Launch
To launch this literature circle unit read Arctic Son by Jean Craighhead George or Long Claws: An Arctic Adventure by James Houston.
Arctic Son tells the story of Luke, a boy who is born in the Arctic Region and is given the Eskimo name Kupaaq soon after his birth. The story and illustrations in this book provide a very good resource to describe this region of the world and how the Inupiat Eskimo culture is different and special.
Long Claws: An Arctic Adventure tells the story of an Eskimo brother and sister, Pithok and Upik, as they brave a fierce winter storm to help feed their hungry family.
As you read these stories discuss with your students how different cultures can provide unique circumstances. For example, discuss climate and weather and how that might affect survival. Also talk about some character traits that illustrate who or what a survivor is.