I am reading Hope Was Here by Joan Bauer. A girl named Tulip is abandoned by her father and left to live with her aunt by her mother. She absolutely hates the name her mother left her with, so her aunt allows her to legally change it to Hope. Hope and her aunt, Addie, move around a lot going to different schools and working at different restaurants. Hope is constantly making new friends and then moving away from them meeting new people.
Right before Hope’s junior year of high school, her aunt and her move to Wisconsin. They are working together at the Welcome Stairways, Addie cooking and adding new things to the menu, and Hope waitressing. G.T., the owner of the Welcome Stairways has been struck with cancer, so he can use all the help he can get.
One day while the current mayor is giving a speech about why he should be reelected, G.T. decides he is going to run against him. Since G.T. has been diagnosed with cancer he is realizing everything about life that he has not realized before. Now he is noticing that he needs to make a difference in the world and all of the changes that need to be made in it. Adults and teens all try to get people to vote for G.T., but Eli Millstone, the man G.T. is running against is a liar. He makes up things about G.T. and other things in the election to get people on his side. He lies so much that people stop believing what is true.
Everything starts getting better when Addie and G.T., and Hope and Braverman, another guy from the kitchen, start to date each other. G.T.’s cancer is put into remission. He is so happy that he decides to ask Addie to marry him. They do, and the next surprise is that he asks Hope if he can adopt her. She accepts.
Right when G.T.’s friends become full of hope that he is going to win, it is announced that G.T. has lost the election. This cannot be the end of this battle. Everyone has worked too hard for G.T. to lose. I figured Eli had to have something to do with this, and he did. This left G.T. winning the election. As soon as you would think nothing could be better, G.T’s cancer gets so out of hand that the doctor says he will never pull out of it this time. Hope becomes depressed and shares one last thing with G.T. the day before his death. Everyone fills the diner with flowers the day after the funeral as a memorial. G.T.’s family and friends are depressed at first, but eventually everyone moves on with life and makes the best of things.
The theme of this book is that you should never give up and it is always important to live your life to the fullest. Some conflicts we found throughout the book were G.T. battling cancer while fighting in the election to become mayor. Things that we found as symbols are the flowers filling the diner at G.T.’s memorial, and the way Addie improves different foods already in the diner. The flowers represent G.T.’s full life, and the improvement of old foods represents a second chance or new beginning.
I feel that this is a very emotional book. G.T. getting cancer and being turned away by so many people because of it is a sad concept. Try to put yourself in other people’s shoes before you judge them. Just because someone has a disease, it should not change the way you look at them. Diseases only make a person stronger.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
"Dope Sick" by Walter Dean Myers
The main character in the book, “Dope Sick,” is Lil J; he is 17 and still living at home with his mom. He is always trying to do the right thing, but the right thing never tries to do him. Lil J is growing up in the “hood” and always trying to make a quick dollar or two. He is always applying for a real job, but being an African-American male living in the ghetto, it is hard to find a steady job. His friend Ricco is a drug dealer, makes about 300 dollars a day with ease, with a little peer-pressure, he has Lil J doing a side job with him. Ricco is a drug dealer, and a thief. He “taps” the bags of heroine. And then goes for this deal. He and Lil J are high, and when the deal goes south, things get out of hand. They are dealing to an undercover cop and get him on the ground, threatening to take his life if he makes a noise. So they hand cuff him to a banister, and go to run out the back. But Ricco is tripping, he goes back, and wastes the poor guy. Running with a “hot” gun, and a bullet in his arm, Lil J finds himself in an abandoned crack house, with a dude named Kelly, (God), whom gives him the chance to changes things for the better. There are many conflicts throughout the story; the main conflict is Lil J changing his life around for the better. He constantly runs into evil such as, doping up, not knowing how to say no, putting his life in danger, and not being able to find a steady job to support his mom. But Lil J is finding the good in life, thanks to Kelly. But Lil J needs to have faith in Kelly; he is constantly questioning and doubting him. He does not truly believe that Kelly has the ability to change things around. And by Lil J treating Kelly as Judas treated Jesus, it all makes sense. He betrayed God but all the wrong doings, and finding the good in his life is like going to reconciliation for the first time. I have many likes and dislikes…The likes of the book would have to be how Lil J could be a real person, and that this situation could be happening to anyone at this exact moment, the story is life for some. A dislike of mine being the reference to drugs a lot. Although Lil J betrayed God, Kelly still accepted him for him.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
"The Atlantis Complex" Eoin Colfer
The Atlantis Complex is the seventh book in the Artemis Fowl series. It is about a boy named Artemis Fowl who is very intelligent and belongs to a wealthy family that has had a history of criminal activity with the highly trained Butler bodyguards. In the earlier books in the series he finds out about a secret race of magic fairy people living underground with more advanced technology than humans. At first Artemis tries to gain wealth by holding an elf captive but he changes throughout the series and befriends them.
The main conflict in this book is between Artemis and a fairy named Turnball Root. Turnball is trying to break out of prison. He is full of revenge at the LEP (fairy police), which he was once part of, for locking him up. He also wants to see his human wife, but she is aged more than him because fairies live longer. At first a hijacked fairy probe attacks Artemis and He and his friend Holly do not know where it is from. The suspense builds until as they find out more about whom it is and an attack on Atlantis.
While this is happening, Artemis has been developing a disorder known as Atlantis Complex. He starts counting things, displaying obsessive-compulsive behavior, and loses trust even in his loyal bodyguard Butler. In the second stage of this psychosis he develops a second personality. Artemis has to put all this aside to face greater challenges.
If you like adventure and action than this is a great book for you. There is some humor in this book too which makes it lively. You will probably not understand this book as well if you have not read the rest of the series. It had a good plot and was exciting. I do not think it was good as some of the other books in the series because there were not as many schemes that involved complex ideas like time travel that would have made the book more interesting. A theme throughout the book and the whole series is everyone can change.
The main conflict in this book is between Artemis and a fairy named Turnball Root. Turnball is trying to break out of prison. He is full of revenge at the LEP (fairy police), which he was once part of, for locking him up. He also wants to see his human wife, but she is aged more than him because fairies live longer. At first a hijacked fairy probe attacks Artemis and He and his friend Holly do not know where it is from. The suspense builds until as they find out more about whom it is and an attack on Atlantis.
While this is happening, Artemis has been developing a disorder known as Atlantis Complex. He starts counting things, displaying obsessive-compulsive behavior, and loses trust even in his loyal bodyguard Butler. In the second stage of this psychosis he develops a second personality. Artemis has to put all this aside to face greater challenges.
If you like adventure and action than this is a great book for you. There is some humor in this book too which makes it lively. You will probably not understand this book as well if you have not read the rest of the series. It had a good plot and was exciting. I do not think it was good as some of the other books in the series because there were not as many schemes that involved complex ideas like time travel that would have made the book more interesting. A theme throughout the book and the whole series is everyone can change.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is a wonderful teen book. The four main girls, Carmen, Lena, Tibby, and Bridget have been best friends since they were born. Their mothers all went to maternity classes together and have known each other ever since. One day, they all realize that these one pair of pants miraculously fit all of them perfectly. Mind you that all four girls' bodies are built completely different, so this was unusual. Unfortunetly, the best friends are going different ways during their summer vacation. They get this idea to send the pants back and forth to each other throughout the summer as a way of keeping in touch with one another.
The main conflict in this story is between each girl. They are all faced with many different little conflicts in their seperate things they are doing. But, all of them try to keep in contact with their friends. They do not want to lose touch because they love each other. Even though they are busy and the pants might be the last thing on their minds, they cannot forget the ones back home that truly love them.
There are four protagonists in this story, Carmen, Lena, Tibby and Bridget. Carmen is going to South Carolina for the summer to visit her father. Her parents are divorced and her dad has started a new family. Lena goes to Greece to visit her grandparents and Tibby stays home and woorks at her job at Wallmens. Lastly, Bridget goes to a soccer camp.
The theme of the story is that you should never forget the ones that are always there for you. Even if your life gets a little crazy sometimes, be sure to know that there are always those certain people who will always be right by your side through anything.
The thing that I disliked about this book is how it was always very suspenseful and kept you thinking, maybe over thinking, all of the problems a little to much. Also, how the end the author makes you want to go and read the next books in the series.
The main conflict in this story is between each girl. They are all faced with many different little conflicts in their seperate things they are doing. But, all of them try to keep in contact with their friends. They do not want to lose touch because they love each other. Even though they are busy and the pants might be the last thing on their minds, they cannot forget the ones back home that truly love them.
There are four protagonists in this story, Carmen, Lena, Tibby and Bridget. Carmen is going to South Carolina for the summer to visit her father. Her parents are divorced and her dad has started a new family. Lena goes to Greece to visit her grandparents and Tibby stays home and woorks at her job at Wallmens. Lastly, Bridget goes to a soccer camp.
The theme of the story is that you should never forget the ones that are always there for you. Even if your life gets a little crazy sometimes, be sure to know that there are always those certain people who will always be right by your side through anything.
The thing that I disliked about this book is how it was always very suspenseful and kept you thinking, maybe over thinking, all of the problems a little to much. Also, how the end the author makes you want to go and read the next books in the series.
"Alis" by Naomi Rich
The main character Alis is faced with the choice of protecting friendship or defending her life. Alis begins the story as a rebelling fourteen year old and ends the story, a mature young adult who took charge of her own life. Her Christian Community is making her marry someone against her will and as you read her decision about what she will do is will planned. Her journey of escaping and surviving lasts two years (most of the book). Though out that time she meets interesting people who become friends and enemies, she also reunites with people you would never aspect. “Alis” is filled with themes. Alis has mature themes such as Christian community life, growing up, standing up for what you believe in, staying true, and having hope when all is lost. These are all clearly shown throughout “Alis” and most of the themes are intertwined within each other, but they are easy to recognize. Conflicts are threaded all in “Alis”. The biggest conflicts for Alis is whether to betray a love one or sacrifice herself, go along with to her parents or seek her own happiness, and do what is right for herself or do what is right for others. There aren’t a lot of obvious symbols but if you read some passages a couple times more symbols will pop out. The evil Elder is symbolic for all of the corruption and evil going on in the Christian communities, Mistress Elizabeth is figurative for the kindness and gentleness of the Communities, Luke stands for the possibility of young love, and Alis represents first rebellion and then symbolizes freedom choose your own life. I love this book, I have read many books and this by far is the best, it kept me entertained the entire time I read it. If you like rebellion, conflicts, excitement and surprises you should really read “Alis”.
"Something Wicked this Way Comes" By: Ray Bradbury
Jim Nightshade and Will Halloway are thirteen years old in Illinois, and late in October, they discover a carnival coming to town. They go to the carnival for fun, and as it ends for the day, Jim and Will meet Mr. Dark – a man covered in tattoos. Mr. Dark tells the kids to go home, but they watch him as he rides the “Out of order” carousel, which the music plays backwards and Mr. Dark steps off at the age of twelve. His partner Mr. Cooger rides the carousel too, and goes to Jim and Will’s teacher Miss Foley and pretends to be her lost nephew. Overdrawn with excitement, Jim goes back to the carnival hoping to grow old, but they then return home without the chance. That night, they fight and vanquish the witch that tries to kill them, after Will’s father Charles Halloway finds out that the carnival can only be stopped by happiness, and so Charles, Will and Jim start an epic quest that truly reflects the battles of good and evil.
