Flight

Flight, by Sherman Alexie, is a novel about a Native American teenager who is shuffled through the foster system and rebels as a result. The main character, Zits, is fifteen years old when he runs away from his foster home and gets caught and put in jail by Officer Dave. While inside, Zits is taken under the wing of a young white boy and when they are free they begin their training on how to shoot people. Eventually, Zits is convinced to go to a bank and open fire. During his attack, Zits is shot in the head and begins a series of flashbacks. Zits is thrown into the past to inhabit the bodies of several members of his own past and that of his peoples. During his time as each character, Zits is taught several lessons, the most important of which is the last, when he inhabits the body of his father and learns the true reasons behind his father’s leaving. When Zits awakens to discover himself finally back inside his own body he is in front of the bank staring at a small boy. He realizes the possible effects of his crime and turns himself in to Officer Dave whose brother takes him in as a son.

This book would be a great choice for an 8^th grade classroom. It definitely appeals to both genders as it is exciting and interesting and is not too difficult of a read. However, content-wise, I believe it would be best for older junior high students. There is a plethora of opportunity in this novel to make connections and discuss themes. It could even be interdisciplinary with social studies as it goes through historical periods in Native American history. Some topic ideas to discuss are body image (he calls himself Zits), dislocation from culture, citizenship, power, identity, and morality.

Alexie, Sherman. Flight. Grove/Atlantic, Inc. 2007.