If I Ever Get Out of Here by Eric Gansworth (review)

Life's not easy on the Tuscarora reservation in upstate New York in 1975, especially for Lewis, who's from one of the poorest families in town and who is the only Indian student in the "smart-kid" track at his junior high. Enter George, an Air Force brat who just arrived for seventh grade, who immediately warms to Lewis, a connection strengthened by their mutual love for the Beatles. The boys experience many milestones of adolescence together, and Lewis confronts racial discrimination and money-driven politics head-on when he can't get school administration to take his report of bullying seriously; George steps forward to defend his friend, only to discover that an embarrassed Lewis has been lying about his home the whole time. Lewis has a strong narrative voice in spite of his insecurities—he understands the limitations that have been placed on him, and he's got the gumption and intelligence to deal with them. Music is woven throughout the book, providing an outlet for Lewis and a point of affinity for readers (chapter names are taken from Beatles lyrics, and full-spread monochromatic illustrations in album-cover style, which open each part, foreground musical plot points). Similar in theme to Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (BCCB 10/07), this title subtly introduces issues while providing a genuine slice of Native life, albeit in a more delicate exploration of the particular nuances of friendship between young teenage guys. Kids with sensitive souls are most likely to flock to this compassionate tale, but its smart capture of the zeitgeist and finely crafted storytelling make it a solid recommendation for many readers.