Review of RAIN IS NOT MY INDIAN NAME

Smith, Cynthia Leitich. 2001. RAIN IS NOT MY INDIAN NAME. New York: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 006029504X.

PLOT SUMMARY
After her best friend dies on her 14th birthday, Rain secludes herself from the outside world. For six months Rain avoids dealing with any reminder of Galen and pushes away other friends until her aunt invites her to a Native American youth program. As one of only three Native American teens in her small town, Rain is pulled into the political drama surrounding the multicultural summer camp. Throughout the course of the funding debate, Rain decides to reenter society and begins to overcome her grief to move forward with her life.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)
Cynthia Leitich Smith draws upon her own experiences as a mixed blood Muscogee Creek member in this poignant book. She includes many cultural markers to enhance Rain’s story and lend an air of authenticity to her work. One of Smith’s main strengths is her gift for characterization. She is able to authentically describe the various Native American characters in her story. Each of the characters is unique. Physical attributes vary from Rain’s wheat colored hair and hazel eyes, to her older brother’s darker complexion. Descriptions of the characters’ clothing are especially refreshing since no one appears in traditional attire. Rain dresses like a typical American teenager wearing jeans and T-shirts. Fynn, her older brother, is often depicted as “corporate,” wearing a Jerry Garcia ties. This contemporary view of Native Americans offers readers a much more accurate image of this cultural group.

The author also makes a point to mention characters’ specific tribal affiliations. On her mother’s side of the family, Rain is a Muscogee Creek-Cherokee. During the political struggle over funding the Native American camp, Rain frequently remembers trips to Oklahoma and the joy of participating in tribal customs. Rain is a member of the Ojibway nation on her father’s side, however she does not know much about their culture. After talking to a fellow camper with Ojibway blood, she wishes she could discover more about that part of her heritage. Through the campers’ discussions, the author allows the reader to glimpse the amazing diversity among the different tribes in our country. A single, “pan-Indian” culture is revealed as inappropriate and inaccurate.

In several instances, Rain is surprised by the local newspaper reporter’s lack of understanding. “The Flash” asks personal questions about spiritual ceremonies for his articles covering the Native American youth program. Rain is shocked by his prodding into “insiders’” private matters. Indirectly, Smith reminds readers that some stories are better left alone. Sacred ceremonies and practices are not meant to be shared with outsiders. Privacy and respect is a part of Native American culture.

Very little Native American language is used, partially due to the contemporary setting. However, Rain’s future niece will be named Aiyana, after her late grandmother. The family feels “forever flowering” is a name that will honor their heritage.

Throughout the story, Rain occasionally comments that she gets tired of people saying she doesn’t look like an Indian or asking if Rain is her Indian name. However, she explains that her mixed heritage is also a blessing. She feels that she is more tolerant of other people’s cultures due to the insensitive comments she has suffered. In this subtle manner, the author shares a message of acceptance.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
School Library Journal writes, “There is a surprising amount of humor in this tender novel. It is one of the best portrayals around of kids whose heritage is mixed but still very important in their lives. As feelings about the public funding of Indian Camp heat up, the emotions and values of the characters remain crystal clear and completely in focus. It's Rain's story and she cannot be reduced to simple labels. A wonderful novel of a present-day teen and her "patchwork tribe."

Publishers Weekly comments, “Some of Smith's devices such as opening each chapter with a snippet from Rain's journal add depth and clarify Rain's relationships for readers, although other elements (the detailing of song lyrics playing in the background, for instance) seem stilted. Even so, readers will feel the affection of Rain's loose-knit family and admire the way that they, like the author with the audience, allow Rain to draw her own conclusions about who she is and what her heritage means to her.”

Reviews accessed at: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/0688173977/ref=dp_proddesc_0/002-8536200-8747256?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books

CONNECTIONS
Other books portraying contemporary Native American children:
Bruchac, Joseph. THE HEART OF A CHIEF. ISBN 014131236X
Keeshig-Tobias, Lenore. BIRD TALK. Illustrated by Irving Toddy. ISBN 0153021462
Lacapa, Kathleen. LESS THAN HALF, MORE THAN WHOLE. Illustrated by Michael Lacapa. ISBN 0873587340
Sanderson, Esther. TWO PAIRS OF SHOES. Illustrated by David Beyer. ISBN 0921827156
Smith, Cynthia Leitich. INDIAN SHOES. Illustrated by Jim Madsen. ISBN 0060295317

Submitted by Kim