Teen/YA: July 2008 Archives

Sherman Alexie
Andersen Press
1842708449
Jun 2008

If you let people into your life a little bit, they can be pretty damn amazing.

Personal aspirations and cultural expectation converge in this, Alexie Sherman's first novel for young adults. Junior exists as an outsider, from the world as a Native American living on a reservation, to his peers as an individual whose thinking, behaviour, actions and reactions are slower than with many because of excess cerebral spinal fluid at birth.

Through the course of the novel Junior battles against the prejudices of those around him, ultimately resulting in a decision that ostracises him from his people. The challenge then becomes proving himself, his worth and talent both intellectually and physically.

Junior's unique perspective on life results in the gradual acquisition of firm friendships and he battles towards a position whereby his individuality is recognised and acknowledged. At points painful, partly positive but always poignant, this an accomplished and astoundingly life-affirming novel.



About this Archive

This page is a archive of entries in the Teen/YA category from July 2008.

Teen/YA: November 2007 is the previous archive.

Teen/YA: September 2008 is the next archive.

Find recent content on the main index or look in the archives to find all content.