Historical Fiction Book Review, IF I EVER GET OUT OF HERE Written By: Gansworth, Eric.

BIBLIOGRAPHY 

Gansworth, Eric. 2013. IF I EVER GET OUT OF HERE. New York. Scholastic, Inc. ISBN 978-0-545-41730-3.  

PLOT SUMMARY 

Lewis, a 7th grade Tuscarora boy who excels in school has a chance to graduate and become more than what is expected of him considering the stereotypes of reservation kids. He was used to being invisible and made attempts to look less like his Indian heritage by cutting his long braid or making nicknames to make friends but ends in failed attempts. When George Haddonfield, an air force base kid arrives at his school, they become friends sharing interests in music and eventually confide in one another with deeper topics such as girls. A bully becomes Lewis’ and George’s problem and is overlooked when Lewis speaks out but taken seriously when Geroge’s father gets involved. Their friendship is a special one as Mr. Haddonfield takes interest in supporting their love for music and helping him as he is closer to knowing all the odds against reservation kids run up against. When the inevitable day of George’s relocation comes, the boys who come from different worlds find consolation in the memories they created and shared with one another.   

CRITICAL ANALYSIS 

Lewis tells his story through first person narrative and describes his life as a reservation kid as one of a poor family, abandoned by their father, and faces racial prejudices common of the 1970’s. Although embarrassed by his looks, which he tries to change, he happily attends Indian ceremonies, markets and fire ball games which he introduced to George and his father. Although the boys are friends, Lewis manages to come up with excuses to avoid letting his best friend see the conditions of his old and worn-down house. He limits his interactions where transportation on his behalf must be provided, and he relies on his uncle Albert to be there for him when his mom, who worked a lot, couldn’t be.  

The story takes place between school and their homes. We see contrasting lifestyles from the reservation to the Air Force Base where George’s German mother keeps their home tidy whereas Lewis’ home is patched up, no running water and deteriorating conditions. When the winter storm hits, George and Mr. Haddonfield look to Lewis’ family’s generosity in seeking shelter. We see their friendship grow as George becomes aware of their lifestyle and his dad reveals the truth to his life living on a reservation camp in Minnesota, but as a child of educators which he was not allowed to attend reservation schools and lives separately but within the reservation. George himself did not know this and brought about many secret revelations. Through their love for music, the boys shared a true friendship that opened their eyes to two different worlds.  

REVIEWS /EXCERPT(S) 

American Indian Youth Literature Honor, 2014 

Booklist starred, 09/01/13 

Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, 09/01/13 

Horn Book Magazine, 04/01/14

Kirkus Reviews, 06/15/13 

School Library Journal, 09/01/13 

Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA), 10/01/13 

Booklist Starred (September 1, 2013 (Vol. 110, No. 1): “And although Gansworth manages the weighty themes of racism and poverty with nuance and finesse, at its heart, this is a rare and freehearted portrait of true friendship.” 

Horn Book Magazine (March/April 2015): “Gansworth turns on a “reservation accent” when voicing Lewis’s uncle Albert, and he offers variations in tone for other characteristics, including a slight German accent for George’s mother.” 

Kirkus Reviews (June 15, 2013): “Gansworth’s debut for young people is a worthy exploration of identity and friendship between middle school boys who line in different worlds.” 

CONNECTIONS 

This story of true friendship resonates with young middle school audiences. The dialogue makes for an easy read and the happy ending is a heartwarming one. 

Lewis’s willingness to go to great lengths to cover up his life in poverty shows and his lack of success in dealing with bullying are real and do affect kids' self-esteem, but the friendship and kindness of George and his father show how true friendship can help get you difficult times.  

American Indian Month is in November, and it is a great time to showcase this book alongside other Native American authors.  

Nielsen, Jennifer A. ICEBERG. ISBN 978-1-33879-502-8 

Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker. THE NIGHT WAR. ISBN 978-0-7352-2856-6 

Gratz, Alan. REFUGEE. ISBN 978-0-545-88083-1