Ram Readers Spring 2019 discussion

This book has been banned in many places. I am curious to read your thoughts.

This book was a good mix of all kinds of emotions, especially funny. While reading “The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” I kept laughing at how Arnold was trying to make light of some of the bad things in his life. For example, how poor he was, and how he felt when he was lonely. As a teacher, you can’t stop thinking of how secondary school students would react to some of the word choices the author chooses to use when trying to make the story a bit funny. You can tell why parents would not want their child to read this type of book with this type of words. I have to really talk to the students beforehand about being civilized and not try to make a big deal about some words that the author wrote.

I think that the author really knew who his readers were going to be because those jokes are made for adolescents. I feel that students in the classes might understand what Arnold is going through though because many of the students aren’t so privilege to be born into riches and have everything given to them on a gold platter. They know how much their parents have to work for them to have what they have. Students that have immigrant parents or parents of color know that fear of the law as Arnold's parents and every Indian in the Rez did when police stop them for just being the color that they are. How sometimes even the students might feel like Arnold, defeated just because they were not born with the luxury of thinking that your dreams for your future might actually come true. All these students see around their environment is family members and friends working minimum wage jobs that don’t pay that well, and no one ever even went to college. Students think that maybe that is their future as well. They set themselves up for failure without ever giving themselves a chance as Rowdy did in this book. I can see how so many students can see themselves in many of these characters. I love the hope and inspiration this book can give the students to believe they can be anything they want to be if they try their best and give it there all. The students can see how scared Arnold was when making a huge change for himself by taking a huge step into his future when he left his old school and went to his new school. How at some points Arnold wanted to give up, but he chose to keep going and fight the battles that life might throw at him. Arnold was a warrior because he wanted to fight for his future, and by reading this book I hope the students that read this can be warriors and fight for their own dreams and aspirations. I LOVE how the book even gives teachers Discussion Guides for students to discuss what they thought the author really meant in parts of the book. It makes the job of a teacher easier when it comes to great stopping points for students to really think of the meaning of sentence or paragraph. In all, I loved the book and the message the book tries to convey.

The novel tells the story of a boy whose name is Arnold or Junior and he is an Indian. Because he was dissatisfied with the living conditions of the reservation and he decided to transfer to an all-white publish high school far away from home. His actions were seen as a betrayal by his friends, and he also was seen as an outlier by his white classmates. However, Junior has a tough and never give spirit. Through his efforts, he not only gained the understanding of his friends, but also was accepted by his white classmates.

I think Mr.P who is Junior’s geometry teacher is very important, he played a leading role in Junior's attempt to construct a new identity. When Junior threw the book in his face and he did not blame him but confessed to him. Like he said: “You fought off that brain surgery. You fought off those seizures. You fought off all the drunks and drug addicts. You kept your hope. And now, you have to take your hope and go somewhere where other people have hope.” I think Mr.P said this because he felt all the Indians had given up in the face of white oppression. The Indians were convinced of their inferiority, they don't think they can live a better life; They feel that their life should be this way; They have no expectations for the future. That's why, when Junior asked his parents who they thought was the most promising, they exchanged glances and all said, “white man.” However, Junior did not give up. When he decided to transfer to a white school and his parents supported him. Although his friends regarded him as a traitor, they called him “apple”. red on the outside and white on the inside. At the white school, Junior also experienced verbal and physical violence. It was a very difficult time for Junior. In the process of giving up his original Indian identity and trying to construct a new one, he is not only a marginalized person, but more like a person living in the mezzanine. His friends hated him and his new school didn't know him and couldn't possibly accept him. Because of his intelligence and courage, he finally won the respect and recognition of his friends and classmates.

In my opinion, like Arnold, Indians living under the oppression of the American mainstream culture. If they want to gain a new identity construction, they should go out of the reservation and show talent and courage, in this way they gain self-identity and the recognition of the mainstream society.