It is obvious that the general, overall conflict of “Something Wicked this Way Comes” is good versus evil. The only way to defeat Mr. Dark and the unnatural carousel is by being unified and happy, for the carnival is evil. Mr. Halloway eventually humiliates the witch to death, and he and Will both laugh and dance, brining Jim back to life after he dies. Also throughout the novel, Charles Halloway is a bit depressed and insecure within himself, but he must face himself, and accept the person he is at age fifty-four.
As we look over these conflicts, you can pinpoint the themes as well. Manifestly, the main theme definitely is that good will always conquer evil. Good, happiness, and comfort are qualities much more valuable than depression, sadness, and hopelessness. Positivity is the key to a successful life, and negativity will only make your life worse. Also, Charles Halloway’s personal theme is that self discovery and comfort with yourself is important as well. Through the acts Mr. Halloway does in order to destroy the carnival, he becomes familiar and accepting of his own body, age and life. He no longer is put down about his lack of energy, and he is still willing to be happy and helpful when it comes to Will, his son.
Overall, I think I like “Something Wicked this Way Comes” more than I dislike it. Throughout the book, piece by piece the story was confusing. I put the chapters together when I was done, and the verdict is a thumbs up. Battles between pure good and pure evil interest me, and it helps me realize the importance of happiness, for I, and everyone struggles to be jovial. The chapters are nice and short, which gives me a more sense of accomplish when it comes to literary progression. However, some things I did not like. One example being how Charles Halloway delivers a long, deep, inspiring, meaningful monologue when someone asks a simple question. Maybe this disappoints me only because people usually do not talk like that in the twenty-first century. Besides that, this book is very interesting. Although the situation is not one hundred percent on my tip of obsession, the conflict is good, thus definitely being a recommendable novel.
It is obvious that the general, overall conflict of “Something Wicked this Way Comes” is good versus evil. The only way to defeat Mr. Dark and the unnatural carousel is by being unified and happy, for the carnival is evil. Mr. Halloway eventually humiliates the witch to death, and he and Will both laugh and dance, brining Jim back to life after he dies. Also throughout the novel, Charles Halloway is a bit depressed and insecure within himself, but he must face himself, and accept the person he is at age fifty-four.
As we look over these conflicts, you can pinpoint the themes as well. Manifestly, the main theme definitely is that good will always conquer evil. Good, happiness, and comfort are qualities much more valuable than depression, sadness, and hopelessness. Positivity is the key to a successful life, and negativity will only make your life worse. Also, Charles Halloway’s personal theme is that self discovery and comfort with yourself is important as well. Through the acts Mr. Halloway does in order to destroy the carnival, he becomes familiar and accepting of his own body, age and life. He no longer is put down about his lack of energy, and he is still willing to be happy and helpful when it comes to Will, his son.
Overall, I think I like “Something Wicked this Way Comes” more than I dislike it. Throughout the book, piece by piece the story was confusing. I put the chapters together when I was done, and the verdict is a thumbs up. Battles between pure good and pure evil interest me, and it helps me realize the importance of happiness, for I, and everyone struggles to be jovial. The chapters are nice and short, which gives me a more sense of accomplish when it comes to literary progression. However, some things I did not like. One example being how Charles Halloway delivers a long, deep, inspiring, meaningful monologue when someone asks a simple question. Maybe this disappoints me only because people usually do not talk like that in the twenty-first century. Besides that, this book is very interesting. Although the situation is not one hundred percent on my tip of obsession, the conflict is good, thus definitely being a recommendable novel.
"Friday Night Lights" By: H.G. Bissenger
If you like the game of football than i recommend you read the book Friday Night Lights. The theme of this book is never quit. The Permian High School football team is faced with a very difficult change ahead of them. They are faced with playing a very difficult football program that they never played before in the State Championship game. The school is built around a great football tradition. They have a winning tradition, also a tradition of being proud to wear those black and white jerseys of Friday nights! The team is told to dig deep and find in the hearts the will to play their hardest in the last game of their high school careers.
The genre of this book is sports. It is centered around a very proud football team and the students on the team. It talks about how one students questions himself about playing football or preaching the word of God. The main conflict in this story is heart. The team is asked to find the will and heart to play Permian football and to do it with pride. Friday Night Lights is the best sports book I have ever read. I highly encourage you to read this book if you like the game of football.
The genre of this book is sports. It is centered around a very proud football team and the students on the team. It talks about how one students questions himself about playing football or preaching the word of God. The main conflict in this story is heart. The team is asked to find the will and heart to play Permian football and to do it with pride. Friday Night Lights is the best sports book I have ever read. I highly encourage you to read this book if you like the game of football.
"The Problem with Paradise" by Lesley Dahl
If you're into teen love dramas, this book is for you! Casey, a teenage girl, has just been told she must spend her entire summer on an island with her father who is a researcher, her 2 brothers, and a few assistants. She will be away from her best friends and her boyfriend, Matt. She is faced with a few problems while in paradise.
The main conflict in “The Problem with Paradise” is between Casey and the fact that she has to spend the whole summer away from her friends and boyfriend. Casey is greatly affected by the conflict until a teenage boy, Jonah, an assistant's nephew, arrives. She is not exactly a main antagonist, but instead the big problem Casey faces serves as the antagonist.
The protagonist, Casey, goes through many struggles. She wants to have someone to spend time with on the island. She is tired of doing the same things everyday and doing everything with her brothers. Another struggle is that Casey is tired of being told what to do and tired of asking when she can do it. She wants to be more independent. Also, Casey really misses her friends and her boyfriend. Casey is later put in a situation where she has to really think and make the right decisions.
The theme in the novel is “You never know what to expect”. Casey goes on the island expecting the worse. She mainly expects boredom. When Jonah shows up, her expectations are higher because she finally has someone her age (not to mention, cute!) to hang out with.
I dislike that the author, in a way, “leaves you hanging” at the end of the book. Other than that, I loved “The Problem with Paradise” and is now one of my favorites. I recommend especially to teenage girls. Well, what are you waiting for? Go read it!
"Friday Night Lights" by: H.G. Bissinger
If you love football and it is your only care in the world, Odessa is the place for you. In the town of Odessa in west Texas, there is a team named the Permian Panthers, who in their sacred black and white, put on a show every Friday night under gleaming lights. In a separated town of black and white, football brings all races together.
Football in the town of Odessa is everything. It is not only a game, but a way of life. From the first time a State Championship is won by the Panthers, they become obsessed with winning. It shows football is the true care of the town. On Friday nights, all shops close early and all residents head to Ratliff Stadium. The 1988 team is expected to win the State Championship.
The oil business fuels the economy of Odessa. When the price of oil increases, the town is happy. When the price of oil decreases, people lose jobs, money, and even family. The one thing which brings all people of all ages together is MOJO football.
Friday Night Lights is written in an interesting way for it tells a number of stories and events in the history of Odessa. We hear about past football players, previous residents, and even has-been millionaires. At one point we are hearing about the Panthers playing a football game, and the next about a man who is booming in the oil business. Most oil workers and owners live well in the boom. In Odessa, when oil prices drastically drop, unemployment and debt sky-rocket.
There is a plethora of protagonists in Friday Night Lights. Mike Winchell, the quarterback, leads a confusing life and has many ups and downs throughout the season. Head Coach, Gary Gaines, stands the highest above all protagonists. The 1988 season is his third year and great things are expected from him. After two losses by one point each, things are not so bright for this coach. Threatening letters are sent to him and “for sale” signs are planted in his front yard. Keeping his family together is tough, and it does not help he stays in the coaching office until midnight preparing for games. Being head coach is a nerve racking job. As most coaches should be tough and inconsiderate, Gary is seen as a nice guy. The supporters of the team hate nice guys. It seems it is impossible to please the town, unless you are a winner.
This novel is interesting because it tells the history of the town, and gives a synopsis of the 1988 season. It is interesting to me because I have a passion for football. I have seen the movie and would suggest both the movie and book to anyone who enjoys Friday night football.
Football in the town of Odessa is everything. It is not only a game, but a way of life. From the first time a State Championship is won by the Panthers, they become obsessed with winning. It shows football is the true care of the town. On Friday nights, all shops close early and all residents head to Ratliff Stadium. The 1988 team is expected to win the State Championship.
The oil business fuels the economy of Odessa. When the price of oil increases, the town is happy. When the price of oil decreases, people lose jobs, money, and even family. The one thing which brings all people of all ages together is MOJO football.
Friday Night Lights is written in an interesting way for it tells a number of stories and events in the history of Odessa. We hear about past football players, previous residents, and even has-been millionaires. At one point we are hearing about the Panthers playing a football game, and the next about a man who is booming in the oil business. Most oil workers and owners live well in the boom. In Odessa, when oil prices drastically drop, unemployment and debt sky-rocket.
There is a plethora of protagonists in Friday Night Lights. Mike Winchell, the quarterback, leads a confusing life and has many ups and downs throughout the season. Head Coach, Gary Gaines, stands the highest above all protagonists. The 1988 season is his third year and great things are expected from him. After two losses by one point each, things are not so bright for this coach. Threatening letters are sent to him and “for sale” signs are planted in his front yard. Keeping his family together is tough, and it does not help he stays in the coaching office until midnight preparing for games. Being head coach is a nerve racking job. As most coaches should be tough and inconsiderate, Gary is seen as a nice guy. The supporters of the team hate nice guys. It seems it is impossible to please the town, unless you are a winner.
This novel is interesting because it tells the history of the town, and gives a synopsis of the 1988 season. It is interesting to me because I have a passion for football. I have seen the movie and would suggest both the movie and book to anyone who enjoys Friday night football.
"Slam" By Walter Dean Myers
Greg “Slam” Harris is a seventeen year old African American boy who lives in the Bronx of Brooklyn. Slam has a mom, a younger brother named Derek, and a father who drinks too much because he lost his last job. Slam began high school at Carver High School. Slam was forced to transfer to Latimer High School due to his grades and because his mother wanted him top get a better education. Latimer High School is a predominately a white school.
Slam has many friends. One of his friends nickname is Ice. Slam and Ice are really close friends. They went to Carver High School together. There is one thing that bothers Slam about Ice. Ice sells drugs. Slam does not how to cope with this. Ice and Slam have the same career goals. Both young men want to go to the NBA and play when they are older. Slam and Ice love the sport of basketball.
Mtisha is a girl that went to school at Carver with Slam and Ice. Mtisha knows that Ice sells drugs and feels the same way that Slam does. Mtisha is afraid of Slam liking another girl because Mtisha likes him a lot. She helps Slam in math because that is one subject that he is doing bad in. Mtisha and her mom go to the Hospital to check on Slam’s grandmother. Mtisha’s mom is close friends with Slam’s mom and grandmother.
Slam has many conflicts with the people around him. Slam has a problem with his basketball coach because Slam does not play the way the coach wants him to play. Derek loses Slam’s video camera and Slam has to find it. Slam has a problem with him self because he wont get his grades up. Slam could give up playing basketball because of his grades.
Slam has many friends. One of his friends nickname is Ice. Slam and Ice are really close friends. They went to Carver High School together. There is one thing that bothers Slam about Ice. Ice sells drugs. Slam does not how to cope with this. Ice and Slam have the same career goals. Both young men want to go to the NBA and play when they are older. Slam and Ice love the sport of basketball.
