Multicultural - The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Fourteen-year-old Arnold Spirit, Jr. (aka Junior) is growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Despite the fact that he's smart and a talented cartoonist, fighting, being poor, and living with alcoholic parents are the realities of his life. When a teacher tells Junior that he deserves more than the rez can provide, Junior decides to attend Rearden, a high school off the reservation and 22 miles from his house. He encounters a whole new (white) world there, but at the same time must reconcile that with his home life, where he is shunned by many, including his best friend, for abandoning his heritage.

I was so glad to have read this book. Junior's voice is very authentic and he is a well-rounded, intriguing character. Additionally, his story is complemented by Ellen Forney's terrific cartoons which are sad and funny all at once. While I think this book will most likely appeal to boys, I would HIGHLY recommend The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian to teens of both sexes, aged 13 and up.