The Game of Silence

Bibliographic Information: Erdrich, L. (2005). The Game of Silence. New York, NY: HarperCollins Children's Books.

Brief Annotation: In this sequel to The Birchbark House, Omakayas and her family receive visitors who have been forced from their land. Through the year, she will struggle with her own emotions, and learn that she must leave her beloved home, an island in Lake Superior.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Grade Level: 5 - 8

Readers who will like this book: Readers who have previously read The Birchbark House, and those who enjoy glimpses into other cultures.

Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. I have long been a reader of Louise Erdrich's novels. In this novel for young readers, she has not forfeited any of her ability to compose prose in a poetic and lyrical manner. It is a heart-wrenching story, with fictional characters, yet based on true information. I love her use of Objiwe words, and the inclusion of a dictionary of these words at the end of the book.

One question I would ask before a read aloud: What would it be like to have to leave your home and move somewhere unknown? Would you be able to live off the world around you, without supermarkets, television, or computers?

10/40: Quickwrites from 50 Literacy Strategies, by Gail E. Tompkins
As my class, or small group, moves through the chapters of this book, I would provide them with prompts related to the book. I would ask them to spend 5 - 10 minutes writing their ideas, then have them share these ideas. I believe this would allow my students to consider some to the big concepts contained in this book, such as westward expansion, white settlers invasion of tribal lands, and conflict between European settlers and native peoples.