Mtisha is a girl that went to school at Carver with Slam and Ice. Mtisha knows that Ice sells drugs and feels the same way that Slam does. Mtisha is afraid of Slam liking another girl because Mtisha likes him a lot. She helps Slam in math because that is one subject that he is doing bad in. Mtisha and her mom go to the Hospital to check on Slam’s grandmother. Mtisha’s mom is close friends with Slam’s mom and grandmother.
Slam has many conflicts with the people around him. Slam has a problem with his basketball coach because Slam does not play the way the coach wants him to play. Derek loses Slam’s video camera and Slam has to find it. Slam has a problem with him self because he wont get his grades up. Slam could give up playing basketball because of his grades.
"Bucking the Sarge" By: Christopher Paul Curtis
The main characters in the book are Luther Farrell and the Sarge, Luther’s mom. Luther is a studious type of person who wants to learn and study philosophy. He is very interested in winning the science year for the third year in a row against the love of his life, Shayla Patrick. Instead of following his dream of becoming a philosopher, the Sarge is making him bus people from group homes the Sarge owns back and forth. The Sarge also makes him clean up rental homes and run a group home. The Sarge is a power hungry business owner who is more concerned about herself rather than her son. She does illegal things such as giving Luther a driver’s license, even though he is 15, to bus people around.
The book, “Bucking the Sarge” has many conflicts. The main character, Luther Farrell, is facing off with his mom, the Sarge, because the Sarge wants Luther to work more hours and Luther rather focus on his dream to be a philosopher. The conflict is that the Sarge is more focused on herself and what she wants Luther to do rather than support what Luther wants to do. When Luther talks to his mom about being a famous philosopher, his mom says that it is impossible for an African American from the City of Flint to become anything special. The Sarge tells Luther that if he wants to be successful, then he should work harder at the group homes so he can someday take of the Sarge’s chain of slum housing. Another conflict in the story is Luther and Sparky, his best friend, trying to get out of Flint, Michigan. Sparky tells Luther, “Flint is nothing but the Titanic; it just brings you down.” Luther and Sparky develop a plan to sue a company and use the money to get out of Flint.
The theme of “Bucking the Sarge” is to follow what you want to do in life and do not let anyone else tell you what you want to do. This theme applies to Luther because the Sarge makes him work in the slum houses she owns rather than what Luther wants to do. When Luther tells his mom how he wants to win the science fair for the third year in a row, the Sarge tells him it is simply not important. The science fair will not get you anywhere in life. The Sarge is carving a path for Luther to take up the slum housing, even though he does not want to, when Luther wants to be a philosopher.
What I like about the book is it shows how Luther overcomes the Sarge pulling him into working all the time. I also like how Sparky starts making smarter decisions and starts wanting to become something in life. What I did not like in the book is how the science fair was incorporated in the book. I thought it was confusing and hard to follow at some parts. Overall, “Bucking the Sarge” is a great book and I recommended students read it.
The book, “Bucking the Sarge” has many conflicts. The main character, Luther Farrell, is facing off with his mom, the Sarge, because the Sarge wants Luther to work more hours and Luther rather focus on his dream to be a philosopher. The conflict is that the Sarge is more focused on herself and what she wants Luther to do rather than support what Luther wants to do. When Luther talks to his mom about being a famous philosopher, his mom says that it is impossible for an African American from the City of Flint to become anything special. The Sarge tells Luther that if he wants to be successful, then he should work harder at the group homes so he can someday take of the Sarge’s chain of slum housing. Another conflict in the story is Luther and Sparky, his best friend, trying to get out of Flint, Michigan. Sparky tells Luther, “Flint is nothing but the Titanic; it just brings you down.” Luther and Sparky develop a plan to sue a company and use the money to get out of Flint.
The theme of “Bucking the Sarge” is to follow what you want to do in life and do not let anyone else tell you what you want to do. This theme applies to Luther because the Sarge makes him work in the slum houses she owns rather than what Luther wants to do. When Luther tells his mom how he wants to win the science fair for the third year in a row, the Sarge tells him it is simply not important. The science fair will not get you anywhere in life. The Sarge is carving a path for Luther to take up the slum housing, even though he does not want to, when Luther wants to be a philosopher.
What I like about the book is it shows how Luther overcomes the Sarge pulling him into working all the time. I also like how Sparky starts making smarter decisions and starts wanting to become something in life. What I did not like in the book is how the science fair was incorporated in the book. I thought it was confusing and hard to follow at some parts. Overall, “Bucking the Sarge” is a great book and I recommended students read it.
"Jake Ransom and the Skull King's Shadow" by James Rollins
The themes of Jake Ransom and the Skull King’s Shadow would be an archeological theme and a lost and found theme. An archeological theme would fit because the whole book is based around different archeological items. And lost and found because he in way finds his parents. Even though they were killed when they were on an archeological dig in Central America. Jake does find some of the archeological facts and discoveries that his parents made. So he doesn’t find them in a face to face manner but he does find them in a spiritual way or in a professional way.
Some symbols in my book were the symbol of making a difference, never giving up no matter what the circumstances are, being strong mentally and physically, and being a leader. All of these symbols are symbols of Jake. Jake makes a difference by being himself. In school he is teased and sometimes beat up because other kids think that he is weird just because he likes to study artifacts. He also is not a very popular kid in the school. He has one good friend but even the one good friend sometimes thinks that he is a little weird sometimes even though they enjoy doing mostly the same things. Jake also never gives up. Jake is faced with many challenges in the book that test this strength and character. Not once in the book does Jake double think himself or not believe in his own abilities. Jake is strong in both mentally and physically. Just like never giving up Jake must be strong mentally and physically because he is faced with different challenges just to find his parents artifacts and to defeat the Skull King. Finally Jake is a good leader. He always stays strong and he guides the way. With some assistance from the natives. All of these things apply to Jake and they should apply to all people because these are all good attributes to have.
In multiple occasions Jake endures many different conflicts. The obvious conflict is that Jake has no Mom or Dad. Jake must live with his uncle. Also that Jake really doesn’t have any friends until he enters the mysterious land. Once he gets to the museum in London. A few other conflicts that Jake endures are the conflict of escaping the dinosaur. He has no clue where he is but all he knows is that he needs to get the heck away from the dinosaur. Finally he had this conflict since he got to this mysterious land; he needs to find a way home.
There were parts of the book that I liked and disliked. I liked that parts that were somewhat real. The parts I disliked were the fake parts. Me personally I hate fiction books. I would much rather read about something that actually happened rather than reading about things that can physically happen or just are made up things. Such as the witch on a broom stick or a ghost that haunts people. To me Jake Ransom and the Skull King’s Shadow was a fake book rather than a real book to me. But if you enjoy reading fiction books then you will like this book. Any one in high school can read this book. I am very glad that I am done with the book.
Some symbols in my book were the symbol of making a difference, never giving up no matter what the circumstances are, being strong mentally and physically, and being a leader. All of these symbols are symbols of Jake. Jake makes a difference by being himself. In school he is teased and sometimes beat up because other kids think that he is weird just because he likes to study artifacts. He also is not a very popular kid in the school. He has one good friend but even the one good friend sometimes thinks that he is a little weird sometimes even though they enjoy doing mostly the same things. Jake also never gives up. Jake is faced with many challenges in the book that test this strength and character. Not once in the book does Jake double think himself or not believe in his own abilities. Jake is strong in both mentally and physically. Just like never giving up Jake must be strong mentally and physically because he is faced with different challenges just to find his parents artifacts and to defeat the Skull King. Finally Jake is a good leader. He always stays strong and he guides the way. With some assistance from the natives. All of these things apply to Jake and they should apply to all people because these are all good attributes to have.
In multiple occasions Jake endures many different conflicts. The obvious conflict is that Jake has no Mom or Dad. Jake must live with his uncle. Also that Jake really doesn’t have any friends until he enters the mysterious land. Once he gets to the museum in London. A few other conflicts that Jake endures are the conflict of escaping the dinosaur. He has no clue where he is but all he knows is that he needs to get the heck away from the dinosaur. Finally he had this conflict since he got to this mysterious land; he needs to find a way home.
There were parts of the book that I liked and disliked. I liked that parts that were somewhat real. The parts I disliked were the fake parts. Me personally I hate fiction books. I would much rather read about something that actually happened rather than reading about things that can physically happen or just are made up things. Such as the witch on a broom stick or a ghost that haunts people. To me Jake Ransom and the Skull King’s Shadow was a fake book rather than a real book to me. But if you enjoy reading fiction books then you will like this book. Any one in high school can read this book. I am very glad that I am done with the book.
"Jake Ransom and the Skull King's Shadow" by James Rollins
The themes of Jake Ransom and the Skull King’s Shadow would be an archeological theme and a lost and found theme. An archeological theme would fit because the whole book is based around different archeological items. And lost and found because he in way finds his parents. Even though they were killed when they were on an archeological dig in Central America. Jake does find some of the archeological facts and discoveries that his parents made. So he doesn’t find them in a face to face manner but he does find them in a spiritual way or in a professional way.
Some symbols in my book were the symbol of making a difference, never giving up no matter what the circumstances are, being strong mentally and physically, and being a leader. All of these symbols are symbols of Jake. Jake makes a difference by being himself. In school he is teased and sometimes beat up because other kids think that he is weird just because he likes to study artifacts. He also is not a very popular kid in the school. He has one good friend but even the one good friend sometimes thinks that he is a little weird sometimes even though they enjoy doing mostly the same things. Jake also never gives up. Jake is faced with many challenges in the book that test this strength and character. Not once in the book does Jake double think himself or not believe in his own abilities. Jake is strong in both mentally and physically. Just like never giving up Jake must be strong mentally and physically because he is faced with different challenges just to find his parents artifacts and to defeat the Skull King. Finally Jake is a good leader. He always stays strong and he guides the way. With some assistance from the natives. All of these things apply to Jake and they should apply to all people because these are all good attributes to have.
In multiple occasions Jake endures many different conflicts. The obvious conflict is that Jake has no Mom or Dad. Jake must live with his uncle. Also that Jake really doesn’t have any friends until he enters the mysterious land. Once he gets to the museum in London. A few other conflicts that Jake endures are the conflict of escaping the dinosaur. He has no clue where he is but all he knows is that he needs to get the heck away from the dinosaur. Finally he had this conflict since he got to this mysterious land; he needs to find a way home.
There were parts of the book that I liked and disliked. I liked that parts that were somewhat real. The parts I disliked were the fake parts. Me personally I hate fiction books. I would much rather read about something that actually happened rather than reading about things that can physically happen or just are made up things. Such as the witch on a broom stick or a ghost that haunts people. To me Jake Ransom and the Skull King’s Shadow was a fake book rather than a real book to me. But if you enjoy reading fiction books then you will like this book. Any one in high school can read this book. I am very glad that I am done with the book.
Some symbols in my book were the symbol of making a difference, never giving up no matter what the circumstances are, being strong mentally and physically, and being a leader. All of these symbols are symbols of Jake. Jake makes a difference by being himself. In school he is teased and sometimes beat up because other kids think that he is weird just because he likes to study artifacts. He also is not a very popular kid in the school. He has one good friend but even the one good friend sometimes thinks that he is a little weird sometimes even though they enjoy doing mostly the same things. Jake also never gives up. Jake is faced with many challenges in the book that test this strength and character. Not once in the book does Jake double think himself or not believe in his own abilities. Jake is strong in both mentally and physically. Just like never giving up Jake must be strong mentally and physically because he is faced with different challenges just to find his parents artifacts and to defeat the Skull King. Finally Jake is a good leader. He always stays strong and he guides the way. With some assistance from the natives. All of these things apply to Jake and they should apply to all people because these are all good attributes to have.
