Activity Overview
Julie of the Wolves in written in a non-linear structure. The three-part narrative shifts from the present to the past and back to the present. The novel can be an excellent starting point from which to teach the concepts of flashback and in medias res. Have the students use three storyboard cells to break the story into its essential three parts. Under each square have students explain the setting, time frame, and important plot details for that section of the book. Using storyboard graphics, students should then try to capture a scene that they find most essential to that part of the book. For an optional fourth square, have students write an analysis of the structure, explaining how the order of events affects the development of the story and the reader’s experience.
Examples of Story Structure in Julie of the Wolves
PART I: Amaroq, the wolf
The story begins in medias res. Miyax is already out on the tundra, starving, and trying to make friends with the nearby wolf pack. In the first third of the book, we get to know the wolves and watch Miyax use her father's wisdom to survive alone in the wild. We learn that fear and unhappiness led Miyax to run away, but we don't know any details.
PART II: Miyax, the girl
The second part of the book is a flashback. It tells about Miyax's life in civilization and explains why she ran away and ended up lost in the tundra. In this section, we learn more about Miyax's deep love for her father Kapugen and her dislike of her aunt Martha and her child husband, Daniel.
PART III: Kapugen, the hunter
In the last part of the book, Miyax has to decide where to make a life: in the village with humans or in the tundra with wolves. Her past meets her present when she discovers that Kapugen is not dead as she had thought, but alive and well. In this last part, Miyax makes a choice to leave the tundra and return to civilization with her father.
ANALYSIS
The structure of "Julie of the Wolves" helps create excitement and suspense. By beginning with the wolf pack, the book hooks the reader's interest and tells us this will be an adventure story. This beginning also reveals that the wolves will be some of the most important characters in the book.
The narrator's hints about Miyax's past in Part 1 keep the reader in suspense until her background is revealed in Part 2. By Part 3, we see that Miyax is conflicted between her life in Part 1 and Part 2. Part 3 contains the resolution in which Miyax will choose one life over the other.
Template and Class Instructions
(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 the three essential parts of Julie of the Wolves.
- Use the template your teacher provided.
- Describe each of the three sections of the story.
- Describe the setting, time frame, and important plot details for the section.
- Illustrate an important scene from that section in the cell using scenes, characters, and items.
- [Optional] Add fourth cell for an analysis of the structure
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Julie of the Wolves in written in a non-linear structure. The three-part narrative shifts from the present to the past and back to the present. The novel can be an excellent starting point from which to teach the concepts of flashback and in medias res. Have the students use three storyboard cells to break the story into its essential three parts. Under each square have students explain the setting, time frame, and important plot details for that section of the book. Using storyboard graphics, students should then try to capture a scene that they find most essential to that part of the book. For an optional fourth square, have students write an analysis of the structure, explaining how the order of events affects the development of the story and the reader’s experience.
Examples of Story Structure in Julie of the Wolves
PART I: Amaroq, the wolf
The story begins in medias res. Miyax is already out on the tundra, starving, and trying to make friends with the nearby wolf pack. In the first third of the book, we get to know the wolves and watch Miyax use her father's wisdom to survive alone in the wild. We learn that fear and unhappiness led Miyax to run away, but we don't know any details.
PART II: Miyax, the girl
The second part of the book is a flashback. It tells about Miyax's life in civilization and explains why she ran away and ended up lost in the tundra. In this section, we learn more about Miyax's deep love for her father Kapugen and her dislike of her aunt Martha and her child husband, Daniel.
PART III: Kapugen, the hunter
In the last part of the book, Miyax has to decide where to make a life: in the village with humans or in the tundra with wolves. Her past meets her present when she discovers that Kapugen is not dead as she had thought, but alive and well. In this last part, Miyax makes a choice to leave the tundra and return to civilization with her father.
ANALYSIS
The structure of "Julie of the Wolves" helps create excitement and suspense. By beginning with the wolf pack, the book hooks the reader's interest and tells us this will be an adventure story. This beginning also reveals that the wolves will be some of the most important characters in the book.
The narrator's hints about Miyax's past in Part 1 keep the reader in suspense until her background is revealed in Part 2. By Part 3, we see that Miyax is conflicted between her life in Part 1 and Part 2. Part 3 contains the resolution in which Miyax will choose one life over the other.
Template and Class Instructions
(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 the three essential parts of Julie of the Wolves.
- Use the template your teacher provided.
- Describe each of the three sections of the story.
- Describe the setting, time frame, and important plot details for the section.
- Illustrate an important scene from that section in the cell using scenes, characters, and items.
- [Optional] Add fourth cell for an analysis of the structure
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Julie of the Wolves Story Structure
Organize a classroom discussion about non-linear story structures
Engage students by guiding them to compare linear and non-linear narratives like Julie of the Wolves. This helps deepen their understanding of how authors use structure to shape meaning and suspense.
Prepare discussion prompts that connect story structure to student experiences
Create open-ended questions that encourage students to relate the novel’s flashbacks or in medias res beginnings to moments in their own lives when events were revealed out of order. This makes abstract concepts more relatable and memorable.
Model analyzing a story’s structure using a simple visual chart
Draw a timeline on the board and map key events from Julie of the Wolves to show how the story jumps between past and present. Visual aids help students see story structure more clearly.
Facilitate small group chart creation for other familiar stories
Have students work in groups to chart the structure of another book or movie. This reinforces their understanding of narrative techniques and allows for collaborative learning.
Wrap up with a reflection on how story order affects reader engagement
Ask students to write or share how the way a story is told changes their interest or emotional response. This builds critical thinking about author’s craft and reader experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about Julie of the Wolves Story Structure
What is the story structure of Julie of the Wolves?
Julie of the Wolves uses a three-part, non-linear story structure with shifts between the present and past. The novel begins in medias res, then moves into a flashback, and finally returns to the present, allowing readers to learn about Miyax’s survival, her past, and her ultimate decision.
How can I teach flashbacks and non-linear storytelling using Julie of the Wolves?
Use Julie of the Wolves to introduce flashbacks and non-linear storytelling by having students identify and storyboard the three main parts of the novel, noting where the narrative shifts in time and how it affects understanding of the story and character motivations.
What are the three main parts of Julie of the Wolves?
The three main parts are: Part I: Amaroq, the wolf (present, Miyax’s survival), Part II: Miyax, the girl (flashback to her past), and Part III: Kapugen, the hunter (present, Miyax’s choice between two worlds).
What is a simple classroom activity to explore story structure in Julie of the Wolves?
Have students create a three-cell storyboard, one for each main part of the novel. For each cell, students should describe the setting, time frame, and key plot details, and illustrate a crucial scene. Optionally, add a fourth cell for analysis of the novel’s structure.
Why does Julie of the Wolves start in medias res, and how does it impact readers?
Starting in medias res hooks readers immediately with action and suspense, placing them in Miyax’s struggle. It creates curiosity about her past, which is later revealed, keeping readers engaged and emotionally invested.
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