44 pages • 1 hour read
Debby Dahl EdwardsonMy Name Is Not Easy
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2011A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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
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 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.
RecommendedReading Age
12+yearsLexile Level
830LBook Details
Realistic Fiction
Coming of Age / Bildungsroman
Children's Literature
Society: Education
Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance
Identity: Indigenous
Education
History: World