My latest course in library media sciences, Materials and Services for Children, is absolutely charming. Who doesn't love children's books? I've just completed a ten page paper for developing a collection policy in my school. It's basically the same as every other collection development policy in American schools, so hopefully I will get an A. Besides the collection policy, I was assigned to read Little House on The Prairie and The Birchbark House. Louise Erdrich wrote The Birchbark House as a response to Little House on The Prairie, from the American Indian point of view. Considering that portrayal of American Indians in LHoTP could be downright vile, this is an excellent idea. Best of all, it's an excellent idea that's actually well carried out, too. It even has a glossary of Ojibwa words and terms.
I would have loved this book when I was a child! I was fascinated with books about different cultures, peoples, and times. A particular favorite was Native American cultures. I admit my love for it was based more on romanticism and wonder than reality. But I would have loved learning about the day to day life of Omakayas. The smoked cedar smell of the winter cabins, the soft, rabbit skin blankets. I adored historical fiction- I treasured my American Girl Books. If I had this I would have spent hours in the woods pretending to be Omakaya. It would have been the perfect novel for me.
So, as I'm between books (I just can't find a good one lately) I'm reading this one before I go to bed tonight. I promise I will read like a grown-up next week, if I find a good one.
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