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

Alexie, Sherman (2007).  The Absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian.  New York: Little Brown and Company.

ISBN 0316013684 / 9780316013680

Summary:  Tired of being made fun of and beat up for his physical differences and tired of the poor education, resources, and opportunities around him, Junior makes the difficult decision to leave the school on the  Spokane Reservation to attend all-white high school.  Considered a traitor by the rez and ignored by his new wealthy, white class-mates, Junior persists to make the 20+ mile commute to school, often hitchhiking because there's not enough gas money without much hope that his situation will improve.

Additional comments:  Despite the humorous narration, the story is quite depressing.  The reservation is rife with alcoholism that is so severe to cause multiple deaths, and opportunities for employment are so few on the rez that the best bet for Junior is to leave. Junior's poverty becomes very clear to him when he switches to the privileged school where he tries to hide his difficulties in an attempt to fit in.  Readers will get a reality check about the dismal living conditions on Native American reservations and the deep sadness of losing one's heritage.