The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Sherman Alexie

Little Brown, New York, 2007

Genres: Humor, Multiculturalism, Graphic Novel, Body Self, Sports, Friends and Family, Death

Reading Level: Young Adult (14-18)

Pages: 230

Awards: National Book Award, ALA Best Book, Horn Book Award Winner, New York Times Best Seller

Summary:

Junior Spirit is 14 years old and he's an Indian living on the Washington Reservation. The problem is that he wants to get off the Reservation and do something with his life. A world of trouble awaits him when starts attending an all white high school 20 miles from home. Friends, Family, and Tribe all turn against him, yet he discovers a new world of friends and most important of all, he discovers who he really is.

Reaction:

I loved this book because it tells the genuine experience of an Indian growing up in two worlds. I loved the relationships that Junior had with friends and family because it all seemed much more real than some fiction I've read. The way that Junior faces challenges and what he thinks about them is honest to the point that at times I felt like I was being smacked in the face. It's not a good book for anybody younger than the age 14 because it does deal with some serious issues such as sexuality and death, but I would recommend this book to any high school age teen.

Cautionary Note: There is language, Sexuality references, Death, Racism, and strong Indian Opinions, not to mention all of the Native American problems described.