1. Yes, we can classify Alexie's diary, "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," within the young adult literature genre based on the criteria mentioned. The book is written about a teenage protagonist and is written in a distinctly teenage voice. It also deals with a journey toward identity as the main character, Junior, navigates his life as a Native American teenager attending a predominantly white school. Additionally, the book addresses adult issues in teenage lives, such as poverty, racism, alcoholism, and bullying. The novel also demonstrates literary value similar to that of adult novels.
2. Some of the adult issues tackled in "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" include poverty, alcoholism, racism, identity, sexuality, and mental health. The novel explores Junior's experiences growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation and his decision to transfer to a predominantly white school, where he faces discrimination and struggles to fit in. Junior also grapples with the effects of alcoholism within his community, the challenges of living in poverty, and the impact of his sister's issues with mental health. These adult issues offer a realistic portrayal of the challenges many teenagers face in their lives.
Stevens (2007) asserts that the genre of young adult literature is classified by five main criteria: the book is written about teens; it is written in a distinctly teen voice; it is characterized by the journey toward identity; it tackles adult issues in teenage lives; and, it has the same potential for literary value as grown-up novels (Talbert, 2012).
1. Can we classify Alexie’s diary within this genre?
2. What are some of the adult issues tackled in True Diary
1 answer