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

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Reviewed by Suzanne Dlugolonski, Teen Services Librarian 

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is Sherman Alexie’s fifth novel and his first for teen readers.  It chronicles Arnold “Junior” Sprit’s freshman year of high school.  Junior, after the first day of ninth grade, decides to leave the reservation school and attend a local public high school where he is the only non-white student.  Semiautobiographical, Alexie explores themes of identity, community, death, and life. 

Born with a myriad of health problems, Junior finds life on the reservation to be a dead-end.  He laments his future if he stays, and decides to transfer to another school.  Despite the odds stacked against him—including having to often walk the 22 miles home from school—Junior carves himself a little niche at Reardon High School.  But things are not perfect for Junior.  His best friend from the reservation, Rowdy, despises him for leaving.  Then, without the support of his best friend, Junior must mourn some tragic family deaths alone. 

Junior is a fresh, new voice.  An honest, matter-of-fact protagonist, readers will find themselves rooting for Junior rather than pitying him.  Author Sherman Alexie strikes a wonderful balance between humor and heartbreak making his novel poignant without being overwrought.  Tackling a very personal subject matter, Alexie delivers a story of hope.  Coupled with Ellen Forney’s endearing artwork, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is an unforgettable read for teens and young adults. 

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian has already won the 2007 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature.  It received a Starred Review from School Library Journal who also named it to its Best Books of 2007.  Other accolades include: Publisher’s Weekly 2007 Best Books of the Year Children’s Fiction, The New York Times Notable Children’s Books of 2007, Amazon.com Best Books of 2007, Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2007, and Kansas City Star’s Top 100 Books of the Year.  

For an updated list of awards and to read journal reviews visit Sherman Alexie’s website.  The Lewiston Public Library owns one copy; can be reserved through NIOGA.