The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Alexie, Sherman. 2007. THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN. Ill. by Ellen Forney. New York: Hachette Book Group. ISBN 9780316013680

Plot Summary: Junior was born with health challenges: he had too much Brian fluid.  This caused him to have poor vision and when his teeth began to cut through and fill his mouth, he had ten extra teeth; giving him 42 in all. Junior was also an Indian (Spokane Tribe) and he lived on a reservation in Spokane, WA.  Junior was picked on often because of his deformities and although it hurt him physically and emotionally, he was loved by his parents and sister. He also had a best friend named Rowdy, who defended him from the bullies. One day during Geometry class, Junior discovers that his math book once belonged to his mother; thoughts began to race through his mind about how poor and mistreated Indians were by other people who were not like him. Unfortunately, without thinking, Junior throws the math book across the room and it hits Mr. P right in the face. After a conversation with his math teacher, Mr. P; Junior asks his parents can he transfer to the all-white school in a town 22 miles away. His parents agree and Junior begins on the journey of living and as a "part-time Indian".

Critical Analysis: 

Sherman Alexie writes a sometimes funny but interesting story about a boy who is Native American and has suffered with health issues as a result of having too much fluid on his brain.  The character of Junior reads like a typical teenage boy: he is awkward looking, he gets bullied because of his physical appearance, no girl likes him, his best friend is rough and has his own issues, etc.  He also shows how Junior is mistreated by not just white kids but even Native Americans and they were adults. However, like most teenagers who are going through their personal life changing issues, Junior has the love of his family and it turns out that he can draw pretty good.  We see Junior's artwork made real through the handiwork of illustrator Ellen Forney. Ms. Forney does a great job capturing what Junior is feeling; giving us clear, detailed drawings that match his story. What Mr. Alexie tries to draw on is how Native Americans have been treated as outcasts not just by whites but sometimes by their own people. He also creates a story where parents want better for their children.

Review Excerpt(s):

Kirkus Review-"Alexie nimbly blends sharp wit with unapologetic emotion in his first foray into young-adult literature.Junior’s keen cartoons sprinkle the pages as his fluid narration deftly mingles raw feeling with funny, sardonic insight. "

Connections:

Locate a map of early America and ask students what do they know about Native Americans (Indians). Place 4-6 pieces of chart paper around the room. Put students into groups of 3-5(depending on class size) and have them list Native American tribes. Do this as an introduction to the story.

Share articles and videos about the Native American tribes that live in Washington state; tracing their beginnings and researching what tribes are still alive.

As students read the story about Junior, have them create questions about the tribe which he belonged to as well as questions they may have about Native Americans in general.