This book was very interesting to read. I feel that I have somewhat have become "westernized" and not really think about other minorities. This book brought together many issues that are relevant today and told in a way that young adults and older adults are able to relate to the issues, especially if they identify with being a minority. The issues that Arnold has to live through are very rough from not belonging in his tribe to not fitting in with the "white" folks. The main character deals with trying to find his own identity and losing his dog, grandmother, and sister. In my opinion, the tone of the author fit the story very well. This book could be used with 9th grade in my opinion due to the issues that were discussed in the story.

The book The Absolute Truth of a Part-Time Indian was a quick read for me. As I was reading, I could not help but think that I do not recall reading a book of this nature. One because of the ethnicity, two because of the type of language, and three because of how bold and direct it is. There are some sections in the book that I was shocked to read through. Once I thought about if I would use this in the classroom, I know that I would first have to check all of my basis before even bringing it in to the classroom. I know that I would have to have the blessing of my Principle and I would have to have a great argument to want to bring this book into the classroom. I would also have to think of my student’s parents as well. Not everyone finds certain literature to be useful or appropriate. This book has been banned, but I do have a question. When books are banned, does this mean that there is absolutely not way to bring these books into the classroom? Or is it more like a taboo to do this? If anyone knows the answer, please let me know. Even though I found this book to be so bold and direct, I will admit that this book does portray very well as to the thoughts that some teenagers might have. I may not be able to sneak into the brains of teenagers, but I was a teenager once and I remember some of the comments my peers would have during that time period. Already adults do not want to deal with adolescents and probably want to stay away from their kind of thoughts and behavior. So reading this book is one where it would not be appealing to everyone.

I like Mr. P and how after years of teaching he finally made a reflection of how things were and how or what he could do to help. Even if this meant helping at least one student. And he does when he goes to talk to Junior after he hits him with a book on his face. Mr. P feels that the Indians have been taken for granted and that even the Indians feel like they cannot reach any higher than what the Reservation provides for them. All of junior’s life he has been fighting. He fought when he was born, fought during the seizures he was having and got through all the drunks. Mr. P talks to Junior and advices him to get out of the Reservation and to reach for something more to better himself and raise his expectations so that he can have a better future. I can see how most everyone had their place in the book, but I did have a hard time with Junior’s sister. She was usually always in the basement and out of no where she marries and leave her home. It is known through Mr. P that she once was a good writer and liked to write romance novels. Although she was too shy to make it out public and without the support she gives up and instead she lives a romance story. Once married she tries to look for a job but has no luck. She ends up passing away in a state of being drunk. The only possible explanation I can come up with is that Junior represents all those who are oppressed that fight to better themselves in life and break those bias or stereotypes by example. Junior’s sister to me represented those who do not do more for themselves and instead stay where they are at in life for whatever reasons. This could be due to lack of guidance, support, shyness, being afraid to fail, or having others judge them. It is just very sad when this happens and worse to know that this happens to millions of people.

Linrui wrote: "The novel tells the story of a boy whose name is Arnold or Junior and he is an Indian. Because he was dissatisfied with the living conditions of the reservation and he decided to transfer to an all..."

After reading your response, I made a connection of why the book was named like so. Junior is a full blooded indian, but once he leaves to a white school Junior finds to be in the mix between his background race and the white community where he spends most of his day and gets his education. He learns new things that he probably would not have had access to back in his reservation, but at the same time he holds on to his identity which is his people at the reservation. Many of his own have given him their backs and his best friend Rowdy hates him. Junior seems to be in the middle and plays in a tugging war trying to find the sweet spot in between. He now belongs in two communities and he is trying to balance them. This is why the book is called The Absolute Truth of a PART-TIME INDIAN.

Nancy wrote: "This book was very interesting to read. I feel that I have somewhat have become "westernized" and not really think about other minorities. This book brought together many issues that are relevant t..."

I was wondering to myself in which grade level I would think it would be appropriate to present this book. I see you think 9th grade, I was thinking more like 10th grade or even 11th grade, but honestly I think I would have to break it down to my type of classes. Not all students can handle a book like this. Some classes seem to be much more mature than others while some reflect better than others. I think I would eventually make this decision based on the maturity level of each of my classes. Of course I would have to also have a conversation to give my students a heads up about it.

