The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich is the story of a year in the life of a young Ojibwa girl who, over the cycle of four full seasons, comes to a deeper understanding of life, herself, and the relationship between the two. As it chronicles the year's events, the narrative thematically explores the connection between human beings and nature, the effect of whites on indigenous culture, and the necessity of confronting fear. Set near present-day Lake Superior! Good read for American Indian awareness in classrooms. Was a 1999 National Book Award Finalist for young people's fiction. Genre: Historic Fiction, Realistic Fiction Themes: Native Americans, Relationship with Nature, Self-Discovery |