In multiple occasions Jake endures many different conflicts. The obvious conflict is that Jake has no Mom or Dad. Jake must live with his uncle. Also that Jake really doesn’t have any friends until he enters the mysterious land. Once he gets to the museum in London. A few other conflicts that Jake endures are the conflict of escaping the dinosaur. He has no clue where he is but all he knows is that he needs to get the heck away from the dinosaur. Finally he had this conflict since he got to this mysterious land; he needs to find a way home.
There were parts of the book that I liked and disliked. I liked that parts that were somewhat real. The parts I disliked were the fake parts. Me personally I hate fiction books. I would much rather read about something that actually happened rather than reading about things that can physically happen or just are made up things. Such as the witch on a broom stick or a ghost that haunts people. To me Jake Ransom and the Skull King’s Shadow was a fake book rather than a real book to me. But if you enjoy reading fiction books then you will like this book. Any one in high school can read this book. I am very glad that I am done with the book.
"Rules" By Cynthia Lord
This novel is all about conflicts. The main character, Catherine, is constantly arguing with almost every character she encounters, including herself. Towards the end of the novel Catherine realizes that she is the cause of all the conflicts.
The first conflict Catherine comes to encounter is the long lasting conflict with her brother, David. David has autism and he often embarrasses Catherine. Catherine thinks that David is like the devil or something and wants to purposely ruin her life, more specifically her relationships with people. But in reality, David physically can not control what he does, his brain will not allow him to. She begins to think of these rules for him to follow so that maybe, he can attempt to follow these rules and try not to embarrass Catherine.
The second conflict Catherine encounters is the conflict with her parents. Catherine, her mom, and her dad trained themselves to rebuild and revolve their lives around David and his needs, and although Catherine loves her brother, she is totally sick of this life style. Catherine believes that her needs have become almost completely inexistent to her parents and that they really do not seem to notice her anymore. She feels that her needs are hidden by David’s needs.
The next conflict Catherine finds herself in is with Jason and Kristi. Jason is a mentally handicapped boy who is mute and uses a book with cards that have words on them to speak because he can not do it himself. He also is in a wheelchair. She lies to him constantly about her “new neighbor friend”, Kristi. Catherine has not yet told Kristi that Jason is handicapped. She just knows that Jason is this boy whom Catherine spends much of her time with. So whenever Jason asks to meet Kristi, Catherine always makes up lame excuses so that she may not be caught in her lies. In the end, Catherine is caught and she feels terrible about it. Jason and Kristi both end up forgiving her, though.
"Invincible" By: Vince Papale with Chad Millman
If you love the Philadelphia Eagles, than you must know the name of Vince Papale. Vince Papale is a person like us, watching the NFL games from the stands and has a dream to be on the team. You would think men will make the team if they are young, fast, and strong players. If you only think that I got news for you people. Anybody has the will to tryout, but they may not have the determination to make the team. In Vince Papale’s case, he is a thirty year old who has a dream of making the team and decides to tryout. He goes for the tryout and guess what, he makes the team and with that said he is the oldest rookie to ever play football and that record still olds today. Although everything has a price and during his time he had a few ups and downs during his life.
During when he is a young boy, he is a jock. That means you have the skills and you get the babes in which he did. With his skills he set school records in track both indoor and outdoor records and they still remain to this day at Interboro High School. While doing that, it did result in injury that would keep him out for long periods of time.
His mom has mental problems when he his growing up. These problems did lead to bad moments, but not too severe that they had to concern as much as they did already. The games that he played, his mother is always there cheering him on. Sometimes it will be too much cheering for example of her yelling out real loud saying, “Go Vinny.”
The theme of this book is to always try to fulfill your dream and never give-up on anything in life. Vince Papale is the person that really defines this definition. When Vince is in training camp preparing for the upcoming game, he would never lose his energy and his momentum on the field. Whenever he has the chance to make a name for himself, he does it on the field in front of thousands of people urging for the Eagles to get a win.
I truly love this book because it truly gives me a reason to strive for something that benefits me in every way of life. It also tells you that you can truly do something for yourself when living in a really bad neighborhood in south Philly. Vince Papale to me is one of my role-models and when you read this book, he will be your hero or role-model too. If you are a person just looking for a sports book about sportsmanship or hard-work, this is it.
"Dope Sick" by Walter Dean Myers
Walter Dean Myers is one of my favorite authors. The latest book I've read by him is called Dope Sick. This book is about violence, drugs, drug use, murder, and second chances. The main character is known as Lil J. He is surrounded by drug abuse and addiction in his neighborhood and at home. His mother is a drunk and doesn't set a good example for him. Unfortunately he's no better, he goes and shoots up heroine or steals his mom's pain pills to calm himself down or when he's upset about something. Or as it is referenced as in the book, getting "Dope Sick". Lil J is looking to get some quick cash when he stumbles upon his buddy Rico. Rico is in the process of making a drug deal so Lil J tags along so he can earn some money on a simple drug deal.
When Rico and Lil J pull up to the place where the deal is going down, there buyer comes up to them and starts moving along with the deal. Rico gets suspicious and pulls a gun a starts searching the guy. Rico finds a badge, cuffs, and a gun. An undercover cop. Rico cuffs the guy to a pole and realizes that another squad is coming in to make the arrest, he pops three shells into the poor guy. They flee the scene and Lil J has the murder weapon. Rico being arrested and Lil J running with a gunshot wound to the arm finds an abandoned crack house. When he goes inside he finds this guy sitting in a room watching TV. Lil J pulls the gun up and asks him who he is. The guy in the room tells him his name. (Kelly) Kelly tells Lil J to put the gun down and come inside. Kelly is in a way like God. He knows everything that's going on with Lil J. He puts the TV on and shows Lil J what will happen in the future...and it's not pretty.
Lil J is in amazement at what Kelly is showing him. Kelly offers to change something that happened in the last 24 hours. Lil J is to scarred and nervous to tell Kelly anything. Lil J tells many things to Kelly, like having a son and family. But Lil J is so nervous he doesn't know what to do with this offer. Lil J becomes extremely nervous and he doesn't know what to do. Lil J asks Kelly to get rid of the gun use to shoot the police officer with and he takes it and shoots about 5 shots out the window into the street. Lil J is now terrified and knows that the cops are gonna come and kill him and Kelly. But Kelly changes the whole situation. Kelly takes the gun and walks downstairs and gets shot by the SWAT team. Lil J is just lying down on the floor listening to the gun shots below him. After everything quiets down, Lil J looks outside and sees that the cops and everyone are gone. He turns the TV on and sees that Kelly changed the whole scene to show that he was the suspect instead of Lil J. Lil J is in amazement and gets up and walks home to see that everything went back to normal.
There were many conflicts in this book, but the main conflict is the whole situation with Lil J and the shooting. Lil J was just trying to make some money and it all went downhill from there. This book was very good. I enjoyed this book a lot. The way Myers describes the whole story grabs your attention. It kept making me think about what was going to happen. I would highly recommend this book to everyone.
When Rico and Lil J pull up to the place where the deal is going down, there buyer comes up to them and starts moving along with the deal. Rico gets suspicious and pulls a gun a starts searching the guy. Rico finds a badge, cuffs, and a gun. An undercover cop. Rico cuffs the guy to a pole and realizes that another squad is coming in to make the arrest, he pops three shells into the poor guy. They flee the scene and Lil J has the murder weapon. Rico being arrested and Lil J running with a gunshot wound to the arm finds an abandoned crack house. When he goes inside he finds this guy sitting in a room watching TV. Lil J pulls the gun up and asks him who he is. The guy in the room tells him his name. (Kelly) Kelly tells Lil J to put the gun down and come inside. Kelly is in a way like God. He knows everything that's going on with Lil J. He puts the TV on and shows Lil J what will happen in the future...and it's not pretty.
Lil J is in amazement at what Kelly is showing him. Kelly offers to change something that happened in the last 24 hours. Lil J is to scarred and nervous to tell Kelly anything. Lil J tells many things to Kelly, like having a son and family. But Lil J is so nervous he doesn't know what to do with this offer. Lil J becomes extremely nervous and he doesn't know what to do. Lil J asks Kelly to get rid of the gun use to shoot the police officer with and he takes it and shoots about 5 shots out the window into the street. Lil J is now terrified and knows that the cops are gonna come and kill him and Kelly. But Kelly changes the whole situation. Kelly takes the gun and walks downstairs and gets shot by the SWAT team. Lil J is just lying down on the floor listening to the gun shots below him. After everything quiets down, Lil J looks outside and sees that the cops and everyone are gone. He turns the TV on and sees that Kelly changed the whole scene to show that he was the suspect instead of Lil J. Lil J is in amazement and gets up and walks home to see that everything went back to normal.
There were many conflicts in this book, but the main conflict is the whole situation with Lil J and the shooting. Lil J was just trying to make some money and it all went downhill from there. This book was very good. I enjoyed this book a lot. The way Myers describes the whole story grabs your attention. It kept making me think about what was going to happen. I would highly recommend this book to everyone.
"Brisingr" Christopher Paolini
The book “Brisingr” focuses on the story of Eragon and his dragon Saphira as they continue their mission to overthrow the evil ruler of the Empire, Galbatorix. There is a struggle for power as the small country named Surda attempts to overthrow the larger Empire. Surda is supported by elves, dwarves, Urgals, and human rebels known as the Varden. The Empire is populated with large numbers of humans and they far outnumber Surda and its allies.
Eragon is one of the few remaining Dragon Riders, a group that governed Alagaesia in past times but was almost destroyed by a Rider named Galbatorix, who took control of the land. Galbatorix fears that a new Rider will rise up and take his position as King of the Empire. When he finds out about Eragon and his dragon, he sends his servants the Ra’zac after them in an effort to capture them. Eragon and Saphira are forced to flee from their home, and decide to join the Varden. After training with the Elves and learning about magic Eragon and Saphira contribute in two wars against the Empire in which they are victorious. While in battle he realizes that the younger enemy dragon rider named Murtagh seems to be stronger than him. Eragon and Saphira return to the Elves capital Ellesmera to train again. The elf Oromis and his dragon Glaedr reveal that Eragon's deceased mentor, Brom, is Eragon's father. Glaedr also reveals the source of Galbatorix's power which is Eldunari or heart of hearts. It is not a dragon's actual heart but an Eldunari allows the holder to communicate with or draw energy from the dragon it belongs to, even if the dragon is dead. Glaedr gives his Eldunari to Eragon and Saphira before they part.
Brisingr is told in third-person from the perspectives of multiple primary protagonists. These characters include the humans Eragon, Roran, Nasuada, the dragon Saphira, and the dragon Glaedr. The humans Galbatorix and Murtagh return as the primary antagonists, along with Murtagh's dragon Thorn. The main theme of this book is to never give up. Throughout the entire book Eragon and Saphira are faced with difficult challenges and they make it through by sheer determination. Eragon was forced to learn magic and all of his skills at a young age he had to learn the things other riders had decades to perfect in a couple years. He is thrown into battles and he faces foes far stronger than himself but he pushes himself to the limits and never quits.
