Max Dunn
Snakehead
Anthony Horowitz
Adventure
Just Right
pg. 177
1. Right now is a very exciting part in my book despite the fact that I have already read and know what is going to happen. Alex and Ash(Alex's long lost godfather) have been disguised as Afghani immigrants who are trying to make it on to a huge shipping boat inside one of the containers as stow aways. They are hopping to accomplish this because MI6 has informed them that Major Yu is on that boat. Major Yu is a large part in the international crime organization known as Scorpia. He is planning on killing eight celebrities who are starting and supporting a "Get rid of Poverty" program. They have not yet made it onto the ship but they are very close.
2. I am actually finding that this book is better the second time around than the first. I feel that it might be that I understand it more. Actually it is one of the few books that I have ever read twice. I think I specifically chose this novel to read again because it was my favorite in the Alex Rider series. What I do not like about reading it a second time is that I know what is going to happen right after a very suspenseful moment instead of having no idea. I like not knowing what is going to happen.
3. A prominent theme in this book is trust. I believe that trust is demonstrated here through Alex and Ash. They are going out into the field with no backup and they must count on each other. Also Alex must trust Ash even more than Ash trusts Alex because this is the first time that they have ever met. Alex has no idea what kind of man he is.
4. My favorite character so far in this book is Alex Rider. He will probably always be my favorite character in all of the Alex Rider novels. I am specially enjoying him within this book because he is faced with such a large surprise and he handles it very well. This surprise is finding out about his godfather, Ash. This is a very big deal because his parents and his uncle are dead and Ash is his only link to his past.
5. My least favorite character is Major Yu. He is the typical bad guy. He is mysterious and is involves with extreme crime that happens all over the globe. He is certainly the antagonist in this story.
6. In this section I am suppose to write what I think will happen. I have already read the book and therefor already know what will happen so I am unsure of what to write here,
Thursday, March 25, 2010
JP Riedel
1.JP Riedel
2. The Looking Glass Wars
3. Frank Beddor
4. Fantasy
5. Just Right
6. Page 20
1. Right now it is 2 years after Alice went to wonderland. Many people think she is crazy and that it was all a dream. Recently a man named Reverend Dogson has interviewed Alice and created a book about her experience. But he altered her story and Alice is very upset. She thought that someone believed her but he really was like everyone else and did not. Now in wonderland it is Princess Alyss Heart's birthday and she is not happy. Her father has gone to ask the king of borderland to help wonderland fight against the growing army of the red queen. So he will miss her birthday. Also, there is and inventor parade that Alyss has to watch along with her mother queen Genevieve and is boring Alyss as she has to stand and watch. Any inventor who makes an invention the queen likes gets their invention sent through the heart crystal. The heart crystal is a large crystal that is the source of creation. It sends the idea of the invention to all other worlds and civilizations. So if someone in wonderland invented a pogo stick and the queen liked it, it would be sent to places like our world and just then someone here would invent a pogo stick.
2. I find the book to be very interesting. I am not far enough into the book to make a complete decision whether it is good or not but so far it is pretty good. It is interesting how this is an alice in wonderland sort of book but it isn't alice in wonderland. It is an after story which I do like. It answers the questions of what happened after Alice's experience in wonderland.
3.I have not noticed a theme so far in the book. It is sort of setting up the story right now and goes to random little one page stories. Like what has happened to Alice, what the king of wonderland is doing, and what is going on with Princess Alyss. It is too early to tell what the theme is.
4.My favorite character is King Nolan. He seems adventurous and like he could face anything. Also, he has not had allot shown about his personality, a lot less than the others at least, so there isn't anything not to like about him. I don't really have much of a favorite character. I haven't gotten much on each persons' personality to know wether I like them or not. Only a few of the main characters have been mentioned and there is very little said.
5. Based on what little info I have, I guess my least favorite character is Princess Alyss. She seems a little bratty. I would be bored too if I had to stand through a boring parade on my birthday and sure I would be a little upset about my dad not being around for my birthday, but I would not complain so much about it. In these first few pages Alyss doesn't talk much but when she does it is mostly complaints.
6.I predict that King Nolan will be killed by the red queen before he gets to the palace and the red queen will invade wonderland soon. I should also mention that wonderland is a country in a place called Wondernations.
Dan Carroll
Dan Carroll
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Fantasy
Just Right
p. 368
1. Right now Harry just completed his first task which was an extremely difficult. He had to find a way to get an egg that was underneath a dragon. He was tipped off about the challenge previously by Hagrid. Hagrid was telling Harry how there wasn't much to worry about unless he got one of the worst dragons. To Harry's luck he got the most dangerous one the Horntail. This dragon was the most vicious out of all of the other dragons put together. Harry was smart enough to get his broom and lure the dragon away from the egg and grab it on his way back. Meanwhile, Ron is still angry with Harry because Ron thinks that Harry put his name into the Goblet without Harry telling him where in reality someone put Harry's name in without Harry's knowing. 2. Right now I really like this book. It is so much better then any of the other Harry Potter books that I have read. In the other ones they were all about Harry and school and how at all times he is fighting a war with Voldemort. This one is more about how is Harry going to survive the most dangerous game that there is. This game is about how well one can act under pressure and if they can keep their sanity.
3. Right now I think the theme is betrayal. I see this in the book when Ron feels betrayed that his best friend didn't tell him that he was going to try to enter his name into the Goblet of Fire. Also I see it because Harry thought that Cedric Diggory and he were friends but Harry feels that Cedric has become less of a friend and more of a competitor.
4. Right now my favorite character is Mad-Eye Moody. I like him because he is like no other teacher. He never follows the rules and he is extremely funny. He yells at students if he thinks what they are doing is not appropriate when in this day and age it is appropriate. He is also extremely weird because he has a weird eye hence the name Mad-Eye. He also walks around with a sort of limp and he needs a cane.
5. My least favorite character right now is Ron. He is acting extremely rude towards Harry at the moment which is the last thing Harry needs right now. Harry needs to focus all of his attention towards the Tri-Wizard tournament otherwise he will be caught off guard and might die. Ron has slowly been drifting away from Harry as a friend and I don't like it.
6. I predict that Harry will have an extremely intense second task and that Harry will say something to Ron to help him realize that he is acting foolish at the moment.
Amelia Fattore
Amelia Fattore
Molly Moon’s Incredible Book of Hypnotism
Georgia Byng
Realistic Fiction/Fantasy
Holiday
I am on page 148
1. What is going on in your book?
Molly Moon has just arrived in grand New York! Her luxurious lifestyle is sinking in. She used the money won from the local talent show to fly first class, pay for the Royal suite at the Waldorf and much more! Her life has gone from horrible to fantastic overnight! Unfortunately, little Molly doesn’t know that Professor Nockman is after her book and that he will go to extremes to get it!
2. How do you feel about your book?
I love this book. I read it last year and enjoyed it so much I decided to read it again. The book brings the imaginative topic of hypnotism to life! Georgia Byng has an amazing writing style; her detailed descriptions make me feel like I am in Molly’s shoes. When I put the book down my mind starts thinking about what I would do next. Overall, it is an amazing book that I would recommend to anyone!
3. What is a theme in your book?
A theme in my book is determination, which is shown through evil Professor Nockman. He dedicates all of his time and effort to getting the hypnotism book. He goes through so much in hopes of getting his hands on it. First, he traveled to England to pick the book up from a library, however the librarian couldn’t find it. Molly had already found the book and kept it for herself. Then, as Molly is heading to the airport, Nockman sees the book under her arm and follows her to New York!
4. Who is your favorite character?
5. Who is your least favorite character?
My least favorite character is Professor Nockman. He is in search of the hypnotism book and will do whatever he has to for it. His motives are wrong; he is trying to learn this powerful skill in order to enhance his life. While Molly is using the technique for the same purpose, her past conditions were MUCH worse. For example, at the orphanage, she was only allowed to have her bath water be 10 centimeters deep, one bath a week! I believe it is cruel for this man, who has a decent life; to track down and follow a ten-year-old girl for a book he wants.
6. What do you think is going to happen next?
I believe Molly will use her hypnotism skills to gain money. After purchasing a plane ticket, the Royal suite and other luxuries, her prize money is dwindling. She briefly mentions the need for more money and in order to survive, she will need to get her hands on some soon!
Jake F, The Devil in the White City
Jake Frankenfield
The Devil In the White City
Historical Fiction
Just Right
Page 45
1. Right now in my book, the plot is just taking off. The first 30 pages just gave me background information about Chicago, Burnham and Root's architecture firm and a bit about the city's anticipation of the World's Fair, all of which seems essential to the upcoming plot. It talks about their success along with rather minor setbacks, but also mentioning worse was yet to come for the the two. Presently, the firm has been awarded the World's Fair architectural spot and they are filled with excitement. They are only having trouble finding the resources necessary to conduct such a large project.
2. So far this book is very good. The reading moves at a slow pace but I think this will pick up as the story begins to take shape. The first 30 pages were slow, but it was still really interesting because it is about something I've never really looked at before. Throughout the other 15 pages it has still been slow, but in a way, Larson is still setting down the foundation of the story.
3. A theme I've noticed so far is ability to find success. Both men were novices when they first met and decided to start their own firm because of their distinct talents. Neither would have been particularly successful without the other, but when they found each other and their talents, they built one of the most prominent architectural firms in Chicago, let alone the world.
4. My favorite character is Daniel Burnham. He's so outgoing and confident and he talks with such authority. This is because he knows he will win the customer or be liked by people if he talks this way. We haven't really met the characters yet, only looked at them briefly and the firm as a whole more observantly, but I know Burnham to be an outgoing man.
5. We haven't actually seen many others, except Dankmar Adler, a competing architect in Chicago, who won the job of building possibly the grandest structure in all of Chicago, before the World's Fair that is. I don't know much about him, but based on his architecture style, he is too focused on flash and style, and less about the fundamentals, although they are solid. He just seems more into the examined side of his work.
6. Seeing as the World's Fair was completed, I believe they will get straight to work and find someone who will give them money for the Fair and immediately.
Paul Krusell
Paul Krusell
Life, The Universe, and Everything
Douglas Adams
Science Fiction
Challenge
Page 361
1. After being stranded on prehistoric Earth for five years, Arthur Dent and Ford Prefect are picked up by Slartibartfast, a Magrathean man who needs them to save the universe. This is last on their priority list, but if they don't do it, evil spaceships will destroy everyone/thing. Meanwhile, Trillan just left Zaphod to do his own thing because he wasn't paying her any attention and just being annoying.
2. I like how Adams is able to incorporate sly humor with witty descriptions. I get a good feel for all the characters in the book because of the way that he describes them, like Marvin, who's voice always displays his depressed mood. I find that some parts are really confusing, like Arthur is suddenly living on Earth for four years, when he just arrived the page before.
3. A theme I've noticed so far is friendship. Without it Arthur and Ford couldn't have survived the prehistoric Earth, or worked out how to catch a fleeing sofa (read the book). Zaphod's girlfriend just walked out on him, so he's feeling very dejected.
4. My favorite character is Ford because he always maintains a good attitude. He's never mad, and totes a happy-go-lucky attitude constantly. Like when he sees how crazy Arthur is at the stone age, he just lets him do his business, and joins in the craziness.
5. My least favorite character is Zarniwhoop, the guy who wants to meet the ruler of the universe. He only thinks of himself and never of what anyone else wants.
6. I predict that Arthur and Ford will reunite with Trillan and Zaphod and then save the universe together.
Life, The Universe, and Everything
Douglas Adams
Science Fiction
Challenge
Page 361
1. After being stranded on prehistoric Earth for five years, Arthur Dent and Ford Prefect are picked up by Slartibartfast, a Magrathean man who needs them to save the universe. This is last on their priority list, but if they don't do it, evil spaceships will destroy everyone/thing. Meanwhile, Trillan just left Zaphod to do his own thing because he wasn't paying her any attention and just being annoying.
2. I like how Adams is able to incorporate sly humor with witty descriptions. I get a good feel for all the characters in the book because of the way that he describes them, like Marvin, who's voice always displays his depressed mood. I find that some parts are really confusing, like Arthur is suddenly living on Earth for four years, when he just arrived the page before.
3. A theme I've noticed so far is friendship. Without it Arthur and Ford couldn't have survived the prehistoric Earth, or worked out how to catch a fleeing sofa (read the book). Zaphod's girlfriend just walked out on him, so he's feeling very dejected.
4. My favorite character is Ford because he always maintains a good attitude. He's never mad, and totes a happy-go-lucky attitude constantly. Like when he sees how crazy Arthur is at the stone age, he just lets him do his business, and joins in the craziness.
5. My least favorite character is Zarniwhoop, the guy who wants to meet the ruler of the universe. He only thinks of himself and never of what anyone else wants.
