The Big Busy House ® ©1998 HarperCollins Publishers

Back to Julie and Her Wolves Guides Julie of the Wolves Discussing and Responding Reaching Across the Curriculum Synopsis: Left by her widowed father when she was very young, Miyax, whose English name is Julie, lives with her great-aunt Martha until she turns thirteen. She is then expected to marry Daniel, the son of Naka, an Eskimo who practices "old-time" traditions. Unhappy in her arranged marriage, Miyax runs away in search of a new life. Discussing and Responding Miyax's English name is Julie. She didn't mind when the children from Mekoryuk called her Julie. She didn't even mind when her mother called her by her English name. Why does she mind when her father, Kapugen, calls her Julie? Miyax says that Amaroq is "clearly the wealthy wolf." How does she define wealthy? How does she know that Amaroq is the leader of the wolf pack? Find evidence that he is indeed wealthy by Miyax's definition. What does Julie mean when she says, "Daylight is spelled A-M-Y"? Describe Miyax's clothing. What part of her dress indicates an "American" influence? What part represents her Eskimo heritage? "[Kapugen] had been dead to her for so long that she was almost frightened by the knowledge that he lived. Yet she loved each cold chill that told her it was true." Why do you think Miyax is frightened when she learns that her father is still alive? How does she still need him? At the end of the novel, "Julie pointed her boots toward Kapugen." How does this decision help to resolve her conflict? Reaching Across the Curriculum Language Arts || Social Studies || Science|| Math|| Music Language Arts How does Jean Craighead George use the techniques of flashback and foreshadowing to help readers understand Julie's conflict? Explain the metaphor "She stepped forward on the vast stage at the top of the world and bowed to her immense audience." What is the stage? Who is Miyax's audience? Write a letter that Julie might have written to her pen pal, Amy, about her life with the wolves. Social Studies "The old Eskimo customs are not so foolish -- they have purpose." Make a list of all the Eskimo customs that Miyax practices. Then draw a mural reflecting these customs. Miyax's marriage to Daniel is arranged by Kapugen. Research marriage customs of other cultures that you have studied. Share the information that you find with your class. Discuss how these customs differ from the marriage customs of our society. On January 24, "The Eskimos lifted their arms and turned their palms to the source of all life." What is the significance of this date? Find other important events that the Eskimos celebrate. Using a sheet of poster board, create a picture of one special event. On the back, write a paragraph explaining the significance of the special day and the way it is celebrated. Science "The fur of the fox changes each season to match the color of the land." Go to the library and research other animals that change with the season. Write a short paper entitled "NatureÕs Way of Protecting Animals." Miyax tries to guess the date by watching the dipping sun. Find out how travelers can tell the date by the sun. Draw a diagram showing the position of the sun the second week in August. Share your information and diagram with the class. "The guidepost of her ancestors, the North Star, would soon be visible and would point her way when the birds had all gone south." Find out how Native Americans used the North Star and other heavenly bodies to guide them. Draw a celestial map labeling the North Star and other significant constellations. Math Find out the Eskimo population in Alaska today. How does this compare with the Eskimo population in 1972, the year Julie of the Wolves was written? Find out the population for several of the dates in between and draw a graph indicating the population growth or decline. Music Miyax would often make up rhymes about the tundra and sing them to familiar tunes. "She sang about the wolves, her house, and the little feather flower on her table." Select a familiar tune and write lyrics that Miyax might have sung. Julie | Julie's Wolf Pack Thematic Connections || About the Author Back to Teacher's Guides Home