The latest installment of Erdrich’s Birchbark House saga focuses on Makoons, the twin brother of Chickadee, who was the central character in the previous volume. The boys and their extended family have moved to the Dakota Territory where they have to adapt to a new land and new ways. The twins, for example, are learning the necessary skills to become buffalo hunters. There is plenty of detail here about their daily lives and the interpersonal interactions, which are often amusing, but there is also an overriding sense of foreboding, as Makoons has had a vision that tells him of difficult times ahead for his family. As with the five earlier books based on the history of Erdrich’s own Ojibwe family, the story is eloquently written and culturally authentic as it centers on the day-to-day activities of both children and adults at work and at play. (Ages 7–10)

In this award-winning sequel to Chickadee, acclaimed author Louise Erdrich continues her celebrated Birchbark House series with the story of an Ojibwe family in nineteenth-century America.

Named for the Ojibwe word for little bear, Makoons and his twin, Chickadee, have traveled with their family to the Great Plains of Dakota Territory.

There they must learn to become buffalo hunters and once again help their people make a home in a new land. But Makoons has had a vision that foretells great challenges—challenges that his family may not be able to overcome.

Based on Louise Erdrich’s own family history, this fifth book in the series features black-and-white interior illustrations, a note from the author about her research, and a map and glossary of Ojibwe terms.