The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Alexie, S. (2007). The absolutely true diary of a part-time indian. NY: Little Brown. Junior lives on an Indian reservation. He was born with water on the brain and his life didn't get any easier from there. On the reservation, there is alcoholism, violence, and death. No one expects Junior to go to college or have a good job, even though he is very smart. Then, one day he decides to leave the reservation and go to an all white school. He is considered a traitor, especially by his best friend Rowdy. Junior loves basketball and becomes a star on the team. The game of basketball becomes a metaphor for life. I love that when a series of horrible things happen in his life, he doesn't get beaten down instead he makes a list of things he is grateful for. It reminded me of Oprah's Gratitude Journal. Who would've though a "Part-Time Indian" would have the key to a happy life? What made me reflect as a teacher is that he is successful at his new school because people expect more from him. We all need to have high expectations for all our students. This young adult novel shows a strong protagonist that readers will be rooting for as they read. The humor that Junior puts into the cartoons that he draws make this a well-rounded book that all will enjoy reading. This multicultural book is an award winner that will keep readers thinking after they put it down.
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