In his book, "The Joy of Reading and Writing: Superman and Me," Sherman Alexie explains how he taught himself to read by perusing through a Superman comic book at the age of 3. ... Alexie's intelligence and will to learn as a child is an inspiring story. ... It is because of people like Sherman Alexie that our country's morals, values, and ideas are progressing and changing with time. ... There is a great lesson to learn from Alexie in this piece of writing. ... That is exactly what Sherman Alexie is doing here. ...

• Word Count: 699
• Approx Pages: 3
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

Two people who had to work hard to overcome their difficulties were Amy Tan, the author of "Mother Tongue"" and Sherman Alexie, author of "The Joy of Reading and Writing: Superman and Me". ... Even though both Tan and Alexie had similar obstacles, Alexie's obstacles were harder to face. ... Alexie learn to read with a Superman comic book. ... Just like Tan, Sherman Alexie had to face a similar experience, but as an Indian wanting to refuse to fail in school. ... Amy Tan and Sherman Alexie having two different backgrounds had the same goals to become writers. ...

• Word Count: 779
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

Sherman Alexie, a Native American poet, is able to help students who are like him. ... Sherman Alexie refused to fail. ... Amy Tan, a Chinese-American film writer and Sherman Alexie experienced the neglect that those who are not educated receive. ... Basically, Sherman Alexie is saying that to make it in this country and world you have to have an education or you'll just be getting by. ... I was trying to save my life" (Alexie, 18). ...

• Word Count: 1991
• Approx Pages: 8
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School