Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to search

Young Adult Fiction Environment

Jak's Story Teachers' Guide

Dundurn Teachers' Guide

by (author) Alexandra McGugan

Publisher
Dundurn
Initial publish date
Jul 2012
Category
Environment, New Experience, Aboriginal & Indigenous
Recommended Age
12 to 15
Recommended Grade
7 to 10
Recommended Reading age
12 to 15
  • Unknown

    ISBN
    9781459708792
    Publish Date
    Jul 2012

Classroom Resources

Download Teacher’s Guide

Where to buy it

Description

Thirteen-year-old Jak Loren is a typical boy with the usual problems a family with older sisters and younger brothers presents. Never mind the troubles at school - bullies and girls!

When Jak goes to the ravine near his home in Brantford to get away from Steven Burke, a bully who’s been tormenting him, he discovers the ravine has a history that’s much older than he thought. He meets Grandfather Rock, who shares with him the story of the people who have lived near the ravine for thousands of years. Soon Jak’s eyes are opened to a new world of beings and respect.

He learns about First Nations people and how their teachings inhabit the spirits of all living things that surround us even today. The tales of the First Nations help Jak to understand that the gift of life is something to be cherished. And when a construction crew arrives in his neighbourhood and threatens his beloved ravine, Jak knows he has to act to save it.

About the author

Contributor Notes

Aaron Bell has been sharing the teachings and stories of the First Nations people of southern Ontario for 18 years. He owns and operates two businesses, Ojibway Storyteller and Gonrah Desgohwah White Pine Dancers, out of his home in Brantford, Ontario.

Editorial Reviews

"The reader learns a lot of First Nations history and wisdom in a succinct and natural manner."

CM Magazine

Jak's Story explores the issues of bullying and the environment and integrates First Nations storytelling, wisdom and history. The chapters are short and captivating and Bell manages to minimize coming off as preachy. I read this book in one sitting.

Waterloo Record

"This is an excellent story to teach youth about First Nations beliefs and culture. It also reminds the reader of the importance of protecting the environment by setting limits to the amount of development of land. Aaron Bells honesty and respect for land and community shines through his writing in this first book."

Resource Links

Other titles by