Resources for Educators

Issues in this Book

This book addresses important issues including Native American life, education, poverty and equality. Our State Librarian, Jan Walsh summed it up well by saying, "Alexie’s first novel for young adults is a coming-of-age novel that will make you laugh while it breaks your heart. With wit and humor, it chronicles Junior’s attempts to rise above the expectations people have for him, in Wellpinit and Reardon, Sherman’s hometowns. Already selected as a one-book read by several Washington communities, this book will stand the test of time."

Classroom Sets

Classroom sets of this title are available for check out through the Bellingham School District for Bellingham schools, and through Whatcom County Library System for schools outside the city limits.

What Grade Level is the book recommended for?

School Library Journal recommends this title for students in 7th-10th grade.

Publisher's Weekly recommends it for ages 14 and up.

A 4th grade teacher contacted us to let us know she used excerpts of the book in her class to create great discussion.

We encourage teachers to read the book and decide for themselves whether or not it is right for their class.

Ideas for Discussion

Discussion Questions (from Whatcom READS!)

Discussion Questions (from Sherman Alexie's web site)

Recommended Audio Interview with the Author on NPR -7 minutes-

Do you have lesson plans related to this title?

Share your work and we will post it on the site for other educators to use.