In this award-winning sequel to Chickadee , acclaimed author Louise Erdrich continues her celebrated Birchbark House series with the story of an Ojibwe family in nineteenth-century America. Named for the Ojibwe word for little bear, Makoons and his twin, Chickadee, have traveled with their family to the Great Plains of Dakota Territory. There they must learn to become buffalo hunters and once again help their people make a home in a new land. But Makoons has had a vision that foretells great challenges—challenges that his family may not be able to overcome. Based on Louise Erdrich’s own family history, this fifth book in the series features black-and-white interior illustrations, a note from the author about her research, and a map and glossary of Ojibwe terms. Gr 4-6-In the newest addition to this series, Erdrich continues her excellent storytelling relating more adventures of a small clan of Ojibwe in the 1860s. Eight-year-old Makoons, or Little Bear, recovers from his heartsick-induced illness (as described in Chickadee [HarperCollins, 2012]) and dreams a vision full of joy and sorrow. Makoons and his twin, Chickadee, travel with their family from western Minnesota to the Dakota Territory in search of "the generous ones"-buffalo. The two boys are full of mischief, inseparable as they hunt, explore, and grow. They are also a great help to their family as they call the buffalo when the adults begin to despair at having a successful hunt. Information about hunting, packing, foraging, and preparing food is incredibly detailed, but in no way tedious. The family work together tirelessly, knowing their survival depends on it. Ojibwe culture, language, and customs are interwoven throughout. Character development is a great strength in Erdrich's writing; she has a knack for creating humorous and endearing characters, and this story is no exception. Pencil drawings throughout, especially those of Makoons learning to ride a horse and hunt, help readers visualize the narrative. As the plot progresses, Makoons changes in a surprising way, bringing the heartbreaking fulfillment of his dream. This beautiful novel is quick moving and deeply affecting. VERDICT Readers will thoroughly enjoy following Makoons and learning about Ojibwe life.-Lisa Crandall, formerly at the Capital Area District Library, Holt, MIα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. PRAISE FOR CHICKADEE: “A beautifully evolving story of an indigenous American family.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Readers will absorb the history lesson almost by osmosis; their full attention will be riveted on the story. Every detail anticipates readers’ interest.” - The Horn Book “Erdrich’s storytelling is masterful. All of the characters, even minor ones, are believable and well developed, and small pencil drawings add to the story’s charm. The northern Minnesota setting is vividly described, and information about Ojibwe life and culture is seamlessly woven into every page. Readers will be more than happy to welcome little Chickadee into their hearts.” - School Library Journal (starred review) “In the fourth book in Erdrich’s award-winning Birchbark House series, the focus moves to a new generation. As always, the focus is on the way-of-life details as much as the adventure. Most affecting are the descriptions of Makoons’ loneliness without his brother.” - ALA Booklist “The pleasures of reading the series are not unlike those of reading Laura Ingalls Wilder: Discovering an earlier time in our country through stories of the daily lives of children.” - Newsday.com PRAISE FOR THE PORCUPINE YEAR: “Erdrich weaves in Ojibwe culture and language, defined in a glossary at the back, and her occasional black-and-white sketches express her affection for small daily things. Based on Erdrich’s own family history, the mischievous celebration will move readers, and so will the anger and sadness. What is left unspoken is as powerful as the story told.” - Booklist (starred review) “Erdrich’s direct narrative voice brings readers right into Makoons’s world. A new addition to the Birchbark House saga, launched in 1999, is always an anticipated event.” - ALA Booklist “Erdrich’s captivating tale of four seasons portrays a deep appreciation of our environment, our history, and our Native American sisters and brothers.” - School Library Journal “Erdrich’s storytelling is masterful. Readers will be more than happy to welcome little Chickadee into their hearts.” - School Library Journal (starred review) PRAISE FOR THE PORCUPINE YEAR: “Based on Erdrich’s own family history, the mischievous celebration will move readers, and so will the anger and sadness. What is left unspoken is as powerful as the story told.” - Booklist (starred review) ★ “Erdrich continues her excellent storytelling. She has a knack for creating humorous and endearing characters. This beautiful novel is quick moving and deep