If I Ever Get Out Of Here by Eric Gainsworth

If I Ever Get Out of Here by Eric Gansworth


 

A.           Bibliography

Gansworth, Eric. 2005. New York, NY; Scholastic. ISBN 0545417317

 

  1. Plot Summary

Taking place in the 1970s, this story uses the songs of The Beatles to portray the story of Lewis, an American Indian teenager that is growing up in a time (and place) where his Native American heritage is underappreciated and sets him apart. This coming of age story uses themes of young love, friendship, family, and bullying to tell the story of how despite all the odds, Lewis is able to find some semblance of normalcy and happiness.  



  1. Critical Analysis (Including Cultural Markers)

            The cultural markers of this story come in the reactions of others to Lewis and his lifestyle. The mistreatment of Lewis can be seen time and time again, all because he is of a different culture than the other people around him. At school, the teachers and principal treat Lewis unfairly. The students bully Lewis and are cruel, only because he is different. Lewis is very poor, cannot afford new clothes, and is forced to shower at school. All of these reasons set him apart and give other students leverage for taunting him. 

            The lower socio-economic lifestyle that Lewis, his cousin, and his mother live in, is another indicator to the reader of how unfairly Lewis is treated, and the conditions he is subjected to. Lewis’ mother works as a maid for “wealthy white families”. This shows the readers that the mother is willing to put aside her pride, in order to provide for her family. In contrast, Lewis’ best friend’s mother is a housewife that seemingly lives in an alternate reality from Lewis’ own.



  1. Review Excerpts

Common Sense Media: “Still, Lewis is a likable narrator who keeps trying to overcome his difficulties and learn from his mistakes. If readers can stick with the first half of IF I EVER GET OUT OF HERE, they'll be rewarded in the second half, when the plot gets going and Lewis starts to resolve his problems.”

 

Kirkus: “Gansworth’s debut for young people is a worthy exploration of identity and friendship between middle school boys who live in different worlds.”

 

  1. Connections

Rhodes, Jewell Parker. GHOST BOYS. ISBN 0316262269.

 

Nielsen, Susin. NO FIXED ADDRESS. ISBN 1524768375.

 

Moore, David Barclay. THE STARS BENEATH OUR FEET. ISBN 1524701270.

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