A review by library_kb
The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich

informative reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

If teachers are looking for a replacement for Laura Ingalls Wilder, this should definitely be considered. As I listened to the book, I was struck by the similarities in many of the interactions--relationships with father, stories about interactions with bears, dealing with feelings about siblings, preparing for winter, and more. Yet, this book improves upon what can be found in Little House in the Big Wood for example because it also deals with grief and change, and may provide a perspective on life in the 1800s that many are unfamiliar with as the main character and her family are Ojibwa. In addition, this book could be a really good way to explore grief with younger readers, as it plays a large role in the later part of the book. 
I think this would work really well for 3rd-5th graders, especially if they have some support in processing some of the big ideas present in it. 
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