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.