The, By Judy Blume And The Absolutely True Diary Of A Part...

Two of the most elusive components of adolescent development are identity and sexuality. The discovery of identity is a puzzling and frustrating experience, especially during adolescence. The pressure to conform is constant and sometimes inescapable. Unfortunately, many young adults collapses under the peer pressure and it takes years for them to find their own uniqueness and individuality. Sexuality is a quagmire of ambiguity and frustration, especially during adolescence. The unpredictable hormonal ups and downs of puberty are difficult enough, without the societal pressures of abstinence versus promiscuity. The double standard of boys sowing their wild oats and slut shaming are still as prevalent today as they were in the 1950’s.†¦show more content†¦Junior believes that pictures are universal, â€Å" If you are speaking and write in English, or Spanish, or Chinese, or any other language, then only a certain percentage of human beings will get your meaning. But when you draw a picture everyone can understand it.† (5) The drawing of cartoons provides his ticket out of the reservation. He receives a scholarship to the all white high school, Reardan. However, it’s not all rainbows and sunshine, by accepting the scholarship, Junior is labeled a traitor and ostracized by his only friend and community, he becomes a â€Å"Part-Time Indian. † He transforms into Arnold Spirit while attending Reardan. At first he is bullied by the jocks, but after a sharp right hook to the jaw of the leader, he shows his courage and fortitude . Arnold Spirit is dating the most popular girl in school and is on the varsity basketball team. Through his metamorphoses, Junior, aka, Arnold is able to overcome his self-deprecation and accept his new identity, along with being true to his roots. Young adults seeking to lift themselves out of tough situations can identify with the events of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. They should see in Junior the resilience and determination to achieve a better life and improved their self esteem. Alexie’s use of modern language and humor is applicable for the YA genre. His style of prose is laid back and conversational. Comparable to Junior, the lead character in Judy Blume’s Forever,