6. I predict that Arthur and Ford will reunite with Trillan and Zaphod and then save the universe together.
Grant Newman- The DaVinci Code
Grant Newman
The DaVinci Code
Dan Brown
Historical/Action Fiction/Mystery
Just Right
P. 120
1. Right now, Robert Langdon, a symbologist from Harvard University is in the Louvre, a famous art museum in France, famous for having the Mona Lisa. He's in the Louvre because he was summoned there by the French police because they think he murdered the curator of the museum, Jacques Sauniere. Sauniere's granddaughter, Sophie Neveu, a cryptographer, is also present. Robert did not do this, but the captain of the DCPJ- equivalent to the FBI for France- Bezu Fache, believes Robert killed him. He thinks this because his name was left in a cryptic message the dead man wrote as he was dying. He wrote four lines, and the last line said "P.S. Find Robert Langdon". So, he thought that meant Robert killed him. From reading the book, we already know a man named Silas, who is a member of Opus Dei, killed him. Opus Dei is a really strict Christian cult. So, they are running from the government as fugitives and are heading for the US Embassy so they are protected under the US Constitution. Robert deciphered Jacques' code, which included numbers from the Fibonacci sequence, and an anagram which turned out to say Leonardo DaVinci The Mona Lisa. So, they're heading to investigate the Mona Lisa for more clues.
2. I like the book so far. It has a more mysterious quality to it than Brown's other two novels. The characters have to figure out who did it, and go on another historical treasure hunt, but we're not sure yet what they're looking to find. I like the book a lot so far, and it has not been slow or difficult to read. Robert provides flash backs of some times where he's teaching at Harvard that clarify what they're talking about. Dan Brown uses these very well to explain some parts of the book that might be confusing. I like that the book is told from multiple perspectives, which allows it to encompass multiple storylines. The plot is very interesting so far, as all of Brown's are, and it has kept you questioning what will happen. It's very interesting and Brown's ability to write suspense novels is very good.
3. A theme I've noticed so far is obstinance. I see this theme particularly with the French police officer, Bezu Fache. He's unwilling to change his mind and listen to Robert Langdon's side of the story and has pretty much come to the conclusion, without evidence that Robert killed Jacques. So, he's acting very obstinantly towards the case, and Robert in general. It's a little understandable that he's acting this way, as another French cryptologist, Sophie Neveu, explains. He has been under fire for the way he's dealt with past cases, so he wants to make himself look good by having a person already arrested. His guinea-pig in the case is Langdon. Fache's unwillingness to change his mind makes him look very obstinant.
4. My favorite character so far is Langdon. There's nothing wrong with him, and he didn't commit the murder like Fache thinks he did. He spoke the truth when he was questioned by Fache, and his composure under this pressure is very good. He's trying to act as civilized as he can in the case, and trying also to help them solve this mystery in the process. His personality is very laid-back and he acts fine when he's being put through all of this. He was woken up at 12:30 a.m. and wasn't irritable. That's not easy to do, and then be able to try to solve a very intellectual case like this one. He's very good at what he does, and is easy to deal with, even though Fache is not being like that.
5. My least favorite character is Bezu Fache. He's a police officer, which is never an easy line of work to be in, so maybe he should get some slack. I don't think so though. He's handling the case very poorly; he wants to make himself look better, and he doesn't really care whether or not he gets the right guy in. He's convinced Langdon is the man he's looking for, which is actually incorrect. He's been very obstinant about changing his mind, as said above, and is not being friendly towards any of the other characters, i.e. Sophie, or his co-worker Collet. His personality is not disarming, and he was called "the bull" by one of his officers. Not a very good title, in my opinion. His overall manner is not friendly, and being incorrect in this line of work is not good. For these reasons, Fache is my least favorite character.
6. I think Robert and Sophie will escape to the US Embassy, and then follow a clue from the Mona Lisa to another location, and go on a treasure hunt over the world to find some lost artifact that the Priory Scion, Jacques Sauniere's group, has kept for hundreds of years.
The DaVinci Code
Dan Brown
Historical/Action Fiction/Mystery
Just Right
P. 120
1. Right now, Robert Langdon, a symbologist from Harvard University is in the Louvre, a famous art museum in France, famous for having the Mona Lisa. He's in the Louvre because he was summoned there by the French police because they think he murdered the curator of the museum, Jacques Sauniere. Sauniere's granddaughter, Sophie Neveu, a cryptographer, is also present. Robert did not do this, but the captain of the DCPJ- equivalent to the FBI for France- Bezu Fache, believes Robert killed him. He thinks this because his name was left in a cryptic message the dead man wrote as he was dying. He wrote four lines, and the last line said "P.S. Find Robert Langdon". So, he thought that meant Robert killed him. From reading the book, we already know a man named Silas, who is a member of Opus Dei, killed him. Opus Dei is a really strict Christian cult. So, they are running from the government as fugitives and are heading for the US Embassy so they are protected under the US Constitution. Robert deciphered Jacques' code, which included numbers from the Fibonacci sequence, and an anagram which turned out to say Leonardo DaVinci The Mona Lisa. So, they're heading to investigate the Mona Lisa for more clues.
2. I like the book so far. It has a more mysterious quality to it than Brown's other two novels. The characters have to figure out who did it, and go on another historical treasure hunt, but we're not sure yet what they're looking to find. I like the book a lot so far, and it has not been slow or difficult to read. Robert provides flash backs of some times where he's teaching at Harvard that clarify what they're talking about. Dan Brown uses these very well to explain some parts of the book that might be confusing. I like that the book is told from multiple perspectives, which allows it to encompass multiple storylines. The plot is very interesting so far, as all of Brown's are, and it has kept you questioning what will happen. It's very interesting and Brown's ability to write suspense novels is very good.
3. A theme I've noticed so far is obstinance. I see this theme particularly with the French police officer, Bezu Fache. He's unwilling to change his mind and listen to Robert Langdon's side of the story and has pretty much come to the conclusion, without evidence that Robert killed Jacques. So, he's acting very obstinantly towards the case, and Robert in general. It's a little understandable that he's acting this way, as another French cryptologist, Sophie Neveu, explains. He has been under fire for the way he's dealt with past cases, so he wants to make himself look good by having a person already arrested. His guinea-pig in the case is Langdon. Fache's unwillingness to change his mind makes him look very obstinant.
4. My favorite character so far is Langdon. There's nothing wrong with him, and he didn't commit the murder like Fache thinks he did. He spoke the truth when he was questioned by Fache, and his composure under this pressure is very good. He's trying to act as civilized as he can in the case, and trying also to help them solve this mystery in the process. His personality is very laid-back and he acts fine when he's being put through all of this. He was woken up at 12:30 a.m. and wasn't irritable. That's not easy to do, and then be able to try to solve a very intellectual case like this one. He's very good at what he does, and is easy to deal with, even though Fache is not being like that.
5. My least favorite character is Bezu Fache. He's a police officer, which is never an easy line of work to be in, so maybe he should get some slack. I don't think so though. He's handling the case very poorly; he wants to make himself look better, and he doesn't really care whether or not he gets the right guy in. He's convinced Langdon is the man he's looking for, which is actually incorrect. He's been very obstinant about changing his mind, as said above, and is not being friendly towards any of the other characters, i.e. Sophie, or his co-worker Collet. His personality is not disarming, and he was called "the bull" by one of his officers. Not a very good title, in my opinion. His overall manner is not friendly, and being incorrect in this line of work is not good. For these reasons, Fache is my least favorite character.
6. I think Robert and Sophie will escape to the US Embassy, and then follow a clue from the Mona Lisa to another location, and go on a treasure hunt over the world to find some lost artifact that the Priory Scion, Jacques Sauniere's group, has kept for hundreds of years.
Justine Regan
Justine Regan
Speak
Laurie Halse Anderson
realistic fiction
Holiday
Pg. 91
1. Right now in my book Melinda has become friends with Heather even though she always seems to be annoyed by her. Melinda never really seems to be happy, I'm not really sure why. Melinda's gym teacher has discovered her talent in shooting foul shots, but she can't join the basketball team because, Melinda's grades are too low. Melinda's parents seem like they're having lots of problems because, they always fight with each other- nonstop. I think this make Melinda feel bad because, she thinks that it's her fault that her parents are always fighting- which probably isn't even true. Melinda is now sitting with the Martha's. The Martha's are these girls that are completely perfect, and mean. They always wear coordinating outfits, and they do tons of community service projects. When they do a project they don't give anyone credit for the work they do. They make Heather through out their lunch trays for them. Heather is just following them around because other then Melinda, they are her only friends.
2. Up until now, my book has been really boring, all Melinda has been doing is moping around. Melinda kept talking about this person she calls IT. Until just now she hasn't given any information about IT which has been bugging me. I think this IT is going to make this book much more interesting. I'm really hoping I get more information as the book goes on, I hate not knowing what's going on because, I can't understand what's going on as much. I also want to know what is going on with Melinda's parents and their jobs. I don't think I'm ever going to find out why they fight so much though.
3. A main theme in this book is reaching out. Throughout the book, Melinda keeps talking about this huge secret she has. No one knows about the truth and she always says how much she wishes she could tell her old friends. The reason reaching out is the theme is because, Melinda is not reaching out. If Melinda just told one of her old friends the truth and reached out to them, they would most likely accept her and be willing to listen to her. Since she chooses not to tell anyone, she doesn't even give them the chance to prove that they would listen to her. Heather reaches out to Melinda a lot in this book. She is really nice to Melinda, who doesn't act like she cares about anything. Heather is always trying to think of ways they can hang out and have fun and all Melinda ever wants to do is take a nap, sit around her house and watch T.V. or mope around. By doing this, she is just going to push Heather away from her
4. My favorite character is Heather. Heather is really nice to Melinda even though Melinda doesn't make any effort to be nice back to her. Heather is really open to meeting new people, and she is always nice to people (no matter how mean they are). When the Martha's are mean to Heather she just brushes is off. I like that she has a really good temper and she rarely gets mad. This is that same when she is with Melinda. I also like that Heather treats everyone the same. She seems really fair which I like, she is the type of caring person that Melinda should want to be friends with.
5. My least favorite characters are the Martha's. They don't ever put anyone other than themselves into consideration. They always take credit for work- even if they didn't actually do it, and they make up rules as to why that's OK to do. "Part of being on probation means she's not allowed to take credit for her work"(pg. 45). This shows how the Martha's make up rules, that are only fair to them. They ended up taking credit for all the hard work Heather did to set up for that party. I also don't like that the Martha's don't seem to want to give Melinda a chance at being friends with them. They decide by only looking at her once that she's weird and then want nothing to do with her.
6. Next, I think this IT kid is going to be revealed a lot more. I think IT will become a main character in the book and be a main source of upcoming problems. I think something is going to happen with Melinda and the Martha's, maybe they will decide to give her a chance and not make any more snap judgements of her. I also think that Melinda's gym teacher will get her to join the basketball team, even though she doesn't want to. I think that Melinda will end up being glad she gave it a chance, even if she decides that she doesn't actually like the sport. She seems really bored, I think this will give her something to do in her spare time. I also have a feeling that Melinda's parent's fighting will get worse and create some sort of huge drama where Melinda has to choose between one side or another. I think Melinda will choose her mom because, she got really mad at her dad when he wasn't really doing his job, partially because Melinda knew her mom worked really hard all day at her store. Another reason I think Melinda will choose her mom is because, her mom's store isn't doing too well and Melinda could probably help her mom fix that.
Speak
Laurie Halse Anderson
realistic fiction
Holiday
Pg. 91
1. Right now in my book Melinda has become friends with Heather even though she always seems to be annoyed by her. Melinda never really seems to be happy, I'm not really sure why. Melinda's gym teacher has discovered her talent in shooting foul shots, but she can't join the basketball team because, Melinda's grades are too low. Melinda's parents seem like they're having lots of problems because, they always fight with each other- nonstop. I think this make Melinda feel bad because, she thinks that it's her fault that her parents are always fighting- which probably isn't even true. Melinda is now sitting with the Martha's. The Martha's are these girls that are completely perfect, and mean. They always wear coordinating outfits, and they do tons of community service projects. When they do a project they don't give anyone credit for the work they do. They make Heather through out their lunch trays for them. Heather is just following them around because other then Melinda, they are her only friends.
2. Up until now, my book has been really boring, all Melinda has been doing is moping around. Melinda kept talking about this person she calls IT. Until just now she hasn't given any information about IT which has been bugging me. I think this IT is going to make this book much more interesting. I'm really hoping I get more information as the book goes on, I hate not knowing what's going on because, I can't understand what's going on as much. I also want to know what is going on with Melinda's parents and their jobs. I don't think I'm ever going to find out why they fight so much though.
