The Outside Circle

How does the graphic novel format, with its combination of text and illustrations, enhance the storytelling in The Outside Circle?

Reflect on the title of the novel. How does the concept of “the outside circle” resonate with the novel’s themes?

Choose one secondary character and explore family and community bonds in the novel. How do these connections impact the character’s transformation and healing?

The Outside Circle explores the importance of reclaiming Indigenous culture and spirituality for healing. How do the characters in the story engage with their cultural heritage, and what role does this play in their personal growth?

What is the impact of The Outside Circle’s Chinese box structure? Analyze the structure’s impact on character development, storytelling, and the portrayal of intergenerational trauma and healing.

Analyze the various phases of Pete’s character development throughout the novel. How do these transformations map onto a conventional coming-of-age journey?

Examine the concept of agency, or its absence, in The Outside Circle. How do the characters’ choices, or lack thereof, shape their individual journeys?

The Indian Residential School system is a significant element of the novel. How does the story shed light on the experiences of Indigenous children in these schools and the lasting effects of this dark chapter in Canadian history?