44 pages 1 hour read

Debby Dahl Edwardson

My Name Is Not Easy

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2011

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

My Name Is Not Easy by Debby Dahl Edwardson tells the story of Luke, an Iñupiaq boy, and his brothers as they navigate life at Sacred Heart, a 1960s-era boarding school designed for forced Native American assimilation. The novel portrays their struggles with racism, abuse, and cultural loss, and highlights their resilience as they form alliances, experience personal growth, and resist oppressive systems.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

My Name Is Not Easy by Debby Dahl Edwardson is lauded for its compelling portrayal of boarding school life in 1960s Alaska, with authentic character development offering insights into cultural conflict and resilience. Some readers, however, noted a fragmented narrative that occasionally hampers the story's flow. Overall, it's a poignant and thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read My Name Is Not Easy?

Readers who would enjoy My Name Is Not Easy by Debby Dahl Edwardson are typically young adults interested in historical fiction that explores cultural identity and resilience. Comparable to Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac and The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, this book resonates with those captivated by tales of indigenous struggles and personal growth.

Recommended

Reading Age

12+years

Lexile Level

830L

Book Details

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Coming of Age / Bildungsroman

Children's Literature

Themes

Society: Education

Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance

Identity: Indigenous

Topics

Education

History: World