The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Alexie, S. (2007). The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian. NY: Little Brown 

Arnold Spirit, also known as Junior, is a teenage Indian boy who lives in a very poor Indian reservation that was founded back in 1881. From the moment he was born he faced many difficulties including seizures, eyesight problems, and even brain surgery. Life was definitely not easy growing up. He faced bullying and loneliness, but he thought he had no other choice than to live with it. As he entered high school, he came across a teacher that gave him some advice and changed his life forever. The next day, Junior convinced his parents to take him to Reardan High School, an all white school that is twenty-two miles away from their reservation. Although his family was poor, they did everything possible to support Junior in every way. The change was not easy. All his tribe, and even his best friend, Rowdy saw him as a traitor. Nonetheless, he never got discouraged and even though he was the only Indian at his new school, he made the varsity basketball team and gained the respect of teachers and students. Sadly, during this time, he also encountered the alcohol related deaths of his Grandmother Spirit, Eugene, and his sister. By the end of the year, Junior reconciles with his friend Rowdy and realize the he is a “nomad” Indian.

This book definitely made me feel a variety of mixed emotions. From laughing when he’s alone looking at nude women pictures to having heartache after he loses so many loved ones. The genre of this book is realistic fiction because it is definitely a believable story that has actual characters, a realistic setting, and truthful events. The developmental stages are also evident as Junior is transitioning. His peers and relationship with his parents changes and he is now attracted to a girl, Penelope.

Author's Website

http://fallsapart.com/

Book Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uy7BLTcRKgo

Other books by the author

Speak

Anderson, L.H. (1999). Speak. NY: Penguin 

Melinda is starting her freshman year at Merryweather High School completely rejected by all her former friends. Over the summer, she attended a party and was raped. When she called the police, she was in shock and simply could not speak. Everyone else at the party blamed her for ruining the fun and because of this, she is now disliked. Her first year of high school is miserable. Art is the only thing that she can lean on. She has no friends; they look at her weird, and is often bullied. In result of her isolation, she spends most of her time in an old janitor closet where she goes when she just can’t handle things anymore. As time goes by, she begins to realize that it was not her fault, and she needs to stop IT (Andy Evans) from hurting others. One day, she finally tells her ex-best friend about what really happened at the summer party. Surprisingly, her ex-best friend, Rachel does not believe her and thinks she is just jealous. When IT (Andy Evans) finds out that Melinda is speaking up, he finds her and once again tries to rape her. However, this time she is able to scream and defend herself. At the end, Melinda feels free, relieved, gains confidence, and finishes her yearlong art project.

This is a great realistic fiction novel not only for young adults but for parents too. The theme of this book is very solid. The experience that Melinda goes through explains exactly what she needs to do, speak up. We clearly see that she grew as she went from being scared to being strong and confident.

  

Author's Website

http://madwomanintheforest.com/

Book trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv3FelRmk3Y

Others books by the author

Lucky Broken Girl

Behar, R. (2017). Lucky broken girl. NY: Delacorte

Ruthie Mizrahi and her family emigrate from Cuba to New York City. When she starts school, she is placed in the “dumb” class just because she does not speak English fluently. She meets a boy from India and soon become very good friends. They are both in a similar situation being that they are coming from other places. Eventually, they are moved to the “smart” class and their confidence is beginning to show. Just as things are starting to be great, Ruthie is in a terrible car accident that leaves her stuck to a bed for a very long recovery. She is full of hate at the beginning but as time goes by she starts to see life differently when she sees a variety of visitors. (Grandparents, friends, neighbor, tutor) Ruthie prays and writes letters to God, Shiva, and Kahlo, asking them for guidance, healing, and forgiveness.

This is a great inspirational novel that shows different cultures and diversity. Ruthie and her family are Cuban but also Jewish. Ruthie also has a friend that is Indian and his culture and beliefs were also presented. Ruth Behar had received the 2018 Pura Belpre Author Award for Lucky Broken Girl.

Author’s website

http://www.ruthbehar.com/

Sound cloud preview:

https://soundcloud.com/penguin-audio/lucky-broken-girl-by-ruth

Book trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etCLlFl1jnw

Other books by the author

Annie on my Mind

Garden, N. (1982).  Annie on my mind.  NY:  FSG

Liza meets Annie in a museum and feels an instant attraction to her. They end up exchanging phone numbers and even though they attend different schools they soon develop a friendship. Liza attends a private school and Annie a public school. Liza gets suspended and faces getting expelled after she failed to report her friend’s business. Annie then shows Liza how crazy a public school really is. As they spend more and more time together they realize they love each other. Annie quickly admits she is gay, however, Liza doesn’t admit it, but knows the love is there. After being caught, Liza is forced to come out to her parents. Her dad is very supportive but her mother is not. Her dad attends her hearing and the case is quickly dismissed, yet, two teachers who are also gay are fired. Liza and Annie go their separate ways for college, but after some time they meet up again, and their relationship revives.

This is a very controversial topic but is definitely very common nowadays.

Society does not always understand when it comes to gay relationships. This novel definitely connects with how adolescents develop when they define appropriate sex roles.

Book trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3aChHmZYac

Book talk:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5o4XDkQQ4o

Other books by the author