Alexie, Sherman. The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (2007). ISBN-10: 0316013684

Plot Summary

Arnold is a Spokane Indian who lives on a reservation where opportunities for intellectual growth are limited. Arnold suffers the loss of many loved ones, and he learns to live with his father’s alcoholism. Eventually, he decides to attend school outside of the “rez,” which alienates many community members and his best friend Rowdy. He does, however, discover his academic abilities, and he learns to play the game of basketball better than he could ever have imagined.

Critical Evaluation

The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is a surprising joy to read. Told in first person, readers learn to experience the trials and tribulations that Arnold experiences as an Indian who decides to attend school outside of the reservation. He suffers racism, problems with self-esteem, and the loss of family members. The book contains an abundance of themes for discussion. And, the story is a beautiful mixture of pleasure and pain.

Reader's Annotation

Arnold is an Indian boy who was born with water on the brain. He leaves his reservation to attend school where he believes he will find what he is looking for – a way out!

About the Author

Sherman Alexie was born on October 7, 1966. As a child, her grew up on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Wellpinit, Washington. His experiences on this reservation inspired the writing of his novel The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian and his later works entitled The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven and Smoke Signals. Alexie has been named one of Granta’s Best Young American Novelists, and his book Indian Killer (1996), was a New York Times Notable Book.

Genre

Fiction: Humor

Curriculum Ties

Language Arts, Social Studies, Social Sciences

Booktalking Ideas

Arnold is a boy who was born with what they call water on the brain. He lives on a Native American/Indian Reservation where everyone knows everyone, and no one ever gets out. Arnold eventually discovers the world outside of the rez holds more opportunities than he could ever have imagined. Read Sherman Alexie’s Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. I guarantee, you will not be disappointed!

Reading Level/Interest Age

Young Adult

Reason for Book Selection

This book was my favorite read over the past couple of months. I laughed, cried, and felt emotionally drained when I was finished. And, that’s what I am always looking for in a good book!