I remember at work someone asked me a question about my heritage and I remember that elaborated on the topic, but when I was asked about its meaning, I seemed to get stomped. That is when it hit me: I think I became "Americanized," just like you. I should know certain things coming from that background and when I could not answer that question, I made this realization. So I guess in a way I am personally going through what Junior was going through: keeping my background culture or identity while at the same time fitting-in in this community. If Junior and I are going through this, I am sure many others are going through the same phase and could relate to Junior!

Physical, spiritual or psychological poverty can burst the worst anger. The author described clearly the cycle of powerless, solitude and violence that was fostering a behavior full of vices. That behavior triggered more loses, and of course a deeper solitude.
In only one year, Junior suffered many loses, most of them related to alcohol abuse. It is interesting to know how Junior pounder these loses and try to hold on to any glimpse of hope for a better future. These hard times made him to be more curious about the community rules attached to his cultural heritage. The reservation culture has to overcome stigma hard to fight. Furthermore, Junior needed to make peace between the culture of his new white school and his Indian heritage. This was a difficult decision, he needed to choose between the culture and he had to face disapproval from his own community.
This novel discuss many important issues that are relevant and current. However, I do not want to go over the “violent” language that the author used with my students. The issues are intense already and I would rather use another book to discuss poverty, racism, discrimination and sexuality.

This is definitely a book for high school students because of the topics brought up throughout it. The main character Junior, deals with a lot at such a young age. From the very beginning, he was told that he could die, his sister left his family, his grandmother passes away in a car accident and then finally his sister dies at the end too.
Junior is bullied a lot and is faced with a lot of tough decisions, to act upon the bullying or live with it and be a better person.

I feel like there are a lot of life lessons presented throughout the pages of this novel. The author does a good job of explaining the happenings with a little humor, something that younger adolescents may not catch on to. I think this book also deals a lot with culture and fitting in based on where you come from, which could hit home for many students.

I also like that Junior enjoys drawing, even at a highschool age. It seems like it may be what helps him deal with what goes on in his life. I really liked it when he said, "I draw because I want to talk to the world. And I want the world to pay attention to me. I feel important with a pen in my hand. I feel like I might grow up to be somebody important. An artist. Maybe a famous artist. Maybe a rich artist." I think it could teach students that there are a lot of ways to deal with the tough things that are thrown at us, and there is always a light at the end of a tunnel if you are able to think positively about the future.

Gordy and Junior's conversation was probably my favorite part of the book because Gordy chose his words specifically to fit with Junior's interests, art. He explained to him that you must appreciate all of the parts of a work of art in order to appreciate the entire thing. Then Junior realized and understood that "if every moment of a book should be taken seriously, then every moment of a life should be taken seriously as well." Which would be a fabulous discussion point for students to use in class.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was hilarious, but at the same time it was extremely sad. I see now why this book was banned in some places, but thankfully I was able to check it out from a library. It was very explicit not only with the cursing, but how Junior physically felt as well. I think it takes certain people, with certain humor to be able to read this book without feeling offended. Regardless of the content of this novel, I think it would be a great read for students in high school.

I love how we see the point of view of how a Native American feels to live on a reservation, and to try to better his life by going to an all white school outside of his reservation. I felt Junior's pain when his tribe and family disliked him for switching to another school. I remembered how a family member would constantly remind me, whenever drunk, that I am not an American, and I can not act like one. Junior was simply trying to find a way out from all the hopelessness at his reservation, but that did not mean he had forgotten who he was or where he came from.

