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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The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 14. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Funny, powerful novel of growing up on the rez.
Themes in this book include: family relationships, friendship, growing up, loss, peer pressure, substance abuse
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 14–15
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Parents need to know that there are many sexual references -- to masturbation, erections, and 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.
Read our full review by Matt Berman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about 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?
Our Members Say
See all 7 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- I rate this title on for age 14 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
Perfect for teens and young adults
I Think this book is absolutely appropriate for Teen from the age of 14+ because this is wen kids start to get an idea of how life is and you cant hide things from your kids you have to be very open so that they will trust you in the long run and listen when you give advise
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Educational
Excellent book that requires lots of discussion and background information...
Excellent book with a positive underlying message. The language is strong at times, as the author really attempts to capture an authentic 9th grader's voice. I think this is an appropriate choice for ages 13+ as long as kids have a chance for LOTS of discussion. I don't know if every child will understand the author's tone fully and if they don't, the way that the author pokes fun of the stereotypes about his culture might be dismissed as racist or weird. It's important for them to understand WHY he takes the tone that he does...the book is just so hilarious for the amount of sadness that it contains. The bottom line on this book is that it needs to be discussed with teenagers as they read it, whether it's in class or on their own. I was a little shocked by one of the cartoons when I saw it, but once I actually read the book, I understood why it's considered to be so good.
- I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- Negative role models
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!
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
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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Ratings at a Glance
| 67% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 67% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
| 33% | of parents say it's educational |
| 33% | of parents don't feel there are good role models |
| 33% | of parents don't think the messages are positive |
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