3. A main theme in this book is reaching out. Throughout the book, Melinda keeps talking about this huge secret she has. No one knows about the truth and she always says how much she wishes she could tell her old friends. The reason reaching out is the theme is because, Melinda is not reaching out. If Melinda just told one of her old friends the truth and reached out to them, they would most likely accept her and be willing to listen to her. Since she chooses not to tell anyone, she doesn't even give them the chance to prove that they would listen to her. Heather reaches out to Melinda a lot in this book. She is really nice to Melinda, who doesn't act like she cares about anything. Heather is always trying to think of ways they can hang out and have fun and all Melinda ever wants to do is take a nap, sit around her house and watch T.V. or mope around. By doing this, she is just going to push Heather away from her
4. My favorite character is Heather. Heather is really nice to Melinda even though Melinda doesn't make any effort to be nice back to her. Heather is really open to meeting new people, and she is always nice to people (no matter how mean they are). When the Martha's are mean to Heather she just brushes is off. I like that she has a really good temper and she rarely gets mad. This is that same when she is with Melinda. I also like that Heather treats everyone the same. She seems really fair which I like, she is the type of caring person that Melinda should want to be friends with.
5. My least favorite characters are the Martha's. They don't ever put anyone other than themselves into consideration. They always take credit for work- even if they didn't actually do it, and they make up rules as to why that's OK to do. "Part of being on probation means she's not allowed to take credit for her work"(pg. 45). This shows how the Martha's make up rules, that are only fair to them. They ended up taking credit for all the hard work Heather did to set up for that party. I also don't like that the Martha's don't seem to want to give Melinda a chance at being friends with them. They decide by only looking at her once that she's weird and then want nothing to do with her.
6. Next, I think this IT kid is going to be revealed a lot more. I think IT will become a main character in the book and be a main source of upcoming problems. I think something is going to happen with Melinda and the Martha's, maybe they will decide to give her a chance and not make any more snap judgements of her. I also think that Melinda's gym teacher will get her to join the basketball team, even though she doesn't want to. I think that Melinda will end up being glad she gave it a chance, even if she decides that she doesn't actually like the sport. She seems really bored, I think this will give her something to do in her spare time. I also have a feeling that Melinda's parent's fighting will get worse and create some sort of huge drama where Melinda has to choose between one side or another. I think Melinda will choose her mom because, she got really mad at her dad when he wasn't really doing his job, partially because Melinda knew her mom worked really hard all day at her store. Another reason I think Melinda will choose her mom is because, her mom's store isn't doing too well and Melinda could probably help her mom fix that.
Jackie Goudreault
Jackie Goudreault
Dear John
Nicholas Sparks
Realistic Fiction
Just Right
pg 56
1. John met Savannah a few days ago. John's connection with Savannah is unexplainable. He says that every time he looks at her, something in his brains just clicks. Whenever they talk, John is not afraid to say anything to her and she is very easy to talk to. John is home from Germany where he was for the army for a couple weeks out of the summer, and he and his father have trouble communicating. Every time John tries to make small talk, his father says one word answers, so he finally just fives up after a while. The chapter I am on in the book, John is teaching Savannah how to surf, and he later finds out that she caught on really fast and she is getting really good. Each day, they are getting closer and closer. Tim, Savannah's friend since she was little, told John that Savannah likes him. John likes her a lot as well.
2. I really like this book a lot even though I am just in the beginning of it. Books that I usually love to read are hard to pick up in the beginning, meaning they are boring. But, this book picked up right away and I was suddenly fixed on the book, unable to put it down the first second I started reading. I feel like this book is going to go fast for me because whenever I like a book a lot, I read for hours at a time, making me finish the book more quickly than others.
3. A theme I have noticed in this book is new beginnings because since John had a "rebel" life, before he joined the army, he has to begin a new life so that he doesn't do drugs, smoke, drink, fight, or hit on girls anymore. By meeting Savannah, made him realize how horrible his life was before. Savannah is giving him a chance even though she knows about his old life. So by him having a new beginning, will regain trust in his father, and it will help John and Savannah have a healthy relationship.
4. My favorite character in the book is Savannah because she will never touch a fly. People in her camp drink, and just came to work for the poor just for the vacation. Savannah came because she really wants to impact poor peoples' lives. She is also very nice to John, and gives him chances even though he was a rebel in his life before war. She never says a mean thing to anyone, and she is just a really good person.
5. My least favorite character is probably John's father because he doesn't get how father-son relationships work. He doesn't know how to talk to John the right way and doesn't give John a chance. Whenever John talks to him, he just gives him one word answers. He cares more about his coins then his own son. I feel like I just want to tell him how to act towards his son and make John feel like he's worth something in the world.
6. I think that John and Savannah are going to fall in love. But, when John has to go back to Germany, I think they will try to stay in a relationship long distance by writing letters back and forth like the title of the book. I also have a feeling that something will go wrong, and they can't continue to write letters.
Ian MacDonald
Ian MacDonald
Game
Walter Dean Myers
Realistic Fiction
Holiday
P. 218
1. At this point in the book, Drew's team lost the regional finals to Lane. Drew was devastated because this meant he wasn't going to the state championship and he was afraid he would not be seen by the scouts. To make matters worse, in the days after the game most of the other players were getting college scholarships and he hadn't gotten any offers. Even Sky, a mediocre player, got a scholarship from a division one college. Drew was really disappointed until he got home one night and found the coach for DePaul University sitting in his living room talking to his family. When he left, Drew's family was ecstatic because he will be the first one in his family to go to college.
2. I think this is a great book because basketball players can relate to the problems in the story; trying to get noticed by college scouts, dealing with a teammate that you don't particularly like, or losing a really important game. I also like how the story is so relevant to what is going on in cities today. There are kids trying to get out of the projects and into a good colleges by playing basketball.
3. I think the theme in this book is perseverance because Drew never gives up. Every time the team loses or his coach yells at him he learns from his mistakes and moves on. For example, his coach, House, benches him to try to teach him how to be a team player. Drew shrugs it off and tries to learn from that experience. Another example is when Thomas continues to try to befriend Drew even though Drew blows him off.
4. My favorite character is Thomas. The story of his family is really interesting and I realized how hard it would be to move to Harlem and fit in. And even though he is a really big guy, he doesn't push people around on the basketball court. He never dunks over anybody he just dribbles and does a weak layup that is usually blocked.
5. My least favorite character is Sky. I don't like him because he is a show off. During practice he is always goofing around and not trying. Because of Sky, the team lost the regional finals.
6. My prediction is that Drew will play basketball for DePaul and do really well. I don't think he or any of his teamates will make it the pros because it is very hard to get drafted. I do think that no one will end up on the streets because they will get a good education at college and they will be able to make something out of their lives.
Game
Walter Dean Myers
Realistic Fiction
Holiday
P. 218
1. At this point in the book, Drew's team lost the regional finals to Lane. Drew was devastated because this meant he wasn't going to the state championship and he was afraid he would not be seen by the scouts. To make matters worse, in the days after the game most of the other players were getting college scholarships and he hadn't gotten any offers. Even Sky, a mediocre player, got a scholarship from a division one college. Drew was really disappointed until he got home one night and found the coach for DePaul University sitting in his living room talking to his family. When he left, Drew's family was ecstatic because he will be the first one in his family to go to college.
2. I think this is a great book because basketball players can relate to the problems in the story; trying to get noticed by college scouts, dealing with a teammate that you don't particularly like, or losing a really important game. I also like how the story is so relevant to what is going on in cities today. There are kids trying to get out of the projects and into a good colleges by playing basketball.
3. I think the theme in this book is perseverance because Drew never gives up. Every time the team loses or his coach yells at him he learns from his mistakes and moves on. For example, his coach, House, benches him to try to teach him how to be a team player. Drew shrugs it off and tries to learn from that experience. Another example is when Thomas continues to try to befriend Drew even though Drew blows him off.
4. My favorite character is Thomas. The story of his family is really interesting and I realized how hard it would be to move to Harlem and fit in. And even though he is a really big guy, he doesn't push people around on the basketball court. He never dunks over anybody he just dribbles and does a weak layup that is usually blocked.
5. My least favorite character is Sky. I don't like him because he is a show off. During practice he is always goofing around and not trying. Because of Sky, the team lost the regional finals.
6. My prediction is that Drew will play basketball for DePaul and do really well. I don't think he or any of his teamates will make it the pros because it is very hard to get drafted. I do think that no one will end up on the streets because they will get a good education at college and they will be able to make something out of their lives.
Katie McPherson
Mother Teresa
Maya Gold
Biography
Holiday
Page: 92
1. So far in this book i have learned many interesting facts about Mother Teresa. So far she has been called by god to serve Jesus' s people and that is just what she did. she has set up many places for infants that are unwanted and children that were going to be left on the streets, but instead they were brought to the orphanage. She also mad a place for sick people to go to if they need to be cared for. She does not always except large amounts of money, but does build upon what she has put in place.
2. I really enjoy this book , i enjoy this book because it deeply takes you through her life in times of hardships and in times of hope. It is cool to see how hard she works and to learn different things about her that you never knew before such as that she was afraid of children until she was around them more often.
3. The strongest theme in this book that i see is determination. Mother Teresa was a very determined women who helped many people. She helped babies that would have been left on the street to die and sick people that would not have been taken care of because they were too poor. She was determined to change everything, and since she was so determined she accomplished many of the things that she wanted to accomplish.
4. Obviously my favorite character would have to be Mother Teresa. She is my favorite character because she helped many people. She gave every child that needed a home, a home, and gave them a chance at life. And for the sick she gave them the power to live.
5. My least favorite character was Pope Paul VI because in a way he was very mean to Mother Teresa. He told her that he could not help the people in the United States. Wouldn't you want an extraordinary women who could help people like she has done in the poorest places of the world.
6. Well i know that before the book ends she has to die. So therefore i believe she will do a few last improvements to what she had already created, then handover her position to someone who she knows will keep doing the many things she did. Then lastly she will die then years later become know as a saint.
Mother Teresa
Maya Gold
Biography
Holiday
Page: 92
1. So far in this book i have learned many interesting facts about Mother Teresa. So far she has been called by god to serve Jesus' s people and that is just what she did. she has set up many places for infants that are unwanted and children that were going to be left on the streets, but instead they were brought to the orphanage. She also mad a place for sick people to go to if they need to be cared for. She does not always except large amounts of money, but does build upon what she has put in place.
2. I really enjoy this book , i enjoy this book because it deeply takes you through her life in times of hardships and in times of hope. It is cool to see how hard she works and to learn different things about her that you never knew before such as that she was afraid of children until she was around them more often.
3. The strongest theme in this book that i see is determination. Mother Teresa was a very determined women who helped many people. She helped babies that would have been left on the street to die and sick people that would not have been taken care of because they were too poor. She was determined to change everything, and since she was so determined she accomplished many of the things that she wanted to accomplish.
4. Obviously my favorite character would have to be Mother Teresa. She is my favorite character because she helped many people. She gave every child that needed a home, a home, and gave them a chance at life. And for the sick she gave them the power to live.
5. My least favorite character was Pope Paul VI because in a way he was very mean to Mother Teresa. He told her that he could not help the people in the United States. Wouldn't you want an extraordinary women who could help people like she has done in the poorest places of the world.
6. Well i know that before the book ends she has to die. So therefore i believe she will do a few last improvements to what she had already created, then handover her position to someone who she knows will keep doing the many things she did. Then lastly she will die then years later become know as a saint.
Rebecca Freeman
Forest Born
Shannon Hale
Fantasy Fiction
Holiday
307
1) Right now Rin escaped from the cell and, while looking for Tusken, got locked in a room. Soon Selia entered with Isi. Rin did not hide quickly enough so she was caught and handcuffed by Selia's soldiers. Selia is trying to use her people speaking to convince Isi to sign the papers that would give Selia Bayern's eastern provinces. Selia also threatens Isi with Tusken's and Rin's life. She said that for every spark Isi creates Tusken will lose a finger and Tusken will lose a limb for every person Isi hurts. Rin tries to use her people speaking to convince Selia not to make Isi sign the papers but, since Rin spent her life trying to hide her gift (or is it a curse?) instead of growing it like Selia, Selia soon frees herself of the power of Rin's words and makes her soldier hurt her. Isi asks Selia to tell her how she avoided being killed to help delay time and discovers that Selia started the war with Tira that took place in Enna Burning.
2) I am really enjoying this book. Since it is a holiday book, I can read it quickly and easily, so I can really enjoy the plot without tripping over unknown words. Also, it is very fast-paced and there is never a boring moment. This doesn't mean that there are constant battles but something interesting is always happening- and when there isn't, Shannon Hale fills the gaps with facts and thoughts that never bore me. However, I don't like that the main character hates herself and always says that she wants to run away from herself. I don't like people who have no self-respect or, if they don't like who they are, don't try to change themselves.
3) A theme that I noticed a lot in this book is about facing your fears. At the beginning of the book, Rin is scared to leave home. She feels as though she is a rotten and a horrible person and must leave home to escape from that feeling. When she is leaving she becomes terrified of leaving the only place she ever knew. However, she knows that she couldn't stand living with her 'Ma' if she was a bad person. So, Rin faces her fears and goes anyway. Another example of Rin facing her fears is when Razo says that he will go into the castle to try to rescue Dasha, Isi and Enna. Rin suspects that Razo has a broken rib and, although she has never been more scared of anything in her life, insists that she goes instead of him. Although she almost backed out of it twice, Rin faces her fear so that she can try to save her brother.
