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Author Michael Dorris Discusses His Life and Writings.

Author Michael Dorris. His work is wide-ranging in topic and emotional impact. In his earlier book "The Broken Cord" he wrote of his struggle to understand the severe health and behavior problems of an adopted son, Abel, who had Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Abel, a Native American, died in an accident after a difficult life. Dorris himself is part Modoc Indian. He founded the Native American Studies Program at Dartmouth College where he now teaches Anthropology. Dorris's new book is called "Paper Trail." It's a collection of some of his previously published writings. It includes essays on the problems facing Native Americans today, Dorris's own childhood, and his experiences as adoptive father of three children, all diagnosed with varying degrees of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. (Interview by Marty Moss-Coane)

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Other segments from the episode on May 17, 1994

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, May 17, 1994: Interview with Melba Beals; Interview with Michael Dorris.
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22:33

Melba Beals Discusses Integrating Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Author Melba Beals. Forty years ago today the United States Supreme Court ruled that school segregation was unconstitutional in "Brown v. Board of Education." Three years later, Beals and eight other black teenagers chose to attend the all white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. In the process Beals suffered a school year marked by unremitting violence and hatred. Danny, the soldier assigned to protect her, warned her that she too would have to become a soldier.

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Author Michael Dorris on American Indians in Literature

The novelist is best known for his books for adults--A Yellow Raft in Blue Water, The Crown of Columbus, which he wrote with his wife, writer Louise Erdrich, and The Broken Cord, about his adopted son's struggle with fetal alcohol syndrome. His latest book, Morning Girl, is for children. It's about the Taino, the 15th century Native Americans Columbus first encountered

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