Arnold Spirit, aka Junior, is a promising cartoonist growing up on a Spokane Indian reservation. Junior has had to face numerous problems: countless medical issues, bullies, an alcoholic father, and poverty so severe his family had to shoot their dog because there was no money for a vet. Junior is able to handle his misfortunes by having a fantastic sense of humor and a strong desire to be more than what is expected. His cartoon drawings are laugh-out-loud funny. Junior is also intelligent but realizes early that with 30 year-old textbooks, and absent teachers he will never get a proper education. His math teacher convinces him to transfer to a wealthy, all-white high school before the reservation kills his desire for more. Junior's new high school brings more challenges. The only other Native American is the school mascot and the kids make fun of his heritage. The people on his reservation denounce him as a traitor for transferring to the new school. Junior now feels he belongs in neither world. You will cheer Junior on as he faces his hardships with humor and an inner strength that shines through even in the worst of times. "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian" is a must read.