The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie is a well crafted, intriguing story about Arnold Spirit, a teenage Native American boy. As I was reading the book, I was taken aback by some of the "strong" language used. When I tried to put myself back into the mind of a teenager, I realized that this style would definitely grab the attention of a young adult reader. The book is filled with many scenarios that could lead to rich discussion about many topics such as the plight of Native Americans, race relations, poverty, alcoholism and coming of age issues. Though, I must admit, I found myself wondering how I would teach around those "prickly" sections.
When I first started reading the novel, I found I was bracing myself for a very sad, depressing story. I am happy to say that underestimated my ability to push through my emotions. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. Yes, there are sad and depressing parts to the story but there are heartwarming and funny parts too. Alexie mixes the right amount of humor with reality to make the content palatable.
Throughout the story, I was most drawn to two characters; Arnold and Rowdy. In the beginning, I was so impressed with their friendship. I was happy that Arnold had a best friend who overlooked all of the issues with which he was born. I was therefore very upset with the way that Rowdy treated Arnold after his decision to better himself by attending High School in Reardan. I had hoped that Rowdy would go as well so that the two would have each other as they entered that new world. I felt Arnold's confusion as to why Rowdy was treating him so poorly. I actually gasped when Rowdy punched Arnold after telling Rowdy that he was attending school in Reardan and then again at the way Rowdy treated him during the basketball game. Ultimately, I came to the conclusion that each character serves a purpose for illuminating one of the overall themes of the book - that of HOPE. Arnold represents hope and Rowdy represents hopelessness. Arnold did not accept that his life needed to follow the paths of his parents. Perhaps since he had to struggle since his very birth, Arnold learned to be a fighter, overcoming the odds. He had hope, hope that he could make something of himself. With that hope came the strength he needed to succeed. Rowdy didn't have that hope and therefore, while physically stronger, was the weaker character. I was encouraged at the end of the book when Rowdy and Arnold seemed to reconcile. Perhaps Arnold had enough hope to share with his friend.
I also enjoyed the illustrations used throughout the book. I totally agreed with Arnold's assessment of words versus pictures; that words are limiting and pictures are universal. Many of the illustrations could serve as springboards to lively discussions about many topics. I could see an entire lesson being structured around the illustration of the half white/half Indian boy. Overall, I feel that The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian would be a welcome addition to either a Reading or Social Studies curriculum.
