The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time COURAGEOUS Indian

Junior is a high school freshman with a large head, thick glasses, a lisp, and a nervous stomach.  But what is most important is the courage he possesses.   The novel starts out with Junior describing himself and giving background of his life.  The reader is left feeling a bit depressed and disheartened by Junior’s situation, but by the middle of the book the reader is cheering Junior on and is left in awe by the bravery this young man has while facing down a life that seems to be against him

Throughout the entire novel, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Junior is constantly put in situations where the fight or flight scenario is placed in front of him.  After courageously deciding to go to Reardon for high school he is finds himself the butt of a bully’s joke.  Honoring the Spokane Indian Rule of Fisticuffs, Junior punches the very large and much older bully, Roger, in the face (65).  Within a few days of being at Reardon he is able to approach his crush Penelope (78).  Junior was the smartest student at his old school, but is questioned at his new one.  When correcting a teacher as to what the proper definition of petrified wood truly is, the teacher questions his intelligence.  In a situation that would leave most new students petrified (pun intended), Junior stands his ground, essentially laying the groundwork of gaining respect from a fellow class genius (85-87). 

Junior is a young man who has been through so much in life and even after losing countless friends and family members and reaching almost running out of hope he still finds joy.  After his grandmother and sister die and he is at his lowest and lows, he writes a list of things that give him joy.  On his lists he writes things from food to music to people, anything that makes him happy.  In his darkest time he is still trying to find hope a something to keep him moving forward (176-77). 

While I cannot relate to Junior’s life experience, I can admire his courage and respect his tactics.  Junior could follow in his parent’s footsteps in life, down a road to alcoholism and taking little responsibility for their actions.  But Junior wants a better life, and not just one for himself.  Throughout his journey he still thinks of his friends and family.  When he finally succeeds in beating his old high school basketball team, he can’t even bask in the glory but instead reflects on the dreary life and future his former teammates have (195).  He wants the best for his sister and wants his best friend to join him at Reardon.  Junior is a courageous young man who treks forward in the face of diversity and fear, while also not forgetting his family and friends along the way.