Virtual Book Discussion Group for English Language Learners

Louise Erdrich’s The Birchbark House

Thursdays, 10:30-12, September 10, 2026 - December 10, 2026

The Birchbark House is a beautifully told story of an Indigenous girl, Omakayas, and her family in the course of an eventful year in the mid-19th century. We will read and discuss The Birchbark House and examine the seasonal rituals of the Ojibwe people (and our own) and the meet the characters in Omakayas's world.

Note that there is an Author’s Note on the Ojibwa Language at the end of the book, followed by a Glossary and Pronunciation Guide of Ojibwa Terms.

We will read a chapter per week. Participants should read the chapter in advance so that we can discuss themes, characters, and plot developments without spoilers! I will provide vocabulary support. If you have to miss a week, just follow the schedule and rejoin us the following week. The group is limited to 12.