Children's and Young Adult Books

Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie.
YA novel written by the author of the Lone Ranger and Tonto Fist Fight in Heaven, which the film Smoke Signals was based on a short story from.  The main character, Junior, is an American Indian growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation and winds up going to school in the nearby white town on Rearden.  The story of the book deals with issues of identity, what it is like to live in two worlds, racism, and poverty—all tough topics the Alexie deals with his characteristic dry humor.  If you like Alexie's writing, I’d also encourage you to read some Thomas King (Green Grass, Running Water is one of my favorites).  Jenny, SPPS, 4/08