The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian

Disclaimer: I think this book belongs in every library so you will not read much criticism of it here. If you have not read the book take the time to read it this summer. I saw the author on the Bill Moyer's show and he was enlightening as well as entertaining. He brought up some of the same issues that he addresses in the book and discussed how central they were to his development. The ability to navigate between cultures was and is part of his life. One of those cultures has very rich tradition while facing some bleak realities. The main character in the book is Arnold Spirit Jr. and he is aware of his foibles and abilities. His best friend is the antithesis of Arnold. Hope is hung like a shoddy string of Christmas lights through the book, alternately shining and broken. As he walks the wire between cultures he is bullied, faces tragedy as life gets in his way but he perseveres and stands up for himself. He learns that a big part of identity is self determined not limited to a reflection of culture or skin color.  Identity is a critical aspect for all of us but especially if you are in the throes of teenland. Culture, society and identity all intertwined allows for multiple on-ramps for YA readers. If you have already read this book you can pick up The Roundhouse by Louise Erdich. She writes about a 13 yr old Ojibwe in North Dakota whose mother is raped and how he deals with it among other things.