THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN

Hi, welcome back

Sherman Alexie is a well known author for his works such as War Dances, Flight, Reservation Blues and other adult titles. Many of his stories are based on his own personal experiences. 

He was born on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Wellpinit Washington, where he spent much of his childhood.

His debut YA novel was based on his own childhood experiences on the reservation, and his need to break free in search of a better education. 

His novel The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian won the 2007 National Book Award for Young People's Literature.

Sherman Alexie ( Oct. 1966-)

     

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian 

Junior wanted more. He found himself limited on the rez, the education mediocre at best. This became apparent to him when he opened his textbook and saw his mother's name printed inside the front cover. He had had a decision to make, one in which would impact the rest of his life.  

With a thirst for learning and a love of reading, Junior a budding cartoonist left behind the familiarity of the rez school  in search of a better education. He took the long walk each day leaving behind the Spokane Reservation to attend the farming community's all white high school.  


It took time for Junior to find his place, at first rejected by he peers. He was looked upon as an outsider in his new school, and rejected by his friends and peers on the rez, who saw him as a traitor, abandoning his heritage and roots.  

Over time Junior etched out his place, one in which he shined academically at school, but also retained the importance and connection with his own heritage. 

Sherman Alexie has shared with the reader an insight to life on a First Nations Reservation, the beauty in culture and traditions, and also the pitfalls and limitations. 


The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, is written with a pureness and honesty,  tackling issues of prejudice and segregation and Juniors courage to rise above. 


A must read! It is classified as a YA novel, but can be enjoyed by advanced upper middle grade readers and adults alike.    


Happy reading,
Bye Rosalyne

BOOK PARTY

 Hi everyone,

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when I suggest a book party? A group of people gathered to discuss the book? Attending a lecture led by one individual?  Or the treat of listening to an author read a segment from their book? All of these are wonderful ways to share a book.

 

Several years ago my family and I had spent the summer in the Kawartha Lakes. We were lucky to stumble upon a wonderful bookstore in Campbellford Ontario. Kerr’s Corner Books. It was small, welcoming and cozy. The wood floors creaked with each step, the air had the sweet scent of books that lined the walls. The owner was extremely accommodating, and knowledgeable.

We pre-ordered the highly anticipated fifth Harry Potter. Leaving the store the owner handed us an invitation for a book party, which was held on the evening of the books release.

My family along with more than 250 people attended the party, all dressed in a variety of Harry Potter attire. It began at 11:00pm, an hour before the books official release. The street was buzzing with excitement and merriment.

Shortly after midnight we headed home, the kids pumped up on sugary treats. They couldn't wait to begin the book and took turns reading it out loud in the car. It was an evening of fun and excitement, one in which we’ve always treasured.  

A great way to get kids to read is by involving them in the story. I have found that most children like to dress up, and take on the persona of their favourite character. Over the years I’ve seen many Harry Potters and Ron Weasley’s pass through my door.

Why wait for Halloween to don a costume? Part of learning is creative play.

Host a book party. This can be done anytime and anywhere, school, gymnasium, classroom, house, backyard, bookstore or even the park. This is a fun and interactive way to involve kids in a story, one in which they can reenact their favourite characters.    

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
 
Mad Hatter Tea Party

Begin by selecting a book, one preferably chosen by the kids. Make sure it’s not too challenging, but something all your guests can read.  Give each child a time line; suggest two to three weeks to complete the book.

Once done, send out the invitations.  It doesn't  have to be costly. Get the kids involved in making their own costumes. You’ll be amazed how creative they can be with just a box, scissors and a glue stick. Most importantly their having fun, and picking out the most minute details of their character.    

Each child must come to the party dressed as a character from the book. Soon as they enter the room they are no longer Sam or Sally, but the character of their choosing. The party will take off from there as they begin to reenact scenes from the book.  

Have fun!

Happy Reading
Bye Rosalyne