Quotables
Who says: "The world is a series of broken dams and floods, and my cartoons are tiny little lifeboats."
Arnold Spirit Jr.
Whose death is devastating to Junior in the second chapter?
Oscar, the dog
Why does Junior get suspended from school?
Throwing a book that hits his teacher and breaks his nose
What type of books does Junior's sister like to write?
Romance novels
Which type of characterization refers to the author telling you specific details about a character?
Direct Characterization
Who says: "You have to leave this reservation."
Mr. P
Who gives Junior advice about what to do after his fight at Reardan?
His grandmother
What does Rowdy do to the Andruss brothers to get revenge for them bullying Junior? (other than beating them up)
Cuts off their braids
What did Junior dress up as for Halloween?
A homeless guy
Thinking about all of the parents portrayed in the book: Junior's, Rowdy's, Penelope's etc. What do you think Sherman Alexie is trying to say about parents in general?
They're imperfect
Their actions strongly impact their kids
They all have flaws even if others don't see them
Who says: "I'm only bulimic when I'm throwing up."
Penelope
Where does Mary move? (What state)
Montana
When Junior gives Rowdy a cartoon at Thanksgiving, what obscene action does Rowdy give him in return?
The middle finger
A phone
Why did Sherman Alexie name Junior's best friend Rowdy? (how is his name meaningful)
Because he's violent and wild just like the name suggests
Who says: "There are three thousand four hundred and twelve books here. I know that because I counted them."
Gordy
What event to Junior and Rowdy attend in chapter 3 (Revenge is My Middle Name)?
Native American powwow
What shocking (to her) secret does Penelope learn about Junior at the dance?
He's poor
What item did Ms. Steiger say symbolizes Penelope's dad's control over her life? (in Junior's drawing of her)
Her father's hat
How does Alexie's characterization of Penelope change over time?
At the beginning, she seems shallow and kind of mean, but as the story continues, Alexie shows that she's kind, rebellious, thoughtful, and open-minded.
(halloween=raises money for the homeless)
(she's bulimic and has a terrible relationship with her father)
Who says: "It's pretty cool, you doing this," after taking Junior to Reardan on his first day.
Eugene
What name does Junior find in his geometry book and whose name is it?
Agnes Adams, his mother
When Junior sends Rowdy a digital photo of himself, what does Rowdy send back?
A photo of his rear end
His father's alcoholism
What's the significance of the title of the book? What does it suggest about the story and the main character?
The title reflects the personal nature of the story (calling it a "diary"). It also shows how Junior struggles with his identity and feels torn between two worlds (part-time Indian)