When I first heard of this book, I was unsure about it. I mean, the title alone is controversial. But all that disappears once you start reading the book. And yet, it topped the list of most challenged books this year. But why?

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, is a story about the struggles of high school. It centers around a 14-year-old Native American boy who transfers to an all-white high school. He lives on a reservation in Spokane, Washington, and is often bullied by his Native American friends because he is different; he has a rare condition that causes seizures, poor eyesight and speech impediments. He isn’t interested in staying at the reservation, and his friends bully him for challenging social norms. When he moves to an all white high school, his life takes a complete turn and he has friends who accept him.

The book was mainly banned because it was “anti-family, had offensive language, showed drugs/alcohol/smoking, and had depictions of bullying,” and that is only the tip of the iceberg. While some may say the book is unsuited for the age group, it has many great lessons to help kids through high school, and helps us see what life’s really like for Native Americans in the United States. It is an award-winning book which deserves to be on the shelves of our libraries. Even though the story does feature adults using drugs and alcohol, the tone towards these subjects is very disapproving. The main character has seen what those substances have done to people, and he never wants to use them. Overall, this story is a positive influence on our students.

This book can have a great influence on our young adults and though some may argue it is inappropriate for younger age groups, the book teaches children how to deal with the challenges of growing up. The story has a positive influence on kids everywhere. It helps us fully understand what it’s like to be someone of a different race going to an all white high school, and it might not always be PG.  

All in all, this book contains many great lessons to help incoming 9th graders through high school. It illustrates many familiar themes associated with high school life, such as a realization that real life may not play out quite like it does in the movies. Friends grow apart, morals and ideals change. So, while some schools may be taking it off the shelves for the school year, students will be reading this book for a long time.