: A By Josh Erickson, Shawna Matheson, Rachel Lee The Authors:

Words by (1975)

- A -based writer, performer, and playwright. - Of mixed Japanese-Canadian and Jewish-Canadian descent. - Attended an all-girls’ secondary school. - (“Mariko Tamaki”, 2016)

Drawings by (1980)

- A Canadian illustrator and cartoonist. - Also known for magazine and newspaper illustrations, book covers, posters, packaging, and storyboards for a TV show. - (“Jillian Tamaki”, 2016) Skim ➔ Originally meant to be a simple diary format. ➔ Then... ➔ “Comics allow you to really subtly do those different perspectives without necessarily telling you explicitly what anyone is thinking, just what they’re saying or what they’re doing, which is incredibly valuable I think in storytelling” - Mariko Tamaki Interview with Mariko & Jillian Tamaki Brief Plot Summary:

This graphic novel is based around the theme of self-identification and discovery of one’s own identity and self-worth. The main character is referred to as “Skim” (Kimberly Cameron), who is a “not-slim, would-be Wiccan goth who goes to a private girls’ [Catholic] school. When her classmate Katie Matthews is dumped by her boyfriend, who then kills himself, the entire school goes into mourning overdrive. As concerned guidance counselors provide lectures on the “cycle of grief,” and the popular clique starts a new club (Girls Celebrate Life!) to bolster school spirit, Skim sinks into an ever-deepening depression” (Mariko & Mariko 2008). Frontloading the Text

Themes in the novel:

● Suicide ● Depression It is important to address the sensitive themes ● LGBTQ that come up throughout this graphic novel. We ● Wicca suggest having a conversation with your class ● Vulnerability prior to getting into the novel. As well, we should ensure that students are aware of the ● Identity resources available for anyone experiencing ● Student -Teacher troubles in these areas or others alike. Relationships Possible Activities to Do with Skim

- Write yourself a letter - Find another text that deals with a similar theme and write a comparison - Identity mapping - Lit Circles - Predictions - Mix it Up Activity Time!

- Please get something you can write with (computer/phone/pen & paper). - You have 3 minutes to write down the 10 traits (adjectives) that you think encapsulate you. - Then get ready for Part 2. Activity Time Part 2!

You have 30 seconds to delete/cross out one of your traits.

You now have 1 minute to delete/cross out three more of your traits.

You now have 1 minute to delete/cross out four more of your traits.

Lastly, you will have 3 minutes to write a short (4-6 sentence) reflection on the thought-process you went through while deleting your traits. How did it make you feel? How did it change your perceptions of yourself? Activity Debrief

Why did we do this?

- Themes of identity - Experience loss - Identify personal values - Explore self-perception (and how others perceive you) - Practice social and emotional learning References

In Conversation with Jillian Tamaki & Mariko Tamaki | Room Magazine. (2016). Roommagazine.com. Retrieved 1 August 2016, from https://roommagazine.com/interview/conversation-jillian-tamaki-mariko-tamaki

In the Classroom: Exploring Identity | The Well & Often Reader. (2016). Wellandoftenpress.com. Retrieved 1 August 2016, from http://wellandoftenpress.com/reader/in-the-classroom-exploring-identity/

Jillian Tamaki. (2016). Wikipedia. Retrieved 1 August 2016, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jillian_Tamaki

Mariko Tamaki. (2016). Wikipedia. Retrieved 1 August 2016, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariko_Tamaki

Tamaki, M. & Tamaki, J. (2008). Skim. Toronto: Groundwood Books.