Veil of Snows, The
Publication Information
Author:  Helprin, Mark	Illustrator:  Van Allsburg, Chris
Title:  Veil of Snows, The	Date:  1997
Publisher:  Viking	City:  New York
ISBN, paperback:  0-670-87491-4	ISBN, hardback:
Recommended audience:
ABE/ABLE:   Yes	ESOL:
Family:	Young Adult:   Yes
Picture:   Yes
General Information:
Book Type(s):    legends, tales and myths
HSE Descriptor(s):    language arts - reading| social studies
Summary:
In the absence of her husband who has not returned from battle, the queen prepares her city for assault. Aided by a small force of loyal soldiers and the Singer of Tales who narrates the story, the queen escapes the besieged city and heads for the safety of the mountains with her infant son. This compelling book of fantasy and humor, courage and malevolence will require teacher support to deal with the poetic language, complex plot, and symbolism. Van Allsburg's illustration are both beautiful and sinister.
Teaching Ideas:
Reflection journals and class discussions on what is happening and the meaning of dense passages will assist students with the book. Students may want to write /discuss what makes a good society and what forces undermine it with comparisons with current events such as Kosovo. Exploration of the role of the Singer of Tales may reveal important aspects of narration.
Keywords: select any link below for a list of resources which also have that keyword
Emotions-Personal Issues > emotions > death Emotions-Personal Issues > personal issues > group > leadership Emotions-Personal Issues > emotions > love Emotions-Personal Issues > personal issues > individual > life choices > problem solving Emotions-Personal Issues > personal issues > individual > life choices > sacrifice Literature and Language > figurative language > symbolism Literature and Language > storytelling Social Studies > sociology > social issues > change Communities > change

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