If I Ever Get Out of Here
on Goodreads (3,395)
What’s inside...
Lewis 'Shoe' Blake navigates life on the Tuscarora Indian reservation in 1975, dealing with the joys and challenges it brings. He befriends George Haddonfield, a white boy whose family moved to town with the Air Force. As their friendship deepens through a shared love for the Beatles, Lewis finds himself hiding his family's poverty. Meanwhile, he faces bullying from Evan Reininger and struggles with the potential loss of George's friendship if the truth about his home life is revealed. This young adult novel by Eric Gansworth explores themes of friendship, hardship, and the power of music.
Age
12-16
Length
368 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Lewis Blake
George Haddonfield
Evan Reiniger
Discussion points
How do you think Lewis feels when he tries to fit in at school and how does that change throughout the book?
What did you learn about the Tuscarora culture and why is it important to Lewis's identity?
Can you relate to the friendship between Lewis and George? What makes their bond strong?
How do the characters in the book face and overcome their challenges?
What are some ways that the story shows the impact of music on Lewis's life and his friendships?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to share their thoughts about the characters’ actions and decisions, helping them connect personally with the story.
Discuss the significance of cultural identity as portrayed in the book, prompting your child to think about their own cultural background and its importance.
While talking about the book, relate the themes of friendship and resilience to your child’s own experiences to deepen their understanding of the story.
Use excerpts from the book that depict emotional or pivotal moments to guide a conversation about handling difficult situations.
Highlight the role of music in the book and ask your child about any songs or artists that are meaningful to them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and loyalty
Explanation: The protagonist, Lewis, relies heavily on his friendship with George to navigate the challenges of middle school, racism, and poverty.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to cherish and maintain their friendships, understanding that loyalty and support are vital in overcoming life's challenges.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness and respecting differences
Explanation: Lewis, a Native American from the Tuscarora Reservation, exposes readers to his unique cultural heritage, teaching the value of embracing and respecting cultural diversity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open-minded and respectful towards people from different cultural backgrounds in their own communities.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Lewis faces racism and socio-economic hardships but remains steadfast in pursuing his education and maintaining his friendships.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to remain resilient and determined, regardless of the obstacles they face, and to seek constructive solutions to their problems.
Example Lesson: The power of music as a universal language
Explanation: Lewis and George bond over their love for the Beatles’ music, highlighting how art can transcend social and cultural barriers.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to use art and music as a means to connect with others, express themselves, and bridge cultural gaps.