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heidipolkissa82's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
katiegilley's review against another edition
4.0
As soon as I finished The Little House series, I began listening to The Birchbark House. I’d been wanting to read it for a long time and was thrilled when this was the Audible Deal of the Day a few months ago. The Birchbark House is a children’s series set in the same time period as the Little House books, but it centers on a Native American family — also in Minnesota, which is where The Little House in the Big Woods was set.
I really enjoyed getting to know this family, who had me laughing and crying. I was hoping to read this with my kiddos soon, but there is one particularly gut-wrenching storyline that makes me think I’ll need to wait a couple of years before I introduce it to them. But on the whole — I really appreciate the balance in perspective this book gave me in relation to the Little House series. And I can’t wait to listen to more of Omakayas’ story!
I really enjoyed getting to know this family, who had me laughing and crying. I was hoping to read this with my kiddos soon, but there is one particularly gut-wrenching storyline that makes me think I’ll need to wait a couple of years before I introduce it to them. But on the whole — I really appreciate the balance in perspective this book gave me in relation to the Little House series. And I can’t wait to listen to more of Omakayas’ story!
allicatca's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed the story. I learned about Native Americans and I got attached to the characters BUT I did not enjoy the writing style. The end of the book was truly lovely.
deniseann's review against another edition
3.0
I read this book to my granddaughter. It was a pretty good book.
appaloosa05's review against another edition
This book sat on my TBR list for far too long, I'm glad I finally made time for it. Chronicling a year in the life of a young Ojibwe girl, this book is sad at times, and full of joy at others. I appreciate that Erdrich didn't shy away from the harsh realities of life in the 1800s. I think children appreciate that honesty. If I had read this book at the age of 9 or 10, I probably would have cried at the sad parts, but I think I also would have loved Omakayas' character and voice. I know I would have loved learning more about the Ojibwe way of life.
jfrie65's review against another edition
5.0
Thank goodness 2020 was the year we began longer read-alouds in our family, this book was perfect in every way and we have been talking about it all summer. I definitely cried multiple times out of sadness and joy.
annalieegk's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
staciek3's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I got this for my Little Free Library, but had to read it first, because I love most everything that Louise Erdrich writes. I enjoyed all of the characters and the story was beautifully told. It's like Louise weaves a story as if it's a tapestry.
bylogan6862_'s review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
Book on CD narrated by Nicolle Littrell
What Laura Ingalls Wilder did for the pioneer families in 19th century plains states, Erdrich has done for the Native Americans in this same time period.
Omakayas is a seven-year-old Ojibwa girl living in Wisconsin. She is the sole survivor of a small pox epidemic when she’s taken into another family as an infant. Tallow is a strong matriarch and Omakayas (also called Little Frog), thrives in the community on Lake Superior’s Madeline Island, also known as the Island of the Golden-Breasted Woodpecker. The book follows Omakayas, her family and the tribe through four seasons of 1847.
I was fascinated by this story of the life of the Native Americans during this time period. I learned about the hard work of tanning hides, the craft of decorating special garments with intricate beadwork, the cycles of hunting and gathering, and the dangers (and joys) of living so close to nature.
Omakayas is a wonderful narrator – inquisitive, observant, intelligent, and compassionate. She’s also a typical seven year old – sometimes a little naughty, and not always understanding the reasons why she is asked to perform certain tasks, or forbidden from other adventures. I can see why this is sometimes taught in social studies classes for middle-grade students.
Erdrich is a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwa, and she spoke to various Ojibwa elders about the significance of Madeline Island. Events depicted are historically accurate (including a documented small pox epidemic). The text version includes Erdrich’s pencil drawing illustrations.
Nicolle Littrell does a fine job performing the audio version. She has good pacing and the book is clearly understandable for even younger readers.
What Laura Ingalls Wilder did for the pioneer families in 19th century plains states, Erdrich has done for the Native Americans in this same time period.
Omakayas is a seven-year-old Ojibwa girl living in Wisconsin. She is the sole survivor of a small pox epidemic when she’s taken into another family as an infant. Tallow is a strong matriarch and Omakayas (also called Little Frog), thrives in the community on Lake Superior’s Madeline Island, also known as the Island of the Golden-Breasted Woodpecker. The book follows Omakayas, her family and the tribe through four seasons of 1847.
I was fascinated by this story of the life of the Native Americans during this time period. I learned about the hard work of tanning hides, the craft of decorating special garments with intricate beadwork, the cycles of hunting and gathering, and the dangers (and joys) of living so close to nature.
Omakayas is a wonderful narrator – inquisitive, observant, intelligent, and compassionate. She’s also a typical seven year old – sometimes a little naughty, and not always understanding the reasons why she is asked to perform certain tasks, or forbidden from other adventures. I can see why this is sometimes taught in social studies classes for middle-grade students.
Erdrich is a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwa, and she spoke to various Ojibwa elders about the significance of Madeline Island. Events depicted are historically accurate (including a documented small pox epidemic). The text version includes Erdrich’s pencil drawing illustrations.
Nicolle Littrell does a fine job performing the audio version. She has good pacing and the book is clearly understandable for even younger readers.