Book title: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Author: Sherman Alexie
| Bibliographic entry | Alexie, S. (2007). The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company. |
| Description | A book about hard choices as the main character Junior tries to escape his depressing circumstances. He takes a huge risk of going to school off of his reservation in order to test his strengths in academics and basketball at a more challenging level. Filled with Junior’s often satirical cartoons about his life. |
| Reaction | Although it’s explicit in some areas, Junior’s exploration of his budding sexuality would be fine for any student or class from puberty and above. It’s an excellent example of the difficulties facing many teenagers who are branching out from their traditional culture to make their own choices. |
| Recommended age level | Grades 7 to 12 |
| Subjects/themes | Identity quest, friendship, breaking away from tradition, art expression |
| Curriculum connections | English: Read student- and teacher-selected texts from diverse cultures and historical periods, identifying specific purposes for readingGuidance and Career Education: Use problem-solving strategies to reduce internal barriers (e.g., skill gaps, health problems) and/or external barriers (e.g., financial constraints, lack of local opportunities, cultural differences) that could interfere with the achievement of their work, learning, and personal goals. |
| Awards | Many awards including National Book Award Winner, School Library Journal Best Book of the Year |
| Miscellaneous | Described by Publishers Weekly as “A Native American equivalent of Angela’s Ashes“ |
from page 57 of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