I also love the history references, and how the author included some truth about Thanksgiving, how their land was taken away, and that the government does not just give them money. As I was reading the book, I remembered an episode on friends about how Phoebe sings about the truth and the children loved her songs, while the adults did not appreciate it at all. I think that is how people feel about this novel. The young readers love it, but the adults do not.
Phoebe singing video: https://youtu.be/zl4vS9cZzV8

I think this book is very inspiring and shows how if you have hope, determination, and work hard anything is possible. I love how Junior was inspired to leave the reservation by his geometry teacher, and how even though his parents had absolutely no money aside to send him to Reardan, they still managed and tried their best to drive him to school and give hime money for lunch. His parents supported him, regardless of how their tribe felt and treated them for it. His basketball coach, teammates, and new friends believed in him and had high expectations of him. One of my favorite quotes in the book was how, "the power of expectations," can help students succeed. I love that at the end, even Rowdy supported him and told him he was going to go places. I wish he had accepted to join Junior, and attempt to try and be successful by creating a better opportunity for himself by joining Junior at Reardan. I love that despite all his struggles, deaths, and obstacles Junior had in his life, he still managed to look up and keep trying.

I would have liked to have seen how Junior returned to his reservation, after becoming famous, and tried helping his tribe to become successful by giving them hope and showing them that it is possible to move forward, even when "their native land" had been taken away from them. Perhaps, he could have recruited new teachers that actually cared and could motivate the new generation and/or create new jobs that could help their economy.

I also love this quote and would like to make a poster with it: "If you're good at it, and it helps you navigate the river of the world, then it can't be wrong." I feel like most of our students, Title I, have trouble feeling joy and pride in their own work; they are afraid of making mistakes, and helping them find what they are good at and use it to cope or understand the world can help them find joy and accomplishment in their life.

There are many reasons a novel might be added to a banned book list. After reading The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian, I can see why some of the characters’ language would be offensive to a reader. In my opinion, I don’t think the language rises to the level of banning the book. I found the dialogue between Junior and Rowdy illustrates typical banter between teenage males. The slurs they choose to call each other are offensive, but sadly teenage boys often call each other foul names.
Besides language, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian addresses controversial issues in the Native American community. Alcoholism, violence, and poverty affect every character in the novel. I can see how an allegation could be made that the book perpetuates Native American stereotypes. However, from what I know about life on an Indian reservation, the problems depicted in the novel are realistic problems that Native Americans struggle to overcome.
I liked this book. I liked it a lot. I l loved reading about Junior. What a fantastic character. He loves his family, but he knows he doesn’t want the same future as their present. Once he accepts the idea of attending a high school off the rez, he doggedly moves toward his goals. Junior has grit. He suffers tragic setbacks, but he goes to great lengths to continue his education.
As educators, when we talk about children who will be the first generation in their families to attend college, we often focus on the opportunity college affords its students. But those students are leaving their families and communities to attend college. Some of those students find themselves in situations like Junior. As Junior successfully adapts to life in a predominantly white high school, the community he left behind become resentful of those adaptations. I think this is an issue worth discussing. How stressful it must be on a family; the parents who are watching their child change, perhaps becoming in Sherman Alexie’s words a part-time Indian; and the child who wonders if he or she will be able to return to his/her place in the family or community.

I really enjoyed this book! It handles adolescent issues in such a brilliant way. I think this book would be great for ninth grade and up because of the use of vulgar language and imagery but I feel that Sherman Alexie really reaches the targeted audience because of the decision to add in the language and imagery, I don't think the book would have the same meaning with out them. If a teacher approaches students with background info on the book before having them read it and gets permission from not only the school and parents and students know to approach the book with maturity then I don't feel like it would be a big issue. I think most students would really benefit from reading about Arnold's challenges of living on the reservation and his decision to attend an all white school to escape the rez. Arnold faces a lot of the same issues as other adolescents and teens and he chooses to approach them with humor, and I think that approach could be helpful for others. I loved following Arnold in his days at Reardan, he thought the other kids were going to be awful but they ended up being quite the opposite and helped him become not only somewhat normal at Reardan but also a star basketball player. I also enjoyed following the story of Arnold and Rowdy's friendship, they both went through a lot but found out that they needed each other. My favorite quote from the book was " Life is a constant struggle between being an individual and being a member of the community". I think Arnold really struggled with that. He felt like he was sort of cheating on his reservation by moving to Reardan but he decided to do what was best for him and follow his dreams. I loved the title and thought it fit the story extremely well, Arnold was only a part time Indian since he left Wellpinit every day to attend Reardan the all white school, he only felt part Indian.

