Title: Julie of the Wolves
Author: Jean George
Illustrator: John Schoenherr
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2003
Format: Paperback, Audio Book
Genre: Multicultural Book
Reading Level: Self-Reader
Reading Interest Level: Middle School
Topics: Family Relations, Adolescents, Choices
Summary: Miyax, like many adolescents, is torn. But unlike most, her choices may determine whether she lives or dies. At 13, an orphan, and unhappily married, Miyax runs away from her husband's parents' home, hoping to reach San Francisco and her pen pal. But she becomes lost in the vast Alaskan tundra, with no food, no shelter, and no idea which is the way to safety. Now, more than ever, she must look hard at who she really is. Is she Miyax, Eskimo girl of the old ways? Or is she Julie (her "gussak"-white people-name), the modernized teenager who must mock the traditional customs? And when a pack of wolves begins to accept her into their community, Miyax must learn to think like a wolf as well. If she trusts her Eskimo instincts, will she stand a chance of surviving?
Extension Activity: Since this book deals with Miyax trying to find her pen pal, I would find each of the students in my class a pen pal that they could write too (usually schools across the country have a pen pal program) They could include basic information about themselves such as their hobbies and activities they enjoy.
