Review: GRANDMOTHER'S PIGEON by Louise Erdrich

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Erdrich, Louise. 1996. Grandmother’s Pigeon. Ill. by Jim LaMarche. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 078682137X.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Narrated by a young girl, the story of a nest of eggs left behind by her grandmother which mysteriously hatch into long-extinct carrier pigeons centers on a respect for nature. The young girl and her family have to decide whether to allow further scientific research to be conducted on the birds or to let them free. When she and her brother make the decision and act upon it, not everyone is pleased with their actions. But when they receive a message from their long-absent grandmother, they know they’ve made the right decision.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This whimsical story of a strong, wise grandmother who leaves her family to take a trip to Greenland on the back of a porpoise is sure to delight young readers. Although it does start out fantastical, the story soon turns more meaningful when the family discovers the nest of eggs in Grandmother’s room. Even though the hatching of carrier pigeons is not realistic, Erdrich conveys the message of caring for and respecting nature through the way the family delicately nurtures the young birds and finally decides that their happiness outweighs scientific study. The surprise message from Grandmother at the end serves to solidify the link between the Grandmother and the animal world.

LaMarche’s beautifully soft depictions throughout the book add to the warmth of this enlightening story. The color and tones of the skin are recognizable as Native American; however there are no traces of stereotypical depictions in any of the drawings. The innocence in the children’s faces is made evident through their expressions. In fact, the detailed expressions on the faces of all the characters truly add personalization and connectedness to the story. The details on every page are amazing down to the bird feathers extending from the pocket of the ornithologist. The large illustrations and wonderful language make this a perfect read aloud.


4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST review: “Besides the sense of the unexpected that permeates every page is the freshness of the language. The sentence structure is elegant, and since one quality of elegance is simplicity, the writing is never over children's heads. That same spirit is found in the acrylic and colored-pencil artwork that always seems to find its focus in the faces of the children yet mixes everyday bits and pieces with the elusive air of enchantment. Like the pigeons, this is a rare bird--a book that evokes wonder, in both its meanings.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Full-page, large, realistic paintings define and complement the text. LaMarche's pictures of the woman's bedroom are chock-full of cherished clutter; and the children are drawn with a deftness that suggests that the illustrator knows them from the inside out. This book is a small gem, a bit of a puzzle, and a delight to pore over and ponder.”

5. CONNECTIONS
Children should research to find out more about the story of the carrier pigeon and their extinction. Relate it to current issues regarding endangered species.

Have students discuss the nationality of the characters in the book? It is not blatantly obvious from the story and pictures although some cues are given. After the discussion, tell the students that the family is of Native American heritage and have them look for clues that would support this. Discuss stereotypes and how modern Native Americans do not fit the stereotypes often associated with them.