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by Sherman Alexie
Fiction
230 pages
“I was born with water on the brain.”
So begins Sherman Alexie’s first YA book, which is hilarious and heartbreaking, all on one page.
Junior, one of many Juniors on the Spokane Indian Reservation is an outcast, especially after he decides to leave the reservation school to attend the white high school in a neighboring town. Not only is he the only Indian attending the school, but the school’s mascot is an Indian, making him instantly an outcast at his new school also.
Junior’s parents try to help, as they love their son, but their problems with alcohol and poverty, make it impossible for them to continually support him. Some days, Junior has to walk the many miles to Reardan from Wellpinit, as there is no money for gas or his dad is too hung over to drive him.
Although cartooning is something he loves to do, basketball ends up being Junior’s salvation and biggest problem. He becomes a star player at his new school, but when they come to play in his hometown, the game ends up being a riot. Junior’s town treats him as a traitor, throwing coins at him during the game. Even his best friend Rowdy hates his guts.
After some devastating personal losses, Junior comes to understand that changes schools has been difficult, his character, cartooning and sense of humor have helped him make the best of it.
- Reviewed by DWF
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