Rain is Not My Indian Name

Bibliography
Smith, Cynthia Leitich, 2001. RAIN IS NOT MY INDIAN NAME. New York, NY: Heartdrum. ISBN 9780688173975.

Plot Summary
 On her 14th birthday, Cassidy Rain Berghoff wakes up to one of the worst news she's ever received. Her best friend, Galen, died on the walk back from their adventure the night before. Just when she was ready to venture out in life, Rain finds herself shutting everyone and everything out. It takes months for Rain to slowly leave her house and talk to people again. One thing that manages to get her out of the house is becoming the town newspaper's photographer. Her first job is to cover the Indian camp her aunt manages in the summer, the camp Rain turned down. Seeing how much controversy arises from Indian camp taking place in their small town in Hannesburg, Kansas, Rain is stuck between participating in her Native traditions and wanting to shut out any new beginnings that doesn't include Galen. 

Critical Analysis 
It is noted that Cynthia Leitich Smith is a citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Smith writes about 14 year old Cassidy Rain Berghoff (Rain), who is undergoing one of the most difficult times in her life. She learns that her best friend, Galen, has died and finds herself completely heartbroken. Now left with the memories of what could've been, Rain succumbs to grief and shuts out everyone in her life. Her family makes slow efforts to encourage Rain to leave the house, suggesting she join the Indian Camp her aunt is sponsoring in their small town (mainly white population). Not feeling quite ready to rejoin her Native roots (Muscogee Creek-Cherokee/Scots Irish from Mom and Irish-German/Ojibwe from Dad) , Rain decides to start with a small job; becoming the town newspaper's photographer. With Indian Camp being a controversial event in her small town, Rain is able to capture the handful of campers that participate and the activities that build up teamwork through her photographs. When one grieves, it is hard to let go and move one without feeling like you are leaving a loved one behind. Rain seems to struggle with a new beginning without Galen, but is unable to leave Indian Camp alone to be taken apart by the city council. Smith portrays Rain as a young adult juggling strong emotions, while also searching for herself and embracing her mixed heritage cultures. Unable to watch as her aunt's intertribal Indian Camp is under scrutiny from the city council, Rain captures the community the youth camp brings and advocates for its place to stay and need for funding. Her strength, determination, and ability to manage such strong emotions, makes Rain a genuine character that young adult readers will enjoy reading about. 
In the Author's Note, it is mentioned the preferences Native readers have on what they would like to be called such as "American Indian" or "Native American". For non-Native readers, it is not recommended to use the term "Indian". 

Review Excerpt(s)
- 2023 Teaching for Change: Social Justice Books Challenge
- American Indians in Children's Literature (AICL) Best Books of 2021
- 2020 Teaching for Change: Social Justice Books Challenge
- School Library Journal's Top 100 Books by Indigenous Masters
Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: "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." 
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "A wonderful novel of a present-day teen and her 'patchwork tribe'."

Connections
- Young adult readers who have experienced grief and a loss of self may be able to relate to the character, Rain, who has lost her best friend. 
- Readers who are of mixed heritages can relate to Rain's approach to handling the diverse cultures and appreciate her family's willingness to give her space to navigate these feelings.
- Similar book recommendations:
Smith, Cynthia Leitich, 2020. HEARTS UNBROKEN. ISBN 9781536213133.
Smith, Cynthia Leitich, 2022. ANCESTOR APPROVED: INTERTRIBAL STORIES FOR KIDS. ISBN 9780062869951.

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