Wolf Hollow

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. What connections can be made between World War II and the Great Depression? What was the impact of the Great Depression on American lifestyles?

Teaching Suggestion: The setting of the novel takes place during World War II shortly after the conclusion of the Great Depression. The historical setting has an impact on the characters as Germans and wanderers become victims of prejudice in the community. It may be helpful to initiate the idea of prejudice if students need some guidance with regard to the setting and historical circumstances. Students might begin by discussing the connection between the Great Depression and World War II, then expand to brainstorm in small groups the impact of the Great Depression on American life. Consider using the resources to further explore these topics.

• This 12-minute video explores the impacts of the Great Depression on America and the world.
• This article explains the connection between the Great Depression and World War II.

Short Activity

Consider the role of women before and after World War II. Create a T-chart to compare gender roles before and after the war based on prior knowledge. Then use the resources to add additional information to your chart.

Teaching Suggestion: Annabelle, the novel’s protagonist, is a headstrong female character who defends a wanderer, Toby, who is falsely accused of attacking a young girl. The protagonist breaks the traditional gender norms in her rural community, where a patriarchal society is still prevalent. Consider using the resources to compare traditional gender norms with the changes that were made because of World War II. One way to complete this activity is to allow students to use prior knowledge to complete a T-chart in small groups before reading the article. Consider using the articles to add additional details to the chart. Students may find it useful to periodically refer to the chart as they read the novel to discover which behaviors may align with traditional gender norms and which apply to the novel’s theme of Female Empowerment in a Patriarchal Society.

• This article explains the social change that occurred for women following World War II.
• This article provides images of women working during World War II.

Differentiation Suggestion: Students who require an additional challenge may find it beneficial to explore the slow progression of women’s rights in the United States. Students can create a timeline charting important dates in women’s rights history to post around the room for future reference.

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the novel.

Have you ever witnessed or read about prejudice against individuals because of lifestyle, clothing, or mannerisms? Why do you think individuals tend to be suspicious of those they perceive as different? What can society do to resolve such prejudices?

Teaching Suggestion: Toby is accused of malicious activity by Betty, a young girl who has recently moved to Wolf Hollow. Toby is an easy target for Betty because of his unkempt appearance and strange behavior likely caused by his PTSD. Students might also explore strategies to prevent prejudice that may occur in society based on appearance.