The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by award-winning novelist Sherman Alexie offers male readers a humourous and accessible look at what the world can be like for a grade 9, geeky Native boy attending a wealthy high school off the reservation. Spokane youth, Junior (Arnold Spirit), shares the same Nation as his creator in addition to being born hydrocephalic. Junior comes from a dysfunctional family and a community that lives up to the stereotypical image of the drunken Indian. But Junior has a best friend named Rowdy and finds his way in a high school where he and the school mascot share something in common. They are the only Indians at the school. Written in diary format, Alexie's character creates cartoon doodles and comments on his life and his day-to-day existence. Issues that deal with identity are brought into sharp focus as Junior must decide to cut ties with his home community in order to succeed. With this action comes the community charge that Junior is an apple, red on the outside and white on the inside. Using dark humour and crisp sentences Alexie has created an unforgettable character that will appeal to male readers. Sensitive readers should be warned that Junior's voice includes swearing and mature themes. This part graphic novel and young adult fiction will engage and hold the interest of the most disinterested adolescent with its dark humour, wit, cartoon doodles, and straightforward action. The story is all the more compelling because many of the events mirror the life of this talented writer, Sherman Alexie. The book contains a discussion guide and an interview with the illustrator, Ellen Forney. 2008 American Indian Youth Literature Award Winner. The 2008 Boston Globe's Horn Book Awards winner for Excellence in Children's Literature in Fiction. Reading Level: 3.4; Lexile measure 600; ATOS Reading Level: 4.