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

A National Book Award winner
A Boston Globe-Horn Book Award winner
Bestselling author Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, 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, which is based on the author's own experiences, 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.
With a forward by Markus Zusak, interviews with Sherman Alexie and Ellen Forney, and black-and-white interior art throughout, this edition is perfect for fans and collectors alike.
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Community Reviews
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.
Trigger warnings: Homophobia, cursing, racism, violence, alcoholism, drunk driving, car accidents, eating disorders, murder, bullying, stereotyping
Quick and fun read.
Junior is very funny.
Also I didn't know it was illustrated !
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