Although Miyax is an orphan in the vast, dark Arctic, with only a single pack of worldly possessions, she is fortunate in many ways. According to the old Eskimo hunters, the riches of life were found in a person’s character, not in material possessions. The wealthy Eskimo was blessed with intelligence, fearlessness, and love. Have students use storyboards to explain what makes Miyax rich. Students should depict scenes from the book that embody her best character qualities. Ask students to explain the importance of the scene in the box below it.
Miyax shows intelligence when she finds a way to locate her route to Point Hope. Even though she has no compass, she watches the flight pattern of migrating birds and uses their trajectory to deduce the direction of the coast.
Miyax faces many fears throughout her adventure. She is unafraid to approach the wolf pack and courageously threatens Jello with caribou antlers when he tries to attack. When a situation becomes frightening, she follows her father’s advice: “Change your ways when fear seizes you, for it usually means you are doing something wrong."
Miyax grows to love her adopted wolf pack. She shows her love most clearly when Kapu is shot by hunters. Miyax takes him into her tent for weeks, feeding and caring for him until he returns to full health.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that illustrates important character strengths in Julie of the Wolves