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The Birchbark House Series

This series transports readers to the wilderness of the 19th century, focusing on the life of a young Ojibwa girl and her family. It chronicles their daily struggles and joys as they navigate life on the edge of civilization, learning to live in harmony with nature. The stories offer a deeply respectful portrayal of Native American culture and traditions. Readers will be drawn to the gentle storytelling and profound connection to the natural world.

Makoons
Chickadee
The Porcupine Year
The Game of Silence
The Birchbark House

Recommended Reading Order

  1. The Birchbark House

    • 256 pages
    • 9 hours of reading

    Nineteenth-century American pioneer life is vividly portrayed through the eyes of Omakayas, a spirited 7-year-old Ojibwa girl, in this engaging novel for young readers. After surviving a smallpox epidemic on Spirit Island, Omakayas, affectionately nicknamed Little Frog for her first hop, is rescued by Tallow and welcomed into an Ojibwa family on Lake Superior's Madeline Island. The story unfolds over four seasons in 1847, highlighting the challenges and joys of daily life within her Native American community, where activities like tanning moose hides and berry picking coexist with encounters with wildlife and ghost stories by the fire. The author, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwa, drew inspiration from Ojibwa elders, historical letters, and her own experiences on the island with her children, enriching the narrative with authenticity. Omakayas emerges as a relatable character, navigating her feelings about family, discovering her talents, and grappling with concepts of life and death. The author’s delicate pencil illustrations enhance the poetic storytelling. Readers will eagerly anticipate more adventures of this brave, intuitive girl, as Erdrich's work joins the ranks of children's literary classics. (Ages 9 and older)

    The Birchbark House1
    4.1

  2. The Game of Silence

    In this captivating sequel to National Book Award nominee The Birchbark House, Erdrich continues the story of Omakayas, a young Ojibwe girl in the mid 1800s.

    The Game of Silence2
    4.2

  3. The Porcupine Year

    • 224 pages
    • 8 hours of reading

    The third novel in the critically acclaimed Birchbark House series by New York Times bestselling author Louise Erdrich. Omakayas was a dreamer who did not yet know her limits. When Omakayas is twelve winters old, she and her family set off on a harrowing journey in search of a new home.

    The Porcupine Year3
    4.3

  4. Chickadee

    • 224 pages
    • 8 hours of reading

    Winner of the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction, Chickadee is the first novel of a new arc in the critically acclaimed Birchbark House series by New York Times-bestselling author Erdrich, which chronicles one Ojibwe family's century-long history in America. This edition includes an author interview and activities.

    Chickadee4
    4.1

  5. Makoons

    • 192 pages
    • 7 hours of reading

    Set in nineteenth-century America, this sequel to Chickadee follows an Ojibwe family as they navigate the challenges of their time. Louise Erdrich's storytelling delves into themes of cultural identity, resilience, and family bonds, capturing the rich heritage and experiences of Indigenous life. The narrative intertwines personal growth with historical context, offering readers a profound glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of the Ojibwe people.

    Makoons5
    4.1