Several days ago I finished reading the Sherman Alexie text. I liked it. I like the way the author chose to use humor through cartoon drawings to express thoughts and emotions he didn't completely describe with words. Using visual images to broaden his descriptions gave the reader the opportunity to take the message deeper if they so chose.
I think the subject matter was heavy and complicated but the author did a nice job of keeping it within the perspective of the adolescent mind. The author gave the young adult reader the opportunity to feel how these serious subjects affected the main character and yet watch how he processed and handled the realities of his life. I see no reason for this book to be banned anywhere. The issues discussed are real and pertinent to probably more students' lives than we want to openly admit.
I agree that this book should not be banned. Sadly, I would guess that quite a few students could identify with at least one thing Junior is going through.
ReplyDeleteThere is a real honesty in the writing, and in how Junior deals with what life hands him.
I think reading this book would be a good opportunity to address topics not normally brought up in classrooms. THere are universal messages here which is why this is an award winning novel. What do you think of providing students inormational texts about reservation life as additional texts to support the reading?
DeleteThis text could be used in a Language Arts classroom in sync with a Social Studies unit on Modern Native Americans.
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