Jane, the Fox & Me
Walker Studio Series
What’s inside...
Hélène has been inexplicably ostracized by the girls who were once her friends. Her school life is full of whispers and lies — Hélène weighs 216; she smells like BO. Her loving mother is too tired to be any help. Fortunately, Hélène has one consolation, Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre. Hélène identifies strongly with Jane’s tribulations, and when she is lost in the pages of this wonderful book, she is able to ignore her tormentors. But when Hélène is humiliated on a class trip in front of her entire grade, she needs more than a fictional character to allow her to see herself as a person deserving of laughter and friendship. Leaving the outcasts’ tent one night, Hélène encounters a fox, a beautiful creature with whom she shares a moment of connection. But when Suzanne Lipsky frightens the fox away, insisting that it must be rabid, Hélène’s despair becomes even more pronounced: now she believes that only a diseased and dangerous creature would ever voluntarily approach her. But then a new girl joins the outcasts’ circle, Géraldine, who does not even appear to notice that she is in danger of becoming an outcast herself. And before long Hélène realizes that the less time she spends worrying about what the other girls say is wrong with her, the more able she is to believe that there is nothing wrong at all. This emotionally honest and visually stunning graphic novel reveals the casual brutality of which children are capable, but also assures readers that redemption can be found through connecting with another, whether the other is a friend, a fictional character or even, amazingly, a fox.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-14
Length
104 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Hélène's feelings change throughout the story and what events influenced these changes?
What role do the illustrations of the fox play in the story? How do they make you feel?
Jane Eyre is a character that Hélène feels connected to. Have you ever felt a connection to a character from a book? What made you feel that way?
The book tackles the issue of bullying. How do you think Hélène handled her situations at school? What would you have done differently?
Friendship is a central theme in 'Jane, the Fox & Me.' What do you think makes a good friend?
Tip: Role play these questions
Explore the emotions: Ask your child how they felt during key moments in the story, and relate those situations to their personal experiences.
Discuss the artwork: Take time to look at the illustrations together and discuss what they add to the story. Ask your child what they imagine when they see the pictures.
Connect with characters: Encourage your child to think about how they relate to Hélène and other characters. Discuss what they might have in common and how they differ.
Address bullying: Use this story as an opportunity to discuss bullying. Ask your child how they might handle similar situations and what they can do if they see someone else being bullied.
Highlight resilience: Talk about how Hélène deals with challenges. Point out moments where she shows strength and resilience, and ask your child when they have done the same.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The protagonist, Helene, faces bullying and loneliness, which are depicted with sensitivity and depth. As she reads about Jane Eyre's struggles, she finds solace and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of others, helping them to build stronger, more supportive relationships with peers.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite the hardships Helene encounters, she learns to cope and preserve her self-esteem through her connection with literature and a new friendship.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that they can overcome personal challenges and difficult times through inner strength and supportive relationships.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: The development of a friendship between Helene and a new classmate illustrates how companionship can bring joy and change one’s outlook on life.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of forming positive friendships and how they can impact one's happiness and sense of belonging.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of literature
Explanation: Helene's journey with the book 'Jane Eyre' showcases how literature can offer escape and insights into one's own life challenges.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore reading as a hobby that not only entertains but also provides emotional and intellectual growth.
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: Through her reflections and experiences, Helene learns to accept and value herself despite external negative pressures.
Real-World Application: Promotes the concept that self-worth comes from within and not from others’ opinions, fostering a healthy self-image in children.