Teaching Resources
Themes:
Survival, living off the land, friendship
Creative Ideas:
- Make of list of what you would pack for a canoe trip like the one Wynn and Jack took.
- Research types of berries and mushrooms in your local area that are safe to eat.
- Research Andy Goldsworthy, the environmental sculptor Wynn likes. Why do think this artist meant so much to Wynn?
- Heller based the Cree village of Wapahk on the village of Peawanuck. Research Peawancuk and think about why he used this place in his story.
- Wynn talks about the Windigo. Do some research on the Windigo and other First Nations lore.
- Plan your dream canoe trip. Where would you go? What would you want to see along the way?
- Both Wynn and Jack love poetry and art. Find three poems and three art pieces that you think reflect their love of nature.
- Outline this story for a murder mystery podcast. What evidence would you give in each episode?
- Pretend the book is being made into a film and cast the movie.
- Pretend to interview Jack after the story is over. What ten questions would you ask him?
Discussion Questions:
See the official Reader’s Guide Discussion Questions from Penguin Random House here