The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Alexie, S. (2007). The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian. New York: Little, Brown.

14 year old Junior, aka Arnold Spirit, had many challenges in life. He had brain surgery at 6 months old, spoke with a stutter and a lisp and suffered seizures until 7 years old. He was born and raised on the Spokane Indian Reservation. His family was very poor and battled alcoholism which was the norm for the reservation. Junior’s best friend Rowdy was his rock and protector from bullies. That is until one day a teacher gave him hope for the future and encouraged him to get out. Junior decided to transfer to Reardan High School in the neighboring town of Springdale. It was a predominately white middle class school that was one of the best in the state. This decision created turmoil for Junior on the reservation, with his best friend Rowdy and with the kids at his new school. Despite the challenge, Arnold stands up for himself and gains respect from his new peers. Commuting back and forth from the reservation to school makes Arnold feel like a part-time Indian. He decides to join the basketball team, which requires playing against his old team and ex-best friend causing violence to ensue. Through mutual grief on the reservation, Arnold and Rowdy make peace, and Arnold accepts himself for all that he is. Arnold’s story is one of perseverance, strength and confidence. This book is laugh-out-loud funny, heart wrenching and all around inspirational. Recommended for grades 7 and up, it is a valuable book for illustration the importance of acceptance and perseverance.