Summary: Arnold, aka, Junior, is the main character in “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie. Junior lives on a reservation and has one good friend named Rowdy. Junior and Rowdy play together a lot but often suffer from poverty, sickness, and alcoholism. Realizing that he isn’t going to become anyone unless he leaves the reservations school, he decides to move to an all white school. Meanwhile, he has to live with a friend and family who resent his actions. He also has to navigate through tragedies while becoming a really good basketball player.
Reflection: It was a really open book and first person, which helps in portraying the emotions and inside mind of a teenager. While there were many deep and controversial issues and it has been a banned book, it is a book that can help others pull themselves up out of the many things that bring them down in their own life.
Pros and cons: It portrays real-life issues that have been overlooked (+). I can’t really think of any negatives. I really always enjoy illustrations in books.
Intended audience: middle school and high school libraries. Ages: 14-18.
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