The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian.

Alexie, S. (2007).  The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian.  NY:  Little Brown.




Arnold is a 14 year old boy who lives in an Indian reservation with his family.  He was born with hydrocephalus and is often bullied because of his appearance.  Rowdy is his only friend and also the school bully.  Rowdy is also Arnold's protector.  Arnold gets into some trouble at school and decides to move to another school made up of mostly white students.  Not an easy decision to live by. Eventually he makes friends and makes the varsity basketball team.  He faced many struggles throughout, including the death of his grandmother, sister and family friend.   
According to Havighurst's theory of development:  adolescents need to get along with peers, Arnold continually struggles with this.  He fights both with Rowdy his best friend and with kids at the white school.  It is a struggle that not only has to do with growing up, but also with how society and his tribe sees him.
This is a great book for students in 6th grade and above.  It's a great modern realistic fiction story that gives a great vivid picture of an Indian boy growing up in the "rez".
Several themes are covered in this book including bullying, friendships, death, violence, and dreams.  It can be used to teach many lessons, but most important it's a great resource to use to help students connect and learn about acceptance and self-motivation. 


Readers may also enjoy:  The Business of Fancydancing, a collection of short stories and poems by the author.


Book(s) with Similar Theme
Crowley, C. (2010).  A.little wanting song.  New York:  Alfred A. Knopf.