4) My favorite character is Enna. She is my favorite because she is deadly and powerful, but she is never able to kill a person one-on-one, she feels to bad. Although she always acts (and is) tough and pessimistic. She is actually a really nice person and a very loyal friend. She always helps Isi and comforts her when she needs it. Also, if she wants something, she does everything possible to get it.
5) My least favorite character is Selia. I don't like her because she gets too consumed by the idea of power and she always wants more, more, more. She is extremely greedy and insensitive. She uses her people speaking to a) lure people to their deaths and b) make people fall in love with her and then she doesn't pay them any attention or help them. Her only focus is becoming as powerful as possible. Being queen of one kingdom isn't enough. No, she has to beat Isi by killing her and taking the Eastern provinces (her plan then would probably to kill the king and the prince, then she could convince everyone to give the kingdom to her).
6) I think that Razo and Tusken are actually safe and Selia was just lying about Razo's death and Tusken's capture. I think that Rin will realize that with her people- speaking skills and tell Isi. Then Isi will fight and somehow Rin will help too- maybe she will hurt Selia. In the end, Selia will die- for real-, they will find Razo and Tusken and then Rin will realize that she can fall in love without hurting that person. When Rin realizes that I think that she will start to date Conrad.
Shannon Hale
Fantasy Fiction
Holiday
307
1) Right now Rin escaped from the cell and, while looking for Tusken, got locked in a room. Soon Selia entered with Isi. Rin did not hide quickly enough so she was caught and handcuffed by Selia's soldiers. Selia is trying to use her people speaking to convince Isi to sign the papers that would give Selia Bayern's eastern provinces. Selia also threatens Isi with Tusken's and Rin's life. She said that for every spark Isi creates Tusken will lose a finger and Tusken will lose a limb for every person Isi hurts. Rin tries to use her people speaking to convince Selia not to make Isi sign the papers but, since Rin spent her life trying to hide her gift (or is it a curse?) instead of growing it like Selia, Selia soon frees herself of the power of Rin's words and makes her soldier hurt her. Isi asks Selia to tell her how she avoided being killed to help delay time and discovers that Selia started the war with Tira that took place in Enna Burning.
2) I am really enjoying this book. Since it is a holiday book, I can read it quickly and easily, so I can really enjoy the plot without tripping over unknown words. Also, it is very fast-paced and there is never a boring moment. This doesn't mean that there are constant battles but something interesting is always happening- and when there isn't, Shannon Hale fills the gaps with facts and thoughts that never bore me. However, I don't like that the main character hates herself and always says that she wants to run away from herself. I don't like people who have no self-respect or, if they don't like who they are, don't try to change themselves.
3) A theme that I noticed a lot in this book is about facing your fears. At the beginning of the book, Rin is scared to leave home. She feels as though she is a rotten and a horrible person and must leave home to escape from that feeling. When she is leaving she becomes terrified of leaving the only place she ever knew. However, she knows that she couldn't stand living with her 'Ma' if she was a bad person. So, Rin faces her fears and goes anyway. Another example of Rin facing her fears is when Razo says that he will go into the castle to try to rescue Dasha, Isi and Enna. Rin suspects that Razo has a broken rib and, although she has never been more scared of anything in her life, insists that she goes instead of him. Although she almost backed out of it twice, Rin faces her fear so that she can try to save her brother.
4) My favorite character is Enna. She is my favorite because she is deadly and powerful, but she is never able to kill a person one-on-one, she feels to bad. Although she always acts (and is) tough and pessimistic. She is actually a really nice person and a very loyal friend. She always helps Isi and comforts her when she needs it. Also, if she wants something, she does everything possible to get it.
5) My least favorite character is Selia. I don't like her because she gets too consumed by the idea of power and she always wants more, more, more. She is extremely greedy and insensitive. She uses her people speaking to a) lure people to their deaths and b) make people fall in love with her and then she doesn't pay them any attention or help them. Her only focus is becoming as powerful as possible. Being queen of one kingdom isn't enough. No, she has to beat Isi by killing her and taking the Eastern provinces (her plan then would probably to kill the king and the prince, then she could convince everyone to give the kingdom to her).
6) I think that Razo and Tusken are actually safe and Selia was just lying about Razo's death and Tusken's capture. I think that Rin will realize that with her people- speaking skills and tell Isi. Then Isi will fight and somehow Rin will help too- maybe she will hurt Selia. In the end, Selia will die- for real-, they will find Razo and Tusken and then Rin will realize that she can fall in love without hurting that person. When Rin realizes that I think that she will start to date Conrad.
Charlie Friesen
Charlie Friesen
The Sword and the Circle
Rosemary Sutcliff
Fantasy/Epic Adventure
Challenge
Pg. 87
1. The Sword and the Circle is an adaptation of the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. So far in the book, Arthur has grown up, and has pulled the Sword out of the Stone. He has become high King of Britain, and has been on many adventures and battles. When he first gained his kingship, he was able to drive the Saxons, the Irish and the Scots out of Britain. Then he went on have quests in his own kingdom. First, Arthur battled a knight who did not let anyone pass unless they jousted with him, and Arthur beat him and then the knight, King Pellinore, became one of Arthur's best knights. Then Arthur, King Pellinore and another knight went on a quest to save a damsel who was kidnapped by a dark knight. Finally, where I left off, Merlin, Arthur's mentor, and a wizard, had just gone into his deep sleep under a hawthorn tree, until he wakes up to help Arthur. Also, Lancelot, Arthur's soon to be best knight, has just been awarded his knighthood under King Arthur.
2. I really enjoy this book. I think that it is really well written. Some of the language used, in fact most of it, is a bit older style English, but that just adds character to the piece. Sutcliff could have written this in a very modern tone, but she decided not to, in order to maintain some of the character of the story. Also, it is interesting to see how these people of medieval Britain lived. Many of the things they do are quite different from what we do today. Also, just the adventures that Arthur and his knights go on are very interesting, and reveal a lot about the character of the knights, and Arthur himself.
3. I theme that I have noticed so far in the book is learning from your mistakes. The knights of King Arthur have made many, many mistakes. One time, King Pellinore was on a quest for King Arthur, and he rode by a wounded knight and his wife, who begged Pellinore to help the knight. But King Pellinore was too caught up in his quest to stop and help. When King Pellinore came back from his quest, he found the knight dead, and the knight's wife, dead, she committed suicide because she was so upset at her husband's death. After that, King Pellinore swore that he would always help someone in distress. Another time, Gawain, another of Arthur's knights, accidentally killed a knight's wife instead of the knight, when she threw herself over her husband's body to beg Gawain for mercy. Gawain then learned to always treat people with mercy if they beg for it. In all these scenarios, the knights are learning about how to treat themselves, and I believe that they will continue to learn throughout the book.
4. My favorite character would have to be King Arthur himself. When King Pellinore and Gawain came back from their quests mentioned above, it was Arthur who was forgiving, and told these knights what they should learn. He is always fair with everyone, and fights valiantly. He will not fight an unjust fight, and he is always courteous during a joust. Arthur always knows how to handle a situation. But most of all, he is a good fighter, general, and leader. He was made for being the High King of Britain. Without him, there is not story.
5. My least favorite character would have to be Morgan La Fay. She is Arthur's half sister, but is a witch. She has been trying to steal the crown from Arthur for quite a while. So lately, she was plotting her most devious scheme. She would kill her husband, have her lover, who is one of Arthur's knights, kill Arthur in a duel, but neither of them know who they are actually fighting. But in the fight, Arthur is able to get the upper hand, even though Morgan made sure her lover had Arthur's sword Excalibur. But Arthur took his own sword form Morgan's lover, and almost killed him, but then Arthur realized that this knight was his own knight. Still, he died three days later. Obviously, this caused Arthur much grief and Morgan is very evil, which is why she is my least favorite character.
6. My prediction for what will happen to Arthur will be that mostly things get along as they were before. Arthur and his knights will go on more quests, and that Lancelot will prove himself to be a great knight. There will be some other knights that will join Arthur. Eventually, when times comes Merlin will come out of his sleep under the Hawthorn Tree and will assist Arthur in his time of need. But Merlin had a prophecy that Arthur's wife Guenever will cause trouble, and the trouble will come out eventually, sometime soon, probably.
A.J. Ward
A.J. Ward
Borderlands
Peter Carter
Western
Challenge
229
1. Right now in the book Borderlands the main character Ben and the rest of his cattle herding group have just arrived in the city of Abilene. In the beginning of the book Ben and his brother Bo were forced to leave their hometown of Clement by Tyler the preacher. Ben and Bo joined a man named Jim Dutton and Dutton, Ben, Bo, and roughly 100 other men had to transport 2,000 cattle from southern Texas to Kansas. They had an eventful trip, running into Indians of all kinds, but they finally made it. Now Ben and Bo are just beginning to explore Abilene.
2. So far I do not really like this book. It is very slow and I can't really relate to anything the narrator is saying or doing. The main character, Ben, is just very boring. He does ever not have any particularly interesting ideas or emotions. I feel like the author Peter Carter is a good story, because I like the general storyline (two orphans kids forced to become cowboys) but I think Peter Carter does a really poor job of giving the narrator any personality at all.
3. So far a theme is maturity. Ben is fourteen years old and he just spent the last six weeks with a bunch of cowboy-like adults. Ben really needs to mature in order to be helpful and earn his dollar a day. Also he is only spending time with these mature people and that seems like it has rubbed off on Ben.
4. My favorite character is Bo. He is always nice to Ben even though Ben is extremely boring, and it would definitely be a burden to have to bring your younger brother everywhere with you. Bo was responsible for getting himself and Ben the job in the first place. I also feel bad for Bo and that although the loss of his mother is the beginning pf the book upset him deeply he still was able to rise up and kind of become Ben's parent. This is why Bo is my favorite character.
5. My least favorite character us Dutton. Dutton is hard to work for and mean. Many times during the journey he risked men's lives for the sake of his cattle, by crossing dangerous rivers, and keeping all the men moving through viscous storms. Also Dutton is greedy. He refuses to pay Ben his dollar a day because of his age, even though he did just as much work as everybody else. The two boys will not be able to live off just Bo's payment.
6. I am not very sure what is going to happen in this book. It is moving so slowly it could be another 100 pages before they do anything even worth talking about. I guess I predict that Ben and Bo will have a good time in Abilene but slowly, their money will run out. Then they will both have to find new jobs. It could even possibly be on another cattle transport, but they would have to get themselves back to Texas first.
Borderlands
Peter Carter
Western
Challenge
229
1. Right now in the book Borderlands the main character Ben and the rest of his cattle herding group have just arrived in the city of Abilene. In the beginning of the book Ben and his brother Bo were forced to leave their hometown of Clement by Tyler the preacher. Ben and Bo joined a man named Jim Dutton and Dutton, Ben, Bo, and roughly 100 other men had to transport 2,000 cattle from southern Texas to Kansas. They had an eventful trip, running into Indians of all kinds, but they finally made it. Now Ben and Bo are just beginning to explore Abilene.
2. So far I do not really like this book. It is very slow and I can't really relate to anything the narrator is saying or doing. The main character, Ben, is just very boring. He does ever not have any particularly interesting ideas or emotions. I feel like the author Peter Carter is a good story, because I like the general storyline (two orphans kids forced to become cowboys) but I think Peter Carter does a really poor job of giving the narrator any personality at all.
3. So far a theme is maturity. Ben is fourteen years old and he just spent the last six weeks with a bunch of cowboy-like adults. Ben really needs to mature in order to be helpful and earn his dollar a day. Also he is only spending time with these mature people and that seems like it has rubbed off on Ben.
4. My favorite character is Bo. He is always nice to Ben even though Ben is extremely boring, and it would definitely be a burden to have to bring your younger brother everywhere with you. Bo was responsible for getting himself and Ben the job in the first place. I also feel bad for Bo and that although the loss of his mother is the beginning pf the book upset him deeply he still was able to rise up and kind of become Ben's parent. This is why Bo is my favorite character.
5. My least favorite character us Dutton. Dutton is hard to work for and mean. Many times during the journey he risked men's lives for the sake of his cattle, by crossing dangerous rivers, and keeping all the men moving through viscous storms. Also Dutton is greedy. He refuses to pay Ben his dollar a day because of his age, even though he did just as much work as everybody else. The two boys will not be able to live off just Bo's payment.
6. I am not very sure what is going to happen in this book. It is moving so slowly it could be another 100 pages before they do anything even worth talking about. I guess I predict that Ben and Bo will have a good time in Abilene but slowly, their money will run out. Then they will both have to find new jobs. It could even possibly be on another cattle transport, but they would have to get themselves back to Texas first.
Hannah Crowley
Dear John
Nicholas Sparks
Realistic Fiction
Just Right
Finished
1. From the start John has not been looking for a serious relationship with anyone. Every time his squad went out to meet girls in their free time, he would pass and settle down with a nice read. When on leave in June, he travels home and while enjoying the sunset rescues a girl's purse from the treacherous waters of the ocean. He is invited to a party at their house, soon he discovers what it feels like to truly fall in love. However, when he goes back to war things get difficult, long distance relationships were always the hardest on any couple. For a few years they thought they had a chance of beating the odds,communicating through letters and phone calls, but soon after 9/11 and John's reenlistment, Savannah writes him one last letter informing him that she had found someone else. This book is an amazing and breathtaking story of a young man's everlasting love.
