Book Review: The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian

Written by Sherman Alexie

Reviewed by Jovaughn Lane, age 14

The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie, is about a 14-year-old Native American boy named Arnold Spirit. Arnold is also known as Junior. He lives on the Spokane Indian Reservation in the state of Washington.
On the reservation Junior encounters many problems including poverty, violence, and alcohol. After he talks to one of his high school teachers, he makes the decision to leave the reservation and go to an all-white school called Reardan. He hopes to have a more successful future.
When he first arrives at his new school, he again encounters problems. This time his problems involve bullying and just fitting in. Junior is the only Native American student at the school.
Back on the reservation, things are going bad too. Junior’s best friend Rowdy decides to stop associating with him, after they get into a fight. Rowdy feels like Junior is a big traitor because he is leaving the ways of the reservation to go to an all-white school. Just as it seems as his whole life is about to go down the drain.
Back at school, Junior tries out for the basketball team and makes varsity. He starts to make friends. His school becomes a place where Junior finds opportunities for his future. He also learns to appreciate his heritage and understand what it means to be a “part-time Indian”.
The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian is a very humorous and intriguing book. It shows real life situations such as bullying, prejudices, and poverty. The author pulls the reader into the story with his humorous yet serious writing style. I found Sherman Alexie’s storytelling ability amazing. Also on most pages there are cartoons that are quite funny and they fit greatly with the book.
I recommend this book to middle and high school students. It’s a very fun and interesting read.