Fox Encounter

The encounter with the fox is a very important moment for Hélène and a critical moment in the story. This sequence uses a mix of text, images and page layout to tell its story. In this case, the pictures eloquently show the real-world, physical details of the...

Images and Metaphor

Illustrations are not always realistic depictions. They are often stylized, serving the same purpose that metaphor and figurative language do for the written word. Such abstract illustrations are powerful ways to communicate. In addition, they can be used to show how...

Metaphors and Similes

Have students reflect individually on what constitutes figurative language. Next, break students into pairs and send them on a “scavenger hunt” through the text for metaphors, similes and other figurative language. Have students come together as a class to share their...

What was Géraldine Thinking?

When Géraldine joins Hélène and the outcasts in their tent, she says that it is because of a disagreement with a group of classmates. Have students review the text closely and write an opinion piece on what Géraldine is referring to and how she reacted and what she is...

Create a Sequel

At the end of the book, Hélène and Géraldine have plans to visit each other during summer vacation. Review with the class the roles that the basic elements of a graphic novel (such as text, word balloons, panels and illustrations) have in telling a story. Based on...