Rain Is Not My Indian Name

Smith, Cynthia Leitich. 2001. RAIN IS NOT MY INDIAN NAME. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.
ISBN 0688173977

*Plot Summary

In a small town in Kansas, Cassidy Rain Berghoff learns to deal with the loss of her best friend. In doing so, she comes to better understand her family, her heritage, and herself.

*Critical Analysis

In RAIN IS NOT MY INDIAN NAME, Cynthia Leitich Smith has created interesting, believable characters who are revealed slowly as the plot of the novel unfolds. Cassidy Rain Berghoff is the main character and narrator of the story. Through her narration, conversations, and journal entries, readers come to understand Rain, her family, and her hometown. Fourteen year old Rain is believable in the fact that she deals with serious issues – death of loved ones, her cultural identity; but she also deals with everyday situations – her first kiss, jealousy of her ex-friend Queenie. Readers learn of Rain’s internal growth and changes which makes her character relatable and interesting.

Through Rain’s narration and dialogue, other characters are revealed as well. For example, her brother older Fynn is newly engaged and facing impending fatherhood. Also, Rain’s Grampa is visiting Las Vegas and sending Rain emails about his adventures and a new lady friend he has met. These types of characters and relationships add interest to the novel and make the plot more believable.

Cultural markers are present in the characters of the novel. Rain’s “coloring is lighter” which prompts many people to ask her “’How much Indian are you?’’ when they first learn that she is Native American. She muses that they may have in mind Malibu Pocahontas. Specific cultural groups are also mentioned: Rain’s father’s side is Ojibway, Aunt Georgia is Muscogee Creek-Cherokee, and Indian campers Dmitri and Marie are also Ojibway. Finally, an important object that seems to represent Rain’s memory of her mother is a traditional tear dress which has been hanging in her parents’ room since her mother’s death.

The plot of the story follows a logical series of events. Much of the readers’ understanding of the plot comes by way of Rain’s narration and flashbacks via her journal entries. For example, readers understand the importance of Rain’s relationship with her mother and with Galen by reading journal entries. These relationships are as important to the plot as the events of the novel since much of the story hinges on Rain’s internal growth as the story progresses.

The climax and resolution are plausible and satisfying as Rain finds her way back into her life (following Galen’s death) accepting her role as a teenager, a Native American, and a future aunt. This resolution is hopeful but believable; for example, she still misses Galen, but she has found a way to memorialize him and celebrate his birthday. Cultural markers in the plot include Rain’s growing understanding of her father’s Ojibway culture. Also, much of the action of the novel revolves around Aunt Georgia’s Indian camp. Rain’s interest in photographing the camp aids her understanding of her culture and leads her to ultimately defend her heritage.

The setting of the novel is a small town in Kansas. This setting is important as it creates not only a backdrop for the story, but it is also a way for readers to identify with the novel. The fictional town of Hannesburg is typical in many ways – McDonald’s, city council conflicts, gossip and rumors, the cheerleader crowd, and different socio-economic levels. The setting is also obviously contemporary as evidence by Rain’s use of the internet to communicate with Grampa and her posting a memorial of Galen online. All of these details work together to move the plot forward as Rain struggles to rejoin life in her small town.

Although the setting is well-established, it doesn’t overwhelm the plot or themes which have universal appeal. Cultural markers in the setting include Rain’s understanding of how few minorities, Native Americans in particular, live in her town. Also, when Rain goes to Dmitri’s home, she realizes how different her life is from his despite their shared heritage.

Themes of the novel include death, relationships with friends and family, dealing with changes, and small town life. These themes emerge naturally as the events of the novel unfold; they also make the novel appealing to a variety of readers. Smith’s writing style is detailed and descriptive yet also conversational. With Rain’s narration, Smith creates a smart, thoughtful fourteen year old girl.

The point of view is consistent throughout the novel and reflects the changes Rain undergoes as well. The journal entries at the beginning of each chapter add to the appeal of the novel and make the themes and characters more personal to readers. The tone of the story is true to life – at times light and humorous and at other times thoughtful and serious.

Rain’s culture is also reflected in the style of the novel. As Rain comes to understand herself better, she also becomes more interested in her heritage. The end of the novel has a hopeful mood as Rain decides to learn more about her Ojibway heritage.

*Response

This book was a joy for me to read. Rain’s voice is compelling. I especially appreciate how author Cynthia Leitich Smith is able to bring to light issues of Native American culture and prejudice without being preachy. (For example, although Rain hates it when people say “You don’t look Indian,” she makes a similar comment when she realized a new friend is Jewish.) This is the kind of book with characters so believable that I was left wondering what happens to them next.

*Review Excerpts

“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

“Tender, funny, and full of sharp wordplay, Smith's first novel deals with a whole host of interconnecting issues, but the center is Rain herself.”
Kirkus Review

“The engaging first-person narrative convincingly portrays Rain's grieving process and addresses the varying degrees of prejudice she encounters.”
Horn Book

*Connections

-Conduct research on Ojibway people or life on a reservation such as the one the Indian campers planned to visit.
-Read JINGLE DANCER by Cynthia Leitich Smith. Compare and contrast the two stories.
-Write a journal entry about the death of a loved one or a change in life. How did you deal with your situation? Is your experience similar to or different from that of Rain?
-Discuss how Rain’s life and her family’s life would be different if more Native Americans lived in their hometown.
-Write a journal entry regarding a time when you’ve been prejudged based upon appearance.