"The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian"

          Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, is a great book that should be used in classrooms. I believe that the book does an excellent job at showing students how life on a reservation can differ so much from life in suburbia. In addition, it also shows students how important it is to accept others that may be different. I believe that the book would do well in most classrooms grades eight through ten. I think the older students would find the book too simple of a read. However, the younger students would benefit from reading the book. 
          The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian could be taught in several different ways. The first idea that I had would to break up the book into different sections. The first would have students do research on reservations that are close to them. The students should go into the book with some background knowledge on what a reservation is and the commonality of them. The next section would be a class discussion on the book. The students can discuss thoughts, feelings, predictions, and any questions they have with the class. One of the final activities that students could do, is completing their own list of things that make them happy. Students could complete this list in their journals so they do not have to share with everyone if they do not want to. 
          Due to the fact that there is a local Spokane Indian reservation, I believe that this specific book would do well in this area. Schools that are located in areas close to Indian reservations should include this in their curriculum. The students would be able to understand the people who live on these reservations and become more aware of those around them. Therefore I strongly back this book up for its use in high school (or middle school) curriculum.