The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 30 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. Junior calls himself a member of the Black-Eye-of-the-Month Club. What does this nickname help you understand about his daily life and how he sees himself?
2. How does what happens to Oscar show the reader how poverty affects Junior and his family? Use details from the chapter in your answer.
3. What do Junior and Rowdy's actions at the powwow show about their friendship? How do they help each other in different ways?
4. Why is Junior so upset when he finds his mother's name in his geometry book? How does this moment change the way he thinks about school and his future?
5. Mr. P tells Junior that he has to leave the reservation to find hope. What do you think Mr. P means by hope in this chapter?
6. Junior's parents say he can go to Reardan, even though it will be hard. What does their answer show about their love for him?
7. Rowdy reacts strongly when Junior tells him about Reardan. Why do you think Rowdy feels so hurt and angry?
8. On Junior's first day at Reardan, he feels like he does not belong. What challenges does he face, and how does he respond to them?
9. Grandmother gives Junior advice about Penelope. What does her advice show about understanding other people before judging them?
10. Junior says he is like a clown when he hides his true feelings. Why might someone pretend to be funny or okay when they are really hurting?
11. On Halloween, Junior and Penelope try to raise money for others. What does this chapter show about kindness, courage, or trust?
12. Junior draws a cartoon for Rowdy on Thanksgiving. What does this small action show about Junior's feelings toward Rowdy?
13. Mary sends Junior an email about her new life in Montana. How does her message connect to the idea of following a dream?
14. During Thanksgiving, Junior thinks about family, friendship, and change. What is something he seems thankful for, even though his life is difficult?
15. Junior learns that Penelope has her own struggles. How does this help him see her as a real person instead of just someone he has a crush on?
16. Rowdy gives Junior advice about love and Penelope. What does this advice show about Rowdy's personality and his friendship with Junior?
17. At the school dance, Junior worries that people will find out he is poor. How does telling the truth change what happens to him?
18. Junior and Rowdy communicate through the computer. What do their messages show about how hard it can be to fix a broken friendship?
19. Mary writes another letter about her life. What does her story teach Junior about taking risks and making choices?
20. Junior tries out for the basketball team at Reardan. What strengths does he show during tryouts, even when he is nervous?
21. Junior's father gives him a Christmas gift even after making mistakes. How can someone feel both disappointed and loved at the same time?
22. Junior compares people and communities in Red Versus White. What does he learn about good and bad qualities in both places?
23. At Grandmother's wake, people share stories and laughter along with sadness. Why do you think laughter can be important during grief?
24. Junior faces more loss in Valentine Heart. How does he use drawing, lists, or writing to help himself keep going?
25. During the big basketball game against Wellpinit, Junior wants to win badly. How do his feelings change after the game, and why?
26. Junior and Rowdy have a serious talk about basketball and life. What does their conversation show about rivalry, friendship, and respect?
27. After Mary's death, Junior feels many strong emotions. How does he try to understand what happened without giving up on life?
28. Junior looks back on his freshman year report card. What has he learned about himself as a student, friend, and family member?
29. Junior thinks about all the different groups, or tribes, he belongs to. What message does this chapter give about identity and belonging?
30. In the last chapter, Junior and Rowdy play basketball together again. How does this ending give the reader a feeling of hope?

Example answers

Printed at the front of the booklet, so your reader can see what a strong answer looks like.

At the school dance, Junior worries that people will find out he is poor. How does telling the truth change what happens to him?

I think telling the truth helps Junior because he does not have to hide anymore. He is scared that Penelope and Roger will laugh at him, but they actually help him. This shows that real friends can care about you even when your life is not perfect. It also shows Junior that honesty can make him feel less alone.

At Grandmother's wake, people share stories and laughter along with sadness. Why do you think laughter can be important during grief?

I think laughter is important during grief because it reminds people of the happy memories they had with the person who died. Junior's family and community are very sad, but the funny stories help them feel close to Grandmother. Laughing does not mean they stopped missing her. It means they are remembering her love and spirit.

In the last chapter, Junior and Rowdy play basketball together again. How does this ending give the reader a feeling of hope?

The ending gives me hope because Junior and Rowdy are not completely enemies anymore. They still have problems, but playing basketball shows they can be together in a peaceful way. I think it means their friendship might heal slowly. It also shows that Junior can belong to more than one place.