The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Funny, powerful novel of growing up on the rez.

Author: Sherman Alexie Illustrator: Ellen Forney Pages: 229 Publisher: Little, Brown & Co. Published Date: 09/12/2007 Genre: Fiction - Contemporary Fiction HC Price: $16.99 Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: 14 Read Aloud: 14 Read Alone: 14 Awards: Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, National Book Award, Horn Book Fanfare

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that there are many sexual references -- to masturbation, erections, homosexuality -- but no descriptions or scenes. There is some swearing, racism, and homophobia, and alcoholism is a major theme. Teens get in a number of fistfights and three people close to the main character die.

Families who read this book could discuss the situation on reservations today. Why is there so little hope? Why is alcoholism so prevalent? Why do Junior's friends turn their backs on him? Why does he feel so guilty?

Rate It!

Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Matt Berman

Here's an author of adult books who hits a three-point jumper with his first YA novel. What sounds in summary like a tale of unremitting woe is, in the hands of Sherman Alexie and illustrator Ellen Forney, by turns powerfully moving and grimly witty.

Junior's voice, both sincere and sardonic, is expressed not only in his writing, but in the comics he makes about his life, family, and friends. This device, made possible by a closer-than-usual collaboration between author and illustrator, contributes a lightness to even the darkest moments, and allows Junior's anger and wit to come shining through.

The hopelessness of life on the rez is almost inconceivable to those who don't live it, and Alexie makes it clear to the reader in a way that few others have done. But against obstacles that would try Job, Junior is determined and relentless in his quest to succeed, and escape. For this is not, in the end, one of those books about coming to terms with the richness of one's own culture. Though Junior has tremendous affection for his family, home, and tribe, even when they turn their backs on him, he knows, and his parents know, that his only chance of a decent life is to claw his way out. In a book with many sad moments, that may be the saddest thing of all.

From The Book

Just take a look at the world. Almost all of the rich and famous brown people are artists. They're singers and actors and writers and dancers and directors and poets.

So I draw because I feel like it might be my only real chance to escape the reservation.

I think the world is a series of broken dams and floods, and my cartoons are tiny little lifeboats.

Plot Summary:

Junior has more than his fair share of burdens. He was born hydrocephalic, and he lives on an Indian reservation where there is little hope or money, but plenty of alcoholics, including his parents. His sister hardly ever comes out of the basement. He gets beaten up a lot for looking weird.

But he has a few things going for him too. He's smart, good at drawing and basketball, and, unlike his friends and relatives, he has ambition and hope. But when, inspired by a teacher whose nose Junior has just broken, he decides to reach for more by going to a white school 22 miles away, his burdens grow even greater.

Related Books:

Between Cultures:
Julie by Jean Craighead George
The Shadowman's Way by Paul Pitts
The Light in the Forest by Conrad Richter
A Woman of Her Tribe by Margaret A. Robinson
Necessary Roughness by Marie G. Lee
The Window by Michael Dorris
The Tequila Worm by Viola Canales

Basketball as Salvation:
The Moves Make the Man by Bruce Brooks
Danger Zone by David Klass

Budding Cartoonists:
The Cartoonist by Betsy Byars
The Man in the Ceiling by Jules Feiffer
Frankenlouse by Mary James
Lunch Money by Andrew Clements
The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl by Barry Lyga

Related Web site:
Author's Site

Rate It!

Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content No sexual scenes, but mentions of masturbation, erections, kissing, a drawing of a bare bottom, disparaging use of "gay" and "faggot," a reference to getting hands into panties.
Violence A man is shot, an old woman is killed by a drunk driver, fistfights, a suicide, an injury requiring stitches, a concussion, child and spousal abuse.
Language Some swearing, including "s--t" and "f--k."
Message
	Social Behavior Much racism on both sides. A teen hitchhikes, and accepts a ride on a motorcycle from someone who has been drinking, and they don't wear helmets. While grieving, Junior draws a blasphemous cartoon.
	Commercialism Many brands mentioned and used to differentiate between poor and rich, Native American and white. The hero loves a particular fast food.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Drinking and drunkenness, alcoholism, drunk drivers, drunk fighting, references to chewing tobacco and several illegal drugs.