Children of the Longhouse
A finely detailed novel from storyteller Joseph Bruchac tells of a 14th century Mohawk village and a brother and sister who live there. Twins Ohkwa'ri and Otsi:stia are 11 winters old; still children but gaining a deeper understanding of the ways of their people each day. When he was younger, Ohkwa'ri admired the older boy known as Grabber for his skill and strength, but now his eyes are wiser. When Ohkwa'ri overhears Grabber and some other young men planning a raid on the Anen:taks, with whom the Mohawk peacefully trade, he tells Otsi:stia, whose good judgment he can always rely on. As a result Grabber and his friends are punished, and Ohkwa'ri has made an enemy. A fast and furious game of Tekwaarathon (now known as lacrosse) through woods and across a meadow lends added tension and excitement to the climax of this story that pays homage to the Great League of Peace of the Iroquois Nations. An author's afterword discusses the Mohawk Nation and the Iroquois League of Peace. ©1996 Cooperative Children's Book Center
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 9-12
Age Range:
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Format:
Novel
Subjects:
14th Century
Arguments/Conflict
Competitions and Contests
First/Native Nations
Historical Fiction
Mohawk People
Sports
Diversity subject:
Indigenous
Publisher:
Dial
Publish Year: 1996
Pages: 150
ISBN: 0688135048
CCBC Location: Fiction, Bruchac