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.

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.

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.

Melancholic / Challenging / Emotional / Nostalgic / Heartwarming

Debby Dahl Edwardson

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Day the Earth Turned Over (1960-1961)”

Part 1 My Name Is Not Easy Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Day the Soldiers Came (1961-1962)” - Part 3: “When the Time Comes (1962-1963)”

Parts 2-3

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Part 4: “The Earth Can’t Shake Us (1963-1964)”

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My Name Is Not Easy

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