2. This book was one of the best reads of my life! I loved it. I didn't ever want to put it down, I've already recommended it to my mom and she's almost finished! It always had me wanting to read more and more, it even made me cry! I absolutely loved this book!
3. The theme in this book was probably love. There were so many different kinds demonstrated throughout the book that it can't really be pin-pointed to an exact. First, I saw this odd, unspoken of love between John and his father. Then there was the romantic, beautiful love shared and expressed between John and Savannah. Finally, there was the close friendship between Savannah and Tim that showed love in another kind of way. The main theme in this book was just overall love.
4. My favorite character was probably Savannah. I loved the way her mind worked, how unselfish and caring she was towards others. She was really down to earth and loved to be outside with her horses. Lack of humor also was never a problem with her, she would always throw in a joke here and there in conversations. Savannah seemed that she would be an awesome person to spend time with, she seemed like she changed people for the better just from her presence.
5. My least favorite character was probably Tim. Even though he had an amazingly kind soul, I still couldn't get over the fact that he stole Savannah from John. I realized that he was my least favorite character when I found myself hoping that he passed away from cancer when I learned that he was ill. I liked his personality but he ruined the love that the book was built on.
6. I felt that the ending was awful! Sure, it might've been just what the book needed to add the extra "umph" and twist to it, but it disappointed me. The fact that it wasn't one of those "happily ever after.." fairy tale loves just got to me. The main characters just shared such a pure romance that I was the one heartbroken at the end, well the characters were as well of course, but I felt as though I was crushed on a higher level. It wasn't the ending I was hoping for, but the book wouldn't have had the same impact if it was any different.
Elisabeth Oglevee
Elisabeth Oglevee
Elsewhere
Gabrielle Zevin
Fantasy
Just Right
89
1. There are many interesting things going on in my book right now. Lizzie has just arrived in Elsewhere and just getting used to it. She has realized what has happened to her. Lizzie was his by a car riding her bicycle to the mall to meet a friend. Lizzie has been put on the S.S Nile and has been transported to Elsewhere. She has gotten of the boat and has met two people so far. She has met Thandi, a girl around Lizzie's age that got shot and Curtis Jest the lead singer of the band Machine that dies from a drug overdose. Lizzie has met her grandmother of the ship and is so confused because her grandmother doesn't look old at all. She tells Lizzie that she will find out soon but Lizzie can't wait and begs for her to tell her. Lizzie finds out that in Elsewhere you age backwards from the time you die until you are zero where you are shipped back to Earth to be reborn. Lizzie is so sad about this because she was so close to being sixteen and getting her license and now she will have to wait another thirty years.
2. I think this book is extremely cool and that is has a really good idea to it. I think I will enjoy this book as it goes on and discover some new things about Lizzie and her grandmother.
3. The theme I notice in this book is discouragement. I see this because Lizzie couldn't find out where she was at first and thought she was dreaming until she saw her own funeral. Also Lizzie is discouraged because she has to wait so much longer than planned to become sixteen and earn the privileges that she gets.
4.Lizzie's grandmother is my favorite character so far because she is always optimistic and never is looking at the bad side of things only the good. Also she seems very hip and cool.
5. Lizzie's best friend back at home is my least favorite character because Lizzie said that she didn't come to her funeral which is horrible. I think only a true friend would come to her so called best friends funeral. Also it was sort of her friends fault that Lizzie got killed because Lizzie was on her way to meet her friend so she could help her look for a prom dress and was in a rush and was late so she was being careful.
6. I think Lizzie will begin to like her grandmother more and realize that the life she now gets to live isn't so bad because she will be able to re-live the life she had before. Also I think by the end of the book Lizzie will get shipped down the river and re-born.
Elsewhere
Gabrielle Zevin
Fantasy
Just Right
89
1. There are many interesting things going on in my book right now. Lizzie has just arrived in Elsewhere and just getting used to it. She has realized what has happened to her. Lizzie was his by a car riding her bicycle to the mall to meet a friend. Lizzie has been put on the S.S Nile and has been transported to Elsewhere. She has gotten of the boat and has met two people so far. She has met Thandi, a girl around Lizzie's age that got shot and Curtis Jest the lead singer of the band Machine that dies from a drug overdose. Lizzie has met her grandmother of the ship and is so confused because her grandmother doesn't look old at all. She tells Lizzie that she will find out soon but Lizzie can't wait and begs for her to tell her. Lizzie finds out that in Elsewhere you age backwards from the time you die until you are zero where you are shipped back to Earth to be reborn. Lizzie is so sad about this because she was so close to being sixteen and getting her license and now she will have to wait another thirty years.
2. I think this book is extremely cool and that is has a really good idea to it. I think I will enjoy this book as it goes on and discover some new things about Lizzie and her grandmother.
3. The theme I notice in this book is discouragement. I see this because Lizzie couldn't find out where she was at first and thought she was dreaming until she saw her own funeral. Also Lizzie is discouraged because she has to wait so much longer than planned to become sixteen and earn the privileges that she gets.
4.Lizzie's grandmother is my favorite character so far because she is always optimistic and never is looking at the bad side of things only the good. Also she seems very hip and cool.
5. Lizzie's best friend back at home is my least favorite character because Lizzie said that she didn't come to her funeral which is horrible. I think only a true friend would come to her so called best friends funeral. Also it was sort of her friends fault that Lizzie got killed because Lizzie was on her way to meet her friend so she could help her look for a prom dress and was in a rush and was late so she was being careful.
6. I think Lizzie will begin to like her grandmother more and realize that the life she now gets to live isn't so bad because she will be able to re-live the life she had before. Also I think by the end of the book Lizzie will get shipped down the river and re-born.
Simone Chen
Simone Chen
Heaven Looks A Lot Like The Mall
Wendy Mass
Realistic Fiction
Holiday
Pg. 177
1. The last thing Tessa can remember before blacking out is getting hit on the head really hard by a rubber dodgeball, and she's now in a coma. She suddenly finds herself in a very familiar place- and it precisely resembles the mall in her town. She thinks she's dead, and this place is her heaven. She goes to the information booth and there a lady hands her a heavy bag with about 20 random objects in it, such as a pink slipper, a hairbrush, a red t-shirt and a glass bowl. The lady says the items represent important parts of Tessa's life. Then she finds herself at different stores in the mall, and each store is where one of those items were bought. Tessa finds herself re-living her life from a little girl, and gradually getting older as she moves throughout the stores. Every chapter is Tessa at a different store. She is told that during her journey she needs to find the answer to the Big Question, but she doesn't even know what the question is.
2. I like this book a lot so far for many reasons. First of all, it is very unique because it's written in poem format- ever chapter is a poem, but it's not poorly written because the text doesn't rhyme or anything like most poems so it's not cheesy, and you just read it all the way through, and you forget that it's a poem. Also, I like how the author tells a synopsis of Tessa's life, even though Tessa isn't actually living it right at that moment. The author describes a lot of events every kid has to experience while growing up (bullying, finding friends, fighting with siblings), and I feel like I can really relate to Tessa. There are a lot of genuinely funny moments too, which you don't find in most books.
3. A theme I've noticed is jealousy. Tessa often gets very jealous of people and things. When she goes to camp she gets jealous that many of the kids there know each other and are so familiar with the place. All her emotions contribute to her sabotaging some of her bunkmates' stuff. Tessa is also jealous of the other popular kids at the school- how they have nice clothes, nice hair, tons of friends, and how they're not fat. Also, at one point she gets jealous that one of her friends was also friends with a more popular girl than herself. Tessa feels threatened and jealous that the more popular girl will steal her friends away. Unfortunately, Tessa often lets her jealousy get the better of her.
4. My favorite character is Tessa. She is not described as a "typical" teen- she has problems (for example, her weight), but she doesn't sulk and whine about it. Although she is not extremely social, she is bold and daring and does what she wants. It was interesting to see how she changed through elementary school, middle school, and high school. She makes a lot of mistakes during her childhood, but she learns from her mistakes and uses that to her advantage in the future. She's a bit quirky, but I like that about her- it makes her stand out from the rest of the characters.
5. My least favorite character is Tessa's mom because she sometimes tries to control Tessa. She thinks beauty is more important than brains, and tries to make Tessa change herself, even if she didn't want to. Her mom made her get her eyebrows waxed even though Tessa didn't think it was necessary, and often criticizes Tessa about her weight even though it's not entirely Tessa's fault. She makes Tessa stay away from all sweets and anything fatty, and I think this only makes Tessa feel worse about herself.
6. I think Tessa will find out what the Big Question is and the answer to it. Then she will figure out that she's not actually dead- just in a coma. And experiencing important parts of her life again will make her regret some of the bad things she did and change the way she thinks about things (kind of like A Christmas Carol).
Heaven Looks A Lot Like The Mall
Wendy Mass
Realistic Fiction
Holiday
Pg. 177
1. The last thing Tessa can remember before blacking out is getting hit on the head really hard by a rubber dodgeball, and she's now in a coma. She suddenly finds herself in a very familiar place- and it precisely resembles the mall in her town. She thinks she's dead, and this place is her heaven. She goes to the information booth and there a lady hands her a heavy bag with about 20 random objects in it, such as a pink slipper, a hairbrush, a red t-shirt and a glass bowl. The lady says the items represent important parts of Tessa's life. Then she finds herself at different stores in the mall, and each store is where one of those items were bought. Tessa finds herself re-living her life from a little girl, and gradually getting older as she moves throughout the stores. Every chapter is Tessa at a different store. She is told that during her journey she needs to find the answer to the Big Question, but she doesn't even know what the question is.
2. I like this book a lot so far for many reasons. First of all, it is very unique because it's written in poem format- ever chapter is a poem, but it's not poorly written because the text doesn't rhyme or anything like most poems so it's not cheesy, and you just read it all the way through, and you forget that it's a poem. Also, I like how the author tells a synopsis of Tessa's life, even though Tessa isn't actually living it right at that moment. The author describes a lot of events every kid has to experience while growing up (bullying, finding friends, fighting with siblings), and I feel like I can really relate to Tessa. There are a lot of genuinely funny moments too, which you don't find in most books.
3. A theme I've noticed is jealousy. Tessa often gets very jealous of people and things. When she goes to camp she gets jealous that many of the kids there know each other and are so familiar with the place. All her emotions contribute to her sabotaging some of her bunkmates' stuff. Tessa is also jealous of the other popular kids at the school- how they have nice clothes, nice hair, tons of friends, and how they're not fat. Also, at one point she gets jealous that one of her friends was also friends with a more popular girl than herself. Tessa feels threatened and jealous that the more popular girl will steal her friends away. Unfortunately, Tessa often lets her jealousy get the better of her.
4. My favorite character is Tessa. She is not described as a "typical" teen- she has problems (for example, her weight), but she doesn't sulk and whine about it. Although she is not extremely social, she is bold and daring and does what she wants. It was interesting to see how she changed through elementary school, middle school, and high school. She makes a lot of mistakes during her childhood, but she learns from her mistakes and uses that to her advantage in the future. She's a bit quirky, but I like that about her- it makes her stand out from the rest of the characters.
5. My least favorite character is Tessa's mom because she sometimes tries to control Tessa. She thinks beauty is more important than brains, and tries to make Tessa change herself, even if she didn't want to. Her mom made her get her eyebrows waxed even though Tessa didn't think it was necessary, and often criticizes Tessa about her weight even though it's not entirely Tessa's fault. She makes Tessa stay away from all sweets and anything fatty, and I think this only makes Tessa feel worse about herself.
6. I think Tessa will find out what the Big Question is and the answer to it. Then she will figure out that she's not actually dead- just in a coma. And experiencing important parts of her life again will make her regret some of the bad things she did and change the way she thinks about things (kind of like A Christmas Carol).
Cayla Condon
Just Grace
Charise Mericle Harper
Fiction
Holiday
Page 30
1. Right now in my book a girl named Grace is going to school but there is a problem because there are three other Graces in her class. They all want to be called Grace but her teacher Miss Lois said that Grace Wallace will be Grace W., Grace Francis will be Grace F., Grace Landowski can be Grace L. Then Grace L. started to protest so Miss Lois said that Grace L. can be called Grace and the narrator Grace has to be called Just Grace. Grace is very upset by this so she talks to a person named Augustine Dupre from France who stays in there basement. She makes Grace feel better by telling her an even sadder story about how there neighbor Mrs. Luther a mean old teacher who wears scary dresses and has scary maskes all over her walls fell down and broke her leg. When she fell she almost hit her cat Crinkles and scared her cat a lot. Crinkles was Mrs. Luthers best friend and also her cast she has to wear scares the cat too. Mrs. Luther is very upset and crys before she goes to bed because her cat Crinkles doesnt like her anymore. Grace is now determined to help Mrs. Luther and get her cat to like her again.
