The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Alexie, Sherman. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. Little Brown Books for Young Readers, 2009. ISBN-13: 978-0316013697.

Plot
Arnold Spirit, otherwise known as Junior loves to draw cartoons. He also lives with his family on the Indian Reservation in Spokane Washington. At the rez, everyone takes care of each other, but that does not mean that they do not struggle. His parents mourn the lack an education and many friends and family fall victim to alcoholism. Hoping for a better chance he enrolls in a school outside of the rez. There he deals with his identity, difference in culture and finding himself and his roots in the process.

Critical Evaluation
This book is down right hilarious. The narrative is witty, fast and flows very well. Teens will love the silly illustrations that go along with the story. Even though Junior does talk about serious racial issues, personal losses and social problems the book is written with hope and the ability to literally laugh things off. There are also great messages about being able to go for your dreams without forgetting about your roots.

Reader's Annotation
Junior is born and raised in the rez. He deals with problems such as economic inequality, racism and alcoholism in his family and community. However he decides to make things better for himself by enrolling in a school outside of the rez. Suddenly Junior is learning a lot about himself, others and cultures in addition to his classes.

About the Author
Sherman Alexie Jr is a Spokane/Coeur d'Alene Indian who grew up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. He attended Gonzaga University and then transferred to Washington State University. At first he was studying to be a doctor , but decided to pursue writing instead.

Alexie has written several essays, books and poetry. He is the recipient of the Before Columbus Foundations' American Book Award as well as the Murray Morgan prize.

Genre
Fiction

Curriculum
Native American
Social Issues
Economic Inequality

Book Talking Ideas
Why do you think Junior has the tendency to laugh so much and at everything?
What did you learn about life on the rez?
Why did the basketball game seem so important to Junior?

Reading Level/Interest Age
15+

Challenge Issues
Swearing, sexual references, racism

Challenge Answer
The questionable material is not included in the story for shock factor, it was to tell the story of a kid growing up and dealing with regular teenage issues.

Why Included in Collection
This is a funny and touching book that would open teen's eyes to other cultures and ideas in America.