I very much enjoyed reading The Game of Silence, but I think it is important to consider that much of what is revealed (or not revealed) depends on the viewpoint of the person telling the story. It is certainly important to acknowledge Erdrich's Native American heritage and the importance of minority storytellers contributing to the "canon," for lack of a better word. But should we not also consider what does not get said? Except for Two Strike and Pinch, who are children and are therefore expected to misbehave on occasion, there are no Native American adults who behave less than nobly in the story. If we accept Erdrich's version of life among the Anishinabeg, everyone gets along, newcomers are always accepted with open arms, resources are always shared and distributed equally, and the white settlers (including the priest and Break-Apart Girl) are treated with nothing but kindness and even a winking acceptance of their "white" ways. Nokomis, Deydey, and Old Tallow are benevolent, loving leaders who nurture Omakayas and the other members of the community without strife or conflict. I felt this was somewhat unrealistic. Native Americans are human. That means they make mistakes and bad decisions, they are not always kind or unselfish, and they are not universally supportive and understanding parents. I say all of this to suggest that perhaps, in attempting to counteract the negative stereotypes contained in so many of the stories written about Native Americans, Erdrich went overboard in attempting to depict them positively, and in doing so sacrificed some of the realism necessary to effectuate acceptance and understanding by non-Native American readers. The inclusion of Old Tallow, who acknowledges her inability to remain in a marital relationship but survives and thrives on her own, contributes to the message that girls are important and contribute to the community in significant ways. I also appreciated Erdrich's subtle inclusion of environmental issues, such as the importance of conserving natural resources and recycling available materials rather than throwing them away. These messages were subtle, and not "preachy," but were communicated in ways that younger readers can appreciate and understand.
From the PublisherHer name is Omakayas, or Little Frog, because her first step was a hop, and she lives on an island in Lake Superior. It is 1850 and the lives of the Ojibwe have returned to a familiar rhythm: they build their birchbark houses in the summer, go to the ricing camps in the fall to harvest and feast, and move to their cozy cedar log cabins near the town of LaPointe before the first snows.Satisfying routines of Omakayas's days are interrupted by a surprise visit from a group of desperate and mysterious people. From them, she learns that all their lives may drastically change. The chimookomanag, or white people, want Omakayas and her people to leave their island in Lake Superior and move farther west. Omakayas realizes that something so valuable, so important that she never knew she had it in the first place, is in danger: Her home. Her way of life.In this captivating sequel to National Book nominee The Birchbark House, Louise Erdrich continues the story of Omakayas and her family.
What do You think about The Game Of Silence (2006)?
If you liked the "Birchbark House" you will enjoy the sequel, "The Game of Silence". It starts out extremely interseting again and this time it keeps your attention much better. Instead of explaining what they have to do in each season this book focuses on the adventures that "Little Frog" has. It helps if you remember the "Birchbark House" because she revisits some of the ceremonies that the first book explained in great detail. There is also a kind of awkward romance going on between "Adelaide" and "Fishtail" which adds a little to the story but also makes it sort of awkward. It is written more for children so the romance is sort of in the back. The main story is about the Objiwe/a tribe being pushed out of their territory by the "White men" which is a little frightening for extremely young children but it is perfect for grades 5-8. "The Game of Silence" is much better written with a clear audience in mind. Although it would be beneficial to read the "Birchbark House" before it is not necessary to. Children grades 5 maybe some 4, to around 7 or 8 would enjoy reading this book. For High Schoolers it may get boring though and it almost seems childish at times.
—Amanda H
Omakayas begins to learn her strengths and abilities as Nokomis (her grandmother) teaches her about healing plants, and she begins to have prophetic dreams. The most important dream is one in which she sees her family leaving their beloved Island of the Golden-Breasted Woodpecker to try to find living space in the lands occupied by the Dakota Indians. On this journey, the Game of Silence becomes a matter of life or death. This is a fitting sequel to Erdrich's _The Birchbark House_. Fans of the L
—Carolynne
Another year in the life of Omakayas, this one somewhat bittersweet as the community awaits word of whether they'll be forced to leave their homes. It's heartwrenching as she thinks that this may be the last time they'll do this or that and you feel how connected they are to this place where they live, how difficult it will be for them to go.There is a gentleness in the telling of these books that I really enjoy and the drawings add a lot.As with the first, this would be a great read-aloud for younger children with enough to interest an adult as well.
—kari