2. I enjoy this book because it is funny the way Grace handles some of her problems. She will make comic books to make her feel better. She will talk to Augustine Dupre, and it gives you a good idea of how to handle some of your problems. Also it is funny how she thinks of boys, and how she thinks how gross they can be by wearing dirting clothes and burping.
3. The theme is friendship because Grace and her best friend Mimi are always doing nice things for each other to make each other feel better and she is good friends with Augustine Dupre.
4. My favorite character is Grace because she is always happy and very determined. Once she has a goal she goes after it and doesn't stop until she has accomplished what she wanted.
5. My least favorite character is Grace F. because she is very mean to everyone and her name is also Grace so it gives the other Grace a worse chance of being called Grace not Just Grace.
6. Next I think that Grace is going to figure out a plan to make Mrs. Luther happy again and get her cat to like her so Mrs. Luther will not cry any more and that her cat Crinkles and her can be best friends again.
Just Grace
Charise Mericle Harper
Fiction
Holiday
Page 30
1. Right now in my book a girl named Grace is going to school but there is a problem because there are three other Graces in her class. They all want to be called Grace but her teacher Miss Lois said that Grace Wallace will be Grace W., Grace Francis will be Grace F., Grace Landowski can be Grace L. Then Grace L. started to protest so Miss Lois said that Grace L. can be called Grace and the narrator Grace has to be called Just Grace. Grace is very upset by this so she talks to a person named Augustine Dupre from France who stays in there basement. She makes Grace feel better by telling her an even sadder story about how there neighbor Mrs. Luther a mean old teacher who wears scary dresses and has scary maskes all over her walls fell down and broke her leg. When she fell she almost hit her cat Crinkles and scared her cat a lot. Crinkles was Mrs. Luthers best friend and also her cast she has to wear scares the cat too. Mrs. Luther is very upset and crys before she goes to bed because her cat Crinkles doesnt like her anymore. Grace is now determined to help Mrs. Luther and get her cat to like her again.
2. I enjoy this book because it is funny the way Grace handles some of her problems. She will make comic books to make her feel better. She will talk to Augustine Dupre, and it gives you a good idea of how to handle some of your problems. Also it is funny how she thinks of boys, and how she thinks how gross they can be by wearing dirting clothes and burping.
3. The theme is friendship because Grace and her best friend Mimi are always doing nice things for each other to make each other feel better and she is good friends with Augustine Dupre.
4. My favorite character is Grace because she is always happy and very determined. Once she has a goal she goes after it and doesn't stop until she has accomplished what she wanted.
5. My least favorite character is Grace F. because she is very mean to everyone and her name is also Grace so it gives the other Grace a worse chance of being called Grace not Just Grace.
6. Next I think that Grace is going to figure out a plan to make Mrs. Luther happy again and get her cat to like her so Mrs. Luther will not cry any more and that her cat Crinkles and her can be best friends again.
The Help
Julia Pearson
The Help
Kathryn Stockett
Historical Fiction
Just Right
pg. 348
1. A lot has happened in the book so far. The story takes place in Jackson, Mississippi, a town overrun with racism. Three points of view are shared- two maids, Aibileen and Minnie, and one white society lady, Skeeter. Skeeter is fed up with all that is going on and has decided to right a book about the goods and bads working for white ladies when you are a black maid. Nobody wanted to interview, because it is so risky, but Aibileen has and she got others to do it, including Minnie. Skeeter is in trouble now because the book is due in two weeks, or else the publisher will put it in the "pile". She is also shunned by Miss Hilly, her former best friend, and all the other ladies. Minnie is working for Miss Celia, a white lady who grew up in Sugar Ditch, a "white trash" town. She married Johnny, who is really nice, and now has money. None of the society ladies like her, because of Miss Hilly, the most popular lady in town. Miss Hilly doesn't like her because she married Johnny, and Hilly went steady with Johnny for a long time. Miss Celia went to the benefit and got drunk, and made a fool of herself. Nobody will talk to her, especially now. Minnie is dealing with this, and her abusive husband, and interviewing with Skeeter. Aibileen is working for Elisabeth, Skeeter's former friend. Aibileen is raising Elisabeth's child and she is determined this time to show Mae Mobely that whites are no different than blacks. This is only a brief summary of what is happening right now, the plot is very deep.
2. I love this book. It is amazing. First of all, I love the way Kathryn Stockett writes. She has a different style for each character's point of view, and all are perfect. I also love the plots. It keeps getting better and better, the farther I read. She weaves in a lot of historical events into it, and some of the racism is very sad, but the characters each fight back in there own way, and it makes the reader cheer on with them. Over all, it is very interesting, empowering, insightful, bittersweet, sad and beautiful.
3. The theme in the book would have to be ignorance. It is on almost every page. The society ladies and almost every one else are so ignorant, they just don't get it. They are like stubborn children holding on to their beliefs because they don't want to be proven wrong. They all think blacks have diseases, are dumber, have no feelings. The maids are sort of habitual to this, but they still are stung every time some injustice comes there way.
4.My favorite character is Miss Celia. First I didn't like her very much. She was always lying on her bed all day long, doing nothing, and she was always trying to talk to Hilly and her friends, even though they obviously didn't like her. I even was disgusted by her when Minnie though she was a drunk, but then I learned the truth. She was just trying to please Johnny, and she finally understands that she doesn't need Miss Hilly- that Hilly is a two faced, racist pig. She is also very innocent to all the proper ways to be with people. She talks to Minnie like they are friends, treats her like a friend, and doesn't mind that she is black.
5. My least favorite character is Miss. Hilly. This is because she is so evil. She has so much power, being the most popular woman in town, and she uses it to shun people that she doesn't like, for any reason. She can ruin anyone, and she does. Also, she is very racist and even goes so far as to advertise the need to have separate bathrooms for colored help so they don't pass diseases.
6. I think Skeeter will find out what happened to her beloved maid Constantine and publish her book, that Aibileen will change Mae Mobely's life, and that Minnie and Miss Celia will become very good friends.
Ashley Deluca
HEADING:
Ashley Deluca
When You Reach Me
Rebbecca Stead
Realistic Fiction
Just Right
Page 37
BODY:
1. Right now in my book Sal, Miranda's best friend just got punched in the stomach and hit in the face when they were coming home from school. A huge kid in a greenish colored jacket hurt him. After that happened Sal was becoming less and less friendly with Miranda so another couple days goes by and Miranda is walking home from school alone because Sal doesn't walk with her anymore. She starts to sense that someone is right behind her. Someone is its the kid in the green jacket she starts panicking inside her head...
2. I feel this is a good book to read right now because of many reasons. One of the reasons is the characters they all have different but creative personalities. Which is Good because it keeps me wanting to read more.
3. I think the theme in the book right now is Curiosity. I think this because Miranda is curious why the kid in the green jacket punched Sal and also why Sal doesn't want to be around her anymore. I also see curiosity towards the Old man because he sits on the street all day laughing, yelling at the sky or trying to kick cars.
4. My favorite character right now is the old man because he is very entertaining to read about and it seems like right now in the book he will be looked upon differently from when it gets to the end of the book.
5. My least favorite character right now in this book is the kid in the green jacket because he hurt Sal physically / mentally . When Sal was doing nothing at all.
6. The prediction I have for next time I read is that Sal will get in a fight with Miranda and that Miranda will become friends with the old man.
Ashley Deluca
When You Reach Me
Rebbecca Stead
Realistic Fiction
Just Right
Page 37
BODY:
1. Right now in my book Sal, Miranda's best friend just got punched in the stomach and hit in the face when they were coming home from school. A huge kid in a greenish colored jacket hurt him. After that happened Sal was becoming less and less friendly with Miranda so another couple days goes by and Miranda is walking home from school alone because Sal doesn't walk with her anymore. She starts to sense that someone is right behind her. Someone is its the kid in the green jacket she starts panicking inside her head...
2. I feel this is a good book to read right now because of many reasons. One of the reasons is the characters they all have different but creative personalities. Which is Good because it keeps me wanting to read more.
3. I think the theme in the book right now is Curiosity. I think this because Miranda is curious why the kid in the green jacket punched Sal and also why Sal doesn't want to be around her anymore. I also see curiosity towards the Old man because he sits on the street all day laughing, yelling at the sky or trying to kick cars.
4. My favorite character right now is the old man because he is very entertaining to read about and it seems like right now in the book he will be looked upon differently from when it gets to the end of the book.
5. My least favorite character right now in this book is the kid in the green jacket because he hurt Sal physically / mentally . When Sal was doing nothing at all.
6. The prediction I have for next time I read is that Sal will get in a fight with Miranda and that Miranda will become friends with the old man.
Tommy Hynes
Tommy Hynes
Maximum Security
Robert Muchamore
Thriller/ Adventure
Holiday
Page 241
1. Right now James, Lauren and a boy named Curtis who James is supposed to befriend in order to get information on the mother of Curtis. James, Lauren and Curtis are getting off a plane right after James and Curtis had broken out of Arizona’s maximum security prison. After they broke out they met with Curtis’s dad’s assistant who helped them flee from the police by catching an airplane flight to Canada. That is what is going on in my book right now.
2. I think this is a great book so far. I love it because of the whole children in prison aspect. I think this causes the book to become more interesting. Another thing I like about this book is all the detail that the author puts into the fight scenes. This in itself makes this such a great book. That is why I like this book so much.
3. The theme I have noticed so far is heroism. I noticed this in James taking up a life threatening mission in order to save his country. Another area where I noticed heroism is when Dave tackles the guy who goes after James with a knife. Those are the areas where I have noticed this theme so far.
4. My favorite character so far is James. I like him because he is a back talking kid who is very funny. I also like him because he holds up in a fight well. Another reason I like him is because he thinks on his toes and always makes the right decision. The final reason I like James is because of the harsh background that he comes from with his mom dying and everything. That is why he is my favorite character.
5. My least favorite character so far is Mr. Large. I do not like him because he is an awful person. He is so awful because he hurts all the kids so badly throughout their basic training. He also very much enjoys hurting the kids which makes it even worse. The final reason I dislike him is because of the awful conditions that he puts the kids through.
6. I predict that James will meet Curtis mom. I predict this because he has seemed to have befriended Curtis very easily. I also think this will happen because Curtis trusts him. The final reason I think this is because of how Curtis owes James for breaking him out of prison. That is what I think is going to happen next.
Maximum Security
Robert Muchamore
Thriller/ Adventure
Holiday
Page 241
1. Right now James, Lauren and a boy named Curtis who James is supposed to befriend in order to get information on the mother of Curtis. James, Lauren and Curtis are getting off a plane right after James and Curtis had broken out of Arizona’s maximum security prison. After they broke out they met with Curtis’s dad’s assistant who helped them flee from the police by catching an airplane flight to Canada. That is what is going on in my book right now.
2. I think this is a great book so far. I love it because of the whole children in prison aspect. I think this causes the book to become more interesting. Another thing I like about this book is all the detail that the author puts into the fight scenes. This in itself makes this such a great book. That is why I like this book so much.
3. The theme I have noticed so far is heroism. I noticed this in James taking up a life threatening mission in order to save his country. Another area where I noticed heroism is when Dave tackles the guy who goes after James with a knife. Those are the areas where I have noticed this theme so far.
4. My favorite character so far is James. I like him because he is a back talking kid who is very funny. I also like him because he holds up in a fight well. Another reason I like him is because he thinks on his toes and always makes the right decision. The final reason I like James is because of the harsh background that he comes from with his mom dying and everything. That is why he is my favorite character.
5. My least favorite character so far is Mr. Large. I do not like him because he is an awful person. He is so awful because he hurts all the kids so badly throughout their basic training. He also very much enjoys hurting the kids which makes it even worse. The final reason I dislike him is because of the awful conditions that he puts the kids through.
6. I predict that James will meet Curtis mom. I predict this because he has seemed to have befriended Curtis very easily. I also think this will happen because Curtis trusts him. The final reason I think this is because of how Curtis owes James for breaking him out of prison. That is what I think is going to happen next.
Timmy Jaung
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
J.K. Rowling
Fantasy
Just Right
Page: 819
1. Right now, Dumbledore had just finished dueling Voldemort in the Ministry of Magic, and the entire Ministry just saw Voldemort, and now they know that Voldemort actually did come back to power. Dumbledore makes a portkey that sends Harry back to Hogwarts. The reason they are in the ministry is because Harry and the D.A, (Dumbledore's Army), had gone to look for the weapon that Voldemort was looking for, which was just a prophecy that got smashed when they were trying to escape the deatheaters.
2. I think that this book is great so far. The end was my favorite part because I enjoy the fights between all the wizards, and they had an epic battle. I also like how the biggest fight was saved till the end because all the little events that happen during the book, all lead up to the end part which is usually really cool and is not what you expect like here, when they talk about a weapon, I thought of something else, like a giant machine or a new spell, but it was just a prophecy that you never hear.
