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Biography & Autobiography Native Americans

Inside Out

An Autobiography of a Native Canadian

by (author) James Tyman

Publisher
Fifth House Books
Initial publish date
Feb 1995
Category
Native Americans, Native American Studies
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781895618587
    Publish Date
    Feb 1995
    List Price
    $7.95

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Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels

  • Age: 16
  • Grade: 11

Description

What causes Native Canadians to be disproportionately represented in the prisons, unemployment lines and welfare lists, in the drunk tanks and the morgues?

Inside Out is one story behind the stereotypes - the autobiography of a young Native man, James Tyman, who grew up with racism, turned to crime and self-destruction, and ended up in jail. Repeatedly. At age 24, in prison for a two-year stretch, James Tyman realized he was going nowhere and began to wonder why. In six weeks he wrote Inside Out, a powerful record of his own voyages of self-discovery, and an open letter to the people of Canada telling how his life has been shaped - and almost ended - by troubling aspects of our society.

James Tyman's story raises important questions - about adoption of Native children into white families, about the legal and penal systems, about drugs, prostitution, and life on the street in Canada's urban centres.

First published in 1989, Inside Out became a national bestseller and earned critical acclaim across Canada.

About the author

James Tyman is a Fifth House Books author.

James Tyman's profile page

Librarian Reviews

Inside Out: An Autobiography of a Native Canadian

Inside Out is a powerful personal reflection describing the hardships of a young Aboriginal Canadian’s life. At the age of four, Tyman was adopted into a white family, completely unfamiliar to him. With vague memories of his biological family, he attempts to adapt and adjust. He endures years of turmoil and becomes self-destructive while he searches for acceptance. His life is turned inside out, and is filled with rage, anger and loss of identity.

Caution: Includes strong language and graphic content.

Source: The Association of Book Publishers of BC. Canadian Aboriginal Books for Schools. 2008-2009.