Lizette wrote: "This book was a good mix of all kinds of emotions, especially funny. While reading “The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” I kept laughing at how Arnold was trying to make light of some of ..."

I completely agree with you Lizette, I think Sherman Alexie wrote the novel with his readers in mind and that's why he chose to include the graphic details and language. I also enjoyed the novel tremendously and find it to be quite funny!

Melissa wrote: "There are many reasons a novel might be added to a banned book list. After reading The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian, I can see why some of the characters’ language would be offensive..."

Melissa, I really enjoyed this book too. I think oftentimes we don't like to be honest with how things are but Sherman Alexie chose to be honest in his writing and truthfully I think that is how 9 out of 10 teenagers speak these days. I too have a hard time understanding why a book needs to be banned because it's simply an honest approach to a very hard subject. I think that this book could do wonders for teens who feel all alone and are hopeless, Arnold's fighting spirit is contagious.

MollyKate wrote: "This is definitely a book for high school students because of the topics brought up throughout it. The main character Junior, deals with a lot at such a young age. From the very beginning, he was t..."

I enjoyed your post. I agree with your assessment of the novel. It is a book that should be read at the secondary level perhaps even by seniors who could identify with Junior’s desperation to escape the rez and the difficulties Junior experiences when he returns to it. It would be a fascinating book to teach, but I know the controversy surrounding the language and content could make it a difficult sell.

Blanca wrote: "Physical, spiritual or psychological poverty can burst the worst anger. The author described clearly the cycle of powerless, solitude and violence that was fostering a behavior full of vices. That ..."

Blanca,

Thank you for your post. I loved the book, but I wondered how students would respond to some of the issues portrayed in the novel. I appreciate your opinion on using another book for your class. I think one of the hardest things to do as a teacher is to assess the maturity of a class and understand what students will see as provocative or unsettling.

Linrui wrote: "The novel tells the story of a boy whose name is Arnold or Junior and he is an Indian. Because he was dissatisfied with the living conditions of the reservation and he decided to transfer to an all..."

I agree with you Linrui!! Mr. P was a big eye-opener for Junior. Without him telling junior to strive for his dreams and get out of a place that's only going to put him down. In a way what the teacher said is very true, sometimes when you see everyone around you fail you don't take a chance to try and strive for better. You think that the same thing is going to happen to you. This happens a lot with the people you are around. When you only have negative people around you who don't believe in you then most of the time you don't believe in yourself either to even try doing something for the betterment of yourself. It was the same time with Junior and Rowdy. Rowdy didn't want to let Junior go to another school so he tried to tell him he is going to fail. I am glad that Junior had it in him to do his best and keep going. I hope that adolescents see that the place you were born in does not define who you're going to be. The only thing that defines that is yourself and how much work you put in to reach for the stars.

Nancy wrote: "This book was very interesting to read. I feel that I have somewhat have become "westernized" and not really think about other minorities. This book brought together many issues that are relevant t..."

I agree with you Nancy, 9th grade would be a good time for students to read this book. For 9th graders, they might feel like they still don't know who they really are and are trying to find themselves. They sometimes act like someone they are not just to impress their friends and be liked by others. This book even goes over an issue that girls face with which is being just the pretty girl. One of the girls in the story was dealing with bulimia and saying how she has this reputation she has to keep up even if she is more than that. It talks about drugs and alcohol that are around teenagers and what can happen to those that do too much of these things. Arnold had to go through her sister dying because she was too drunk to even leave the fire, as well as his grandmother getting ran over by a drunk driver. These things are some things that adolescents might deal with when going through peer pressure. Arnold saw what happens to people that drank too much so he didn't do it. He didn't get peer pressured to doing anything that he knew it was too dangerous. Students also might be facing bullying which this book deals with a lot. Especially when Arnold is listed as a nerd in his high school as well as the white kid's high school. In a way, this book can help students who might be dealing with things that Arnold went through as well as have a few laughs at the choice of words the author uses in the book. With all that said I believe this book will have students wanting to read more and more.

