The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

I loved it – it made me (and my husband when I read out loud to him) laugh out loud. The drawings and the tone kept me chuckling, even though the gist of the matter was sad. I’ve read books about ancient Native Americans, but nothing about current Indians. (Am I allowed to say “Indian?”) What a sad state the “rez” is in – the alcohol and non-alcohol related deaths – Junior has seen more deaths in his 15 years than I ever have. And if they don’t die, they live a life, as he says, with no hope. No one has gone to college; they live in absolute poverty. Yet there is his grandmother who lived without a drop of booze, and traveled all over the world. And there’s Rowdy, who lives with his drunk father and is angry at the world, yet is a rock to Junior – a devoted friend. Moments I liked: when Arnold realizes he’s “goliath” after beating the rez’s basketball team; when the billionaire tries to return the powwow dress, only to find out that Junior’s grandmother never danced in a powwow; when Roger offers Arnold a ride home.

This is a great choice for Positive Identity: While Junior feels limited by the reservation, he certainly has control over what happens to him. And again, he has limits due to transportation and money, but makes things happen – his own control. Self-esteem is trickier – Junior is realistic, and acknowledges and appreciates his intelligence; but he undervalues his basketball skills. I was as shocked as Arnold about him becoming the star basketball player.  He is trying to find a purpose in his life by going to Rearden, but just staying Alive isn’t really a purpose.  By the time the book ends, though, it seems he has found one.  But is his purpose being a good friend with Rowdy or making friends in a different world or being a good basketball player, or something else entirely?  Arnold’s view of his future is tainted by his surroundings – in one season he loses his grandmother, his father’s best friend, and his sister.  He pictures himself “wandering” for his future.  Positive?  I don’t know, but it made me feel hopeful for him.

	Personal power	Young person feels he or she has control over “things that happen to me.”
	Self-esteem	Young person reports having a high self-esteem.
	Sense of purpose	Young person reports that “my life has a purpose.”
	Positive view of personal future	Young person is optimistic about her or his personal future.