THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN by Sherman Alexie

Alexie, Sherman. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.  Ill. by Ellen Forney. New York: Little, Brown and Company. 2007.

ISBN: 978-0-316-01369-7

Plot Summary:

Set on the Spokane Indian Reservation and based on Sherman Alexie’s personal experiences, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is a powerful story of compassion and resilience.  Arnold Spirit, aka Junior, is 14 years old, was born with “water on the brain,” and loves to draw.  He is a budding cartoonist and shows promise and ambition in school.  With the encouragement of a caring teacher, he leaves the school on the reservation (the “rez”) and attends an all-white school in the nearest town of Reardon in an attempt to escape a future of no hope.  Fearing the worst at the new school, Junior ends up making some good friends and even becomes a starter on the basketball team.  Alexie addresses stereotypes and the reality of life on a reservation through sometimes humorous text and the brilliant illustrations of Ellen Forney.  In spite of a series of tragic events, Junior is able to overcome a life destined for mediocrity and succeed in a world where that he never thought he’d be a part of.  

Critical Analysis:

Sherman Alexie approaches the stereotypes of reservation life and tragedy with wit and compassion.  The setting of the Spokane Indian Reservation is adequately portrayed, as are the problems that are a part of reservation life for so many Native Americans.  The character development is extensive as readers get to know Junior and Rowdy intimately, as well as the students at the school in Reardon.  The compassion that Junior’s family has for each other is prevalent throughout the text as Junior seeks support regarding his decision to leave the “rez.”  Readers are emotionally involved with Junior from the beginning of the story to the very end.  The cartoon-like illustrations of Ellen Forney are appropriate throughout the text and add to the storyline, often portraying details and emotions of Junior.  Readers will never get the feeling of a superficial story as Alexie relates the experiences of Junior with grace and familiarity that will speak all who choose to read the story.  It will leave readers wanting more and is an eye-opening commentary on acceptance and resilience. 

Review Excerpts:

“Alexie nimbly blends sharp wit with unapologetic emotion…Junior’s keen cartoons sprinkle the pages as his fluid narration deftly mingles raw feeling with funny, sardonic insight.”  ~Kirkus (starred review)

“The many characters, on and off the rez, with whom [Junior] has dealings are portrayed with compassion and verve, particularly the adults in his extended family.  Forney’s simple pencil cartoons fit perfectly within the story and reflect the burgeoning artist within Junior.” ~School Library Journal (starred review)

“Alexie’s portrayal of reservation life, with the help of a great lineup of supporting characters, is realistic and fantastical and funny and tragic - all at the same time.  Forney’s drawings, appearing throughout the book, enhance the story and could nearly stand alone.” ~VOYA (starred review)

Awards:

National Book Award Winner

Connections:

**Books by Sherman Alexie:

Ten Little Indians (Short Stories)

The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven (Short Stories)

Indian Killer (Thriller)

War Dances (Short Stories and Poems)

**Other books by ethnic authors dealing with assimilating to American life

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

Does My Head Look Big in This? By Randa Abdel-Fattah