In The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Arnold must come to terms with his Native American identity in a situation in which he is excluded by his own people as well as whites. Arnold, an extremely bright child, leaves the reservation to attend school in a nearby "white" town so that he can get a better education. He is rejected by the members of his native community because they feel he has betrayed them by leaving their reservation school. At the white school, he encounters racism from both students and teachers. The title of the book comes from a passage in which Arnold sums up his what it's like for many students who go to school in a culture outside their own: "Traveling between Reardan and Wellpinit, between the little white town and the reservation, I always felt like a stranger. I was half Indian in one place and half white in the other. It was like being an Indian was my job, but it was only a part-time job. And it didn't pay well at all."
Interestingly, this book has been banned in some schools. Alexie's themes of poverty, racism and bullying are considered too controversial by some. Arnold also uses profanity and makes occasional references to masturbation, which more conservative parents and educators consider inappropriate for young adolescent audiences. In my opinion, however, Arnold's themes (and language) are realistic and reflect the experience of many people his age. In addition, I believe poverty, racism and bullying are exactly the kinds of themes young adolescents should be exposed to since so many of them encounter these issues in their daily lives. I think having an opportunity to read about and discuss these issues can only serve them.
Almost all of Alexie's writing reflects his personal experience and identity as a Native American. He works in programs to help Native American youth who may be experiencing the kind of painful oppression that he did when he was their age. I highly recommend this book and am considering teaching it as a seventh grade literature book next year.
