The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Bibliographic Information: Alexie, S. (Author & Narrator). (2007). The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian. [Audiobook]. Recorded Books. ASIN:B0016NBXZG

Plot Summary: Arnold Spirit Jr., or Junior, was born with “water on the brain”, a medical condition that left him with bad vision, a lisp, and an oversized head that earned him the nickname “Globe.” On the Spokane Indian reservation, or the “rez”, Junior has spent 14 years being bullied and living in poverty with his ex-alcoholic mother and alcoholic father. Luckily, his best friend, Rowdy, is tough and offers protection to Junior.

On his first day of high school, Junior notices that his textbook has his mother’s maiden name written in it, meaning the book was over 30 years old. Disappointed and enraged that his reservation couldn’t even afford new books for its school, Junior throws the book across the room, and it lands on his teachers face breaking his nose. During his suspension from school, Junior goes to apologize to his teacher, who warns him that he needs to get off of the rez, if he wants a real shot at his education and future. Much to his best friends dismay, and despite his parents being poor, Junior decides to transfer to Reardan High—the all-white school across town.

This decision sparks hostility from people on the rez, which climaxes during the moments of two basketball games he plays against his old team, and against Rowdy. But soon, Arnold is crushing on the beautiful Penelope, and befriending the smart be-speckled Gordy. Threatening his friendship with Rowdy and the acceptance from his tribe, Arnold struggles to find himself.

Critical Evaluation: This story offers hope in the form Junior, a Native American boy set on breaking an endless cycle of poverty and alcoholism that permeates his family’s lives and his reservation. Junior’s decision to attend the all-white school sparks an identity crisis in him that is only exacerbated by the response from his friends and family back on the rez.  On the one hand, he doesn’t want to sell-out to white people, but on the other hand, he doesn’t want to end up like his mother, father or sister—all brilliant people who didn’t get to fulfill their dreams. But through honesty and humor, author Sherman Alexie invokes a hopeful story of what it means to fight despite the circumstances you are given in life. The humorous tone, quirky doodles and conversational journal style of the writing offer a truly up-close look at family, poverty, race, and growing up that is sure to move readers on many levels. Sad and funny all at once, this book gives a realistic depiction of adolescent struggles and hopes.

Reader’s Annotation: Arnold Spirit Jr. has spent his entire 14 years on the Spokane Indian reservation, and finally decides to attend the white high-school in hopes of having a better shot at his education. He loses his best friend Rowdy in the process, and the rest of the people on the reservation shun him.

Author Information: Gale’s Contemporary Authors Online states, “Alexie is recognized for his examination of the Native American experience in contemporary American society. His writing frequently employs themes of identity and the Other. He began his literary career writing poetry and short stories, and his first published collection, The Business of Fancydancing (1992), earned him a New York Times Book Review Notable Book of the Year award. His first novel, Reservation Blues (1994), garnered significant critical acclaim as well and earned Alexie a number of prizes, including the Before Columbus Foundation's American Book Award, a Granta Best of Young American Novelists citation, and a Murray Morgan Prize. Alexie collaborated with Colville Indian and musician Jim Boyd on the album Reservation Blues, which contains songs from the book. Expanding his repertoire to another medium, Alexie wrote his first screenplay, Smoke Signals (1998), based on the story "This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona," from the collection The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven (1993). The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won two awards. Alexie made his directorial debut by adapting for film a screenplay loosely based on the stories and poems in The Business of Fancydancing, which also won several awards. Alexie continues to work in letters and in film and is widely acknowledged as an important voice of the Native American perspective.”

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Subjects: Native Americans, coming-of-age, friendship, alcoholism, family, basketball

Curriculum Ties: social issues, stereotypes, racism

Booktalking Ideas: Introduce Junior’s character as the usual nerdy type who gets bullied. Then elaborate on the more complex intricacies of identity that come with living on an Indian reservation and longing to leave it.

Reading Level/Interest Age: 12+

Challenge Issues/Defense: Due to profanity, portrayals of poverty and alcoholism, as well as mention of sexual arousal and masturbation, this book may be challenged. If so, refer to:

1.     The San Francisco Public Library Collection Development Policy, Selection Criteria, and Teen Collection documents.

2.     The California Department of Education District Selection Policies, Reading Lists, and Resources for Recommended Literature: Pre-K-12.

3.     A hard copy of the ALA’s Library Bill of Rights.

4.     Mixed book reviews from School Library Journal, Kirkus, and Publisher’s Weekly.

5.     Book selection rationale.

6.     If necessary, The San Francisco Public Library’s Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials Form.

Reason for Selection: Hearing this great story from the man who experienced a lot of what happened, is the only natural way to hear it. Sherman's voice adds depth and humor to Junior's narration.