Monday, April 12, 2010

Poverty

How does the poverty surrounding Junior set the tone for the novel?

How do you think Junior's reservation in real life is similar to or different from the rez in the novel?

Friends

What do you think Penelope and Roger think about Junior?

Why are Junior and Gordy friends?

Mentors

Several people give Junior advice. Who do you think offers the most helpful advice to Junior and why?

Adolescence/Life/Community

"Life is a constant struggle between being an individual and being a member of the community." - Gordy, p. 130

"Surely adolescence is mostly about figuring out which tribes you belong to and how to follow your dreams." - Sherman Alexie

How do these quotes apply to Junior?

Why do you think the title includes "Part-Time Indian?"

Junior

How did Junior change throughout the book?

How did Junior's ableness to relate to others, particularly males, change from beginning to end?

What do you think Junior's father has to do with Junior's outlook, personality, etc.?

What would have happened to Junior if he hadn't had the conversation with Mr. P.?

Was Junior comfortable going to Reardan?

Why do you think that Junior and his sister were the only nomadic people on the rez?

Rowdy

How do you think Rowdy influences Junior throughout the book?

Why do you think Rowdy came back to Junior?

How does Rowdy and Junior's friendship grow or shrink?

Why did Rowdy go to Mary's funeral?

Why do you think Rowdy was crying at the funeral?

What did Junior and Rowdy do all night at the end of the book and what was significant about it?

What's the significance of Stupid Horse?

Reardan

How has Reardan made Junior a better person?

If Rowdy went to Reardan, would this affect Junior's success?