We discuss ⁠⁠The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian⁠ by Sherman Alexie, which was the eighth-most-challenged book in 2022 and the most frequently challenged book from 2010 to 2019. First published in 2007, this semi-autobiographical novel won the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, appeared on several lists for best books for young adults, and won the Odyssey Award for best audiobook, which was read by Alexie.

In this episode, we discuss why The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian has been banned. We also offer our assessment of its pros and cons. Please listen to our fourteenth episode for a close reading of the book's characters, themes, and significance. 

Some of the sources mentioned in this episode:

• https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-absolutely-true-diary-of-a-part-time-indian

• https://www.npr.org/2018/03/05/589909379/it-just-felt-very-wrong-sherman-alexies-accusers-go-on-the-record 

• https://afuse8production.slj.com/2008/01/10/review-of-the-day-the-absolutely-true-diary-of-a-part-time-indian/

• https://faculty.weber.edu/kmackay/native_american_literature.htm

• http://plainshumanities.unl.edu/encyclopedia/doc/egp.lt.050

• http://nativeamericanwriters.com/

• https://bookriot.com/new-indigenous-ya/ 
  

Thanks to Chris for our music and to Lizzie for our audio editing (for all of our episodes)! Please visit our website for a ⁠⁠transcript⁠⁠ of this episode.

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