Vocabulary in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

A medical condition in which excess fluid builds up inside the skull, putting pressure on the brain. Arnold is born with it, causing many of his physical and neurological difficulties.

Sudden, uncontrolled bursts of electrical activity in the brain that can cause shaking, loss of consciousness, or other symptoms. Arnold experiences these as a result of his hydrocephalus.

A speech problem in which a person involuntarily repeats or prolongs sounds, making it hard to speak smoothly. Arnold lists it as one of his many physical challenges.

A speech difficulty in which certain sounds, especially 's' and 'z,' are pronounced incorrectly, often sounding like 'th.' Arnold has one alongside his stutter.

The state of being extremely poor, lacking money for basic needs. On the reservation, poverty shapes nearly every aspect of daily life for Arnold and his family.

Government-issued surplus food distributed to low-income or reservation communities, often of low quality. Arnold's family relies on commodity food as a staple of their diet.

A tract of land set aside by the U.S. government for a Native American tribe to live on, often with limited resources and economic opportunity.

So frightened that one is unable to move or think clearly, paralyzed by fear. Arnold uses it to describe the terror he feels in certain social situations.

Relating to a way of life in which people move from place to place rather than settling permanently. Arnold reflects on his ancestors' traditional lifestyle before the reservation system confined them.

The process by which a minority group is absorbed into and adopts the culture of a dominant society, often at the cost of its own identity. The tension between assimilation and cultural pride runs throughout the novel.

Here, hand-drawn comic-style illustrations that Arnold creates to express his feelings and experiences when words alone feel insufficient to him.

A tendency to expect the best possible outcome and to look on the hopeful side of things. Arnold's teacher Mr. P urges him to hold onto it as a survival tool.

A gathering held before or after a funeral where family and friends come together to mourn and remember the person who has died. Chapter 21 centers on this ritual after a death in Arnold's community.

Moving or progressing in a slow, reluctant, or ungainly way toward something. Used in the chapter title to suggest a heavy, reluctant approach to the holiday.

An abnormal mass of tissue that grows in the body; can be benign or cancerous. In Chapter 15, a family member's tumor becomes a source of both grief and dark humor.

Close to the actual figure or truth but not perfectly exact. Used in the chapter title to suggest an inexact, emotional rather than clinical measure of something.

Distant and unfriendly in manner, not showing interest or warmth toward others. Rowdy becomes emotionally withdrawn and cold toward Arnold after Arnold leaves for Reardan.

To treat a person or group unfairly because of their race, background, or other characteristic. Arnold encounters racial prejudice at Reardan and reflects on being judged for his identity.

An idiom meaning activities or social groups from which someone is deliberately excluded. Drawn from the Rudolph story, it refers here to Arnold being left out by his Reardan teammates.

To restore a friendly relationship after a conflict or estrangement, or to come to terms with two opposing ideas or feelings at the same time.

Deep sorrow caused by loss, especially the death of someone loved. Arnold experiences multiple losses during the novel and must find ways to carry his grief.

A system of government or management with complex rules and many layers of officials, often experienced as slow, impersonal, and unhelpful by ordinary people.

A mournful piece of writing or speech that laments someone's death or a great loss. Arnold's reflections on his community's suffering take on the tone of an elegy.

Silently bad-tempered and resentful, refusing to be cheerful or communicative. Rowdy is frequently described this way after Arnold's departure for Reardan.

An experienced and trusted person who gives guidance and encouragement to someone less experienced. Mr. P acts as a mentor to Arnold, urging him to leave the reservation and seek a better future.