The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Author: Alexi, Sherman (1966 - ) 
Illustrator: Forney, Ellen (1968- ) 
Copyright: 2007

ISBN:  978-0-316-01368-0 

Dewey Decimal Number: Fic ELI

Reading Range:  ATOS Book Level = 4.0;

                              Interest Level = Upper Grades;

                              AR Points = 6.0

Book Connection:  Of high interest for readers who are of

                                  “other” culture living in “white culture”

This is a semi-autobiographical story about growing up on an American Indian Reservation while trying to fit into the “white world.”  Told in first person, Junior shares interesting bits of his life as he discovers that life on “the Rez” offers no future, and he works to become more than an alcoholic.  This story is told with the humor of a teenager, and the many characters are shared in a playful manner.  Overall, a very difficult situation is shared in a palatable—in fact, delightful—way; and we come away full of admiration and appreciation for those who have this unique cultural struggle.

Boosting SILAS MARNER

Silas Marner:  The Weaver of Raveloe –by George Eliot

Author: Eliot, George [Evans, Mary Anne] (1819-1880) 

This is your Librarian, Mrs. Meier's, favorite book of all time; so it's especially exciting to have found this beautifully-illustrated copy on the Gutenberg Project (free downloadable eBooks!)!  Everyone can enjoy this amazing copy at no cost!

This jewel of a book is an old classic, but--in spite of its perfectly-placed setting of Old England--it transcends time.  It is a story of class-disparity, of loss, and of resurrection.

An young weaver, Silas Marner, is betrayed by his best friend and his tight, religious community. Having lost his betrothed and his high standing, Silas moves out of the city and into a quaint old country community in the England of the 17th Century.  

Silas comes to love only gold and his solitude until a little girl brings him hope and love.  Can he survive if he loses her, too?