The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian - Multicultural and International

Title: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Author: Sherman Alexie

Genre: Multicultural/International

Awards: National Book Award for Young People's Literature (2007)
Publishers Weekly starred (2007)
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books starred (2007)
School Library Journal starred (2007)
Horn Book starred (2007)
Notable/Best Books (A.L.A.) (2008)

Plot Summary:

Arnold Spirit, known on his tribe's reservation as "Junior", is a 14 year old Spokane Indian boy with issues. He was born with too much cerebral fluid which only "mucked up the works" inside his brain and the surgery to relieve the pressure that should have killed him presented him with abnormalities and life challenges. He had ten extra teeth, eyes that were visually opposite, a slender body and abnormally large feet. Along with his physical challenges, Junior also stuttered and spoke with a lisp. This combination made him a prime target for teasing, bullying and a charter member of the "Black-Eye-of-the-Month Club".

Junior has a best friend named Rowdy who is known as an angry bully on the reservation. He is not afraid to fight anyone, but to Junior he is a protector and confidante. Rowdy and Junior have hopes of playing basketball together as they approach their freshman year of high school, despite Rowdy's constant beating by his father and the behavior that often ensues after these beating. Rowdy's father, like most of the adults that live on the reservation, is a drunk. Being drunk and being poor are the two most prevalent demographics among people on the Spokane reservation.

Junior, however, has something that most other reservation dwellers do not, HOPE. He hopes that his future is brighter than his parents and that he can overcome the deflating circumstances that plight the Spokane Indians. After a run-in with his high school geometry teacher, Junior decides to ask his parents if he may transfer to a new school off the reservation. He believes that the source of success is found in a "white" surrounding. He struggles with acceptance in his new school and tries especially hard to hide his poverty and unusually difficult commute to school.

In the midst of his freshman year finds himself competing against his former schoolmates and once best friend on the basketball court. This hostile situation lands Arnold (as he is now known) in the hospital with a concussion and a struggle he believes is worth fighting. After a victorious rematch, Arnold realizes that skin color doesn't give you an automatic winning ticket. Sometimes community is as important as the amount of money in your wallet.

My Reaction:

I really enjoyed this book. Previously, I would not have selected a multicultural book as a favorite, so I thought. Its quite obvious as to why this book has attained so many accolades. Despite the protagonist's difficulty in being dealt many blows, the reader does not get bogged down and overwhelmed with sadness and drama. The cartoon illustrations help to keep things lighthearted, even when dealing with very serious matters. You can't help but to root for the protagonist from cover to cover.

Recommendation:

I would recommend this book for both boys and girls who are in high school and slightly more mature. Caution against young readers as there are instances of adult language and mentions of masturbation. This book is a great champion story identifiable for any student facing alienation, particularly minority or students of color. It is delightful to see a protagonist with spirit and the will to overcome despite adversity.

Book Talk Hook:

Have you ever been in a situation where you felt different from the rest of the crowd, the oddball, the outsider? Have you ever felt frustrated with the life you have, your parents, your friends, your school? These were all issues that Junior faces in "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian". Experience a few laughs and empathize with Junior as he bravely challenges the status quo of his culture to fulfill his dreams and aspirations.