The Absolutely True Diary of a
Part-Time IndianBy Sherman Alexie
This book is about Arthur Spirit aka Junior, a teenage
Spokane Indian boy who lives on a reservation called Wellpinit in Washington.
Perpetual poverty, alcoholism, poverty, high death rates Transfers off reservation to white and racist Rearden high
school Believes that he will have a better future if he leaves the
reservation. Experiences a lot of discrimination at Rearden High School. Overcomes the stereotypes and assimilates into a new
culture
Introduction
Transferring to ReardenResponse from Junior’s tribe members
BetrayalBegins the perception that Junior ‘turns white’
Stereotypes and Discrimination at ReardenCall Junior names because he is differentSchool mascot is an IndianIncident between Junior and a group of bullies- follows norms of his culture“I felt like someone had put me in a space ship and blasted me to another planet.”
Final Basketball GameLast game is symbolic of Junior’s struggleBetween Rearden and WellpinitImportant realization