The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Julie, Judy, Charles, and Daniel

Summary

• Main character: Arnold Spirit (Native American, 14-year-old teen); lives on the Spokane Indian Reservation.

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Right: Picture of author Sherman Alexie.

Summary (cont’d)

• Junior’s best friend is Rowdy.
• Junior throws a book and breaks a teacher’s nose.
• Junior transfers off the reservation to the white high school in neighboring Reardan
• Rowdy stops being his friend.
• Junior is at first ignored by his new classmates.

Summary (end)

• Junior become friends with Roger the jock.
• He has a girlfriend, Penelope; he makes friends with one of the nerds (Gordy).
• Rowdy gives him a concussion during a basketball game.
• Junior wins a second match against his former school.
• Junior’s grandma dies
• His his sister moves away and dies; and his uncle dies as well.
• At the end of the school year, Rowdy and Junior become friends again.

Age Range Recommendation

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• Suitable for grades 8-12
• Recommended for grade 9/10
• Coarse language
• Mature themes (e.g. racism, abuse)
• Easy to read
• Cartoons
• Later in the term/year

Racism

• Name Calling
• Stereotypes
• Discrimination

Identity

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• Junior struggles with his identity throughout the novel. His identity changes throughout the text from seeing himself as a weakling the beginning of the book to becoming more sure of himself and what he actually has accomplished at the end of the novel

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Perseverance

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• The novel theme of Junior beating the odds is prevalent in every chapter of the book.From his birth to his life on and off the reservation.

Our Recommended Activity

Comic Connection

• 2 passages, choose 1
• Draw a cartoon/comic that connects to the passage

Alternative for students who don’t wish to draw. Comic Creator

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Example 1

“I am going to Rearden tomorrow”

Example 2

“Such a retard”

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Passage

Choices

On Being Poor

An Apple

Sherman Alexie

Are you poor?

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Possible responses.

Merits

• appeal to boys, basketball players

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• Easy read

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• The comics are a wonderful addition

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• Author is award winner and celebrated

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• Discusses disability challenges / addresses bullying

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• Addresses overcoming adversity

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• Pro-family unity, value of loyal friendships

Merits - Discussion Resources

Possible Discussion Questions

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Why is it important for YA books to earn awards?

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Why is the way in which characters with physical challenges portrayed important to society?

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Many YA novels are about overcoming adversity? Why is this theme important for youth readers?

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What is the function of a book review?

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Teacher/Student Resources

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• Author Award site

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• Huffington Post Article - Stories about people with physical challenges

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• YA fiction about overcoming adversity

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• Guardian Book review “A Brave Life”

Challenges

• Author was accused of sexual misconduct.

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• Author accused of stereotyping aboriginals - especially those on reservations

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• Portrays realistic bullying, racist attitudes, and violence

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• Frankly discusses teenage sexuality (masturbation, fantasy)

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Challenges - Discussion Resources

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• Why is a negative portrayal of reservation life controversial?

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• Can you separate art from the artist? (See NYT article opposite)?

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• Why would there be such a backlash for one writing honestly about their own life experiences?

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• Would you continue to read or listen to an artist who is accused of a crime such as sexual misconduct? Convicted of such a crime?

• Some background re: Sherman Alexie allegations
• Why Alexies sexual misconduct feels like a betrayal - Monique Laban article
• On #metoo accused in general
• Can You Separate art from artist?
• New York Times article - Now what do we do with their work?

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• Wikipedia entry - with description of controversies
• Why book is controversial and should be read
• Negative stereotypes analysis of novel

Discussion

Comments? Questions?