1. The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen

2. Elements of Plot
See handout

3. Point of View
See other PPT

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

5. 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?

6. 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

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

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

10. 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.

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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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)

15. 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

16. 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.”

17. 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

18. 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:
NEA’s Bully free, It Starts With Me:
Kids’s Help Phone:
The Youth Voice Project:

19. Works Cited History.com:
Accessed 24 Oct school-shootings
susannielsen.com
Accessed 24 Oct
The Reluctant Jounral of Henry K. Larsen: Educator’s Guide.