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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
Loved the book (and the illustrations) to shreds, uncomfortable with the author post-allegations -- what else is there to say? So, so good if you can separate the writing from the writer, which I acknowledge is easier for some than many others. I was required to read this for a class, so I don't really have a dog in the fight, but if you're looking for something that'll hurt your heart real good then this is it.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This may be my favorite YA book I have ever read, and Junior may be my favorite YA character. I am not sure how many books I have read that manage to be hilariously funny, devastatingly heartbreaking and extremely moving all within the same book. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but the moment of realization that Junior has after the second basketball showdown between his new "rural but not on the reservation" school vs. his old reservation school just stopped me in my tracks. I am a high school librarian and considering this book is one of the most challenged and banned books since its publication, I am more inspired than ever to fight to continue to put quality literature in the hands of students.
While an interesting read about life on the "rez" for a teenage boy, I didn't really enjoy the writing style. 2.5 stars
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Good read, covers lots of material, lively prose.
Junior grew up very poor on the Indian reservation in Spokane. They were so poor that they couldn't afford veterinary services for their sick dog, and Junior used the same school textbooks that his mother had used. As if life weren't challenging enough, Junior was born with hydrocephalus and was prone to seizures. He was a target for bullies and was picked on constantly while he was growing up, with only one friend who defended him. Junior had dreams of becoming someone, but knew that the opportunities for Indians were extremely limited. "Reservation Indians don't get to realize their dreams."
When the bullying became too much to handle, Junior wanted a better life for himself, and he made the decision to transfer schools. He became the only Native American student at the predominantly white school in Reardan, 22 miles away from the reservation, which made him a traitor in the eyes of his community. He never thought that he was better than anyone else, and actually believed the opposite, but knew that his life would never amount to anything if he stayed where he was.
In Reardan, Junior (who was then called Arnold) learned about white culture and, more importantly, learned how to let people into his life. He developed true friendships for the first time. His friends didn't judge him for being poor, but supported him. He made the basketball team and was valued by his teammates for his determination, drive, and shooting record. By aggressively playing defense against his former best friend when his team played the reservation team in a tournament, Arnold led his team to victory. However, while this should have been one of the happiest and proudest days of his life, he experienced complicated emotions in knowing that he took something away from the Native American team who had nothing else worthwhile in their lives.
The author presents insightful perspectives on Indian reservation life and what it meant to leave his community. Junior had attended 42 funerals by the time he was a teenager. During his high school years his grandmother was killed by a drunk driver, his dad's best friend was shot and killed by a drunk friend, and his sister died in a house fire after drinking. Junior copes with more grief than any teenager (or person) should have to endure.
The author also reflects on the differences between white and Indian cultures, and the stark contrast between their traditions. One of the most interesting parts of the story was his description of how tolerant Indian people traditionally are, but how that was negatively impacted by white people and the Christian influence.
Junior has a realization as a high school student: "I used to think the world was broken down into tribes... But now I know that isn't true. The world is only broken down into two tribes: the people who are assholes and the people who are not." Junior also comes to realize that there are lots of different "tribes" of people that are united for different causes, and that he fits into many of these.
Junior was determined, confident, and set on doing the right thing despite the many obstacles he endured. It seemed at times like everything in the world was against him, and yet he persevered. He is a survivor and has the capacity to find humor in unfortunate circumstances. He refuses to give up on anything. This story was hilarious at times, like the list of rules of fistfights on reservations, but also heartfelt and honest, a very entertaining story.
When the bullying became too much to handle, Junior wanted a better life for himself, and he made the decision to transfer schools. He became the only Native American student at the predominantly white school in Reardan, 22 miles away from the reservation, which made him a traitor in the eyes of his community. He never thought that he was better than anyone else, and actually believed the opposite, but knew that his life would never amount to anything if he stayed where he was.
In Reardan, Junior (who was then called Arnold) learned about white culture and, more importantly, learned how to let people into his life. He developed true friendships for the first time. His friends didn't judge him for being poor, but supported him. He made the basketball team and was valued by his teammates for his determination, drive, and shooting record. By aggressively playing defense against his former best friend when his team played the reservation team in a tournament, Arnold led his team to victory. However, while this should have been one of the happiest and proudest days of his life, he experienced complicated emotions in knowing that he took something away from the Native American team who had nothing else worthwhile in their lives.
The author presents insightful perspectives on Indian reservation life and what it meant to leave his community. Junior had attended 42 funerals by the time he was a teenager. During his high school years his grandmother was killed by a drunk driver, his dad's best friend was shot and killed by a drunk friend, and his sister died in a house fire after drinking. Junior copes with more grief than any teenager (or person) should have to endure.
The author also reflects on the differences between white and Indian cultures, and the stark contrast between their traditions. One of the most interesting parts of the story was his description of how tolerant Indian people traditionally are, but how that was negatively impacted by white people and the Christian influence.
Junior has a realization as a high school student: "I used to think the world was broken down into tribes... But now I know that isn't true. The world is only broken down into two tribes: the people who are assholes and the people who are not." Junior also comes to realize that there are lots of different "tribes" of people that are united for different causes, and that he fits into many of these.
Junior was determined, confident, and set on doing the right thing despite the many obstacles he endured. It seemed at times like everything in the world was against him, and yet he persevered. He is a survivor and has the capacity to find humor in unfortunate circumstances. He refuses to give up on anything. This story was hilarious at times, like the list of rules of fistfights on reservations, but also heartfelt and honest, a very entertaining story.
AMAZING! The cartoons/doodles from the main character add so much to the story!