The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Trace the story of Arnold “Junior” Spirit, and his experiences straddling two different worlds: his home on the Spokane Indian Reservation, where poverty and alcoholism are prevalent, and his place at the nearby all-white high school, where the only other Indian is the school mascot. Heartbreaking, but funny, the story is based on the author’s own experiences and chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he was destined to live. There are very few opportunities on the reservation and loss and grief are a regular part of life. It’s even harder for Junior who is regularly the target of bullies. At his high school, Junior must prove his worth to his teachers, the students, and himself most of all. Though he struggles with his identity, Junior begins to make friends, succeed academically, and build a community. Life seems to be improving, despite Junior’s feeling of being pulled between his two worlds. Throughout his journey, Junior grapples with questions about growing up and what constitutes one’s community and identity.