The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

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

Junior lives on the Spokane Indian Reservation with his ex-alcoholic mom, alcoholic dad, and basement living sister.  He's born with a series of medical problems that leaves him the brunt of many of the other Indian's jokes (and abuse).  After a teacher confides in Junior that he MUST leave the Rez, he switches from the Wellpinit High School (on the Rez), to a local farm town High School made up of all white kids.  Hysterical, blunt and honestly told from Junior's point of view, the story recounts his freshman year- the ups, several major downs, and all all the in between.  Junior's cartoons are sprinkled throughout the story, adding to the humor.  Although this book has a few adult words throughout, some taboo subjects, and some pretty heavy issues, it's a terrific read!  Young adult males between 12 and 15 would probably really enjoy this book, as it seems it's got a little of everything for a boy to relate to.  It's got great literary devices for teachers to use as examples- the voice is AMAZING.  The entire story is littered with similes, metaphors, and hyperbole's.  Readers who enjoyed this book, might also check out, If I Ever Get Out of Here, by Eric Gansworth.  Similar story about a boy living in two worlds.

It's Perfectly Normal

Delacorte. Harris, R. (2009).  It's perfectly normal. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press

A book specifically for kids, that covers puberty, sexual changes, and sex.  Written with a simple, non-judgmental and to-the-point tone, the book explains topics that many kids find uncomfortable or embarrassing to talk about.  Covering such topics could be awkward, but the light-hearted teen/tween like commentary from the bird and bee cartoon characters keeps the mood light, while the factual, truthful, and helpful information is shared about gender, sexual relationships, sexual organs, bodies, babies and everything in between.  The illustrations included in the text help readers visualize what is being explained, without crossing the line into crudeness.  The tone of the book is not your typical non-fiction book tone.  This book would be an exceptional resource for a sexual education unit and even for parents, to help facilitate conversations that need to be had.  Although the topics could be considered taboo for school, students need a place to find this information and this book covers everything and all questions kids may have, while making them feel perfectly normal about their wonderings.  

Persepolis

Sartrapi, M. (2004). Persepolis. NY: Pantheon
A memoir of Marjane (Marji) Satrapi growing up in Iran during the overthrow of the Shah and the war with Iraq.  Marji's westernized thinking and well-off parents value her French education and encourage her to freely think and act, in a place where that was not the norm.  Marji tells various stories about friends and family caught up in the political happenings of the time. Stories of suffering, torture, angst, and fear are speckled with flat humor, as Marji recounts different events in her young life.  Eventually the bombing of Tehran (where Marji lives) takes out a family she knows and leads her to find her voice (outside of her home) about the injustice.  Marji's mom and dad realize how unsafe Iran would be for their daughter and who she is becoming, and make plans for her to move to Vienna, Austria.  This graphic novel opens the eyes to readers outside of this area and how just because people are being told to live a specific way, doesn't mean they all want to.  The level tone of the story is serious, yet somewhat humorous (as are the graphics, which obviously add to the details of the stories) which makes the material entertaining.  Here is a book trailer for this graphic novel memoir.