Understanding the Author's Journey

Sherman Alexie shares his journey of learning to read with a Superman comic book as a young Spokane Indian boy. Despite societal expectations, he developed a love for reading influenced by his father. He understood the concept of paragraphs and saw reading as a means to save his life. Alexie faced challenges in school but was determined to succeed. He eventually became a writer and now teaches creative writing to Indian kids, encouraging them to embrace literature.

What was the first reading material that the author used to learn how to read?

• A children's storybook

• A newspaper

• A Superman comic book

• A dictionary

Where did the author's family live during his childhood?

• In a city in California

• On the Spokane Indian reservation

• In a small town in Texas

• On a farm in Kansas

How did the author's father acquire most of his books?

• By purchasing them by the pound from thrift stores

• By downloading them online

• By buying them at full price from bookstores

• By borrowing from friends

What concept did the author understand that changed his perspective on reading?

• The meaning of punctuation

• The structure of a sentence

• The importance of grammar

• The purpose of a paragraph

How did the author teach himself to read?

• By watching educational TV shows

• By listening to audiobooks

• By using a Superman comic book

• By attending extra classes

What was the general expectation of Indian children in the reservation school?

• To be leaders in their community

• To be involved in sports

• To be quiet and not participate

• To excel academically

Why did the author read extensively?

• To save his life

• To escape reality

• To impress his teachers

• To compete with his siblings

What career did the author initially plan to pursue?

• A lawyer

• A pediatrician

• An engineer

• A teacher

What is the author's current profession?

• A musician

• A scientist

• A writer

• A doctor

How do some Indian children respond to the author's visits to schools?

• With fear and anxiety

• With indifference and resistance

• With enthusiasm and interest

• With confusion and doubt