Lizette wrote: "This book was a good mix of all kinds of emotions, especially funny. While reading “The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” I kept laughing at how Arnold was trying to make light of some of ..."

Hi Lizette,
I agree with you. This book can indeed bring hope and inspiration to students. It makes students believe that they can be who they want to be as long as they try their best. I think this is the value of this book, it gives a lot of people courage and strength to face the unpleasant things in life.

Veronica wrote: "I really enjoyed reading this book. It was hilarious, but at the same time it was extremely sad. I see now why this book was banned in some places, but thankfully I was able to check it out from a ..."

Hi Veronica,
I really like your feelings, your analysis is very delicate. I share your feeling that the power of expectation is powerful. No matter what situation we are in, as long as we have expectations, I believe we can succeed.

Nancy wrote: "This book was very interesting to read. I feel that I have somewhat have become "westernized" and not really think about other minorities. This book brought together many issues that are relevant t..."

I agree, this novel would be great for high school students like nine graders. The part where he struggles to find his identity really stood out to me, because I have experienced the same feelings. I think other students that are also minorities, especially students from migrate parents, can relate to Junior.

MollyKate wrote: "This is definitely a book for high school students because of the topics brought up throughout it. The main character Junior, deals with a lot at such a young age. From the very beginning, he was t..."

I agree that this book was written in a comical way to discuss difficult issues that students in high school would understand and enjoy reading. I also liked and thought that Junior loved to draw because it helped him cope with what he was going through and make sense of the world around him. I like your comment about how students can take away from this book that if they are positive and surround themselves with positive people that they'll be able to see light and solutions to their obstacles and problems and strive for a better future.

This book was funny in some places, and the cartoon drawings were funny as well. I live a book with humor. This novel teaches acceptance, and not to be judgemental. My father always said, it is them today, but it could be you or me that next day. Never judge someone; you have no idea what they go through daily.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, gives you a proper perspective on how life is for kids living on an Indian Reservation.

Through racism, alcoholism, loss, poverty, etc., Junior continued to stick with school despite his unfortunate obstacles to reach a better future. When Junior realizes he not only belongs to his Native American tribe but many other tribes that influence his life to support his decision to why he left the reservation. This appreciation allows Junior to give himself the title of a part-time Indian without denying his cultural heritage and allow him greater insights as he compares the life he already knows on the reservation the new life he experiences outside the reservation.

I really enjoyed reading this book! I felt that it was the high school version of Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I haven’t read those books, but I imagine them being similar to this one. I felt so connected to the book at all times and it was as if the author new what I was going to think at times. Some of the topics, we discussed in my bilingual classes such as Americanization or assimilation. This is what Mr. P explained to Junior when he told them they killed the Indian culture to “save” the child. I’m glad that they had that conversation because it really opened Junior’s eyes and gave him the courage to move to another school. At first it was tough, and he went through so much. He had important people in his life that helped him out. Even after they die, he still feels their supporters during their game against there old school. I was satisfied with the ending, and wonder whether Rowdy will join him for the next school year.

I think this book is for older High School Students. It covers a variety of topics that students can discuss in class. I believe Arnold’s situation can teach students to have hope, set goals and achieve them. Arnold lived in a very poor community, was constantly beaten down by his own people, and misfortunes happen to his family. He loved his family that always supported him, but he could not overlook their flaws. Arnold knew he wanted a better life and after Mr. P’s advice, Arnold understood that he had to leave the rez and go to a white school to study hard and achieve his goals. He knew it was not going to be easy, but through perseverance Arnold was able to overcome obstacles and succeed.
I believe this book should be used with caution depending on the age and maturity of the students because of the issues that covers such as violence, alcoholism, racism and poverty. And also, because the language can be offensive to some students.

