1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Alexie, Sherman. 2007. THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN. New York: Little, Brown & Company. ISBN 978-0-316-01368-0.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Arnold Spirit was different from most of the other Spokane Indians on the reservation. He considered himself both deficient and exceptional. He was bullied by everyone, including his best friend, Rowdy. He was skinny, awkward and had a disproportionate head. However, he was also smart, but even more importantly, he was hopeful. He decided that his only chance to make something of his life was to attend a better school off of the reservation. At Reardan High School, his life was still full of challenges and grief, but at least he had a chance to make something of himself.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This book is a paradox. It is both hilarious and heartbreaking. Arnold Spirit is an extraordinary character. His matter-of-fact narration sheds an honest light on the overwhelming challenges on Native American reservations. The issues of alcoholism, poor education, mental illness and empty government promises all have devastating effects on Arnold and his family.
The befitting diction and syntax, along with the teenage humor, bring the voice of the narrator to life. His wit is so entertaining. In the same paragraph, Alexie will juxtapose humor with hardship. For example, Arnold describes the hunger that comes along with poverty, and then starts to talk about KFC chicken and says …“a good piece of chicken can make anybody believe in the existence of God.”
The theme of alcoholism is very poignant throughout the story. All four of the deaths that the Spirit family grieve are alcohol-related. Arnold’s young point of view is able to see the consequences of the adults’ choices around him, but he is powerless to affect them. On the other hand, he does have power over his own decisions. It is inspiring to see Arnold break the mold of his family and tribe, and make strides toward success in his life. The theme of hope balances out the sadness within the book.
4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
ALA Notable Children's Books, 2008
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books starred, (October 2007)
Horn Book Magazine starred, (September 2007)
Kirkus Reviews starred, (July 2007)
Publishers Weekly starred, (August 2007)
School Library Journal starred, (September 2007)
Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) starred, (August 2007)
5. CONNECTIONS
*Whether is during Native American Heritage month in November, or just a study of American Indian Reservations, this book would coordinate well with other books like, The Second Chance of Benjamin Waterfalls, by James Bird, or Walking in Two Worlds, by Wab Kinew or The Heart of a Chief, by Joseph Bruchac.
*Warning: this book does contain adult language.
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