Eragon is one of the few remaining Dragon Riders, a group that governed Alagaesia in past times but was almost destroyed by a Rider named Galbatorix, who took control of the land. Galbatorix fears that a new Rider will rise up and take his position as King of the Empire. When he finds out about Eragon and his dragon, he sends his servants the Ra’zac after them in an effort to capture them. Eragon and Saphira are forced to flee from their home, and decide to join the Varden. After training with the Elves and learning about magic Eragon and Saphira contribute in two wars against the Empire in which they are victorious. While in battle he realizes that the younger enemy dragon rider named Murtagh seems to be stronger than him. Eragon and Saphira return to the Elves capital Ellesmera to train again. The elf Oromis and his dragon Glaedr reveal that Eragon's deceased mentor, Brom, is Eragon's father. Glaedr also reveals the source of Galbatorix's power which is Eldunari or heart of hearts. It is not a dragon's actual heart but an Eldunari allows the holder to communicate with or draw energy from the dragon it belongs to, even if the dragon is dead. Glaedr gives his Eldunari to Eragon and Saphira before they part.
Brisingr is told in third-person from the perspectives of multiple primary protagonists. These characters include the humans Eragon, Roran, Nasuada, the dragon Saphira, and the dragon Glaedr. The humans Galbatorix and Murtagh return as the primary antagonists, along with Murtagh's dragon Thorn. The main theme of this book is to never give up. Throughout the entire book Eragon and Saphira are faced with difficult challenges and they make it through by sheer determination. Eragon was forced to learn magic and all of his skills at a young age he had to learn the things other riders had decades to perfect in a couple years. He is thrown into battles and he faces foes far stronger than himself but he pushes himself to the limits and never quits.
"Black and White" by Paul Volponi
Black and White is the story of two high school athletes. The main characters are Eddie (White) and Marcus (Black). Both play football and basketball and are very good at both. They are the stars of the basketball team and hope to continue to play in college. Marcus and Eddie are nicknamed Black and White because of their skin color. They haven’t had problems with each others’ race but this will come up was a problem later in the story. Marcus and Eddie rob people to get money but one stickup goes horribly wrong and Eddie shoots the man. The man recognizes Marcus and a woman from a previous stickup says she recognized Eddie. Marcus pleads guilty to receive a reduced sentence while the woman who accused Eddie does not know for certain that it was Eddie. Marcus is no longer allowed to participate on the team and they end up loosing in the first round of the playoffs. The book closes with Eddie and Marcus playing basketball one on one, one last time before Marcus goes off to prison.
The main theme in this story is racism. Eddie and Marcus are both different races but are best friends. Racism doesn’t come into play in the book until after both are accused of armed robbery and the shooting of one of the victims. Marcus, who is black, is unable to afford a lawyer due to the fact that he does not have a dad and his mom cannot pay for it. Eddie is able to afford a lawyer though, after his dad starts working overtime. Many of the black players on the basketball team are upset with Eddie when they learn that Marcus is going to go to jail even though Eddie shot the man. Other signs of racism in the book are toward Marcus. Some characters in the book think that Marcus became a criminal due to the fact that he lived in a poor neighborhood with a single mother.
A main conflict in the story is between Eddie and whether he will admit to being the one who shot the gun or whether he won’t admit it. Eddie feels awful about the fact that Marcus is taking the fall for him shooting the man in the robbery. However, Eddie does not admit to being the gunman and instead risks a trial. Eddie has a lot to loose because he has just taken a scholarship to go play basketball at St. John’s University. The conflict ends when Eddie, his family, and his lawyer agree that the woman, who was a victim of a robbery, does not have enough evidence to have Eddie go to jail.
The main theme in this story is racism. Eddie and Marcus are both different races but are best friends. Racism doesn’t come into play in the book until after both are accused of armed robbery and the shooting of one of the victims. Marcus, who is black, is unable to afford a lawyer due to the fact that he does not have a dad and his mom cannot pay for it. Eddie is able to afford a lawyer though, after his dad starts working overtime. Many of the black players on the basketball team are upset with Eddie when they learn that Marcus is going to go to jail even though Eddie shot the man. Other signs of racism in the book are toward Marcus. Some characters in the book think that Marcus became a criminal due to the fact that he lived in a poor neighborhood with a single mother.
A main conflict in the story is between Eddie and whether he will admit to being the one who shot the gun or whether he won’t admit it. Eddie feels awful about the fact that Marcus is taking the fall for him shooting the man in the robbery. However, Eddie does not admit to being the gunman and instead risks a trial. Eddie has a lot to loose because he has just taken a scholarship to go play basketball at St. John’s University. The conflict ends when Eddie, his family, and his lawyer agree that the woman, who was a victim of a robbery, does not have enough evidence to have Eddie go to jail.
"The Blind Side" by Michael Lewis
“The Blind Side”, tells the story of Michael Oher, who is discovered as a football prodigy while in high school. Michael Oher gathered attention for his size and strength as a Memphis teenager who might be a future NFL left tackle. He is the son of a crack-addicted mother and a murdered father, he is incredibly shy, and his high school grade point average is 0.6. He is basically a homeless black teenager with a bleak future except for his athletic talent. Sean Tuohy is a self-made white millionaire who has a daughter in Oher's class, and he has helped out impoverished black students in the past. He and his wife took an interest in Oher, providing him food and clothing, and eventually having him move into their home as one of their family. Michael Lewis explores Michael Oher's story and how the kindness and caring of a family has turned his bleak future into a promising one.
The author of the book, "The Blind Side", is Michael Lewis. He wrote many sports books in football and baseball. You can see much of the football perspective in the beginning part of the book. The evolution of the position of the left tackle (which is the blind side of right-handed quarterbacks) has revolutionized the passing game of football. Why has the position of the left tackle changed the passing game? The offensive line is misconstrued as an unskilled position. In reality, all football teams need an offensive line to execute their running game or passing game. In particular, the value of the left tackle has gone up considerably. This is not a disrespect for the other offensive linemen, the center, guards, and the right tackle. The defensive linebackers (in particular, Lawrence Taylor) would attack from the blind side of the quarterback and often injure him. Everyone would accept that the quarterback is extremely valuable part of any football team. The left tackle became a sort of an asset protection for the team. Not anyone can play left tackle. You had to have the physical attributes such as long arms, huge body frame, and quick feet.
Michael Oher is born with the attributes of a left tackle. He has to develop his talent and even work on his academic skills in order to go to high school, then college, and then the pros. This story is not only about the blind side in football but also the blind side of life. We all can learn and be inspired by this story. Michael Oher was able to go to school (both high school and college) and then to play professional football as a first round choice. His journey is one of obstacles, redemption, failures, triumph, and victory.
I loved reading this novel. It is mainly because of the football aspect, but also because of the love of a family to bring someone into their home and take care of him.
The author of the book, "The Blind Side", is Michael Lewis. He wrote many sports books in football and baseball. You can see much of the football perspective in the beginning part of the book. The evolution of the position of the left tackle (which is the blind side of right-handed quarterbacks) has revolutionized the passing game of football. Why has the position of the left tackle changed the passing game? The offensive line is misconstrued as an unskilled position. In reality, all football teams need an offensive line to execute their running game or passing game. In particular, the value of the left tackle has gone up considerably. This is not a disrespect for the other offensive linemen, the center, guards, and the right tackle. The defensive linebackers (in particular, Lawrence Taylor) would attack from the blind side of the quarterback and often injure him. Everyone would accept that the quarterback is extremely valuable part of any football team. The left tackle became a sort of an asset protection for the team. Not anyone can play left tackle. You had to have the physical attributes such as long arms, huge body frame, and quick feet.
Michael Oher is born with the attributes of a left tackle. He has to develop his talent and even work on his academic skills in order to go to high school, then college, and then the pros. This story is not only about the blind side in football but also the blind side of life. We all can learn and be inspired by this story. Michael Oher was able to go to school (both high school and college) and then to play professional football as a first round choice. His journey is one of obstacles, redemption, failures, triumph, and victory.
I loved reading this novel. It is mainly because of the football aspect, but also because of the love of a family to bring someone into their home and take care of him.
"Revenge of the Shadow King" by Derek Benz and J.S. Lewis
Hello, “The Revenge of the Shadow king” is a really good book. It has four main characters in it, Max, Natalia, Harley, and Ernie. Max is extremely rich and his parents separated, Natalia is the best detective in school. Harley, well just like the Harley Motorcycle, is tuff and big, and Ernie is the complete opposite he is weak scrawny and he loves chocolate. These four friends make up the Grey Griffins. Max, when he was over his grandma’s house found a book and in the book was all the monsters a game round table, which the Grey Griffins play often. Well, Max accidently released some of the monsters and witches in the real world. Max also runs into a monster called the Slayer Goblin, which every time he runs into it, it tries to kill him. All these monsters are trying to release the Shadow King into the world so that he can destroy it. Now, you might be saying, well why is the Shadow King getting revenge? Well, that is because during the Medieval Times, all the monsters were loose and killing. Well King Arthur, trapped the shadow king and the creatures in another world when they went into a long bloody war.
The theme of my book is I think true friends will stick together through thick or thin. For, when Max told his friends that he released monsters into the world, they stuck with him. Even when Max broke a secret pact not to open up the book again, they stuck through. Which, it is a good theme, but it is something I dislike in the book. I find that they should have had one person just blow up and leave the group saying “no, this is your mess so you need to clean it up, not me!” That friend then should have been convinced to join the bad side and fight against his friends and when it came point for him to kill his friends he could not do it so he killed the Shadow King instead. Sadly that did not happen.
Well this is my video blog and if you could not understand me the words that I am speaking is below the video. Thank you for watching and hope you enjoyed it. Hopefully I convinced you that this book is AWESOME and you would like to read it.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Catching Fire
Catching Fire
By: Suzanne Collins
The book Catching Fire is the second book in the Hunger Games series. Compared to the first book, the second is much better. There are three parts in this book; The Spark, The Quell, and The Enemy. The first part I thought started out a little slow with the introducing and recapping of the last book, and there really was not much action. Katniss and Peeta who were the winners of last year’s games were on their victory tour, which is right where the last book left off. Usually there is only one winner of the games, but Katniss, who secretly loves a boy named Gale, plays as if she is madly in love with Peeta, so they let them both win. There are 12 districts, and they have to visit every one on their tour. The reason why the first part is called The Spark is that Katniss has this pin, which is a mockingjay, and it has become a symbol of rebellion against the Capitol. So as a result, the pin has sparked the idea of retaliating against the Capitol.
The second part I think is better than the first part, but there still is not a lot of action. The point of trying to win the games is so that you do not have to participate in them again. The part that surprised me the most is that the Capitol changed the rules and the people who were chosen were all former winners of the games. Since Katniss was the only girl winner from her district, she was bound to go back into the arena. I think this is all part of an evil plan of the president of all the districts to quiet Katniss and quell any talk of rebellion and overthrowing the Capitol. Since Peeta and Katniss are to go back into the arena, there will be no marriage, and this upsets all the people in District 12, but not enough to start a rebellion.
The third part is undoubtedly the best part in the book, because it is all about the tributes in the games. There is killing, weapons, food, poison, and romance. It is so interesting because there is constant action. In order to survive, Katniss and Peeta make an alliance with some of the other people in the games with them. At first, there were four people in Katniss’s alliance but it grew to seven. They figured out that the arena was divided up into 12 sections with each one holding a new danger. If the alliance followed the right path they would be safe from the natural dangers, but the other competitors would not be. There was an electric force field around the arena that was supposedly invisible, but you could see some parts if you looked close. Katniss tied a piece of wire to an arrow and shot it at the force field, and a lightning bolt hit the wire and the dome exploded. This is what I think was the starting point of all the districts actually rebelling. Total chaos followed and Katniss is saved by a hovercraft and sees Gale who tells her that District 12 was blown up. Peeta is taken by the Capitol. The hovercraft is on the way to a secret District 13 where more people will join their rebellion in the next book.
