Arnold "Junior" Native American high school student. After an event with his teacher from the Reservation aka "the Rez," he decides to change schools to the all-white Reardon High School, forever having the reputation of "the Indian kid" and "the traitor" back on the Rez. Which is why he describes himself as a "part-time Indian."
The rules are different at Reardan High . Junior is used to having to fight if someone disrespects him, his parents, his friends, and pretty much anything near and dear to his heart. Rowdy, his best friend, is known for having a short temper. He is also one of the best players on the school's basketball team. When Rowdy finds out the Junior is switching schools, he kindly responds with a quick punch to to Junior's face.
At Reardan, Junior earns respect from the stereotypical "jock" Roger by standing up to Roger's insults, and he befriends a potential love interest in Penelope. He ends up finding his place on the varsity basketball team, and eventually having to face his angry peers from the Rez s the two high scools are rivals on the basketball course.
Change is difficult, and for Junior, it tested his relationship with everyone he knew. This book is a relatable, comedic and heart wrenching tale about a boy conflicted with his future and his culture. Junior endures a lot during his first year of high school but despite that he pulls through and finds courage in himself to change the entire course of his life for the better.
Edgar Portillo 9/17/19
Credits:
Art by Ellen Forney