Sherman Alexie

State: Washington

Born in 1966 on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Washington, Sherman Alexie is a celebrated Native American writer—poet, novelist, filmmaker, and screenwriter. His works, including The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian and Reservation Blues, mix poignancy with humor to shine a light on Indigenous life, identity, and resilience. Alexie’s writing, known for its sharp dialogue and emotional depth, captures both reservation struggles and urban Native experiences. He also penned the screenplay for the acclaimed film Smoke Signals. Recognized with a National Book Award, PEN/Faulkner Award, and several American Book Awards, Alexie is a vital voice in contemporary literature. Though his career has faced controversy, his earlier works remain influential in discussions of representation, storytelling, and cultural identity in the U.S.

Genres: Contemporary, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Poetry

Audiences: Adult, Young Adult