THE Game Of Silence by Louise Erdrich (Genre: Historical Fiction)

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Erdrich, Louise. 2005. THE GAME OF SILENCE. Unabridged ed. New York, NY: Harper Children’s Audio. ISBN 0060758392.

PLOT SUMMARY
This book is a sequel to the National Book Award nominee The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich. This is a story of a 9 yr old girl named Omakayas that means Little Frog because her first step was a hop. She was a part of the Ojibwa tribe who lived on an island in Lake Superior in 1850. Omakayas had learnt a lot of different things from her tribe and was now aware of the fact that she could retell the future through her dreams.

The Ojibwas were now living peacefully on the island. They lived in houses made of birch bark in summer, went to the ricing camps in fall where they would harvest and feast and finally move to their cozy log cabins at LaPointe before the first snow. This serenity was interrupted by a group of white men or chimookomanag who wanted Omakayas and her people to leave their island and move to the west. The children were made to play the game of silence and the adults tried to find a course of action. The story focuses on the threat of losing their home and the adjustments that the tribal people had to make.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Author Louise Erdrich tells this heart touching story through the eyes of 9 year old girl, Omakayas. Even though Omkayas lived in 1850 with a different lifestyle but the readers will easily relate to this story of a typical child of this age. Like every child, she enjoyed snowball fights, fishing and avoided doing her daily chores.
The author uses native terms and phrases throughout the story to help readers connect to the culture, myths and traditions of the Ojibwa tribe. The pencil illustrations by Louise Erdrich complement the story. They provide the readers with an insight into the lives, culture, natural surrounding and crafts of the Native Americans. The book is written in simple words which would be easily understood by the readers.
This sequel to the The Birchbark House will be enjoyed by readers aged 9-14 years. This book will give them a better way of understanding life, the joy of having a place to live, the fear of losing it and the other uncertainties of life.

AWARDS/ REVIEW EXCERPTS:
Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction
Kirkus Editor’s Choice
Horn Book Fanfare
ALA Notable Children’s Book
ALA Booklist Editors’ Choice
New York Times Notable

"This meticulously researched novel offers an even balence of joyful and sorrowful moments while conveying a perspective of America’s past that is rarely found in history books." PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

"Erdrich’s captivating tale of four seasons portrays a deep appreciation of our environment, our history, and our Native American sisters and brothers." SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

CONNECTIONS
* Discuss the Native American culture including their surrounding and their lifestyle with the students.
* Discuss with the students how they feel about change in their lifestyle or place of residence that may affect their life.
* Encourage students to draw a pencil illustration of any part or character of the story that they like.
*Related Books:
Erdrich, Louise. 2010. THE PORCUPINE YEAR. New York, NY. HarperCollins. ISBN 0064410307.
Bruchac, Joseph.2002. NAVAJO LONG WALK : TRAGIC STORY OF A PROUD PEOPLES FORCED MARCH FROM HOMELAND. National Geographic Children's Books. ISBN 0792270584.