Julie of the Wolves
by Jean Craighead George
1972, Harper Trophy
1972, Harper Trophy
Thirteen year old Miyax, also known as Julie, runs away from her town to escape an arranged marriage. But see comes to find herself lost in the Alaskan wilderness without food, shelter, or a compass. Gradually she is accepted by a pack of wolves and becomes part of their family. Miyax decides trek across the tundra to get to her San Francisco. Through her journey Miyax learns a lot about herself and and values her Eskimo heritage.
Reflective Journey Adventure Endurance
Though remarkable Miyax and her experience are totally believable, her spirit living evidence of the magnitude of the loss.
-Kirkus Review
-Kirkus Review
Awards & Honors:
- Newbery Award Winner 1973
Helpful Information:
Grade Level- 5-7
Age Range- 10+
Reading Level-Fountas and Pinnell- U
Lexile- 850
Suggested Delivery- Whole class or small group read
Genre- Adventure
Age Range- 10+
Reading Level-Fountas and Pinnell- U
Lexile- 850
Suggested Delivery- Whole class or small group read
Genre- Adventure
Vocabulary:
Harpoon- long spear-like instrument used in fishing to catch fish or large marine mammals such as whales.
Eskimo- the indigenous peoples who have traditionally inhabited the northern circumpolar region from eastern Siberia (Russia), across Alaska (United States), Canada, and Greenland.
Gussak- eskimo for "white face" or "white person."
Tundra- a large area of flat land in northern parts of the world where there are no trees and the ground is always frozen.
Semaphore- a system used for sending signals by using two flags that are held in your hands.
kuspuck- a brightly colored hooded dress worn by the Eskimo women.
Innuit- the people of the Canadian Arctic.
Parka- a type of coat with a hood, often lined with fur or faux fur. The hood protects the face from freezing temperatures and wind.
Eskimo- the indigenous peoples who have traditionally inhabited the northern circumpolar region from eastern Siberia (Russia), across Alaska (United States), Canada, and Greenland.
Gussak- eskimo for "white face" or "white person."
Tundra- a large area of flat land in northern parts of the world where there are no trees and the ground is always frozen.
Semaphore- a system used for sending signals by using two flags that are held in your hands.
kuspuck- a brightly colored hooded dress worn by the Eskimo women.
Innuit- the people of the Canadian Arctic.
Parka- a type of coat with a hood, often lined with fur or faux fur. The hood protects the face from freezing temperatures and wind.
Comprehension Strategies:
Before Reading Activity:
KWL Chart
Have students create a KWL chart on the tundra. This would be a great way to integrate science. Since the main setting of the book, it is important that students have some prior knowledge of it, to help them understand some of the enviromental challenges Julie faces.
Have students create a KWL chart on the tundra. This would be a great way to integrate science. Since the main setting of the book, it is important that students have some prior knowledge of it, to help them understand some of the enviromental challenges Julie faces.
During Reading Activity:
Choral Reading
Read the book as a class. Students or teachers will read the first 10 pages of the book or sections and then students will read the remaining pages on their own. While read stop periodically to recap what is going on and to point out key elements. Students can also read in partners. After reading have students work on creating chapter summaries.
Read the book as a class. Students or teachers will read the first 10 pages of the book or sections and then students will read the remaining pages on their own. While read stop periodically to recap what is going on and to point out key elements. Students can also read in partners. After reading have students work on creating chapter summaries.
After Reading Activity:
Often in the book Julie relies on the Eskimo traditions she had learned growing up. Have students recount what traditions and knowledge she used during her journey. How did it help her survive? Do you think she will be able to ever forget her past? Have students discuss if their families have any traditions.
Writing Activity:
Have students write about Julie's journey. What do you think she felt like during the journey? What struggles or challenges did she have? How did she overcome these challenges? What fears does Julie have? How does Julie overcome her fears?
Resources:
- Scholastic has many different activities for Julie of the Wolves including writing prompts, a discussion guide, activities, and a vocabulary builder.
- The Glencoe Literature Library had created a very in-depth Study Guide for Julie of the Wolves.