappropriate reaction to his sister's death and his sadness at Eugene's death. Students can analyze Arnold's phases of grief and his thoughts on his family and tribe throughout. What does he think about alcohol? What are some of the tribe's traditions for deaths?
5. Challenges.
Arnold faces many challenges, many of which are listed above. He has problems and he finds solutions. He think he will be bullied, so he punches the cool jock first. He lost his best friend, so he keeps sending him questions and funny notes. He wants a better education, so he befriends the nerdy kid. He gets hurt in a basketball game, so he makes sure to beat them the next time. Arnold does not always know what to do but students can analyze the trouble he faces and how he always makes good. He makes more for himself and his future.
6. Poverty.
Arnold often talks about the poverty of the Spokane Indians. He also mentioned that there are some white people that are poorer than the Indians. Arnold struggles with having to walk to school, having dingy clothes, not being able to eat and not being able to pay for dates. Students can look at the causes and challenges poverty places on living and think of creative solutions to end poverty, at least for the tribe.
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