The Absolutely True Diary of A Part-time Indian.

Junior is a teenage boy who lives on an Indian reservation (rez) who finally decides to that he wants to make something of himself and receive a better education. He is always getting picked on at the rez because he is awkward, nerdy and he was born with medical problems. On his first day of high school he sees that he is using the same book his mother did ages and throws the book. When his teacher arrives at his house to talk to him he is advised that they only way he will make a living is by getting out of the rez. Junior then decides that he wants to attend a different school 22 miles away where he will be the only Indian. Throughout the transition Junior deals with several deaths in his family including his own sister, being bullied, losing his best friend Rowdy, and walking to school because his parents don’t have enough gas money. Through his hardships and his perseverance he is finding acceptance and respect at the rez and his new school.

This book has several cartoons throughout that I thought were humorous. I found Junior's friend Rowdy hilarious on the things he would do like sending an email with a picture of his butt! I literally could not put this book down. It shows that if you’re determined to achieve something you will have to go through trials and tribulations to reach it. 

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

Special Note: This book is usually on the banned book list as it mentions certain topics that are can be inappropriate for young audiences.