Annotation
Junior wanted to take matters into his own hands, in case he ended up like his parents, his sister, and every other Indian in the rez. He leaves his school and goes to an all white school, to better his future. There he slowly learns about who he is and how different people are outside the rez.
Justification for Nomination
The story starts out with Junior telling us about how he was born with cerebrospinal fluid and how he thought of himself. His best friend was Rowdy and they've been best friend since birth. Junior was picked on by everyone in school, but Rowdy was always there to back him up.
After the first day of high school, and opening his geometry book, he was surprised by how old the book was, because it was the same book his mother used when she was in school. He threw the book at his teacher's face and was then suspended. After some inspiring words from his geometry teacher, Junior took matters into his own hands as he asked his parents to let him transfer to the all white school. To his surprise, his parents agreed.
Things were different, and it was a big culture clash. Things that they did in the all white school was different from what they did at the schools in the rez. Junior managed to make friends easily, but tried to keep his friendship with Rowdy, even though he hated Junior for leaving. Junior ended up getting a girlfriend and becoming good friends with the smartest kid in school and Roger, who he had punched because he bullied him.
The Absolutely True Story of a Part-time Indian was a hilarious book. It keeps you laughing and well engaged. Junior's character was well presented. This is a great book for young adults who are struggling to just get on with life. Like Junior, some teens just need the boost of confidence, a helping hand, or someone to tell them that they can do it if they just take lead. Sometimes, you just have to take matters into your own hands and make it happen, since nothing comes easily.
The Absolutely True Story of a Part-time Indian was about understanding what you want and that you shouldn't be afraid to do things on your own. Sometimes it'll get tough, but you'll get through it. I think that Alexie represented Junior's character well. The story can easily relate to any teen's life as they are struggling to get by. Whether it's being bullied, being different, lack of self-motivation, or simply just understanding your own culture.
I think what I liked most was that Junior still took his culture into consideration. Saying that it was what made him who is he and that it's something that represents him, even if others see it badly, he still sees the good in it.
"How about I say that it makes me feel like I've had to grow up really fast, too fast, and that I've come to realize that every single moment of my life is important. And that every choice I make is important. And that a basketball game, even a game between two small schools in the middle of no where, can be the difference between being happy and being miserable for the rest of my life." - Junior (page 184).
Genre Multicultural | Coming-of-Age | Humor | Realistic Fiction
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