The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Reading Strategies Checking for Understanding – What happened the last time we read? Grandmother gives advice, Roger compliments Junior on Eugene’s motorcycle. We learn about Dawn and how Junior always strives for things that seems “out of his league”. Penelope and Junior share a moment after they raise money for the homeless.

Reading Strategies Taking notes and writing down thoughts while reading is a great way to summarize as well as recognize relationships that exist in a story. In today’s readings use your Inner Voice graphic organizer to take notes about the relationships between the characters in PT Indian.

Slouching Towards Thanksgiving Chapter 12

Petrified Wood What do you think is significant about Junior speaking up in class? Why do you think Mr. Dodge was so upset with Junior’s comments in the classroom?

Mary – Warrior Wife What is significant about Mary’s decision? Junior feels a little inspired because he realizes his sister hasn't given up; she's actually following her dream. He feels like he and his sister are being warriors

Metaphors – What is it? A metaphor is a way of describing something by connecting it with something else. It is a comparison between two different things that have an important characteristic in common. For example, in the metaphor, "Freddie is a pig when he eats," both Freddie and a pig are sloppy eaters

New Friend? How does Junior become friends with Gordy? What do they have in common? What pieces of wisdom does Gordy give Junior during this chapter?

Words of Wisdom "The world, even the smallest parts of it, is filled with things you don't know" (12.203), Gordy says. Junior tells Gordy that he draws cartoons, and that he takes them seriously. Junior thinks Gordy will think that's all kind of stupid, but Gordy doesn't. Gordy says: "If you're good at it, and you love it, and it helps you navigate the river of the world, then it can't be wrong" (12.189).

Metaphor Explain the metaphor that Gordy uses to describe his feelings towards books and reading. All that means, Gordy says, is joy. A boner is joy and a lust for life—and learning.