I thought this was a very good book and I am definitely looking forward to reading the last book in the series to see if the Capitol is overthrown.
By: Suzanne Collins
The book Catching Fire is the second book in the Hunger Games series. Compared to the first book, the second is much better. There are three parts in this book; The Spark, The Quell, and The Enemy. The first part I thought started out a little slow with the introducing and recapping of the last book, and there really was not much action. Katniss and Peeta who were the winners of last year’s games were on their victory tour, which is right where the last book left off. Usually there is only one winner of the games, but Katniss, who secretly loves a boy named Gale, plays as if she is madly in love with Peeta, so they let them both win. There are 12 districts, and they have to visit every one on their tour. The reason why the first part is called The Spark is that Katniss has this pin, which is a mockingjay, and it has become a symbol of rebellion against the Capitol. So as a result, the pin has sparked the idea of retaliating against the Capitol.
The second part I think is better than the first part, but there still is not a lot of action. The point of trying to win the games is so that you do not have to participate in them again. The part that surprised me the most is that the Capitol changed the rules and the people who were chosen were all former winners of the games. Since Katniss was the only girl winner from her district, she was bound to go back into the arena. I think this is all part of an evil plan of the president of all the districts to quiet Katniss and quell any talk of rebellion and overthrowing the Capitol. Since Peeta and Katniss are to go back into the arena, there will be no marriage, and this upsets all the people in District 12, but not enough to start a rebellion.
The third part is undoubtedly the best part in the book, because it is all about the tributes in the games. There is killing, weapons, food, poison, and romance. It is so interesting because there is constant action. In order to survive, Katniss and Peeta make an alliance with some of the other people in the games with them. At first, there were four people in Katniss’s alliance but it grew to seven. They figured out that the arena was divided up into 12 sections with each one holding a new danger. If the alliance followed the right path they would be safe from the natural dangers, but the other competitors would not be. There was an electric force field around the arena that was supposedly invisible, but you could see some parts if you looked close. Katniss tied a piece of wire to an arrow and shot it at the force field, and a lightning bolt hit the wire and the dome exploded. This is what I think was the starting point of all the districts actually rebelling. Total chaos followed and Katniss is saved by a hovercraft and sees Gale who tells her that District 12 was blown up. Peeta is taken by the Capitol. The hovercraft is on the way to a secret District 13 where more people will join their rebellion in the next book.
I thought this was a very good book and I am definitely looking forward to reading the last book in the series to see if the Capitol is overthrown.
Review for' Runaway'
Runaway is a story that is about a child name Holly.She has it rough to only be 12 years old.She has to jump from foster home to foster home because she has no family.She has to leave with the Bener's family.This family poses as if they are good people but they are not.They make Holly sleep in the laundry room when she is a bad girl.She doesn's get any food unless they let her out of the room.They leave Holly in that room for days at a time.She is always cold because there is no heat in the room.When the Bener's do let Holly out of the room its to go to school.Holly was the new girl in school so the kids did not want to talk to her.Miss.Leone was the teacher that told the whole class about her life and how she does'nt have a family.The kids at the school had Holly feel bad about how her life was going.The only reason why Holly went to school was so that she have to deal with the Bender's family.Holly loved to read.She would read anything she could get her hands on.One day Holly was in the laundry room and Mr.Bender let her out of the room , when he let her out she kept rubbing her shoulders.Holly felt really uncomfortable and ran into the bathroom.Mr.Bender was rushing Holly and she start to yell really nasty words to him.He breaks down the door while she is on the toilet.Holly hurries up and finish.He takes her head and put in into the toilet almost drowning Holly.Holly gets loss and runs into the laundry room.The only way for her to wash her hair was to tun on the washing machine.She washed her hair by using the washing machine.
One day Holly was at school and was reading a book.School was over and she got on the bus.Holly came up with the plan that Holly can no longer live with the Benders and was going to runaway.Holly staied on the bus until the last stop.She had gotten food and some money that she found in the lose and found at school.Holly was trying to find a way to get out of the state and that was what she did.Holly walked for miles.She would sleep outside, jump onto moving trains and many other wild things.Holly found her was to survive.She had to steel food from stores so that she wouldn't strave to death.Holly one day was walking and found a school.She went into the school found books, clothes, food, and just a dry place to sleep.The next day a group of girls came in a Holly had hid in a locker.A police officer was with them that said a girl name Holly ranway and they are looking fo her.After Holly found out that the police was looking for her ,she knew she had to get out of state.Holly had a plan and it was going to work.
Holly wanted to get to Cailfornia.The only way for her to get there was to hitch a ride from something.Holly went to the bus station.She sat a fire in a trash can and while everyone went to go put out the fire and hid in the place where people put their bags.Holly was there for about two days.Holly was lossing air and it was really hot at the bottom of the bus.She was super happy when the long bus ride was finally over.She found a resturant to stay at until the moring came.It was like the night of the living dead.Holly was happy to get up and walk around the town.Holly had reached Hollywood.The rich people lived there.They throw out a lot of vaulable things.Holly went through their trash and got food.One day Holly was walking and she see a van that was giving homeless people food.Holly got in line and got some food.She met a girl name Venus.Venus was a homeless brat.Holly went to stay with Venus and her mom.Venus was trying to read Holly'S diary.Holly did not like that and she packed her stuff uo and left.Holly mets Vera.Vera was a nice lady that took Holly in.Vera had a daughter name Meg.Meg kept a dairy too.Meg and Holly read each others dairy and learned things about one another.Holly is now happy and living with loving people.I think everyone should read this book.This book tells you to be greatful for what you have because everyone don't have anything or anyone.
Happy Reading!!!
One day Holly was at school and was reading a book.School was over and she got on the bus.Holly came up with the plan that Holly can no longer live with the Benders and was going to runaway.Holly staied on the bus until the last stop.She had gotten food and some money that she found in the lose and found at school.Holly was trying to find a way to get out of the state and that was what she did.Holly walked for miles.She would sleep outside, jump onto moving trains and many other wild things.Holly found her was to survive.She had to steel food from stores so that she wouldn't strave to death.Holly one day was walking and found a school.She went into the school found books, clothes, food, and just a dry place to sleep.The next day a group of girls came in a Holly had hid in a locker.A police officer was with them that said a girl name Holly ranway and they are looking fo her.After Holly found out that the police was looking for her ,she knew she had to get out of state.Holly had a plan and it was going to work.
Holly wanted to get to Cailfornia.The only way for her to get there was to hitch a ride from something.Holly went to the bus station.She sat a fire in a trash can and while everyone went to go put out the fire and hid in the place where people put their bags.Holly was there for about two days.Holly was lossing air and it was really hot at the bottom of the bus.She was super happy when the long bus ride was finally over.She found a resturant to stay at until the moring came.It was like the night of the living dead.Holly was happy to get up and walk around the town.Holly had reached Hollywood.The rich people lived there.They throw out a lot of vaulable things.Holly went through their trash and got food.One day Holly was walking and she see a van that was giving homeless people food.Holly got in line and got some food.She met a girl name Venus.Venus was a homeless brat.Holly went to stay with Venus and her mom.Venus was trying to read Holly'S diary.Holly did not like that and she packed her stuff uo and left.Holly mets Vera.Vera was a nice lady that took Holly in.Vera had a daughter name Meg.Meg kept a dairy too.Meg and Holly read each others dairy and learned things about one another.Holly is now happy and living with loving people.I think everyone should read this book.This book tells you to be greatful for what you have because everyone don't have anything or anyone.
Happy Reading!!!
Kisses and Lies Review
The story starts off about a girl named Scarlett who had attended this party that some girls from school are throwing. While she is there she is hanging out with Dan McAndrews, who happens to be her crush, further into the night they end up kissing, but its not your average kiss. After they are done kissing he drops dead at her feet. She later gets expelled from her school for being accused of killing Dan and is now attending Wakefield Hall the school her grandmother owns. Thats where she meets Taylor, her only and best friend. The two of them set out and try to solve the mystery of who killed Dan McAndrews. They believed that someone had planned his murder. They thought it had to be someone from the party, so they began to investigate. They end up going to a club where they think a possible suspect could be. They go in and search through Plum's handbag which could possibly be the one that was seen at the party with Dan's EpiPen which had he been able to use he might no be dead! Once the night was over she ran home and waiting there was Jase Barnes, the guy every girl wanted. They started talking and he finally asked her out. She was very nervous as what if she killed Jase just like Dan? The next day they went on their date and when they got back they ending up kissing, and he did not die. Her and Taylor were no further on solving the murder. A couple weeks later she wrote a letter to the McAndrews asking if she could come out to Scotland to talk about Dan's death. The next day Scarlett recieved a call from Mrs. McAndrews stating that she can come out if she wants. Scarlett agreed. She decided not to tell Taylor or her grandmother of her plans to go to Scotland. Upon her arrival, she instantly faints as she believes she see Dan's ghost. After waking up in the McAndrews castle she is told that Dan was a twin and that is was Callum she saw not Dan's ghost. Her visit cause much stir for the McAndrews family, mother, father, older sister Catriona, twin brother Callum and his girlfriend Lucy. Scarlett talks to each of them and soon realizes that Lucy is a very jealous girl and has the same handbag as Plum. She became the prime suspect but why? Scarlett befriends Moira, the McAndrews housekeeper, and she learns the family history. This causes Scarlett to dig further into the family records to discover that neither Dan nor Callum really wanted to inherit McAndrews castle but Catriona did. The only way for a female to inherit is for the male heirs to be deceased before their 18th birthday. This was just he information Scarlett needed but now Callum was in trouble. With the help of Taylor, who figured out where she was, Scarlett is able to save Callum's life and prove that Catriona is the one who murdered Dan.
In this paragraph I am supposed to talk about any suggestions to the author about the book. Honestly, I don't have and suggestions. I thought the book was really well written. I loved reading the book.
When I first saw the book i knew i wanted to read it. I had many expectations. As I read along all my expectations were met. When I read the first summary of the book I knew it was going to be a good book. I can say it was a good book. Out of all the books I have read it was my favorite because I was always interested in what was going to happen next. I would advise everyone to read Kisses and Lies.
In this paragraph I am supposed to talk about any suggestions to the author about the book. Honestly, I don't have and suggestions. I thought the book was really well written. I loved reading the book.
When I first saw the book i knew i wanted to read it. I had many expectations. As I read along all my expectations were met. When I read the first summary of the book I knew it was going to be a good book. I can say it was a good book. Out of all the books I have read it was my favorite because I was always interested in what was going to happen next. I would advise everyone to read Kisses and Lies.
