The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Alexie, Sherman. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. Little Brown and Company: 2007. ISBN: 9780316013680.

Plot Summary:
Junior is a Native American living on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Problems are a way of life for Junior. Born with water on the brain, which has lead to many other issue, Junior is picked on and made fun of by his own people on a regular basis. His one true friend is Rowdy, who beats up anyone who makes fun of Junior. After a realization that no matter what he does, Junior will not be able to break the cycle of poverty and alcoholism that plagues the reservation unless he can escape soon. Junior begins attending the white school in town. Here, at least in the beginning, Junior is made fun of, but that's no different than the reservation. There are many obstacles for Junior to attend the white school. Many days he can't get a ride so he walks all or part of the twenty-two mile trip. Prejudice is a daily companion and he loses Rowdy as a friend. The support of his family is important, but disaster is usually close behind.

Critical Evaluation:
This book appeals to teens who have less than stellar living situations and who have negative experiences as school. At some point we have all felt like we don't' fit in or that we are worthless. It is hard to overcome such feelings without some type of support system. Even though Junior has statistics, his own people and a twenty-two mile trip against him, he perseveres toward a better future for himself. One of the best aspects about the book is the cartoons that Junior draws. The cartoons are his way to express how he feels and what he can't always say. Junior finds out that kids at the white school don't have perfect lives. They have issues, sometimes parents that don't care and expectations of what their lives are suppose to be. The human condition is universal, although some of us have more to overcome than others. Junior's voice is humorous and honest and easily believable.

Reader's Annotation:
The walls that surround racism and bigotry can be knocked down. It just takes one kick at a time.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Junior has many obstacles physically, teens reading this book will see his example and take encouragement from it.

Genre:
Multicultural/Native Americans

Why Book Included:
A high school teacher gave such a glowing review I had to read it for myself!