3. The dominant theme I see as a reader is action, because Harry keeps having dreams that he can see what Voldemort is doing. Also in the beginning, when Harry is attacked by two dementors, the action just comes out in the way beginning of the book. Also, there are many other times when action occurs at Hogwarts, like when the entire D.A. is running from Professor Umbridge because the D.A. is an illegal group that Harry, Ron, and Hermione set up.
4. My favorite character is Fred and George because they are very funjny and make the story entertaining. When Professor Umbridge became Headmisstress, she made rules that the students hated, and took all authority away from the teachers. So, Fred and George set up uunremovable rockets all over the school that make extremely loud noises, and they set up a portable bog in the hall way. Lastly, when they got caught for the pranks by Umbridge, they set off fireworks all over the castle and told Peeves, the Poltergeist, to drop water balloons on her head.
5. My least favorite character is Umbridge. She is a stuck up, short, toad-like woman who is power hungry. She makes all these ridiculous rules, like no clubs, and bans a magazine called The Quibbler.
6. I think that Dumbledore will explain everything that has happened when he comes back because that is what has happened in every book so far and will leave a cliff hanger for the next book.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
J.K. Rowling
Fantasy
Just Right
Page: 819
1. Right now, Dumbledore had just finished dueling Voldemort in the Ministry of Magic, and the entire Ministry just saw Voldemort, and now they know that Voldemort actually did come back to power. Dumbledore makes a portkey that sends Harry back to Hogwarts. The reason they are in the ministry is because Harry and the D.A, (Dumbledore's Army), had gone to look for the weapon that Voldemort was looking for, which was just a prophecy that got smashed when they were trying to escape the deatheaters.
2. I think that this book is great so far. The end was my favorite part because I enjoy the fights between all the wizards, and they had an epic battle. I also like how the biggest fight was saved till the end because all the little events that happen during the book, all lead up to the end part which is usually really cool and is not what you expect like here, when they talk about a weapon, I thought of something else, like a giant machine or a new spell, but it was just a prophecy that you never hear.
3. The dominant theme I see as a reader is action, because Harry keeps having dreams that he can see what Voldemort is doing. Also in the beginning, when Harry is attacked by two dementors, the action just comes out in the way beginning of the book. Also, there are many other times when action occurs at Hogwarts, like when the entire D.A. is running from Professor Umbridge because the D.A. is an illegal group that Harry, Ron, and Hermione set up.
4. My favorite character is Fred and George because they are very funjny and make the story entertaining. When Professor Umbridge became Headmisstress, she made rules that the students hated, and took all authority away from the teachers. So, Fred and George set up uunremovable rockets all over the school that make extremely loud noises, and they set up a portable bog in the hall way. Lastly, when they got caught for the pranks by Umbridge, they set off fireworks all over the castle and told Peeves, the Poltergeist, to drop water balloons on her head.
5. My least favorite character is Umbridge. She is a stuck up, short, toad-like woman who is power hungry. She makes all these ridiculous rules, like no clubs, and bans a magazine called The Quibbler.
6. I think that Dumbledore will explain everything that has happened when he comes back because that is what has happened in every book so far and will leave a cliff hanger for the next book.
Eli Dershwitz
What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know
Sonya Sones
Romantic Fiction
Holiday
Page 146
1. Right now in the book Murphy and Sophie have just gotten into a really big fight. Sophie has finally gotten her friends back and she is a lot happier. Murphy, or Robin, is really sad because she is not spending all of her time with him. He starts being really mean to her and they start arguing. The next couple of days in school they don't talk, they try to avoid each other. Sophie realizes that she was king of ignoring him. When she goes to apologize to him, she find him making out with another girl. She stands there in disbelief and when he notices her, she runs away.
2. So far i think that this book is ok. It isn't as good as the first book in the series, what my mother doesn't know. This book gets kind of predictable at times while the first one keeps you guessing. Also, this book is a little to easy to follow. It doesn't really challenge your mind or make you think about anything. It gives you everything you need to know in black and white. Even with those minor flaws, it is still a well thought out book so far and it keeps you hooked.
3. Right now in this book I have noticed love as a major theme. Sophie is a very popular girl with all the friends she can ever hope for. She meets this kid named Robin over vacation and falls in love with him. Robin doesn't really have any friends and he does not really fit in. He is a freshman in high school, like Sophie, accept he has red hair and a full beard. Sophie's friends have ignored her ever since she started going out with Murphy, but she still goes out with him. That is love if she does not care what other people think.
4. Right now my favorite character in the book is Sophie. She can get anything she wants. But, she decides to drop all of that to get out with someone that is losing her all of her friends. I think that is a very nice thing to do. She doesn't care who knows or who cares about her and Robin. All she cares about is spending all of her time with the guy she loves. That makes her my favorite character because she is being herself rather then fitting in.
5. Right now in the book my least favorite character is Dylan. Dylan went out with Sophie the year before for a really long time. He is really popular and is getting his friends to help him. He is trying to get Sophie and Robin to break up because he can't stand a nerd to be around his ex-girlfriend. He always picks on Robin and says really nasty things to Sophie, behind her back and too her face. I think he is doing all this just because he is jealous that Sophie did not want to out with him anymore.
6. I think that Sophie and Robin will break up. Sophie has done so much for him and gone through so much pain. She has lost all of her friends and all of her popularity. And in return, the guy she does it all for, decided to cheat on her because of one little fight. I don't think she will be able to handle this, no matter how much he apologizes. I think they will break up and go on with there lives just like they were before they broke up.
What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know
Sonya Sones
Romantic Fiction
Holiday
Page 146
1. Right now in the book Murphy and Sophie have just gotten into a really big fight. Sophie has finally gotten her friends back and she is a lot happier. Murphy, or Robin, is really sad because she is not spending all of her time with him. He starts being really mean to her and they start arguing. The next couple of days in school they don't talk, they try to avoid each other. Sophie realizes that she was king of ignoring him. When she goes to apologize to him, she find him making out with another girl. She stands there in disbelief and when he notices her, she runs away.
2. So far i think that this book is ok. It isn't as good as the first book in the series, what my mother doesn't know. This book gets kind of predictable at times while the first one keeps you guessing. Also, this book is a little to easy to follow. It doesn't really challenge your mind or make you think about anything. It gives you everything you need to know in black and white. Even with those minor flaws, it is still a well thought out book so far and it keeps you hooked.
3. Right now in this book I have noticed love as a major theme. Sophie is a very popular girl with all the friends she can ever hope for. She meets this kid named Robin over vacation and falls in love with him. Robin doesn't really have any friends and he does not really fit in. He is a freshman in high school, like Sophie, accept he has red hair and a full beard. Sophie's friends have ignored her ever since she started going out with Murphy, but she still goes out with him. That is love if she does not care what other people think.
4. Right now my favorite character in the book is Sophie. She can get anything she wants. But, she decides to drop all of that to get out with someone that is losing her all of her friends. I think that is a very nice thing to do. She doesn't care who knows or who cares about her and Robin. All she cares about is spending all of her time with the guy she loves. That makes her my favorite character because she is being herself rather then fitting in.
5. Right now in the book my least favorite character is Dylan. Dylan went out with Sophie the year before for a really long time. He is really popular and is getting his friends to help him. He is trying to get Sophie and Robin to break up because he can't stand a nerd to be around his ex-girlfriend. He always picks on Robin and says really nasty things to Sophie, behind her back and too her face. I think he is doing all this just because he is jealous that Sophie did not want to out with him anymore.
6. I think that Sophie and Robin will break up. Sophie has done so much for him and gone through so much pain. She has lost all of her friends and all of her popularity. And in return, the guy she does it all for, decided to cheat on her because of one little fight. I don't think she will be able to handle this, no matter how much he apologizes. I think they will break up and go on with there lives just like they were before they broke up.
Peter Burton
The Body of Christopher Creed
Carol Plum-Ucci
Mystery/ Realistic Fiction
JR
Finished
1. Right now in the book Torey has just broken a bone in his leg and is lost in the woods. He was out trying to find Creed's body out there because Isabella's Aunt had told him it would be there. When he regained his stregnth Torey crawled on one of his legs and found a body. The person was dead and Torey thought it was Creed because the person had blonde hair.
2. I liked the book a lot because it would always come up with a twist. When you found out it wasn't Chris' body you kept on wanting to find out who it was and where Creed was. Also when you found out who it was who killed himself you wanted to find out why they did and why people thought Creed would kill himself in the woods.
The Body of Christopher Creed
Carol Plum-Ucci
Mystery/ Realistic Fiction
JR
Finished
1. Right now in the book Torey has just broken a bone in his leg and is lost in the woods. He was out trying to find Creed's body out there because Isabella's Aunt had told him it would be there. When he regained his stregnth Torey crawled on one of his legs and found a body. The person was dead and Torey thought it was Creed because the person had blonde hair.
2. I liked the book a lot because it would always come up with a twist. When you found out it wasn't Chris' body you kept on wanting to find out who it was and where Creed was. Also when you found out who it was who killed himself you wanted to find out why they did and why people thought Creed would kill himself in the woods.
3. I don't think that there is much of a theme in this book because Torey is sort of lost because he has so much going on in his life. He has Ali and Alex there with him, but he also has all of the people he goes to school with. Then Creed went missing and people thought he committed suicide and he went on thinking about it by himself.
4. My favorite character in this book is Torey because he is mysterious like Creed was/is. Near the end he begins to think that he is going insane because he thought that the body he foundw as on fire and that he was burning. When he saw the doctor for a few months he started to realize what was going on.
5. My least favorite character in the book was Alex because he wasn't always a good friend to Torey. When they were out in the woods and Alex had to pretend he was jogging to talk to him. He also wasn't always that trustworthy when it came to being there for him.
6. I wish that they had found Creed's body in the end because near the beginning when he goes missing and everyone is saying he killed himself you think that you will find the body in the end but you don't so that disappointed me to find that you didn't find out what happened to him.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Emily Spence
The Guardian
Nicholas Sparks
Romantic Fiction
Just Right
210
1. Right now I am in a very suspenseful part of the book. Julie had recently broke up with Richard because she just wasn't feeling any chemistry. She is now dating Mike her best friend and they are deeply in love with each other. Strangely Richard has always been bumping into Julie, and Julie is starting to get suspicious that he is bumping into her on purpose. Now Julie is starting to get multiple phone calls where she hears someone breathing and then the phone clicks off. One day she got twenty of these creepy, mysterious messages. Then Julie got a message that faintly whispered " Bye Bye Miss American Pie". She knows this means goodbye Mike and then all the puzzle pieces start to fit together. Julie figures out that Richard has been watching Julie all the time these past few weeks, and he wants to get rid of Mike. He has been stalking her and it's really creep.
2. In the beginning I thought this book was slow and boring, but I don't think that anymore. The book just kicked off. Mike and Julie are finally in love with each other which makes the book more interesting. Scenes are also getting suspenseful with Richard because he is creepy and is stalking Julie. I like this book because of the romance and the intriguing scenes that have been recently been occuring.
3. I theme that I have noticed in the book so far is trust. Julie really trusts Mike and she knows that he will take care of her. She didn't want to date a man after her husband died, but she trusted Mike and knew that he would never break her heart. She opened up to him because he was her best friend and she knew she could trust him no matter what happened during their relationship.
4. My favorite character used to be Julie, but now it is Mike. Mike is such a nice guy and he can date a girl while being her best friend. He respects girls feelings and treats them extemely nicely. Mike is also a very funny character and he adds happiness and humor to the book.
5. My least favorite character is Richard. Richard is a creepy guy that needs to leave Julie alone. Any guy that stalks a girl that broke up with him is messed up. He needs to respect the fact that Julie doesn't like him and he needs move on with his life. Richard is a selfish annoying man that just needs to grow up.
6. I predict that Richard is going to do something bad to Mike. When there was a message that said "bye bye miss American Pie", I knew it was a sort of threat from Richard. I hope that Mike or Julie don't get hurt.
lauren white
Lauren white
A child called it
Dave pelzer
realistic fiction
just right 85
1) right now in the book the boy(it was written in first person, so he doesn't have a name) has been beat up by his mom for now doing his chores fast enough, so he wasn't feed breakfast. right when he gets to school the school nurse examines him for any bruises cuts or anything. he used the excuse "i ran into the door" but the nurse doesn't seem to buy it any more. when he gets home he has to do chores and he gets beaten if he sits down or does the smallest thing wrong.
2. i like the book alot but its so sad to read about, like having a mother beat there own kids it awful i could never picture that happening to me. but i always like knowing whats gonna happen next.
3. a theme i have noticed so far is courage. even though the boy hates going back to the house, he knows it the only think he can do, he is so brave to stand up to his mom(at times) and with his courage he lasts the day,
4. my favorite character would be the father. the father is the only one that cares about him, the dad always tries to save his son some food and even try to stand up for him. even though its hard to get through to mother.
5. my least favorite character his the mother. i don't like her at all, beat there child is wrong and she drinks all the time and she just doesn't care. she use to be a great mom until she got involved in drinking.
