The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie is the story of Junior, a boy-becoming-man who has grown up on the Spokane Indian reservation. Junior was born with a host of medical issues, which resulted in a childhood full of name-calling and physical bullying. Despite his setbacks, Junior is determined, hopeful, and fiercely intelligent. In his freshman year of high school, Junior leaves the rez to attend an all-white school, Reardan. As the year progresses, Junior is treated as a traitor at the rez, endures harsh hazing at the all-white school, and is faced with many tragedies. Amidst all the difficulties, Junior never gives up, attacking his circumstances and discovering the true strength that he has had all along. This novel addresses a plethora of challenging themes through raw honesty, humor, and sincere emotion. One of the most prevalent topics is race and the stereotypes that people hold in regards to race, both consciously and sub-consciously. The reason the title of the book contains the words "Part-Time Indian" is that once Junior begins attending Reardan, he feels as though he is split between his heritage and the majority culture. One way that this is demonstrated is in the usage of Junior's birth name. Though he goes by Junior on the rez, something that is normal and familiar for people there, everybody at Reardan calls him by his "real name," which is Arnold Spirit. He states: "I felt like two different people inside of one body... with Junior living on the north side of the Spokane River and Arnold living on the south" (Alexie & Forney, p.61). Throughout the novel, Junior learns how to unite these two "selves" by finding his identity in more than one group. He realizes that his identity is not restricted to one group, but is made up of a thousand different aspects that come from his different "tribes." He is a cartoonist and basketball player and son and bookworm, in addition to a Spokane Indian reservation member and attendee of Reardan. Junior's journey in finding his identity is one of the largest components of what makes this book a front-runner for the young adult literature genre. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian encapsulates countless topics that explore what it means to be an adolescent. It addresses, without any hesitation or inhibition, questions and struggles that most all young adults have, though they are not often talked about. In addition to race and identity issues, the novel grapples with poverty, bullying, and the realization of mortality. The story shamelessly addresses sexual awakening, alcoholism, cultural privelege, and the true value of family. As well, Junior combats his miseries with wit and sarcasm, inspiring readers to push on despite their troubles. Alexie perfectly meshes the heavy concepts with humor to make this novel a story of triumph, rather than tragedy. I really enjoyed The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. This was a book that made me laugh, gasp, and forget where I was as I flew through the pages in an effort to find out what would happen to Junior. I found myself making connections and evaluating my own subconscious stereotypes with every chapter, wondering what Junior would think of me if I came in contact with him. Would I measure up as a culturally-responsive individual, or would I fall short? This book is excellent for challenging preconcieved notions, as well as inspiring the reader to never give up on their dreams and to face life with courage and lightness of heart. This novel is powerful because it does not hesitate. Every word is sure and firm, full of meaning and conviction. That is something that is not often seen today, in this world full of political-correctness and the fear of upsetting another individual, but which is so refreshing. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian may step on a few toes, but that doesn't stop it from being truthful and undeniably influential. It is books like this that will change the world.