The Absolutley True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

  Alexie, S. (2007). The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian.  NY:  Little Brown. Arnold Spirit Jr., known as Junior, speaks of his early life on a Spokane Indian reservation. Junior was born with a brain condition, hydrocephalus, where he had excess spinal fluid on the brain. As a survivor of his condition, Junior was left with a lisp and a stutter. In addition, he had to have excess teeth removed, was far-sighted in one eye and near-sighted in the other, and suffered from seizures as a child. Growing up on the reservation, Junior has to deal with others bullying him about his condition. Junior also has to deal growing up with alcoholic parents and a loner sister. However, he does have a best friend, Rowdy, that is determined to protect Junior. Junior also feels comfort in creating cartoon art, in which Rowdy is also supportive of. When Junior is in high school he throws a textbook at his teacher in a fit of rage and breaks his nose. As a result, Junior is suspended from school. To Junior's surprise his teacher comes to him and encourages Junior to get off the reservation for a chance of a life and that there is no hope on the reservation. With his parent's permission, Junior changes schools to an all white school 20 miles away. where he evenutally meets his future girlfriend, Penelope, and friend, Gordy. Junior has to deal with racial jokes from a jock named Roger. When Junior defends himself by punching Roger, he instantly gains Roger's respect. On the reservation, Rowdy and others feel betrayed by Junior. When Junior is out trying to raise money for the homeless to impress Penelope, he is jumped. Junior fears that Rowdy was involved. As Junior navigates through high school, he decides try out for the basketball team and makes varsity. When the team has to go up against the team on the reservation, they all turn their back to Junior and his team. During the game Junior is given a concussion by his once friend, Rowdy. Soon after, Junior faces a number of tragedies. His grandmother is killed by a drunk driver, his sister dies from a fire, in which Rowdy blames Junior for. In the end, Junior manages to overcome these challenges and finish high school. Rowdy also comes to Junior to make amends where they play a game of one on one basketball.

The Absolutley True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is eye opening to the struggles and hard life Native Americans can face on the reservation. Even though it goes against his culture, Junior imakes the hard decision do what is best for him by going to a new school. He is faced with hard challenges and is able to overcome them. The book is a great reminder to not take things for granted in your own life.

Alexie, S. (2007). The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian.  NY:  Little Brown

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