At the beginning of "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie, we are introduced to Junior, a fourteen-year-old Native American boy living on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Washington state. During one of Junior's geometry classes, while Mr. P, his teacher was hanging out the geometry books, Junior became mad at the fact that the book he was given was older and in worse condition than the ones that the white students at the neighboring school received. In his anger, Junior threw the book at his teacher, hitting him in the face and breaking his nose. For obvious reasons, Junior got suspended from school for a week. During his suspension, Junior's well-meaning teacher, Mr. P, proposed that he transfer to a different …show more content…
P's suggestion, but as he thinks about it more, he realizes that attending a school in Reardan could offer him better opportunities to escape the cycle of poverty and alcoholism that has plagued his community. However, Junior's decision to leave the reservation school is not without consequences, and he must carefully weigh the pros and cons of his decision. When Junior shares Mr. P's proposal with his parents later in the evening, his father initially reacts with anger, accusing Junior of being a traitor to his tribe. However, after some thought, Junior's parents ultimately support his decision, recognizing the importance of education in his future. Although his parents are concerned about the challenges he will face being the only Native American student at a primarily white school, they ultimately put their trust in Junior to make the right decision. In contrast to Junior's parents, his best friend Rowdy takes the news of Junior's potential departure from the reservation school much harder. Rowdy feels betrayed by Junior's decision and sees it as a personal affront to their friendship. He is angry and hurt, and the news drives a wedge between the two friends that lasts for a significant portion of the