BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Smith, Cynthia Leitch. 2001 RAIN IS NOT MY INDIAN NAME. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 0688173977
SUMMARY
Still getting over the death of her best friend, Rain is reluctant to leave the security of her house. When her aunt’s Indian Camp comes under scrutiny by local politicians, Rain decides to help out by photographing the camp for a local paper. She gets pulled into the camp, and finds herself connecting with her peers.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Smith’s story about Rain, a “mixed blood” Native American girl, starts of quickly with the dramatic death of Rain’s best friend, Galen. There is little time to connect with the characters, initially, but the story builds and the characters gradually feel whole. Each chapter begins with an excerpt from Rain’s journal, which allows the reader insight into her thoughts and private feelings.
Rain is a relatable character any young person could identify with. Other characters in the story are unique and described very well. Natalie, Rain’s soon to be sister-in-law is described as blond not Blond. This is an example of the type of descriptive technique Smith utilizes to bring her characters to life.
There are many cultural markers within the text of the story. There are discussions of specific Native cultures and acknowledgements that there are differences among them. Rain describes herself as mixed blood. She is Muscogee Creek-Cherokee and Scots-Irish on her Mom’s side and Irish-German-Ojibway on her Dad’s side. Another example of a cultural marker is the description of Rain’s mother’s traditional tear dress. It is made of settler’s cotton torn in long strips. Another example is when Rain purchases a traditional rain catcher from a Native American friend. It is unlike the commercial rain catchers she has seen before.
Some of the cultural markers are presented in a humorous way that Smith presents expertly. For example, when discussing how many Native Americans live in their town, Rain begins to think of the song about “counting Indians.” She has always hated that song. It is often used as an example of a disrespectful use of a counting song. This example is one way Smith presents how a Native American may feel about their own culture as it relates to others. Anther example of this is when Rain reflects on the limited history she has learned about Native Americans in school. It is limited to a brief unit around Thanksgiving. These insights by the character add to the cultural authenticity of the work.
Overall, Smith’s novel is a modern view of a Native American teen not fully comfortable with her background. Through her experiences and private thoughts, readers come to understand her perspective and challenges. The writing style is youthful and approachable for young readers.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
“Multiple plot lines and nonlinear storytelling may make it difficult to enter Smith's (Jingle Dancer) complex novel, but the warmth and texture of the writing eventually serve as ample reward for readers.” –Publisher’s Weekly
“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.’”—School Library Journal
CONNECTIONS
**Explore the author’s website to learn more about the novel and her other works. See http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/
Smith, Cynthia Leitch. 2001 RAIN IS NOT MY INDIAN NAME. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 0688173977
SUMMARY
Still getting over the death of her best friend, Rain is reluctant to leave the security of her house. When her aunt’s Indian Camp comes under scrutiny by local politicians, Rain decides to help out by photographing the camp for a local paper. She gets pulled into the camp, and finds herself connecting with her peers.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Smith’s story about Rain, a “mixed blood” Native American girl, starts of quickly with the dramatic death of Rain’s best friend, Galen. There is little time to connect with the characters, initially, but the story builds and the characters gradually feel whole. Each chapter begins with an excerpt from Rain’s journal, which allows the reader insight into her thoughts and private feelings.
Rain is a relatable character any young person could identify with. Other characters in the story are unique and described very well. Natalie, Rain’s soon to be sister-in-law is described as blond not Blond. This is an example of the type of descriptive technique Smith utilizes to bring her characters to life.
There are many cultural markers within the text of the story. There are discussions of specific Native cultures and acknowledgements that there are differences among them. Rain describes herself as mixed blood. She is Muscogee Creek-Cherokee and Scots-Irish on her Mom’s side and Irish-German-Ojibway on her Dad’s side. Another example of a cultural marker is the description of Rain’s mother’s traditional tear dress. It is made of settler’s cotton torn in long strips. Another example is when Rain purchases a traditional rain catcher from a Native American friend. It is unlike the commercial rain catchers she has seen before.
Some of the cultural markers are presented in a humorous way that Smith presents expertly. For example, when discussing how many Native Americans live in their town, Rain begins to think of the song about “counting Indians.” She has always hated that song. It is often used as an example of a disrespectful use of a counting song. This example is one way Smith presents how a Native American may feel about their own culture as it relates to others. Anther example of this is when Rain reflects on the limited history she has learned about Native Americans in school. It is limited to a brief unit around Thanksgiving. These insights by the character add to the cultural authenticity of the work.
Overall, Smith’s novel is a modern view of a Native American teen not fully comfortable with her background. Through her experiences and private thoughts, readers come to understand her perspective and challenges. The writing style is youthful and approachable for young readers.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
“Multiple plot lines and nonlinear storytelling may make it difficult to enter Smith's (Jingle Dancer) complex novel, but the warmth and texture of the writing eventually serve as ample reward for readers.” –Publisher’s Weekly
“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.’”—School Library Journal
CONNECTIONS
**Explore the author’s website to learn more about the novel and her other works. See http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/
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