The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen

Elements of Plot See handout

Point of View See other PPT

What is a journal or diary? What is usually included in a journal entry? 

Have you ever written in a journal? If so, why did you want to write in the journal?  If not, why do you think others may want to write in a journal?

Journal entry writing style This novel is written from a first person perspective, Henry's point of view It is written in a journal format

What does the word “reluctant” mean? Brainstorm with your group Reluctant is an adjective that means hesitant, unsure, or unwilling

Predict why you think the novel is called The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen?

Mind Map First, in small groups, discuss what you think of when you hear the word “bully.” Then, as a class, let’s brainstorm what this word means and what it makes you think of We’ll return to this mind map again later to see how our thinking may have changed or developed from reading this book.

Write a journal entry What is peer pressure? Have you experienced peer pressure or know someone who has ? What happened in that situation?

Introduction to the author: Susin Nielsen Lives in Vancouver Wrote for a number of TV shows: Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High She’s also written for shows such as Cedar Cove, Arctic Air, and Heartland to name a few She’s published a number of different books: Word Nerd, Dear George Clooney: Please Marry My Mom, and We Are All Made of Molecules Newest novel is called Optimists Die First

The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen was published in 2012 Nielsen has won several awards for this novel including the Governor General’s Award and the Canadian Library Association’s Children’s Book of the Year Nielsen’s books have been translated into many languages including Italian, Portuguese, French, and German

Columbine High School Shooting Tragedy took place on April 20th,1999 around 11:19 am In Littleton, a suburb south of Denver, Colorado “Worst high school shooting in U.S. history” (history.com) Two teenager were involved: Dylan Klebold (18) and Eric Harris (17)

Columbine… None of these theories has been proven to be true Many theories were suggested as to the motive behind the shooting: trying to take revenge on their bullies (jocks) who made life at school miserable for them Members of a group of social outcasts Impacted by violent video games and music None of these theories has been proven to be true

Columbine… Journals found that belonged to Klebold and Harris revealed that they had been planning the violent attack for a year, but planned to bomb the school They wanted to copy the Oklahoma City bombings that took place in 1995 aimed for students and teachers Killed 12 students, a teacher, and wounded more than 20 other people They “turned their guns on themselves.”

After this tragedy… Threats of violence or behaviour that was of concern were not tolerated in many schools A “zero tolerance” policy was put into effect School safety became more of a priority Concerns about gun control were issues that were brought to the forefront

If you’re a victim of bullying or want to help someone who is, please see below for some resources and support Links: Stop a Bully: stopabully.ca PACER’s National Bully Prevention Centre: www.pacer.org/bullying/ NEA’s Bully free, It Starts With Me: www.nea.org/home/neabullyfree.html Kids’s Help Phone: www.kidshelpphone.ca The Youth Voice Project: www.youthvoiceproject.com/ www.stopbullying.gov

Works Cited History.com: Accessed 24 Oct 2017. http://www.history.com/topics/columbine-high- school-shootings susannielsen.com Accessed 24 Oct 2017. http://susinnielsen.com/about/ The Reluctant Jounral of Henry K. Larsen: Educator’s Guide. www.tundrabooks.com