Characters
Who is Omakayas?
This girl is the main character of The Birchbark House.
What is Spirit Island (Moningwunakaaning)?
Omakayas lives on this island.
What is a mother bear?
Omakayas comes face-to-face with this animal.
What is Nokomis?
The Ojibwe word for grandmother.
What is compassion (or kindness)?
This character trait best describes Omakayas throughout Chapters 1–4.
Who is Nokomis?
Omakayas’ wise grandmother who teaches her many life lessons.
What is birchbark?
The family’s home is made from this tree.
What is to respect nature and mothers protecting their young?
The bear teaches Omakayas this important lesson.
What is Andeg?
The Ojibwe word meaning “crow.”
What is a spiritual gift or connection to nature?
Nokomis believes Omakayas may have this special ability.
Who is Neewo?
This is the name of Omakayas’ baby brother.
What is summer (Niibin)?
The story begins during this season.
What is a moose hide?
After returning home, Omakayas helps prepare this.
What is Neewo?
The Ojibwe word meaning “four.”
What is she values all living things and is compassionate?
Saving Andeg reveals this about Omakayas.
Who is Deydey (Mikwam)?
Omakayas’ father returns home in Chapter 4.
What are animal hides (skins)?
The Ojibwe prepare these so they can make clothing and blankets.
What is the cornfield?
Angeline and Omakayas protect this from hungry crows.
What is a cradleboard?
This item safely carries a baby on someone’s back.
Name One difference between Angeline and Omakayas.
Angeline is more practical and serious, while Omakayas is gentler and more connected to nature
What is Andeg, the crow?
Omakayas rescues and raises this young bird.
What are special qualities or characteristics?
Ojibwe names often represent a person’s identity, experiences, or these.
What is rescues a baby crow?
Instead of killing every crow, Omakayas secretly does this.
What are visions, experiences, or important life events?
The Ojibwe believe these help shape a person’s name and identity.
Name one major theme from Chapters 1–4.
What is respect for nature, family, compassion, responsibility, or growing up?