The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

2007

Sherman Alexie's award-winning novel, "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" is a heartfelt and humorous coming-of-age story. Set on the Spokane Indian Reservation, the story follows Junior, a talented cartoonist who leaves his school on the reservation to attend an all-white high school in a farm town. The only other Indian in the school is the mascot. Through the struggles of poverty, racism, addiction, and illness, Junior battles to rise above the labels society has placed on him. The book is based on Alexie's own experiences and is illustrated with poignant drawings by Ellen Forney. A must-read for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider, this novel is powerful and unforgettable.