The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian & Smoke Signals Movie Guide

Are you reading Sherman Alexie's novel, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, with your students? If so, then you MUST show them the film Smoke Signals. Smoke Signals (1998, PG-13, 89 minutes) is based on a screenplay by Sherman Alexie, and is a brilliant complement to Alexie's YA novel.

The film has characters that have remarkable resemblance to the characters in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, specifically Junior and Rowdy. Many of the issues the young men, Thomas and Victor, deal with in the film are similar as well. Students benefit from actively watching and discussing this film as a piece closely related to the wildly popular novel while experiencing another piece of Native American literature. Have we sold you yet? You MUST watch this film with your students. Our 8th graders absolutely love it.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian & Smoke Signals Movie Guide provides a step-by-step guide and ANSWER KEY for the teacher. Students will complete ACTIVE film viewing with 30 movie questions, a graphic organizer and reflective prompts drawing them to make comparisons between the book and movie.

Your students will remain engaged and thinking as they develop their media literacy. Be prepared for a lively class discussion after reading the book and watching the movie. Enjoy!

*Please note: The name swap in #6 has been corrected on the student and teacher versions.

Disclaimer: Smoke Signals was written by Sherman Alexie and directed by Chris Eyre © 1998 Miramax Films - All Rights Reserved. This resource is NOT associated with Miramax Films, or any of the aforementioned's affiliates.