Big Themes
Name two big themes in Safe Harbour.
Examples: homelessness, friendship, trust, family, mental illness, survival, resilience.
Give one word that describes Lise and one moment that shows it.
Any fair trait (street-smart, protective, generous, tough) with a real moment from the book.
Harbour believes the clouds are sending her messages. What does she think they are telling her?
That she is safe and protected, and that her dad’s plan will work out.
Name 3 traits of a good friend.
Example: Loyal, honest and supportive.
Accept any 3 reasonable traits.
How do you cite a quote from page 57 of Safe Harbour?
(Kilbourne 57)
Fill in the blank: Harbour has to learn to accept ____ from other people.
Help
Give one word that describes Harbour at the beginning of the novel, and explain why.
e.g. stubborn, determined, secretive, in denial, independent, with a reason.
What could Harbour’s tent in the ravine represent?
Example: Her denial. She calls it waiting, not being homeless, and the tent is her way of pretending everything is temporary and fine.
Was Lise a good friend? Pick YES or NO and give one reason.
Example: Yes, because Lise helps Harbour get food and shelter when Harbour runs out of money.
What is a signal phrase when introducing evidence? Give an example.
Words that introduce a quote, e.g. “According to Harbour, ...” or “Lise admits, ...”
How does the title Safe Harbour connect to the story? Give two ideas.
e.g. it’s Harbour’s name, a harbour is a safe place for boats, she’s searching for safety and a home, and a friend can be a safe harbour.
Name one way Harbour changes from the beginning of the novel to the end.
Any supported change, e.g. from denial to acceptance, or from hiding things to trusting others.
What could the sailboat represent to Harbour?
Example: Home, hope and her dad’s promise. As long as she believes the boat is coming, she doesn’t have to face what’s really happening.
Was Harbour a good friend? Pick YES or NO and give one reason.
Example: No, because Harbour keeps secrets about her past from Lise, even after Lise helps her survive.
Put these body paragraph parts in order: Explain, Point, Evidence.
Point, Evidence, Explain.
How does the theme of trust change for Harbour from the beginning to the end?
At first she keeps secrets and pushes people away. Over time she learns to rely on others and open up.
Name a trait of Harbour’s dad and an event that shows it.
Neglectful: He sends his 14-year-old daughter to Toronto alone to live in a tent with only canned tuna and a reading list.
Adventurous: He raised Harbour on a sailboat, sailing with her to Mexico and the Caribbean, and his plan is to sail all the way to Toronto.
Why might the author give Harbour a dog? What does Tuff add to the story?
Example: Tuff gives Harbour company, protection and someone to take care of. He also shows loyalty, which ties into the friendship theme.
Did Lise and Harbour have a good friendship? Pick a side and give one moment from the book that proves it.
Example: Yes. When Harbour’s credit card is declined and she can’t buy food, Lise steps in and shows her how to survive.
Fix this citation: “[quote]” (page 80, Safe Harbour).
Add a signal phrase before the quote, then: “[quote]” (Kilbourne 80). The period goes after the bracket.
What does the novel teach readers about youth homelessness? Give one idea and one example from the book.
Any supported idea, e.g. it can happen to anyone, it’s dangerous (cold, hunger, predators), and shelters and kind strangers matter.
Name one trait of a good friend. Then name a character who SHOWS that trait and a character who DOESN’T, with an example for each.
Example: Dependable. Lise shows it because she helps Harbour find food and shelter when Harbour’s money runs out. Harbour’s dad doesn’t, because he doesn’t arrive when he promised and stops answering Harbour’s calls.
Harbour’s dad leaves her an unusual reading list. What might the books represent?
Example: Her dad’s guidance while he’s gone. The books help her build patience and learn to read people, so they’re one way he still shapes her.
Who was the better friend, Lise or Harbour? Write a thesis with 3 reasons.
Example: Lise was the better friend because she helped Harbour survive, she taught her how to use the shelters, and she stayed by her side through the winter.
Why is “This quote shows Lise is nice” a weak explanation? Make it stronger.
It’s too vague and only repeats the quote. A strong one names a specific trait, says HOW the quote shows it, and links back to the point.