Review for "SLAM"
I felt that Slam is a novel i can relate to and have much interest in. It is about an African American boy named Drew Lawson who lives in Harlem, New York. He is surrounded everyday by violence in his neighborhood, and other boys his age selling drugs on the corners and not making anything of themselves. He loves playing basketball, and it's what keeps him out of trouble. He is a senior playing for James Baldwin Academy and is the best on the team, and everyone knows it. He has dreams of eventually making it to the pro's, and won't stop at nothing until he gets there. He plays as the point guard and the previous year his team almost made it to the regional finals, but fell short. At the end of that year he knew that he was being watched by different scouts looking for talent. This year he knew that they would be back, and this is a big part of his plan on making his dreams come true. But when his team meets for practice to start the second half of the season, they learn that two new white players have joined the team coming from Europe. One of them is named Tomas, and is from the Czech Republic. He is pretty good, and is the one getting all of the coach's attention. This makes Drew mad since he is the star of the team, and the new guy is already the coach's favorite.
Drew has a lot on his mind with school and everything else that is going on. Even when Drew does very good, Coach House keeps him out of the game because he's not doing what the coach wants. Everyone knows that they need Drew in order to win, and Coach House ends up having to put him back in even when he's mad at him. His team makes the playoffs, and he knows that if they don't go all the way, his hopes of being picked by a Division I school may not happen. There are only four teams in the playoffs including them, and they end up beating two of them. Drew and Tomas learned that even though they had differences with eachother, they had to work together on the court and put everything else aside. They are very nervous for their last game, and if they lose it's all over. It was a very close game and was tied at almost the end. The other team scored at the buzzer though and it was all over. All of Drews hopes and dreams were crushed and he couldn't believe what happened. But in the end, he and most of his teammates ended up being asked by scouts to play for their colleges. Drew ended up playing as guard for DePaul University, and hoped to make his dream a reality by being drafted to the NBA one day.
This novel achieved my expectations, and i found it to be a book that made me not want to stop reading. Not only is it about a boy who plays basketball and follows his dreams, but it teaches good life lessons and shows that you can do anything you want if you put your mind to it. I think this would be a great book for most people, especially if you're into basketball like I am. You can take a lot of advice from this book and use it in real life. I recommend this novel and hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.
Drew has a lot on his mind with school and everything else that is going on. Even when Drew does very good, Coach House keeps him out of the game because he's not doing what the coach wants. Everyone knows that they need Drew in order to win, and Coach House ends up having to put him back in even when he's mad at him. His team makes the playoffs, and he knows that if they don't go all the way, his hopes of being picked by a Division I school may not happen. There are only four teams in the playoffs including them, and they end up beating two of them. Drew and Tomas learned that even though they had differences with eachother, they had to work together on the court and put everything else aside. They are very nervous for their last game, and if they lose it's all over. It was a very close game and was tied at almost the end. The other team scored at the buzzer though and it was all over. All of Drews hopes and dreams were crushed and he couldn't believe what happened. But in the end, he and most of his teammates ended up being asked by scouts to play for their colleges. Drew ended up playing as guard for DePaul University, and hoped to make his dream a reality by being drafted to the NBA one day.
This novel achieved my expectations, and i found it to be a book that made me not want to stop reading. Not only is it about a boy who plays basketball and follows his dreams, but it teaches good life lessons and shows that you can do anything you want if you put your mind to it. I think this would be a great book for most people, especially if you're into basketball like I am. You can take a lot of advice from this book and use it in real life. I recommend this novel and hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.
This Lullaby Book Review
I encourage everyone to read This Lullaby, it is extremely interesting! Happy watching;)
Novel Review for "Prom"
Ashley is a regular teen who just wants to finish school. She isn’t involved and doesn’t care for anything the school has to offer. When the prom money is stolen by a teacher the prom committee needs help. Ashley’s best friend is the head of it and gets Ashley to come to the meeting. After Ashley opens her mouth and opinions at the gathering she finds herself on the committee. The big question is will the committee and her be able to keep from canceling the prom?
Prom was a great novel. I was lured to keep reading and I didn’t want to put the book down. It was an unusual story that wouldn’t come up often in real life, if at all. It gives a real view on what prom is, what it takes to put on one, and what it means to most of the seniors. I began to imagine my prom and what I want it to be like. You see how one teen can change her life for good and want something out of life, from before where she didn’t care much for anything.
I wish there would have been more drama that isn’t typical in real life. All the drama that took place seemed too general and I would have liked to see something I didn’t expect.
I would have liked to see a huge fight during the prom between Gilroy and Ash about past events as well as present. The causes of the hate hate relationship with Gilroy and Ashley so the readers could understand more clearly. Maybe TJ and her could argue and give us their real status of relationship. Even when the math teacher stole the money there could have been more detail of her trying to get away without getting caught. It seemed too basic and more depth within the conflicts could have helped and interested me more.
The book falls a bit short of what I wanted. I expected more from it through the description I read on the front cover. I could easily understand he book and language used. I just wish I had more interest at the end. The end didn’t get me in the mode of shock, wowed, or surprised. I thought I would find myself blown away by the resolution, which I wasn’t.
This book would be recommended for girl teens who want entertainment, fairytale in present day, and isn’t in the action-packed kind of novel. It will help you discover what you want to do with your life and how it should be spent. Also help you get into the prom mood and imagine what your prom will be like.
Prom was a great novel. I was lured to keep reading and I didn’t want to put the book down. It was an unusual story that wouldn’t come up often in real life, if at all. It gives a real view on what prom is, what it takes to put on one, and what it means to most of the seniors. I began to imagine my prom and what I want it to be like. You see how one teen can change her life for good and want something out of life, from before where she didn’t care much for anything.
I wish there would have been more drama that isn’t typical in real life. All the drama that took place seemed too general and I would have liked to see something I didn’t expect.
I would have liked to see a huge fight during the prom between Gilroy and Ash about past events as well as present. The causes of the hate hate relationship with Gilroy and Ashley so the readers could understand more clearly. Maybe TJ and her could argue and give us their real status of relationship. Even when the math teacher stole the money there could have been more detail of her trying to get away without getting caught. It seemed too basic and more depth within the conflicts could have helped and interested me more.
The book falls a bit short of what I wanted. I expected more from it through the description I read on the front cover. I could easily understand he book and language used. I just wish I had more interest at the end. The end didn’t get me in the mode of shock, wowed, or surprised. I thought I would find myself blown away by the resolution, which I wasn’t.
This book would be recommended for girl teens who want entertainment, fairytale in present day, and isn’t in the action-packed kind of novel. It will help you discover what you want to do with your life and how it should be spent. Also help you get into the prom mood and imagine what your prom will be like.
Just Listen Review :)
Just Listen is one of my new favorite books. It was a refreshing taste of story verses the usual vampire, wizard tale. It really opened my eyes up to new perspectives because it had a different view on the love scene that I usually would. It actually helped me make a decision and help myself get a clear concept of what was going on with my life. Of course I had asked other people's opinions but they were always the same. When I read this it helped me see a different view on things. Also, it threw in different elements to make the storyline interesting. It was completely unpredictable. First, there were social problems, then boys got thrown into it, next came flashbacks, after that came meeting someone unexpectedly, then eating disorders played in, it was all happening at unpredicted times.
This book teaches a few lessons like; there is always a bright side to every dark situation. Whitney became anorexic, but that caused her to move home, learn new things, and establish a new bond with her sisters that she never had before. When Emily went through the same thing Annabel did with Will and Sophie, she spoke up and helped Annabel to, too. That was a major turning point with Annabel. If Emily never experienced what Annabel did, then Annabel wouldn't have gotten the chance to speak up and finally clear her conscious of her dilemma. Then, Annabel and Owen had a major fight, but because of that they grew closer in the time they weren't talking. My mom always said: Absence makes the heart grow fonder. This book really helped me learn different aspects of the varying situations, and to look at the problem from multiple angles.
I feel that this novel really did live up to its expectations for me because I had no expectations for this book. I thought it was going to be some boring same-old-same-old love story where the girls a guy and they get together then break up. No, it was absolutely captivating, and wonderful. It sucked me in the moment I started reading it. I think that every teenage girl who is looking for answers and reading my review should go and pick up Just Listen because it helpled me learn alot. Plus, it's real. It may not be a biography on somebody but he story line in this book can happen to anyone. It helps you get a fresh perspective and advice. So, since you finished reading this, what are you waiting for? Pick up that book and happy reading! :)
This book teaches a few lessons like; there is always a bright side to every dark situation. Whitney became anorexic, but that caused her to move home, learn new things, and establish a new bond with her sisters that she never had before. When Emily went through the same thing Annabel did with Will and Sophie, she spoke up and helped Annabel to, too. That was a major turning point with Annabel. If Emily never experienced what Annabel did, then Annabel wouldn't have gotten the chance to speak up and finally clear her conscious of her dilemma. Then, Annabel and Owen had a major fight, but because of that they grew closer in the time they weren't talking. My mom always said: Absence makes the heart grow fonder. This book really helped me learn different aspects of the varying situations, and to look at the problem from multiple angles.
I feel that this novel really did live up to its expectations for me because I had no expectations for this book. I thought it was going to be some boring same-old-same-old love story where the girls a guy and they get together then break up. No, it was absolutely captivating, and wonderful. It sucked me in the moment I started reading it. I think that every teenage girl who is looking for answers and reading my review should go and pick up Just Listen because it helpled me learn alot. Plus, it's real. It may not be a biography on somebody but he story line in this book can happen to anyone. It helps you get a fresh perspective and advice. So, since you finished reading this, what are you waiting for? Pick up that book and happy reading! :)
Review for "Dreamland"
"Dreamland" is a novel that I found I could easily relate to. Caitlin, the main character, goes through tough times. She has to learn to make the right choice to decisions that could affect her while developing into a young adult. Caitlin struggled trying to fit in and be a normal teenage girl after her older sister Cass left. She had to adjust to the loss and take her time to develop into her own person without relying on her sister to make her decisions for her. Caitlin was persuaded into joining the cheerleading squad, which lead to big parties; and then she met Rogerson. Rogerson is not a good example of a type of person any teenager should surround themselves with. He is a bad influence, he gets her to do drugs, which completely changes who Caitlin is.
I feel that this novel achieved my expectations because it was full of life lessons. As I read this story, it reminded me that you cannot always trust everyone. You have to learn to surround yourself with trustworthy people in your life as you're growing up. For example, when Caitlin befriended Rogerson, she did not know what she was getting herself into. He is a bad boy, he influences her to change into a person that nobody can recognize. Throughout the story, Caitlin made some good decisions and some bad decisions. As a part of growing up, she realized what she did wrong and she does everything she can to move on and continue on making better choices.
I think every teenage girl needs to read this novel. I learned so much from this novel, and I think other girls can learn from it too. It really opened my eyes on what could happen if you make one bad choice. I learned that I always have to listen to my head. If I feel something is wrong, it possibly could be. From now on after reading this novel, I will make correct decisions on my own, without the need of other people. This book is very inspiring, I hope everyone else thinks so too!
Novel review for By the time you read this I'll be dead.
By the time you read this ill be dead is a book that truely pulls at the heart strings of its readers its a 200 page book that I find sutable for all ages.
Daelyn is the main character who has endured many struggles and challenges in her life her parents dont trust her and she doesnt trust them either.After being known asx tghe mute freak at school she desprately wants to put a end to her pain.
At the beggnining of the book Daelyn finds a website called Through the light which is a site that is commited to helping all types of people put an end to their pain,This immediantly intrests Daelyn and she soon makes an account this website has forums on people and their reasons for wanting to end their life and also ways for them to end their life almost every day Daelyn sees people whose completion day has come she wishes this was her.She reads the forums until her parents notice unusual activity on her computer they Quickly put parental comtrols on everything.After Daelyns last failed attempt to end her life has left her in an neck brace and her consumption of blended foods her parents check on her every hour day and night execpt when shes in school.
