Module 15: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Book Summary

Junior, a cartoonist Spokane Indian, has always been the odd one out. He was born with a list of medical ailments and has been picked on by other Indians on the rez. The only person that would stick up for him was his rough and tough best friend Rowdy. After an incident at his school, he was encouraged and ultimately decides to attend Reardan, the "white school" across town. This is his ticket out of the rez. This action turns those living on the rez against him, especially his best friend Rowdy who now hates him. Junior, aka Arnold, has to navigate the world of his new school and his new, even lower, position on the rez. Just as he starts to find his place at Reardan, tragedy strikes his family. 

APA Reference of the Book

Alexie, Sherman. (2007). The absolutely true diary of a part-time indian. New York, NY: Little, Brown, and Company. 

Impression
This book was one of my favorites that I read this semester. The voice of Junior is so powerful. As a reader, you feel as if you are his friend. The language is crude, but realistic for a high school boy. The illustrations add to the book's charm, emotion, and builds the character of Junior. If I had to describe this book in one word, I would use the word REAL. This book is direct about the problems faced by Indians and Junior. It does not tread lightly in an attempt to spare the readers feelings. This book is one of the top banned books, but I think that is just because people are afraid of that realness. The profanity and crude language in this book is not overwhelming or superficial, it is used exactly how it would be used in real life. As I was reading this book, I was just happily going along and enjoying it. Then BAM. Tragedy strikes. And just like the tragedy in the book, I felt like I was hit by a car. The emotions were unexpected, but I was finally able to deal with them and move on. Then, BAM. Another tragedy. And BAM, again. The end of this book was far more emotional for me than I expected it to be, but I wouldn't change the ending. Fantastic read. I would recommend this to everyone. 

Professional Review

Part memoir, part graphic novel, part humor, and part pure heartbreak is the story of Arnold "Junior" Spirit. The first-person narration gives vivid details about what life is like for a teenager on an Indian reservation. Junior is bullied for not looking or acting like the other kids; his self-loathing voice compels the reader to learn more about this young man. The external conflict intensifies when Junior decides to attend the "white school" instead of the one on "the rez"; he is seen as someone who has rejected his culture and his home. What's worse is the internal conflict when Junior realizes he doesn't quite fit in at the white school, either; he expected to blend in based on intellectual ability but is isolated because of his external qualities. He describes the dichotomy with a brilliant visual (on page 57) that illustrates the dual identities he inhabits: white and Indian.

Unfortunately, Junior is bullied in both worlds and struggles to define himself and come to terms with who he really is. He wonders about the possibilities his life may hold but also fears the obstacles he will face simply because he is an Indian. He is split between these two ideas: the paltry and miserable opportunities on "the rez" just seem to discourage him, yet leaving and seeking out the great unknown is intimidating.

This text is rich in many ways and provides teachers with several topics and themes to discuss, yet the concept of the inner bully could be a powerful one to explore with students. The text is heartbreaking at times while humorous at others; adolescents will certainly enjoy the first-person narrative. Teachers could consider the theme of identity and defining yourself within the context of family, culture, high school, and society.

Schmidt, P. (2014). [Review of the book: The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian, by S. Alexie]. English Journal: 103(5), 84-84.

Library Uses
One use of this book that I thought about was using it during banned book week. I would definitely include it in a display in a high school or middle school library. Another idea that I would incorporate is to have students read a banned book, including this one, and make book commercials advocating for their book. It would also be a fun book to include in a mock trial event, where students have to argue for or against banning it from the library.