6. my prediction for what is gonna happen next in the book is that the boy is gonna go missing. and the police is gonna get involve or something that will reveal what the mother does.
Bryte Kiser : )
Bryte Kiser
True Believer
Nicholas Sparks
Just Right
22
1) Right now in my book they are introducing the main character, Jeremy Marsh. Jeremy had just finished proving a physic that he cannot read peoples minds. Because I am not far into the book I have an idea of what might happen. I think he is going to look more into the idea where Jeremy finds that there might be possible ghosts down at the local cemetery and he will attempt to figure out the truth.
2) So far I really enjoy this novel. I think Nicholas Sparks is a wonderful writer and I am excited to read this book.
3) I think a very big theme in this book is fate. I feel this way because he is going to meet a girl and i agree that it will be fate and magic. Because I am not far into this book this is only a prediction.
4) So far my favorite character is Jeremy because he is sweet and quiet and very smart. He has very good people skills and knows how to prove things wrong without acting like a "know it all" but letting people know how educated he is.
5) I do not have a least favorite character yet, because I have only been introduced to one character.
6) I think later in the book he is going to meet a girl and begin to fall in love with her when he goes down to the cemetery to prove the people wrong about the ghosts.
Will Gooch
The Last Song
Nicholas Sparks
Realistic Fiction
Just Right
90
1) Right now in my book, the main characters father was having a flashback of times when he was a kid and the story told about his parents and how they loved him but never opened up with eachother and so he has grown up keeping his feelings sort of "bottled in". He was thinking about why he and his wife got a divorce and than he thought about his parents.
2) I very much enjoy this book so far. Even though it is more of a book meant for girls I think it is a fantastic novel. Nicholas Sparks is a really good writer.
3) A really large theme I have seen in this book is trust. The main character is a 17 year old girl and is there is a lot of trust her parents have in her or at least her dad does. Her mom doesn't trust her so much but tries to even though she is let down a lot. The main character also has a to trust her new friends in the place she is staying for the summer.
4) My favorite character is Will. He's a really cool guy that is always kind and thinks of other people first. Will is a great role model for all guys.
5) My least favorite character so far is this really wierd guy named Marcus. He hangs out with the bad kids of the town and is the leader of them. They're the ones always causing trouble that takes it too far and do drugs and drink.
6) I think next in my book, the father is going to try and find his rebellious daughter because its 1 in the morning and she still isn't home and he's very worried about her because he heard she was hanging with some of the bad kids in town.
The Last Song
Nicholas Sparks
Realistic Fiction
Just Right
90
1) Right now in my book, the main characters father was having a flashback of times when he was a kid and the story told about his parents and how they loved him but never opened up with eachother and so he has grown up keeping his feelings sort of "bottled in". He was thinking about why he and his wife got a divorce and than he thought about his parents.
2) I very much enjoy this book so far. Even though it is more of a book meant for girls I think it is a fantastic novel. Nicholas Sparks is a really good writer.
3) A really large theme I have seen in this book is trust. The main character is a 17 year old girl and is there is a lot of trust her parents have in her or at least her dad does. Her mom doesn't trust her so much but tries to even though she is let down a lot. The main character also has a to trust her new friends in the place she is staying for the summer.
4) My favorite character is Will. He's a really cool guy that is always kind and thinks of other people first. Will is a great role model for all guys.
5) My least favorite character so far is this really wierd guy named Marcus. He hangs out with the bad kids of the town and is the leader of them. They're the ones always causing trouble that takes it too far and do drugs and drink.
6) I think next in my book, the father is going to try and find his rebellious daughter because its 1 in the morning and she still isn't home and he's very worried about her because he heard she was hanging with some of the bad kids in town.
Phoebe Willett
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austin
Classic British Novel
Challenge
Pg. 148
1. Right now in my book, the Bennet's are at Lady Catherine de Bourgh's house and Elizabeth is playing the piano for her. Mr. Collins and his wife Charlotte have brought the Bennet's to see Lady Catherine. Mr. Darcy and the Bingley's are also at her house and they are talking about music. Lady Catherine is praising her own daughter for her musical talents and telling Elizabeth that she should practice more. Mr. Darcy has been showing some interest in Elizabeth but in peculiar ways so Elizabeth doesn't really know what to think.
2. I like this book and I don't like this book. I like reading an old classic because it is a change from what I usually read but I have a very difficult time following it. They use very old English so I can understand most of it but not every detail. Since I have seen the movies a number of times, I can follow the story and understand what they are talking about but I think that if I hadn't seen the movies, I would not be able to follow it. Even with the background knowledge, I still find myself bored while I'm reading because it is so hard to follow. I do like the story line and the characters though.
3. A theme that I've noticed in this book so far is reputation. The women in the their town have a certain expectation that they must fulfill in order to have respect from others. The women that we have met in the book so far are all trying to be something that they aren't so that they can seem better than everyone else. Elizabeth does a good job of resisting the temptation to follow in the footsteps of others. For example, when Elizabeth shows up at Netherfield with a dirty dress because she walked there, the sisters scoff at her and gossip about her appearance but Elizabeth doesn't care. Everyone in the book from Mrs. Bennet to Mr. Collins cares about their reputation and how others perceive them.
4. My favorite character is Mr. Bingley because he is a really good guy who cares for Jane. It is clear that he really likes Jane but his sister Miss Bingley is trying to prevent them from seeing each other. He doesn't care what people think or talk about and only sees the good in people. He is also very kind to Mr. Darcy who doesn't deserve his hospitalities. Mr. Bingley is kind and welcoming to everyone and I always feel happy when I am reading a scene with him in it.
5. My least favorite character is Miss Bingley because she is the complete opposite of Mr. BIngley. She was unfriendly towards the Bennets; especially Elizabeth. She seemed to be kind to Jane but then sent Jane letters trying to make her think that Mr. Bingley didn't like her. She also tries to make Elizabeth think that there is something going on between her and Mr. Darcy even though there isn't and Elizabeth wouldn't care anyway. She always gossips about people and doesn't care about anybody but herself.
6. I predict that Mr. Bingley will come back from London and find out all the stuff that Miss Bingley told Jane and be upset with her. I think that Mr. Darcy is going to show a deeper interest in Elizabeth and Elizabeth will still show no interest in him but after a while she will like him. I also think that Elizabeth is going to say something that Lady Catherine does not approve of and they will be asked to leave because I think that Elizabeth can only hold her temper for so long.
Eileen Howard
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Novel
Challenge
Page 51
1. In my book, Nick had just met Jay Gatsby at one of his many parties. Gatsby’s chauffer drove over to Nick’s house to give him and invitation one of Gatsby’s parties. The guests marvel over the extravagance of the party; the swimming pool, the beach, the endless buffet and the many crates of fresh fruit. When Nick goes over to Gatsby’s House he finds that he doesn’t know anyone at the party until he spots Jordan Baker. While sitting at a table with Jordan, Lucille one of Jordan’s friends come over and started speculating that Jay Gatsby once killed a man in cold blood. A little while later Jordan and Nick find themselves talking to a handsome young man. After realizing that Nick and the young man served in the same division during the war, the young man introduces himself as Jay Gatsby.
2. So far I really like this book. It’s one of those books that you have to read carefully to get all the details. At some points it can be hard to follow and I have to re-read a paragraph, but that just makes me like the book more. It can get a little boring at times with all of the description, but the rest of the book makes up for it. Also the complicated plot draws me in every time I read it.
3. A theme I have noticed so far is the emptiness of the upper class. The upper class is represented as rude, pretentious, and gaudy people. For example, Gatsby lives in a huge oriental mansion, drives a Rolls Royce, and wears a pink suit but fails to realize that all of his party guests gossip about him.
4. My favorite character is Nick Carraway, the narrator. Nick is open-minded, tolerant, and a good listener, which makes people tell him their secrets making him the perfect narrator because he knows everyone’s feelings. Also Nick is not always the main character during a scene; he often is witnessing the scene which makes him a reliable narrator.
5. My least favorite character is Tom Buchanan, Daisy’s husband. Tom is arrogant and hypocritical, but doesn’t even realize that Daisy married him for his money. He is also having an affair with Myrtle which he thinks is totally normal but when he suspects that Daisy is having an affair he goes ballistic.
6. I think that Daisy is having a secret affair with Gatsby. Then Tom and Daisy will get divorced do Gatsby and Daisy can get married and Tom and Myrtle can get married.
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Novel
Challenge
Page 51
1. In my book, Nick had just met Jay Gatsby at one of his many parties. Gatsby’s chauffer drove over to Nick’s house to give him and invitation one of Gatsby’s parties. The guests marvel over the extravagance of the party; the swimming pool, the beach, the endless buffet and the many crates of fresh fruit. When Nick goes over to Gatsby’s House he finds that he doesn’t know anyone at the party until he spots Jordan Baker. While sitting at a table with Jordan, Lucille one of Jordan’s friends come over and started speculating that Jay Gatsby once killed a man in cold blood. A little while later Jordan and Nick find themselves talking to a handsome young man. After realizing that Nick and the young man served in the same division during the war, the young man introduces himself as Jay Gatsby.
2. So far I really like this book. It’s one of those books that you have to read carefully to get all the details. At some points it can be hard to follow and I have to re-read a paragraph, but that just makes me like the book more. It can get a little boring at times with all of the description, but the rest of the book makes up for it. Also the complicated plot draws me in every time I read it.
3. A theme I have noticed so far is the emptiness of the upper class. The upper class is represented as rude, pretentious, and gaudy people. For example, Gatsby lives in a huge oriental mansion, drives a Rolls Royce, and wears a pink suit but fails to realize that all of his party guests gossip about him.
4. My favorite character is Nick Carraway, the narrator. Nick is open-minded, tolerant, and a good listener, which makes people tell him their secrets making him the perfect narrator because he knows everyone’s feelings. Also Nick is not always the main character during a scene; he often is witnessing the scene which makes him a reliable narrator.
5. My least favorite character is Tom Buchanan, Daisy’s husband. Tom is arrogant and hypocritical, but doesn’t even realize that Daisy married him for his money. He is also having an affair with Myrtle which he thinks is totally normal but when he suspects that Daisy is having an affair he goes ballistic.
6. I think that Daisy is having a secret affair with Gatsby. Then Tom and Daisy will get divorced do Gatsby and Daisy can get married and Tom and Myrtle can get married.
Will Bowser
Will Bowser
Spirit Walker
Michelle Paver
Fantasy
Just Right
176
1. In my book right now, Torak is just realizing that the fever that has plagued his village, was created by the Soul Eaters that his father warned him were going to try to kill him. After Toraks father died, he joined the Raven clan, and the man that let Torak into his home, Oslak, has been taken by the plague. Torak sees how he’s affected and he immediately goes and tells the clan leader, but while he's doing this Oslak takes his son onto their bridge and is about to jump off with his son, when Fin Kedin, the clan leader stops him by grabbing him. He then takes Oslak to a hut in the woods designated for sick people. While the mage, who is more like a doctor, is trying to cure him, Torak feels something enter his body. He then screams and runs into the woods and stays there for the night. The next day he decides to go look for the thing that originated this fever and try to stop it.
2. Overall, I think this book is so-so. I really enjoyed the first one and I was really looking forward to reading the next one, but I had to wait till I was done reading the Hunger Games Series, and since this type of fantasy is not the type of book I usually enjoy reading, I think that the plot of the book lost some of its appeal. Though both of these books start out really slow, the first one started much sooner, and though this one is longer, I really want Torak to go on his quest.
3. A theme that I have noticed so far in this book, is panic. Everyone in Toraks new tribe was quick to point fingers at him when they new about the fever. Many of them were saying how stuff like this never happened when he wasn't around, and how people always get mad at him when he gets up in the middle of the night and howls to try to get wolf to come back. And the reason I say panic instead of anger is because they aren't doing this on a sunny Saturday with the birds singing, their all in the middle of winter, with a deathly fever going around.
4. My favorite character so far is Renn. Renn is a girl in the Raven clan that helped Torak get to the Mountain of World Spirits in the first book, and I really admire how smart she is. Though Torak is somewhat smart, I mostly think of him as strong. I really admire how she was one of the only people in her whole clan to trust Torak, and this turned out to be the right decision when they saved the whole forest from the possessed bear.
5. My least favorite character in the book is Fin Kedin, the leader of the Raven clan. Though I feel I am pushed by the author to respect him, I feel like he is almost rude to Torak. When Torak finally realizes that its him that the Soul Eaters are attacking with the fever, Torak tells Fin Kedin this but Fin Kedin asks him what he plans to do to stop this from happening, he asks where he would even start in trying, and I just felt angered by this. Even after Torak saved the whole forest the man that should believe in him most, doesn't at all.
6. My prediction for what will happen next is that I think Torak will reunite with Wolf, but I think Wolf will be fully grown and not as silly and stupid as he was in the first book. The reason I think this is because at the end of the last book when Wolf ran off with a different pack of Wolves, Torak vowed that he would one day find him again. I think they will be reunited when Torak goes on his journey to find the Soul Eaters and stop the fever.
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