Dear Parent or Guardian:
At ORRJHS we have a tradition of introducing great literature to students that challenges ideas of self and society. Even before To Kill a Mockingbird was a beloved classic, it was taught here. Not only because it was a beautiful book, but because it is an important story that needed to be read. In that tradition we’ve added The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Native American author Sherman Alexie, and Kira-Kira by Japanese American author Cynthia Kadohata to our curriculum. Part-Time Indian won dozens of honors including the 2007 National Book Award in young people’s literature, and Kira-Kira won the 2005 Newbery Medal.
During this unit students will be able to choose which novel best suits their interests, and they will most often work in groups whose members are also reading that novel. During this time group members will be given objectives to achieve while discussing their novel. At other times they will work in small groups with students who are reading the other novel, comparing and contrasting the books. When we work as a full class we will look at supplemental materials, and big ideas and themes that propel both novels.
Part-Time Indian is the fictionalized autobiographical story of Alexie’s life. The protagonist, Arnold Spirit, is an exceptionally bright fourteen-year-old who was born with “water on the brain,” and is often the target of bullying and abuse. Looking around him on the reservation where he lives, Arnold sees terrible poverty, alcoholism, suicide, dreams unrealized, and a culture on the edge of extinction. Arnold understands that what is most lacking on his reservation is hope. Hope for an escape from poverty. Hope for an education. Hope for a future. In desperation, Arnold transfers to an affluent school in a nearby white community where he believes he’ll find the hope he needs. In doing so he becomes a traitor to many on the reservation; he faces discrimination, bullying, and racism in both communities; and he builds relationships in class, on the basketball court, and between the towns.
Although Part-Time Indian is told in a simple, often humorous way, it is a very realistic book. Arnold’s girlfriend has bulimia. Adults and teens swear. Alcoholism is seen to destroy lives. The protagonist admits he masturbates. Family members die, and Arnold’s best friend Rowdy is often abused by his father. There are racist slurs hurled at Arnold, and the many social and economic issues that plague native people on a reservation are presented.
Kira-Kira is the story of a Japanese family whose small market goes out of business, and they are forced to relocate in order to find work at a hatchery in Georgia. While their parents work excruciatingly long hours under shocking conditions Katie is cared for by her older sister Lynn. Lynn teaches Katie about the world, why people stare at them in the street, and most importantly about all the things Lynn considers kira-kira: glittering and beautiful. The sky is kira-kira because its color is deep but see-through at the same time. The sea is kira-kira for the same reason. And so are people's eyes. As the family struggles with poverty Lynn becomes seriously ill, and their family begins to fall apart. It’s up to Katie to find a way to show the family that although times are dark there are still things that are kira-kira in their lives.
While Kira-Kira shows the realism of poverty, racism, and death, it is a subtle book. Its protagonist is very young, and although introspective, doesn’t understand much of what is happening in the world around her. Katie is shielded by innocence, and her sister. Like seeing the world through Scout Finch’s eyes in To Kill A Mockingbird this novel depends on the reader to understand what Katie doesn’t. And what older readers see is a harsh world with glimpses of hope for a better life.
Both novels allow us to explore complex subjects in a way that readers of all levels can appreciate. And because each story can be read on many different levels, it allows us to teach students close-reading and analytical skills. The essential question students will consider throughout is: “How do communities and their expectations shape our lives?” While considering this, students will compare and contrast their own experiences to each novel’s protagonist in an attempt to understand themselves and their own communities, as well as the characters’ lives in the novel. We will also explore the themes of race and identity, prejudice, growing-up in the face of adversity, and how hope and hard work is essential to any success.
If you have any further questions don’t hesitate to email.
Greg Andree, Teacher of English, Grade 8 Green Team ORRJHS
Kevin Brogioli, Principal, ORRJHS
Below indicate which book your child would like to read –
Student Name: ______
English Mod # _____
We would like to choose Kira-Kira: ______(Parent Signature)
We would like to choose Part-Time Indian: ______(Parent Signature)