The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian Theme of Friendship

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Arnold's main friend – and only friend – on the reservation in Wellpinit is Rowdy. Once he moves to Reardan, though, he becomes friends with a whole host of people: Penelope, Gordy, Roger, even the school basketball coach. Why is it important that Arnold meet new people and make new friends? What does he learn from these people? Why is it important that he reconcile with Rowdy in the end of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian?

1. Junior says that Rowdy is more important than his family (3.123). Can your best friend be more important than your family? Why?
2. Why do Roger and Arnold become kinda sorta friends?
3. How is Gordy's friendship important to Arnold? What exactly does Gordy teach him?
4. Though they reconcile at the end, do you think Rowdy and Arnold can ever really be friends again? How is Rowdy both an enemy and a friend?

Connecting with different people and making new friends is an important part of finding out who we really are.

Relying too heavily upon the strength and friendship of another person can prevent us from ever learning how to stand up for ourselves.