Sherman Alexie's Educational Journey

Sherman Alexie shares his journey from learning to read with Superman comics to becoming a writer. Growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation, he faced challenges but found solace in books. His father's love for reading inspired him, and he viewed paragraphs as a way to understand the world. Despite societal expectations, he refused to fail and used reading as a means of survival. Now, as a writer, he teaches Indian kids, encouraging them to embrace literature and save their lives through writing.

What was the first reading material that Sherman Alexie used to learn to read?

• A newspaper

• A textbook

• A Superman comic book

• A children's storybook

How did Sherman Alexie's family manage financially on the reservation?

• They were wealthy and had stable jobs.

• They relied on government assistance and irregular paychecks.

• They received financial support from relatives.

• They owned a successful business.

What did Sherman Alexie realize about paragraphs?

• They are not important in writing.

• They are only used in comic books.

• They are fences that hold words together for a common purpose.

• They are just random collections of words.

How was Sherman Alexie perceived as a smart Indian boy on the reservation?

• He was celebrated as a prodigy.

• He was seen as an oddity.

• He was encouraged by his teachers.

• He was ignored by everyone.

What was the expectation for Indian children in the education system?

• They were expected to become teachers.

• They were expected to fail.

• They were expected to be quiet and not participate.

• They were expected to excel academically.

Why did Sherman Alexie read extensively?

• To impress his teachers.

• To escape reality.

• To save his life.

• To compete with his siblings.

What career did Sherman Alexie initially plan to pursue?

• A writer

• A pediatrician

• A lawyer

• A teacher

How do some Indian children react to Sherman Alexie's visits to schools?

• They all write their own stories.

• They are all sullen and defeated.

• They ignore him and show no interest.

• They are all eager to learn.