In this life-changing year for young Omakayas, white settlers are moving to the Island of the Golden Breasted Woodpecker. Omakayas and her family set off on a harrowing journey that takes them from the shores of Lake Superior westward, in search of a new home.

Richly imagined, full of laughter and sorrow, Kirkus Reviews called The Porcupine Year charming and enlightening. The Porcupine Year completes the trilogy based on the life of Omakayas that began with The Birchbark House, a National Book Award finalist, and The Game of Silence, winner of the Scott O'Dell award for historical fiction. This celebrated trilogy has already been embraced as a new American classic.

Beautiful black-and-white line art in both full-page and spot pieces, illustrated by the author, further adds to this heartwarming and powerful story.

This powerful series will ultimately span a hundred years in the life of the Ojibwe Nation.

This book contains Extras. Readers will be treated to a Q&A with the author, a map of the westward journey of Omakayas and her family, activities, and more!