Lizette wrote: "This book was a good mix of all kinds of emotions, especially funny. While reading “The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” I kept laughing at how Arnold was trying to make light of some of ..."
Hi Lizzette, I think this book is funny and I agree with you that this book can inspire students to fight for their dreams as Arnold did in the story.

Amanda R. wrote: "I really enjoyed this book! It handles adolescent issues in such a brilliant way. I think this book would be great for ninth grade and up because of the use of vulgar language and imagery but I fee..."
Hi Amanda, I think the way the author used the language and imagery to the book makes Arnold an authentic character and I agree with you that changing the way he expresses won't have the same meaning.

I completely understand why this book has been banned in several places. It is because people are uncomfortable when issues dealing with racism and culture differences is the main theme. I also think that they way the book is written, all the racial slurs and the way Indians and white people are stereotyped throughout the book. It's not to say that what the author said is not true, but it does make the reader think about how different so many of us really are compared to each other.

I felt sorry for Arnold at times, but admired him at the same time for always having courage and never giving up despite all the obstacles he had to overcome. One of my favorite parts of the book was when he spoke about his grandmother and her tolerance. I think this is something that is desperately needed in our society and in our world today.

This book was probably banned because no one wants to discuss issues that people face everyday. This is book is very real, and how Arnold and his friends or family express themselves is also very real. This is how lots of people actually speak and think, and so it seems almost taboo to read something like this, especially to have teenagers read it.

People will always be afraid of what they do not understand.

Cheryl wrote: "This book was funny in some places, and the cartoon drawings were funny as well. I live a book with humor. This novel teaches acceptance, and not to be judgemental. My father always said, it is the..."

I agree with you and not to be judgemental. You're right, we don't know what people have through and that it could happen to anyone. I also agree that acceptance is important and this book also touches on this as well.

Melissa wrote: "There are many reasons a novel might be added to a banned book list. After reading The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian, I can see why some of the characters’ language would be offensive..."

I agree that Junior was a fantastic character. I don't know how many times I laughed out loud, not only at what he said but his drawings. However, I also agree on the language used and how it could be offensive to many people, but this is how real life is and I think lots of people try to pretend that it's not.

Sandy wrote: "I completely understand why this book has been banned in several places. It is because people are uncomfortable when issues dealing with racism and culture differences is the main theme. I also thi..."

I feel like that's why it was banned from schools as well. I honestly don't think it had anything that could be considered offensive other than the language. However, that is the life of a teenager. I think this book would be great because students are able to make connections to at least one thing in the book.

Cheryl wrote: "This book was funny in some places, and the cartoon drawings were funny as well. I live a book with humor. This novel teaches acceptance, and not to be judgemental. My father always said, it is the..."

That's why I loved this book as well! First, it was very funny, but it also discussed topics that students may face. I think that the book did a good job discussing these topics as well. I also like how you also discussed him being a part-time Indian because he not only related himself to the culture of the Indian tribe, but also to the one he became a part of at school. Which is kind of like I felt when going to school. For example, when I lost my first tooth at school, the teacher told me about the tooth fairy, which I had never heard of because at my house we had "El Ratón Pérez." So I was so confused as to which one will take my tooth, or if I would receive double the money.

Nancy wrote: "This book was very interesting to read. I feel that I have somewhat have become "westernized" and not really think about other minorities. This book brought together many issues that are relevant t..."

"Westernized", ha ha, now that's cute! It was good to read a story about a culture I was not very knowledgeable about. Young adults and older youth, 9th graders and up, should be able to find the book relatable. I say this because, adolescents and young adults are still trying to find themselves just like Arnold.

Melissa wrote: "There are many reasons a novel might be added to a banned book list. After reading The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian, I can see why some of the characters’ language would be offensive..."

Yes, that is a good quote, Melissa. When we follow our dreams we don't always please everyone. That's where the struggle comes in. Trying to please everyone but are you pleased? I have always told my kids be you, cause no one can do you like you do.