logo

85 pages 2 hours read

The Birchbark House

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1999

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Book Brief

logo
Louise Erdrich

The Birchbark House

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1999
Book Details
Pages

244

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Lake Superior • 1840s

Publication Year

1999

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich follows Omakayas, a young Anishinabe girl, and her family over one year on Madeline Island, 1847. The story, presented in episodic segments, explores their lives, traditions, and challenges, including a smallpox outbreak that devastates the community, highlighting Omakayas's resilience and emerging healing abilities. The book contains themes of disease, death, and grief.

Contemplative

Nostalgic

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.4

12,552 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Louise Erdrich’s The Birchbark House has been widely praised for its rich historical detail and captivating portrayal of Ojibwe culture. Critics appreciate its vivid character development and educational value. Some note a slower narrative pace as a minor drawback. Overall, it’s celebrated for its depth and cultural significance.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Birchbark House?

The reader of The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich is captivated by historical fiction and Indigenous cultures, similar to fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House on the Prairie. They enjoy richly detailed, heartfelt narratives centered around family, resilience, and survival, appealing to middle-grade and young adult readers interested in diverse perspectives.

4.4

12,552 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Omakayas ("Little Frog")

A seven-year-old girl with a spiritual gift who has complex relationships with her family and an affinity for animals, particularly bears. She grapples with her emotions and grows through her experiences throughout the narrative.

Omakayas’s grandmother and a nurturing healer with a special connection to the spirits. She provides spiritual and cultural guidance to her family.

Omakayas’s mother, known for her quick temper and loving nature. She is observant and nurturing toward her family, showing resilience in the face of adversity.

A powerful and independent woman known for her hunting skills and pack of dogs. She is close to Omakayas’s family and shows affection and support to Omakayas.

Omakayas’s mischievous younger brother with a penchant for trouble and laziness. Over time, he begins to show signs of developing empathy and kindness.

Omakayas’s father, a tall and intelligent fur trader with a shrewd sense of humor. He is a provider and protector for his family, balancing his sternness with moments of generosity.

Omakayas’s beautiful older sister, who shares a sometimes-complicated relationship with her. Their interactions range from playful conspiracies to sibling jealousy.

Omakayas’s baby brother, whom she adores and cares for deeply. He is the cherished fourth child in the family.

Omakayas’s pet crow, who becomes an important and helpful member of the family. Known for his unique behaviors, he forms a special bond with Omakayas.

A friend of Deydey and husband to Ten Snow, marked by his pride in his heritage. He is serious and suspicious of outsiders, especially in the realm of treaties.

A comical friend of Deydey and Fishtail, known for his exaggerated visions and storytelling. Though not the most reliable, his character provides entertainment.

Wife of Fishtail and Angeline’s best friend, admired for her beadwork and generosity. She frequently visits the family and is valued in the community.

Book Details
Pages

244

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Lake Superior • 1840s

Publication Year

1999

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.