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This is the sad and hilarious story of Arnold “Junior�� Spirit, a young Spokane Indian born with hydrocephalus and a range of other issues. He only has one friend and comes from a troubled yet loving family. Determined to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his failing school on the reservation to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot. As the story progresses, Junior grapples with his decision while trying to figure out his identity in the new surroundings. With the additions of teenage love, rivalry, and basketball the author has enough story lines to keep readers riveted. The fabulous illustrations by Ellen Forney chronicle the adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he thought he was destined to live.

Junior is one of the funniest and most endearing characters I've ever come across. You find yourself laughing at the same time your heart is breaking for this poor young boy. The book is so original, and while it initially reminded me of “Wonder�� by R. J. Palacio, it turned out to be a completely different style and story. The many characters both on and off the reservation are fully dawn and worthy of compassion. The illustrations fit perfectly into a story that is told with raw emotion mixed with humor. It's a young adult book but the amazingly written tale of racism, homophobia, love, compassion, teen life, life on reservations, and acceptance will appeal to readers of all ages.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian has been a National Book Award winner as well as an ALA Banned Book. There is some gritty material including swearing, racism, homophobia, references to masturbation, erections, and alcoholism is a major theme.

Excellent review! I really loved this book too. Some complain that indigenous books are too depressing, but this is a pleasure to read.

Was this for the Hysterical Tag?