The Birchbark House.

The Birchbark House. Louise Erdrich. New York: Hyperion Books for Children, 1991. 244 pages. (Hardcover). ISBN 078682241-4. Grades 3-8.

Reminds Me Of…

There are many different elements to this very beautiful book, all of which reminded me of titles I have read before. The first book that popped in to my mind after reading about a semi-nomadic island people threatened by outsiders in the early part if history was the Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell. These two stories share in common the strong female character(s), full of curiosity, adventure, strength, etc. Karana of Island of the Blue Dolphins shares character traits with Omakayas as well as Old Tallow, down to her ability to hunt, friendship with wild animals, and devotion to her brother. O’Dell and Erdrich also both base their stories on fact and history, including how these different people lived and survived. There is a similar emphasis on trade, hunting, housing, food gathering, and respect for nature. I think readers who enjoy one of these titles would also like the other, I mean, I did. I was also reminded of Michael Dorris’s Sees Behind Trees. This Native American novel also emphasizes the importance and beauty of nature, as well as stories of how life came to be as it is now. The wisdom of Gray Fire in Sees Behind Trees reminds me of Nokomis and Deydey’s stories and memories. I also think the symbolism for loss and starting over in Sees Behind Trees mirrors a similar sentiment found in The Birchbark House. The weroance and baby Checha in Sees Behind Trees reminds me of Old Tallow and Omakayas and also Omakayas and Neewo in The Birchbark House. There are bonds and relationships based on love and circumstance and the greater picture. I find that I am still surprised when I am able to make these connections between stories, but I am also realizing that if I pay attention to what I read it is not as difficult as it seems from the onset.