1. Some people would say that Maryark's death forces Ivik to grow up quickly. How is this true? Are there other events that help change Ivik from a boastful child to a modest young adult?

2. Daily life in an Eskimo family may seem quite strange to many readers. In what major ways does it differ from your family life? In what ways does it seem the same?

3. How does the weather play an important part in the story?

4. Some people might feel that Eskimo Boy is a book containing far too much violence against animals. How would you answer this objection?

5. Ivik has never attended a formal school, yet he has been taught a great deal. Who are Ivik's teachers and what are the lessons he learns?