Chickadee wins 2013 Scott O'Dell Award

Louise Erdrich (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa) was recently awarded the 2013 Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction, for her latest story in the Birchbark House series, Chickadee. In 2006, The Game of Silence, her second book in the series, was recognized as the best historical fiction for young people.

            The year is now 1866 and Omakayas and Animikiins have 8-year-old twin sons – Chickadee and Makoons. Their extended family, whom we know from the previous books, is enjoying the warmer spring weather while maple sugaring. At least they are, until Chickadee is taken by Zhigaagby’s two sons in revenge for a prank he played on the old man.

            Finding strength and resourcefulness from his namesake bird, Chickadee escapes and eventually finds his uncle and his family who has been desperately tracking his kidnappers from the woods to the Great Plains. The author is working on the fifth book about Chickadee’s twin, Makoons, and we hope she continues with the stories which are based on her family’s experiences.

Reading Circle - Tracks by Louise Erdrich

“We started dying before the snow, and like snow, we continued to fall.”

If you’ve never read Louise Erdrich’s novel, Tracks, or you have read it and are eager to share your thoughts about this powerful work, now is your chance.  While you wait to get your hands on Erdrich's new novel, The Round House, enrich your reading experience and join us on Saturday, February 16th at 1:00pm. 

Beat those February doldrums by calling to register for this free event. (860) 396-6897. 

Professor Theodore Van Alst (Lakota), Director of Yale’s Native American Cultural Center, brings his insights and enthusiasm to our Reading Circle discussion. Some light refreshments follow the discussion. 

Need a copy of the book? We have some copies to lend and they are available for purchase at our Museum store.