2015 Reading Challenge- A Banned Book

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Published By: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Read: April 4-6, 2015

Rating: 4 stars

You can buy this book here.

Goodreads Synopsis

Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Determined to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school on the rez to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot. Heartbreaking, funny, and beautifully written, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, which is based on the author’s own experiences, coupled with poignant drawings that reflect the character’s art, chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he thought he was destined to live.

This was an excellent story about a young boy who wanted more than was expected of him. A boy who dared to step out of his comfort zone and strive for more. Junior is forced to try and find his place in two communities, neither of which are ready to accept him as he is.

This book managed to touch on so many important issues and do so in a fun way. The book is filled with Junior’s doodles and note, which he uses as a way to understand the world around him.

I adored this book. I thought it was cute and fun and important. I think that it something that people of all ages should take the time to read. It is real. It shows what is really going on in Junior’s mind and touches on subjects that make some people uncomfortable, like racism and sex. Unfortunately for these reasons it has been banned from several schools, including one close to my hometown. It is disappointing that people are still afraid of what is written in the pages of a book.

Recommended for Fans of: Young Adult, Humor, and Sticking it to the Man

Suggested to Read Next: The Perks of Being a Wallflower