The Game of Silence by Louise Erdrich

Erdrich, Louise. 2005. The Game of Silence. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 0060297891

(I hadn't read the first novel in this series, and so there is always that awkward first part of the book where the characters are presented as old friends, except I didn't have any emotional attachment to them yet. However, in terms of the story itself, it wasn't necessary to read the first one to understand the plot.)

This novel opens with the young girl Omakayas watching refugees from another tribe arriving to beg her tribe for assistance. They are bedraggled, hungry, and desperate for a place of safety. Omakayas learns important lessons about kindness from her tribe's reaction to these newcomers, but the tribe learns important information from the refugees, as well. The white settlers are pushing the Ojibwan peoples farther and farther west into land that is already occupied by other tribes who are resentful of newcomers. The tension that the Omakayas' family feels is beautifully symbolized by the game of silence that the children play so that the adults can discuss serious issues. Omakayas' everyday routines of collecting rice at the rice camp, tanning moose hides, and learning to bead are lovingly detailed, giving a true sense of historical accuracy to Omakayas' story.

Omakayas in many ways is a typical adolescent feeling jealousy and anger while also learning about kindness and her own destiny. But in other important ways, Omakayas is clearly a Native American with Native American ideas and ways of looking at the world. She has dreams that are symbolic and prophetic, she views the older people in her family with deep respect, and she wants the way of life that she has always known to continue unchanged. This book is both a beautiful coming of age story and a powerful historical novel.

AWARDS AND REVIEWS:

"Against the backdrop of Ojibwa cultural traditions, Omakayas also conveys the universal experiences of childhood--a love of the outdoors, a reluctance to do chores, devotion to a pet--as well as her ability to cope with the seemingly unbearable losses of the winter. The author hints at Omakayas's unusual background and her calling as a healer, as well as the imminent dangers of the "chimookoman" or white people, setting the stage for future episodes. Into her lyrical narrative, Erdrich weaves numerous Ojibwa words, effectively placing them in context to convey their meanings. Readers will want to follow this family for many seasons to come." --Publisher's Weekly

"The first book won enormous praise, including a National Book Award nomination, but this novel is even better. The themes are not only more profound, but the episodic structure of the previous novel is also much exceeded by the interweaving plot threads of young love, sibling rivalry, and frustration with gender roles. The threat that the federal government poses to the community is more than just a framing device; it penetrates all the other concerns of the novel, drawing them tightly together. This novel combines all the emotion and joy of The Birchbark House with an impressive deftness of structure." --VOYA

CONNECTIONS:

I think young readers might enjoy playing the game of silence that is so pivotal to this story, and then reflect on their experience through writing (poetry, maybe?).

The Birchbark House by the same author is the first in this series for those who want to read them in order.

This could be paired with another novel that scrupulously details the everyday details of this time period, but from the settlers' perspective like The Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Crispin: At the Edge of the World by Avi

Avi. 2006. Crispin: At the Edge of the World. New York: Hyperion. ISBN 078685152

While the first book ends with Crispin renouncing his birthright to save his friend Bear, this second offering begins with Crispin and Bear traveling free at last. Unfortunately, the secret brotherhood to which Bear belonged mistakenly believes that he has informed on them, and begins to search for Crispin and Bear to avenge themselves. When Bear is injured, Crispin has to make new friends in unlikely places to save his friend. Danger continues to follow Bear, Crispin, and their new friend, Troth, across the ocean into the war-torn land of France. Throughout the novel, Crispin faces his own ignorance, makes difficult decisions, and learns lessons of loyalty, forgiveness, and survival.

This novel serves up a thoughtful exploration of growing up and also a pleasing piece of historical fiction. Avi captures the superstition and fear of the devil that would be typical in this time period perfectly in Crispin's initial negative reaction to Aude, a midwife who worships the old gods, but helps heal Bear. Those who are interested in the historical background of the novel will appreciate the author's note that gives an overview of the period of the novel.

AWARDS & REVIEWS:

"Avi takes the reader on another exciting adventure into the world of Old England. The charm of the scenery and the loveable characters make this book a must read. Do not hold back on cheering on Bear and Crispin as they struggle to survive in a world that they do not seem to belong to. What an awesome storyteller Avi has become, and may he honor us with more of Crispin's quests." --Children's Literature

"This second book in a planned trilogy explores even more thoughtfully the themes of religion, war, the motives of men, and the meaning of family. This is an extraordinary work of lyrical simplicity, nearly flawless in its execution, and a haunting tale of love and loss. Readers will devour this story and eagerly anticipate the conclusion of Crispin's adventures." --School Library Journal

CONNECTIONS:

Of course, readers should read Crispin: The Cross of Lead before reading this book in order to understand the strength of the relationship between Crispin and Bear.

This book could pair with an activity in the classroom: a medieval fair! Students could research historically accurate activities of a medieval fair and put it on for other classes or for their families.

This book could also be paired with Catherine, Called Birdy or The Midwife's Apprentice, both by Karen Cushman.

The language of this book would lend itself really beautifully to reader's theater. Students could get in small groups and write their own and then perform them for the class.

Jip: His Story by Katherine Paterson

Paterson, Katherine. 1998. Jip: His Story. New York: Penguin. ISBN 0140386742

Jip has lived and worked at the poor farm for as long as he can remember, having been dropped off the back of a wagon when he was only two years old. But although Jip is mostly content with his life, he wonders what kind of family doesn't return for their little boy when they realize that he's fallen out of the wagon. Jip's life begins to broaden beyond the farm when he builds a cage for Put, the insane man with occasional violent fits, who is to live at the poor farm, locked-up for safekeeping. Jip makes friends with Put, and begins to attend school. But his past soon catches up with him in ways that will change his world, and his sense of identity, forever.

Paterson's dialogue is always realistic, but in Jip: His Story, Paterson seems to be exceptionally deft. She writes the colloquial speech of Jip, Put, his schoolteacher, and her Quaker friend with a sure touch. The historical element of this story is fascinating, but not overly intrusive to the plot of the story itself. The main character of Jip is compassionate, hard-working, and understanding. Parents will appreciate the lessons of loyalty, acceptance, and kindness, while juvenile readers will appreciate the plot surprises and the exciting resolution to Jip's story.

AWARDS & REVIEWS:

Like Paterson's Newbery-winning Bridge to Terabithia and Jacob Have I Loved, this historically accurate story is full of revelations and surprises . . . While Jip's concerns provide insight into 19th-century society, his yearnings for freedom and knowledge are timeless. The taut, extremely readable narrative and its tender depictions of friendship and loyalty provide first-rate entertainment." --Publisher's Weekly

"Anything by Katherine Paterson is a pleasure to read." --Children's Literature

"Jip is a compassionate hero to be cried over, feared for, and cheered on. What could be better to read aloud or booktalk?" --VOYA

CONNECTIONS:

This book would be a great companion book to other fiction or non-fiction books about the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman, etc. Some titles: Underground Railroad Sampler, Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad, or Harriet Tubman: A Woman of Courage.

Readers who enjoy this book, may want to read Lyddie by Katherine Paterson, because the title character in Lyddie appears in this book as his inspirational teacher.