the absolutely true diary of a part time indian review

I did find the content too mature for 10-year-olds and would not recommend this for anyone below high school age. While the reader may not approve of much of the behavior exhibited in this book, they would have to have a heart of stone not to leave it with a heightened sense of empathy and compassion for the plight of First Nations young people. He doesn’t sugarcoat the violence and alcoholism rampant on the reservation but subtly helps the reader to understand its roots. Using a mixture of humor and stark accounts of personal tragedy, Sherman portrays a realistic and admirable young man fighting for his future. Junior has to find ways to travel the 22 miles to attend. In spite of being shunned by everyone on the reservation, Junior decides to attend a white school which provides the students with up-to-date materials and better opportunities. However, once I picked up The Absolutely True Diary, I simply couldn’t put it down. I’ve always believed Alexie had important things to say, and while I’ve appreciated his points, his writing style gave me a headache.

Junior refuses to play the hand dealt him. But when a friend recommended his YA book, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, I had to give him another try. He is a victim of racism but is also bullied by his own people. Told through the viewpoint of Junior, an adolescent on the Spokane Indian reserve, it vividly brings home the despair of growing up in poverty, surrounded by a sense of hopelessness. Even thought it is based on the true experiences of children that age, the topics are deep, difficult, and disturbing. I don’t think students that young will be able to see past the vulgarity, etc. It’s clear why this gutsy book is a National Book Award Winner but I don’t agree with it being used in elementary school.

Click here to buy The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

The absolutely true diary of a part time indian review