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The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
- By Sherman Alexie
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Common Sense Media says
Funny, gritty, and powerful novel of growing up on the rez.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this National Book Award winner presents a powerful look at the desepate life of Native Americans on reservation, and the struggles one teen faces in an effort to escape. There is some gritty material including swearing, racism, homophobia, references to masturbation, erections, -- and alcoholism is a major theme. Teens get in a number of fistfights and three people close to the main character die. Yet teen readers will get a lot from Junior's story: his sincere and sardonic voice is expressed not only in his
writing but in his comics about his life, family, and friends. This
device contributes a lightness to even the darkest moments, and allows
Junior's anger and wit to come shining through.
What's the story?
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 he decides to reach for more by going to a white school 22 miles away, his burdens grow even greater.
Is it any good?
What sounds in summary like a tale of unremitting woe is, in the hands of Sherman Alexie and illustrator Ellen Forney, powerfully moving and grimly witty. Junior's sincere and sardonic voice is expressed not only in his writing, but also in his comics about his life, family, and friends. This device 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 Junior is determined and relentless in his quest to succeed and escape. This is not about coming to terms with the richness of one's culture. Though Junior has tremendous affection for his family, home, and tribe, 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.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the awards this book has won. Did you know that it was National Book Award winner? Why do you think it won that award? If you take a look at the list of other award winners, are there others that you would like to read? What books would you nominate for this prize?
Also, did you know that the author based this book on his own life story? Does that surprise you? Does that change anything for you? Why do you think this is a young adult book, rather than a children's book or a book for adults?
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AGE
Great comedy
I choose to read this book for our "banned book" project. The masturbation mention seems to be the most controversial topic for this book. You should know masturbation is only mentioned and does not go into detail. My teacher even suggested I choose a different book because of it. But I think this is just Sherman Alexie's way of accurately portraying teenagers these days. I felt like Alexie genuinely understood what being a teen is like. Alcohol, strong language, and a small amount of violence take place in the story aswell. I laughed throughout the whole book. A great message of making new friends and forgiving old friends is a main theme throughout the book. The importance of family and standing up for what you believe in is also an important moral preached throughout the story.
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AGE
my favorite book of all time next to drums girls and dangerous pie
this book i thought was going to be funny but what i get was an amazingly written tale of racism, homophobia, love, compassion, teen life, life on reservations, and acceptance. There are numerous sexual references but mostly all portrayed humorously. there is also strong language. one f--k and other mild language. there are short fistfights a few sad deaths and strong alchoholic content
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AGE
Brandon's Brilliant Review
This book isn't actually that bad my parents read it and they thought it was educational and im only 13. Yes it has some swearing andsome alcohol related things but its not like the're not going to say it when they grow up. once they get older the're allowed tosay whatever they want without your permission. Plus if the bookwasn't really that good why is it a NATIONAL BOOK AWARD WINNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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AGE
I just finished reading this novel for my college english course. I'd have to say that when i first picked up the book, I wondered why we were reading it! I mean, pictures?! Really? lol Then after I read it I understood why. Though there are some sexual references, alcohol abuse, ect, Alexie gives us an intimate look into the life of a teenage boy with hopes and dreams who is lead to self-discovery by the people around him throughout the novel. There was a connection I felt with Junior (the protagonist) that influences me to give this novel a two-thumbs-up! I would recomend this novel for teens 16 or over =]
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AGE
Wonderful...
A funny, inspiring, and brutally honest book about unfairness, racism, friendship, and pulling yourself up by the bootstraps. The characters are believable, and readers will sympathize with Junior's plight. This is a great story to introduce readers to the lives of those living on Native American reservations. Parents should know that there is a frank reference to masturbation and boy has his head sewn up without anasthaesia. There is also so swearing. Altogether, it's a great story for teens 14+!
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AGE
Best book ever for kids over 12 or 13 ... teaches kids alot about indian reservations
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AGE
INSPIRING PERSEVERENCE!
I love how persistant the main character is in his pursuit of an education. I admire his work ethic and his ability to stick with school despite the many obstacles put in his path: racism, alcoholism, loss, poverty etc... He is amazing on the basketball court, not because he is a natural basketball player, but because he refuses to let anything get in the way of his success. It is his ability to stay focused in the midst of chaos that I find particularly inspiring. He never loses sight of his goals, and that embodies a wholesome vision of success that is endearing.
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AGE
I am only in the third chapter and there is already talk of masturbation. I am 12 and I feel a little awkward about reading that stuff. Although, it does have some great messages about poverty and bullying. If your child is mature enough to not show that sexual stuff to their friends as a chuckle during class, than I think it is a great book.
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AGE
It's one interesting perspective of one interesting teen
Great book! Recommended for mature readers, and something to definitely discuss with parents. So much character growth in this book makes you want to continue cheering for Junior!
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AGE
A Must Discuss book!
This is a powerful book relaying a hopeless and hopeful message, but it's a book that can't be read in solitude. Parents read with your teens and discuss -- there are incredible life lessons that are worth discussing!
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| Author: | Sherman Alexie |
| Illustrator: | Ellen Forney |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Contemporary Fiction |
| Publisher: | Little, Brown and Company |
| Publication date: | September 12, 2007 |
| Number of pages: | 229 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 14 - 14 |
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