Chickadee

Chickadee

A Review by Amanda Kendall

Bibliography:

Erdrich, Louise. 2012. Chickadee. New York: Harper Collins Publishers. 0060577924

Plot Summary:

Set in 1866, Chickadee is the fourth book in the Birchbark House series.  The story continues the adventures of an Ojibwe family, only now the focus is on the next generation. Chickadee and Mokoons are twins with an irreplaceable bond. Although small for their age, they are crafty and resourceful. When an unpopular tribe member mocks Chickadee's size, Mokoons makes a plan to trick old Zhigaag and embarrass him. However, the trick has a horrible consequence. Chickadee is stolen in the middle of the night by Zhigaag's unruly, enormous sons as revenge.  Chickadee is tossed in a mail sack and hauled off to become the servant of the loud and disgusting brothers. As Chickadee finds himself further and further from home, he must rely on his Ojibwe survival skills and the guidance of his namesake, the chickadee to survive. Encountering many challenges along the way, Chickadee finds the strength and courage to continue his journey and make his way back to his family.

Analysis:

Erdich's eloquent story flows effortlessly from beginning to end. Using her own family history as inspiration, she captures the Ojibwe way of life throughout the novel through detailed descriptions of scenery and character actions. Erdich's characters each have a unique, strong personality that plays an important role in guiding the family towards its resolution. Yet, at the center of each character is the importance of family, tradition, and love. The story flips back and forth between Chickadee's adventure and his family's adventures, telling two stories in one as they both seek to be reunited. Each family member faces many of the harsh realities of living on the plains during the 1860s including encounters with white settlers, relentless clouds of mosquitoes, and fording rivers with supply wagons. The stories overlap beautifully, weaving the cultural skills of the Ojibwe tribe and highlighting the blending of cultures on the plains as more white settlers moved west.

Erdich's pencil renderings throughout the novel add to the story's authenticity and readability.  Each illustration offers the reader a clearer sense of the character's tools, clothing, and way of life. The illustrations break up the text at just the right intervals enhancing the writing with clear and detailed visuals. The chickadee bird print at the beginning of each chapter adds continuity throughout the novel, highlighting the small yet powerful bird and boy alike. Chickadee's story is one that will stay with readers.  An exquisitely crafted story of an indigenous American family that offers a valuable perspective of evolving life on the plains in the 1860s while reminding every reader of the importance of family and love.

Awards & Reviews:

• Scott O'Dell Award

From Kirkus Reviews: "A beautifully evolving story of an indigenous American family." 

From Publisher's Weekly: "Readers will want to follow this family for many seasons to come."

From School Library Journal: "Erdrich’s storytelling is masterful. Readers will be more than happy to welcome little Chickadee into their hearts."

Connections:
More Books in the Birchbark House series:

• The Birchbark House. 0786814543
• The Game of Silence. 0064410293
• The Porcupine Year. 0064410307
• Makoons. 0060577932

More Scott O'Dell Award Winners:

• Anderson, Laurie Halse. Chains. 1416905863
• Gantos, Jack. Dead End in Norvelt. 1250010233
• Garcia, Rita Williams. One Crazy Summer. 0060760907
• Holm, Jennifer. Full of Beans. 055351038X
• Larson, Kirby. Dash. 0545416361
• Phelan, Matt. The Storm in the Barn. 0763652903
• Wolk, Lauren. Beyond the Bright Sea. 1101994851

Suggested Curricular Connections:

• Using the skills of the Ojibwe, create a pouch or patch using beads.
• Research and learn more about the Ojibwe way of life and traditions. 
• Participate in oral storytelling of both traditional Native American myths and legends as well as family stories that have been passed down. 
• Use a large map to mark the migration of the Ojibwe from the Atlantic coast to the Great Lakes over time. 
• Write a song like the one given to Chickadee that inspires hope and strength when sung. 
• Create your own family tree.