Dogsong by Gary Paulsen

Paulsen, Gary. Dogsong. New York: Bradbury Press, 1985. Print.

Newberry Honor Book 1988

AGES: Scholastic Grade Level Equivalent 5.8, 930L

SUMMARY:
Dogsong by Gary Paulsen is inspired by the Eskimo, Oogruk. In this novel a young boy Russel Suskitt wants to investigate how life was in the past, life with dogs, songs, and no snowmachines. Through Oogruk's teachings he sets off to discover the past for himself. This journey leaves him traveling with a dog team to discovering himself, his own song.  Paulsen is able to blend Russel's dreams into reality, this not only gives this novel a unique touch but creates an adventure that any young reader would enjoy.

VOCABULARY:
cache, aloof, breechclout, dogsleding, mystified, careening, ptarmigan, reluctant, satisfaction, trance, hallucination, parka, carcass, lance, ravenous, bow and arrow

TEACHING STRATEGIES: (small group instruction)
Before: Ask students if they have ever heard of Eskimo's before. If yes, ask what they know about them. Then go over what Eskimo's are, were they live and what they do./ Teach them about Inuit society

During: Have students think about Russel and why he choose to do what he did. /Also, have students pay attention to the dreams and what part of the dreams become his reality. How do the dreams build ontop of each other?

After: Have students create projects based off dreams, either posters or drawings about what each dream was and then go over how it matched Russel's reality. / Have students write a paper about dreams and reality, have them think and answer this question, Is there a fine line between dreams and reality or could they never intertwine?/ have them research Inuit society, past and present/ Hold a discussion, 1. Would you be able to live like Russel?, 2. Why do you think Paulsen included the readings in the beginning of each chapter, why did they stop half way through?, 3. Do you believe Russel found what he was searching for?

ONLINE RESOURCES:
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=2532- interview with Gary Paulsen the author of Dogsong
http://www.classzone.com/novelguides/litcons/dogsong/guide.cfm- Activities and projects that are themed around Dogsong
http://www.pbslearningmedia.org/content/vtl07.la.ws.process.sleddogs/- video discussing sleddogs and the use of them in Inuit society