Title: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Author: Sherman Alexie
ISBN: 978-0-316-01369-7
Recommended Grade Level of Reader: 7th to 10th
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Media Type: Book
Copyright: 2009
Genre: Fiction
Reader's Annotation: Arnold has a lot of cards stacked against him, but through his drawings and experiences on and off of the rez he develops a sense of self-awareness that is profound and heartwarming.
Plot Summary: Told through the eyes of a teenage male protagonist, this book follows the everyday life of Arnold Spirit on an Indian reservation in Washington State. Arnold deals with mature issues such as death, alcoholism, and his own disability throughout the course of the narrative. He also faces the normal trials and tribulations of American teenagers including changing schools and feeling like an outcast. Despite the issues at hand, Arnold retains a sense of humor that is both appealing and comforting to the reader.
Evaluation: (A+) Arnold’s story is told through writing as well as unique illustration. The author supplements Arnold’s tale by including Arnold’s pencil drawings which helps to deliver the story and is effective in developing the main character. With the pencil drawings, one can more clearly see Arnold's perceptions of his surroundings. Additionally, the humor interjected into the novel will make this book difficult to put down.
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