Sherman, A. (2007). The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. New York: Little Brown and Company.
· Plot Summary
Junior is a member of the Spokane Indians, and has spent his life on their reservation in Washington. Due to poverty and isolation, the reservation is plagued by alcoholism and neglect. Junior, who was born with spinal fluid on the brain, is the downtrodden among the downtrodden. After throwing his geometry book at his teacher because of his anger over its aged state, Junior is encouraged by that same teacher to attend a school for white people, off the reservation. The events that follow include Junior surprisingly becoming popular through dating white-girl Penelope, and his unexpected skill on the basketball court. Unfortunately for Junior, his actions have repercussions, and he not only loses his best friend to the hatred between the two groups, but also his sister who flees to Montana to be married.
· Critical Evaluation
An amusing, but truthful, account of life as a Native American trying to live in modern society. Where the author might have easily made this book a heartbreaking piece, he chose to instead instruct through humor. Seen through the eyes of Junior, the events are colored with his acceptance of how things have been, and will be, for him. Semi-autobiographical in nature, the health issues and events like Junior experiences, were also known by Alexie.
· Reader’s Annotation
Modern reservation life, and the hardships experienced by those that live on them.
· Information about the author
Prolific author and poet, Alexie writes the majority of his material about the life on a reservation, and how their dynamics effect those that stay, as well as those that move on. Winner of The New York Times Book Review Notable Book of the Year, the Bram Stoker Award, the PEN/Hemingway Award, and the National Book Award. He lives near Seattle with his wife and two children.
· Genre
Fiction
· Curriculum Ties
Social Sciences
· Booktalking Ideas
Native Americans and reservation life.
Comedy as a literary device for diffusing tension.
· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 6-8/Ages 10-12
· Challenge Issues
Alcoholism-importance of education and support to lower income groups
Language-rare use, used in instances of extreme mental anxiety
· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
Required reading for class. Enjoyed Alexie's movie Smoke Signals.
