Children of the Longhouse

by Joseph Bruchac

A finely detailed novel from storyteller Joseph Bruchac tells of a 14th century Mohawk... read more

A finely detailed novel from storyteller Joseph Bruchac tells of a 14th century Mohawk village and a brother and sister who live there. Twins Ohkwa'ri and Otsi:stia are 11 winters old; still children but gaining a deeper understanding of the ways of their people each day. When he was younger, Ohkwa'ri admired the older boy known as Grabber for his skill and strength, but now his eyes are wiser. When Ohkwa'ri overhears Grabber and some other young men planning a raid on the Anen:taks, with whom the Mohawk peacefully trade, he tells Otsi:stia, whose good judgment he can always rely on. As a result Grabber and his friends are punished, and Ohkwa'ri has made an enemy. A fast and furious game of Tekwaarathon (now known as lacrosse) through woods and across a meadow lends added tension and excitement to the climax of this story that pays homage to the Great League of Peace of the Iroquois Nations. An author's afterword discusses the Mohawk Nation and the Iroquois League of Peace. (Ages 9-12)

© Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 1996

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