Book Review: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Publisher: ‎ Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Paperback Publication Date: April 1, 2009
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Arnold “Junior” Spirit is a Spokane Indian living on the rez. One of his high school teachers persuades him to transfer from the reservation high school to the local white high school so he can get a better education. Arnold encounters grief from both Indians and white people for this decision. One way he copes with the stress is to draw cartoons, which are included in the book.

This book was funny and heartbreaking at the same time. It addresses the issues of racism and white privilege without being heavy-handed. Any teenager who reads this book will learn a lot without even realizing it and they will have some laughs too.

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