Character Development
(Lightning style)
(Lightning style)
What is a conflict Aimée faces at the beginning of Rabbit Chase?
-School bullies, who make fun of Aimée's gender.
-Aimée is distracted by playing games on their phone.
-Aimée is closed off and insecure around others.
What does "miigwetch" mean?
"Miigwetch" means "Thank you".
What are the names of the trickster brothers in Rabbit Chase?
Jiibayaabooz (the white rabbit) and Nanaboozhoo
Identify two instances of red hearts used in the story before we meet the queen.
Examples:
-Bulldozer on page 13
-Red hearts on the table and guitar in Auntie's living room on page 38.
What is the first sign that Aimée has entered Anishinaabe wonderland?
On page eight, when Aimée wanders off on another path and the colors change from brown sepia tones to blue-green tones.
How does Aimée feel about being in this Anishinaabe Wonderland, in the beginning of the story?
-Skeptical
-Would like to return home
-Uncommitted
-Unconvinced they should or need to help others in Wonderland, such as Jiibayaabooz.
What does "deminan" mean?
"Deminan" means "strawberries".
Who testifies against Aimée in court?
Auntie
Name at least three food/beverage items present at the tea party using the Anishinaabe terms.
Examples:
Makade-aboo (coffee), p. 30
Miinan (blueberries), p. 34
Ziiwaagmide (maple syrup), p. 34
What is the first "weird" thing that happens in Anishinaabe wonderland?
Aimée's phone has lost connection (p. 9).
Argue your point: What kind of impact did losing phone connection have on Aimée?
Example response:
Aimée is forced to be present in the world and face their issues head on.
What is "Paayehnsag"?
"Paayehnsag" refers to "Little People, water spirits, rock spirits".
Who can help Jiibayaabooz get vengeance against his enemies?
Only Paayehnsag can help Jiibayaabooz get vengeance against his enemies, but Jiibayaabooz needs Aimée's help because Paayehnsag only help children.
Find an example of a flashback in the story and explain its significance.
Example:
After meeting the talking flowers, Aimée has a flashback to being at home with their mom, sitting on the couch and beading trillium flowers (p. 49). The memory seems to bring them comfort. The art of beading is an important part of Anishinaabe storytelling and well-being.
What do the flowers point out to Aimée when they first meet?
One flower points out that standing on their roots hurts. Aimée apologizes, saying they didn't realize. A trillium flower responds, "Your kind rarely do!" (p. 46-47).
What is the first example of Aimée helping others in this Anishinaabe wonderland?
Aimée helps the deminan (strawberries) by putting their hoodie over the deminan (strawberries) after they complain of being cold.
What does "Boozhoo" mean? (Extra points for including the literal meaning and where this literal meaning comes from.)
"Boozhoo" means "Greetings!"
"Boozhoo" literally means, "Are you really who you say you are?"
"Boozhoo" is a word that is derived from the name, "Nanaboozhoo," who is a famous trickster in Anishinaabe storytelling.
Whose house and land is being threatened by the queen?
Auntie's
How many times does a stuffed white rabbit appear in the story?
1. On Aimée's nightstand (p. 25)
2. On bed in Auntie's attic (p. 39 & 40)
What is one thing Aimée gets embarrassed about in the story before they arrive in Wonderland?
Aimée feels ashamed about believing in stories about Paayehnsag (p. 7). Aimée tells a story about Paayehnsag's skills with mskwaabik (copper), but then notices a couple classmates laughing and whispering to each other, causing Aimée to shut down (p. 6).
How does Aimée feel about returning home from Anishinaabe wonderland at the end of the story? How does their return home go?
-Hesitant
-Says there's trouble back home, too (p. 103).
-However, Paayehnsag give them encouragement to "remember those in life who are good of heart" (p. 103).
-Smiles for the first time on page 102.
-Looking forward to hugging their mom (p. 105)
-More open to listening and interactions with classmates (p. 105-108).
-Not on phone! =)
What is the Anishinaabe word for "wild rice"?
Mnoomin = wild rice
After Aimée escapes the queen and the court, which characters end up fighting?
The dark water spirits vs. Jiibayaabooz, Aimée, and Paayehnsag
How many times does Aimée voice their frustration over being called or considered a child?
1. Aimée considers themself a kid for believing in Paayehnsag stories (p. 7).
2. Aimée denies they can get help from Paayehnsag because they insist they're "not a child" (p.20). And again on page 24.
3 times total...?
How many instances does Aimée recall in which their pronouns are disregarded or confused?
1. Classmates having a laugh over Aimée's "they/them" pronouns (p. 1).
2. When Jiibayaabooz calls Aimée a "girl" (p. 10-11)
3. Flashback to teacher calling pronouns "that gender stuff" (p. 14).
4. Queen asks who or what is Aimée - are they a little boy or girl? (p. 65)
4 times.