English 1

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian Journal Prompts

In your composition book, answer each of the chapter questions below once you have
finished the chapter to which the prompt corresponds. We will use your responses to these
questions as the basis for class discussion when we come back together next week.

Chapter One: “The Black Eye of the Month Club”

In this chapter, Arnold describes what he calls his “abnormalities”—fluid on the brain, too
many teeth, less than perfect looks. He goes on to explain that he draws cartoons as a
chance to “escape the reservation.” Describe the ways in which you are or are not
“normal.” Or, describe the things you do to “escape” the conditions of your daily life. What
is your “reservation,” and what ways do you imagine leaving in?

Chapter Two: “Why Chicken Means So Much To Me”

In this chapter, Arnold describes the ways poverty sets limits on his life, starting with his
parents’ experiences and ending with the story of Oscar. He says, “Poverty doesn’t give you
strength or teach you lessons about perseverance. No, poverty only teaches you how to be
poor” (13). To what extent do you agree with him? Use examples from the book or from
your own experiences to support your points.

Chapter Three: “Revenge is My Middle Name”

In this chapter we meet Rowdy, Arnold’s best friend. According to Arnold, “Rowdy might be
the most important person” in his life, “(m)aybe more important than…family” (24). The
chapter ends with the line, “Rowdy and I are inseparable” (24). Do you have, or have you
ever had a friend from whom you were “inseparable”? Describe that person. Are you still
close to that person? If so, how do you spend your time together? If not, what led you to
“separate”? Based on what you know so far, do you think that Arnold and Rowdy will remain
“inseparable”? What factors, if any, might come between them?

English 1
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian Journal Prompts

In your composition book, answer each of the chapter questions below once you have
finished the chapter to which the prompt corresponds. We will use your responses to these
questions as the basis for class discussion when we come back together next week.

Chapter One: “The Black Eye of the Month Club”

In this chapter, Arnold describes what he calls his “abnormalities”—fluid on the brain, too
many teeth, less than perfect looks. He goes on to explain that he draws cartoons as a
chance to “escape the reservation.” Describe the ways in which you are or are not
“normal.” Or, describe the things you do to “escape” the conditions of your daily life. What
is your “reservation,” and what ways do you imagine leaving in?

Chapter Two: “Why Chicken Means So Much To Me”

In this chapter, Arnold describes the ways poverty sets limits on his life, starting with his
parents’ experiences and ending with the story of Oscar. He says, “Poverty doesn’t give you
strength or teach you lessons about perseverance. No, poverty only teaches you how to be
poor” (13). To what extent do you agree with him? Use examples from the book or from
your own experiences to support your points.
Chapter Three: “Revenge is My Middle Name”
In this chapter we meet Rowdy, Arnold’s best friend. According to Arnold, “Rowdy might be
the most important person” in his life, “(m)aybe more important than…family” (24). The
chapter ends with the line, “Rowdy and I are inseparable” (24). Do you have, or have you
ever had a friend from whom you were “inseparable”? Describe that person. Are you still
close to that person? If so, how do you spend your time together? If not, what led you to
“separate”? Based on what you know so far, do you think that Arnold and Rowdy will remain
“inseparable”? What factors, if any, might come between them?