The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (National Book Award Winner)

A New York Times bestseller--over one million copies sold!
A National Book Award winner
A Boston Globe-Horn Book Award winner

Bestselling and award winning author Sherman Alexie tells the hearbreaking yet funny story about a boy living on the Spokane Indian Reservation who wants to break free of the life he was destined to live.

Junior is a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Determined to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school on the rez to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot.

Heartbreaking, funny, and beautifully written, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, based on the author's own experiences and coupled with poignant drawings by Ellen Forney that reflect the character's art, chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he was destined to live.

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Published Apr 1, 2009

288 pages

Average rating: 7.48

197 RATINGS

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Lifeasmrssmith

Nov 09, 2023

10/10 stars

I don’t think I’ve ever laughed out loud so much for a book. This reminded me so much of my best friend and her sisters growing up on the Rez. and how they joke and how they cry and how they survived. This book was amazing. I highly recommend it.

Suzanne82

Aug 16, 2025

8/10 stars

A great read, which I think middle schoolers and up would love. The main character, a high school freshman named Junior (and Arnold), narrates a very perceptive perspective (say that 4 times fast!) on his attempt to navigate two cultures. It's almost too perceptive and wise for a 14/15-year-old, but the voice makes it absolutely believable, entertaining, and poignant.

I want to put this in my 7th/8th grade classroom library, but there is some potentially offensive language and content, including brief and casual discussion of masturbation (hey, it's a 15-year-old boy's diary); repeated, realistic, but not excessive swearing; and a bit of dialogue that includes homophobic insults (a couple of friends calling each other 'faggot.') Everything about this book provides rich fodder for discussion, the least of which are these peripheral issues.

It is also worth mentioning the great cartoons in the diary that say as much about Junior's experiences as his writing does. There is a constant and masterful balance of reality, cynicism, and humor. Truly a work of art that any person - middle-schooler or adult - can take meaning from.

wardbunch

Mar 26, 2025

10/10 stars

Fantastic. Very realistic based on my experiences on and near Reservations. Banned book???!!!

MaggieParedes

Feb 10, 2025

10/10 stars

What an absolutely funny, thought-provoking, heart-wrenching story of finding hope in the least expected place in the United States. I enjoyed every second of this quick read! This book is my first five star read of 2025, and it’s also a banned book.

Trigger warnings: Homophobia, cursing, racism, violence, alcoholism, drunk driving, car accidents, eating disorders, murder, bullying, stereotyping

Shahna

Jul 18, 2024

8/10 stars

Really enjoyed this one.
Quick and fun read.
Junior is very funny.
Also I didn't know it was illustrated !