So I just realized that Sherman Alexie's
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is essentially a more literate (and god, I hate that word and it's snobby connotation) version of Jeff Kinney's
Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Diary format with comic illustrations throughout. Troubles with family, school, friends. Same. Same. Check.
A quick search shows they were both published around the same time. It's funny how similar things often arrive at the same moment in time.
Sure, Wimpy Kid is easily more recognizable and popular, but Part-Time Indian is amazingly well-written. I'm happy I can enjoy both, each with its own strengths.