Louise Erdrich is an American author, writer of novels, poetry, and children's books featuring Native American characters and settings. She is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, a federally recognized tribe of the Anishinaabe.

Where did Louise Erdrich go to college?

She graduated in 1976. In 1979, Erdrich earned her Master of Arts degree in writing from Johns Hopkins University. For her thesis Erdrich wrote poetry that would later be published in the collection Jacklight. She also began writing her novel Tracks.

What is Louise Erdrich's ethnicity?

Louise Erdrich was born in Little Falls, Minnesota in 1954. As the daughter of a Chippewa Indian mother and a German-American father, Erdrich explores Native-American themes in her works, with major characters representing both sides of her heritage.

Is Louise Erdrich native?

Louis Erdich was born in 1954 in Little Falls, Minnesota.

Erdich's Native American identity comes from her mother's side, who was a Chippewa Indian, and her grandfather, who served as a tribal chairman for the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.

Does Louise Erdrich own Birchbark Books?

Birchbark Books & Native Arts, owned by the novelist Louise Erdrich, provides indigenous-language guides, literature and crafts — and the latest best sellers.

CULTURE : Louise ERDRICH, author

Why did Louise Erdrich write the red convertible?

The goal of Erdrich writing the "The Red Convertible" was to communicate the emotional stresses war creates for a soldier and how that stress affects relationships with there families. ... Later, when Henry returns from war a scarred and changed man, he loses his usual interest in the convertible, as well as in Lyman.

Did Louise Erdrich live on a reservation?

Though not raised in a reservation, she often visited relatives there. She was raised "with all the accepted truths" of Catholicism. While Erdrich was a child, her father paid her a nickel for every story she wrote. Her sister Heidi became a poet and also lives in Minnesota; she publishes under the name Heid E.

Is Louise Erdrich related to Heid Erdrich?

Heid Ellen Erdrich was born in Breckenridge, Minnesota, and was raised in Wahpeton, North Dakota. She comes from a family of seven siblings including sisters Louise Erdrich (well-known contemporary Native writer of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction) and Lise Erdrich (also a published writer).

Who was Michael Dorris married to?

His three young daughters have been devastated by his death, particularly the eldest. She is said to be inconsolable. CAPTION: Michael Dorris's marriage to novelist Louise Erdrich was a famously ideal union.

How can I contact Louise Erdrich?

Fill out a booking request form for Louise Erdrich, or call our office at 1.800. 698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event.

What is a common theme in Louise Erdrich writing?

Indeed, the themes of Erdrich's stories range from the effects of war on families and personal identity to loss of heritage and family and personal relationships. Stylistically, Erdrich's stories reveal many similarities to the stories of writers she has said had significant influence on her.

How do you pronounce Louise Erdrich's name?

er-drik (means rich earth)

The pronunciation of this author's name has been verified by the publisher.

Why didn't Omakayas get sick with the smallpox?

She says that there's a reason Omakayas didn't come down with the smallpox like everyone else—it's because Old Tallow rescued her from a different island as an infant, where everyone else had died of smallpox, and had given her to Mikwam and Yellow Kettle to raise since she knew she couldn't do it herself.

Why is the baby named Neewo?

Omakayas has to be careful with her baby brother, Neewo. ... If Omakayas is mean, he might decide to return to the other place. So, for now, the baby has no name other than Neewo, which simply means "fourth," after Omakayas' older sister Angeline, Omakayas herself, and Pinch.

Who is Nokomis in The Birchbark House?

Seven-year-old Omakayas, a member of the Ojibwa tribe, lives on an island in Lake Superior in 1847. Her family consists of Nokomis (Ojibwa for grandmother), father Deydey, mother Yellow Kettle, big sister Angeline, little brother Pinch and baby Neewo. Deydey works in the fur trade, so he is often traveling.

How many awards does Louise Erdrich have?

Erdrich is the author of 16 other novels, volumes of poetry, children's books, and a memoir. Her fiction has won the National Book Award and two National Book Critics Circle Awards. She lives in Minnesota and is the owner of Birchbark Books, a small independent bookstore.

What did Louise Erdrich parents do?

Louise Erdrich was born in Little Falls, Minnesota, the eldest child of Ralph and Rita Erdrich. Her father was a German-American, her mother was part Ojibwe and served as tribal chairman of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Nation. Erdrich had six siblings, including fellow writers Lise and Heidi.

Why did Louise Erdrich write the birchbark house?

TEACHINGBOOKS: What inspired you to begin what's going to become your eight-book series—The Birchbark House books? LOUISE ERDRICH: I wanted to tell the story of where my mother's people had come from. We used to visit Madeline Island frequently—that's where my ancestors lived.