The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Sherman Alexie's semi-autobiographical novel follows Arnold Spirit Jr., or Junior, a 14-year-old Native American boy with hydrocephalus, as he leaves his Spokane Indian Reservation school for an all-white high school. Told through Junior's candid narration and his comic drawings, the book explores his struggles with poverty, racism, bullying, and the alcoholism prevalent in his community. Junior navigates the complexities of fitting into a new world while staying true to his heritage, experiencing profound loss, and ultimately finding his voice and identity. This critically acclaimed but frequently challenged book offers a raw, humorous, and poignant look at the challenges faced by Native American youth.

Budding cartoonist Junior leaves his troubled school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white farm town school where the only other Indian is the school mascot.