A review by laurelinwonder
If I Ever Get Out of Here by Eric Gansworth

4.0

When I check this book at at the local library a couple weeks ago, I was intrigued by the description of the book, and thrilled at the thought that it might be reminiscent of Sherman Alexie's "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian". I also assumed that this would be a high school age book that I might like to teach at some point. Well, it is actually a book about an 8th grader, that might be good for freshman, and sure, it is a little like Alexie's book, but in truth, this book is not what I expected. However, in this case, that is a good thing. Few other books (at least that I have read, and I ma no stranger to reading) have managed to capture poverty, and what it means to grow up not only poor, but on a reservation in such a way. Now, I did not grow up on a reservation, but I do know a thing or two about living in a house that I didn't really want to invite friends to. Gansworth doesn't play games in this book, and Lewis questions everything, and sees far more than most his age, in terms of what his culture, his economic status, and how those in the larger world see him. Yet Lewis fights for his rights, fights for what is important, he doesn't just lay down when things outside of his control happen. This is a great little book about culture, poverty, friendship, junior high, bullying, and questioning the present through a not so distant history. And if none of that sounds up your alley, the soundtrack to this little novel makes it even better.