The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian - Discussion Questions

1. Why is Junior a member of 'the Black-Eye-of-the-Month Club'?

2. Why does Junior draw cartoons?

3. What happens to Oscar? What does this illustrate to the reader?

4. How is poverty a cycle for Junior's family?

5. Describe Rowdy and Junior's relationship. What do they do for each other?

6. What does Rowdy do to the Andruss brothers? Why? What does this demonstrate about his friendship with Junior?

7. Describe Mr. P.

8. Why does Junior throw his geometry book? What does it signify?

9. What is Mr. P's advice to Junior? Why does he give him this advice?

10. How do Junior's parents react to his decision to change schools? What does this show about them?

11. How does Rowdy react to Junior's decision to move schools? Why does he react in this way?

12. How do the students react to Junior at Reardan?

13. How could Junior have reacted to being called names?

14. What is significant about Junior speaking up in class?

15. How does Mr. Dodge react when Junior speaks up in class and corrects his mistake? How does this make Junior feel?

16. If you were Junior, how would you fell when being treated that way?

17. How does Junior become friends with Gordy? What do they have in common?

18. Why does Junior think of Rowdy at Thanksgiving time?

19. How does Penelope and Junior's friendship develop?

20. How do Penelope and Roger react to Junior's admission that he is poor?

21. What does Junior email Rowdy and how does he reply? Why does this make Junior laugh?

22. Why do the people at home call Junior an 'apple'?

23. Why does Junior try out for the basketball team?

24. What happens during the basketball game against Wellpinit?

25. Why does Junior describe his grandmother as tolerant?

26. How does Junior cope with his grief?

27. What happens in Mrs. Jeremy's class? Why is this so significant to Junior?

28. What is the Reardan game plan in the second basketball game against Wellpinit? Is this successful?

29. Why does Junior cry at the end of the game?

30. Do you think Rowdy and Junior will remain friends? Explain.