From: MAUREEN MALONEY <MMALONEY>
Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2000 18:54:37 -0600

_The Birchbark House_ has been compared to the Little House books by Wilder. I can see why it would put people in mind of Wilder's books, but I would guess it won't have the popular appeal of that series. I fell in love with the book from page one, at the same time realizing that it requires a more mature reader to appreciate Erdrich's style. I got caught up in the fascinating details of Omakayas' life and the colorful characters--it mattered little to me that there was not a fingernail-biting plot. In the back of my mind I kept wondering about that little baby on the island, and I knew the question would be resolved sooner or later. I thought the resolution was a bit abrupt, but it didn't take away from the overall story.

Omakayas' point of view was a new one for me and a very refreshing one at that. I think _The Birchbark House_ is not only a milestone in children's literature; it is a beautiful, gently told, heartbreaking story that I'll recommend to young readers time and again.

Maureen Maloney Youth Services Librarian Duluth Public Library Duluth, MN
Received on Wed 12 Jan 2000 06:54:37 PM CST