The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Chapters 1-3

Reading Check

1. What medical condition was Junior born with?

2. Who has the same birthday as Junior?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What does Junior believe makes pictures superior to words?

2. How does Oscar’s fate illustrate the harsh conditions on the reservation?

Chapters 4-6

Reading Check

1. Which class is Junior most excited about?

2. According to Junior’s parents, which people have hope?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What leads Junior to throw a book at Mr. P?

2. What does Mr. P tell Junior about Junior’s future? 

Paired Resource

“How Comics Change Mainstream Narratives About Native Americans”

• This 4-minute PBS video explores the growing influence of Native artists on the changing representation of Native characters and perspectives in comic books.
• This resource relates to the themes of Individual Identity and Belonging to a Community; Art, Hope, and the Power of Storytelling; and Systemic Oppression of American Indians.
• What are some of the goals of the artists profiled in this video? Does Junior have similar goals for his art, or are his goals different?