The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian
Sherman Alexie
Little, Brown and Company, 2007

Summary:

Fourteen year old Arnold “Junior” Spirit had been looking forward to taking geometry

class freshmen year of high school – up until he realized that not only were they using used old

textbooks but they would be using textbooks that his parents had used when they were in high

school.  Angered over the poor standards and conditions on the “Rez,” he throws the textbook

which hits and breaks the nose of his teacher.  Struggling with physical challenges and the

hopelessness of living on the Spokane Indian Reservation, Arnold realizes that he must take

some action.  He begins attending a small high school in Reardon, a rich, white farm town that is

22 miles away from the Rez.  This begins his career as a part-time Indian.  On the Rez, he is

Junior, the funny looking kid everyone likes to beat  up.  At Reardon, he is Arnold, the only

Indian in school, except for the mascot, who dares to stand up to the jock and kiss one of the

prettiest girls.  Heartbreaking, funny, and beautifully written, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, which is based on the author's own experiences, coupled with poignant drawings by acclaimed artist Ellen Forney, that reflect the character's art, chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he was destined to Live

Evaluation by genre:

This story is a Contemporary Realistic Fiction because this story really could happen and has happened in the real world. The contemporary setting makes this story just seem so real. When its actually fiction. I would have not actually known the story was fiction if the book didnt tell me it was.

Motivational Activities:

1. Lead a discussion among your classmates as to what Penelope’s motivation was in developing a relationship Junior. Do you think Penelope was merely curious about Junior’s culture? Do you suspect that her attraction to Junior would have been the same if he were white? Did she like him because he was different? Or was there some common quality or interest that they shared?

2. In what ways are Mr. P (Junior’s  math teacher at Wellpinit) and the rich white man who showed up for Grandmother Spirit’s funeral (the man with the powwow costume) alike, and how do they differ?.. 

Reader Response Questions:
 

1.  If you was in his same situation would you go to another school where you will be the only race of your kind at that school. 

2. Do you think this story contained to much graphic material.

3. Why did Junior leave his first school?
Personal Comments:

This is truly a coming of age story that shines far above the rest. Despite having multiple instances of profanity (tons actually) and some not so discreet references to masturbation and sex, True Diary is a hilarious read. The witty writing and extremely goofy drawings (did I mention that Junior is an epic cartoonist?) had me laughing until the last page. The book was also banned by multiple libraries and schools, which gives it the seal of approval from me. Hey, if they don't want you to read it, it's most likely too awesome for them

Biographic Info:

• The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (2007)

• Fiction and Poetry Award Winner: The Absolutely True Diary Of A Part-Time Indian". Horn Book Magazine 85 (1): 25–28. 2009.