One of the many shocking details in this story was to find out that Daelyns parents sent her to a camp for obease people I beleive that this further sccared Daelyn for life.She met a boy named Santana who has shown intrest for Daelyn from day one but after many people claiming to be her friend and betraying her she finds it hard to trust anyone who she come in contact with.
Not only do I plan on being a long time reader of Julie Anne Peters book but I am also a newfound fan. In the words of Daelyn"with determination and purpose, I head into the light".
happy reading and thankyou
Daelyn is the main character who has endured many struggles and challenges in her life her parents dont trust her and she doesnt trust them either.After being known asx tghe mute freak at school she desprately wants to put a end to her pain.
At the beggnining of the book Daelyn finds a website called Through the light which is a site that is commited to helping all types of people put an end to their pain,This immediantly intrests Daelyn and she soon makes an account this website has forums on people and their reasons for wanting to end their life and also ways for them to end their life almost every day Daelyn sees people whose completion day has come she wishes this was her.She reads the forums until her parents notice unusual activity on her computer they Quickly put parental comtrols on everything.After Daelyns last failed attempt to end her life has left her in an neck brace and her consumption of blended foods her parents check on her every hour day and night execpt when shes in school.
One of the many shocking details in this story was to find out that Daelyns parents sent her to a camp for obease people I beleive that this further sccared Daelyn for life.She met a boy named Santana who has shown intrest for Daelyn from day one but after many people claiming to be her friend and betraying her she finds it hard to trust anyone who she come in contact with.
Not only do I plan on being a long time reader of Julie Anne Peters book but I am also a newfound fan. In the words of Daelyn"with determination and purpose, I head into the light".
happy reading and thankyou
Novel Review for "Just Listen"
"Just Listen" is a book that almost every teenager can relate to. A teenage girl goes through everyday struggles of friendship, family, and boys. I really enjoyed reading this book. Sarah Dessen did a wonderful job understanding how present-day teens think. It made me realize that every person has their problems, even if things seem fine on the outside. Things you say can deeply affect others. I think that this book is excellent for teens who are still trying to figure out what kind of person they want to become. This book is an intriguing page-turner that made me think about the choices I will have to make in the future.
This book is also a story of young love. This aspect of the book made me think about judging others. One quote that will stick with me from this book is: "Don't think or judge; just listen". The two main characters, Annabel and Owen, are a very unexpected couple. Gossip spreads like wildfire throughout the school. Annabel and Owen become known as "Beauty and the Beast". The teenage couple learn so much about each other in a very short amount of time. If Annabel had judged Owen and walked away from his many offers of help in her times of need, they would have never been together. The author did a great job developing this love story, it wasn't cheesy and unconvincing; it was real.
I feel that the books ending went too quickly. I was slightly scatter-brained throughout the last few pages of the book. I expected Owen and Annabel to officially become a couple. I did enjoy this book; however, I feel that the ending was disappointing. This was the only part of the novel in which my expectations fell short. Annabel's life somewhat falls apart, then she picks up the pieces and puts them together. In some aspects of the book I feel Annabel's reaction was not realistic. Overall, the good outweighed the bad and I would still recommend this book to anyone.
I never thought I could learn so much for a book. I learned not to judge anybody. Everybody is guilty of stereotyping others. It has become human to look at others and judge them by appearances. This book was easy to relate to. It was a modern read about situations most people face everyday. I think that this book can be enjoyed by a wide range of people. This book inspired me too think differently. I learned to not think, not judge; just listen.
Thanks for reading!
This book is also a story of young love. This aspect of the book made me think about judging others. One quote that will stick with me from this book is: "Don't think or judge; just listen". The two main characters, Annabel and Owen, are a very unexpected couple. Gossip spreads like wildfire throughout the school. Annabel and Owen become known as "Beauty and the Beast". The teenage couple learn so much about each other in a very short amount of time. If Annabel had judged Owen and walked away from his many offers of help in her times of need, they would have never been together. The author did a great job developing this love story, it wasn't cheesy and unconvincing; it was real.
I feel that the books ending went too quickly. I was slightly scatter-brained throughout the last few pages of the book. I expected Owen and Annabel to officially become a couple. I did enjoy this book; however, I feel that the ending was disappointing. This was the only part of the novel in which my expectations fell short. Annabel's life somewhat falls apart, then she picks up the pieces and puts them together. In some aspects of the book I feel Annabel's reaction was not realistic. Overall, the good outweighed the bad and I would still recommend this book to anyone.
I never thought I could learn so much for a book. I learned not to judge anybody. Everybody is guilty of stereotyping others. It has become human to look at others and judge them by appearances. This book was easy to relate to. It was a modern read about situations most people face everyday. I think that this book can be enjoyed by a wide range of people. This book inspired me too think differently. I learned to not think, not judge; just listen.
Thanks for reading!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Million-Dollar Throw
My novel "Million-Dollar Throw" immediately caught my attention bacause it was about sports. Although I don't read very often, I really liked this book. This novel is all about a boy named Nate who is the star quarterback of his football team in Valley, Massachuesetts. Although this may seem like every thirteen-year-olds dream, he is soon hit with the fact that his family is struggling financially and that his best friend, Abby, is going blind.
She decides to go to Perkins School for the Blind, but, before that, she manages to sign Nate up for a chance to throw a pass through a hoop from thirty yards away on Thanksgiving night, and he won! Now Nate, the biggest Tom Brady fan around, knows what this money can do for his family and thus the pressure is on.
As the story goes on, Abby's vision getting worse, Nate is progressively getting worse and worse at passing and eventually gets benched. His hope for making this "Million Dollar Throw" is dwindling on a thread. His mind isn't fully in each of his football games.
After Abby got back from Perkins, he begans to come out of his depression and becomes confident in himself again. Thanksgiving Night rolls around and the limo cames to pick up his family to go to the stadium. When he gets on to the field Tom Brady was there and Nate got to meet his idol. With his heart beating a mile a minute, he throws the ball and makes right through the hole!
Before he lets the money go to his head, he decides to do something fantastic with it. He tells his mom that he is going to pay for Abby's surgery, no matter what the cost.
This book met and exceeded my expectations and I loved this book, and I'm sure you would too.
Spaek was a very fun, touching, interesting, page turner novel. I enjoyed reading it, Laurie Halse Anderson [author] did a marvelous job, taking the time to really think about what she wrot and it payed off. As much as I like this book, there are a few things Laurie left unanswaered. One thing she did resolve was who ''IT'' was, and what led up to him becoming a big event in this story.
The awkward relationship between Melinda's parents was never resolved, for example. Neither was the relationship between Mel and David. I like the authors style of writing this novel, its different and you never see it. The way sections of the book are divided, I thought it was unique, like how there not quite chapters, but there divided into little sections. It makes me feel real smart when I reach the next section of the book, because the sections are so small, it takes ashort period of time to reach the next section.
I like the fact that this book was less than 200 pages, I've never been someone who likes to read 300, 400 page books, making Speak the perfect length. Speak is a relatable book to people all over the world, and thats what makes this book so realistic and awesome. I definately would read other novels by the same author of this book. It also shows we can overcome anything.
The awkward relationship between Melinda's parents was never resolved, for example. Neither was the relationship between Mel and David. I like the authors style of writing this novel, its different and you never see it. The way sections of the book are divided, I thought it was unique, like how there not quite chapters, but there divided into little sections. It makes me feel real smart when I reach the next section of the book, because the sections are so small, it takes ashort period of time to reach the next section.
I like the fact that this book was less than 200 pages, I've never been someone who likes to read 300, 400 page books, making Speak the perfect length. Speak is a relatable book to people all over the world, and thats what makes this book so realistic and awesome. I definately would read other novels by the same author of this book. It also shows we can overcome anything.
Review for "Kisses and Lies"
The book I chose was " Kisses and Lies" by Lauren Henderson. This book was about a girl named Scarlett investigating her crushes murder. Scarlett was a gymnist who lived in Londan. She was a beautiful, young girl who went to a party one night. At the party she had kissed her crush and he suddenly dropped dead. No one new why though! She came to the conclusion that maybe somebody had peanut oil in the chips she had eaten. Her crush, Dan was allergic to peanuts and didn't have his epipen. She got blamed for his death and actually got expelled from her school. She transfered to where her grandmother was head mistress. That is where she had met her only friend, Taylor. Taylor was total opposite of Scarlett. Taylor didn't like skirts or make-up while Scarlett did. Taylor was always there for Scarlett. She was helping Scarlett clear her name and figure out who had killed Dan. One night, Scarlett was in her room looking at Dan's death in the newspaper when she decided to write to his parents, who lived in Scotland, asking if they could meet and talk about Dan's death. She thought maybe she would find out who killed Dan if she could visit his family. Later, they had responded saying that they would love to meet up with her. She went down to Scotland on a train with out Taylor. Taylor was mad and upset that she could not go. Scarlett couldn't bring her though. That would have been awkward because Dan's parents didn't know her. When Scarlett got off the train she saw someone that looked really familiar. It looked like Dan! She was so overwhelmed that she passed out. Next thing she knew she was in a big castle. The castle was Dan's house. Mrs. McAnderson (Dan's mother) was surprised that no one told her about Dan's twin, Callum. Callum hated her. He didn't want her there and wanted her to leave. Everyone; cullum, Dan's parents,Lucy (Callum's girlfriend) were all upset. The only person there that was nice was Dan's sister. She was so kind. She showed her around and made her feel comfortable. Later that day, Scarlett was in the woods and thought she was getting shot at. She kept hearing gun shots coming at her and was hiding. When she had seen a car she took off and yelled for help. It was indeed Mr. McAnderson. He was surprised and mad because no one was supposed to be shooting out there. Mr. McAnderson then left to check to see if there was a gun missing. Scarlett then receives a text from Taylor.The text said to go out into the parking area and there was Taylor. Taylor had heard the shooting and saw a shadow and her only description was they were short. When Scarlett came in Callum asked why she was outside. She said she was looking at the stars. He showed her where she could look at the stars inside. That is when he apologized for Lucy. He said she was trying to shoot at her. Then they had a moment until Lucy had showed up acting like his mother. Then the next day, is when the next big tragedy happens.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved how we were able to choose our own book. My favorite part of the book was when Callum had shown Scarlett where she could look at the stars from inside the castle. They were talking and they started to build a friendship. When they were talking they became very close and almost kissed. I thought this part of the story was really cute. I also loved the mystery part of the book. Trying to discover who killed Dan.
The ending was very shocking. I didn't expect it at all. I was so surprised! I would defiantly suggest this book to any one who likes mysteries with love. It would be perfect for you! This has to be my favorite book of all times!
Review for "Along for the Ride."
The book i had chosen to read was along for the ride by Sarah Dessen. she is a fantastic author with a lot of detail i her stories. When i read this novel it was an eye opening experience. I did not wnat to put it done because it was a love story about a boy and a girl who fall inlove over the summer, and that now summer is alomost over she never wants to leave her dad's house because that is where she met him. During the book i mever wanted to put it down because it was am touching book, and the girl actually had to leave the boy for awhile because her dad was not happy with her at all. So she has to leave him for a very long time. The boy was not happy at all. He was getting very depressed and just wanted to never come out of his room at all. Once a month went by the boy and the girl reunited with eachother and everything started to fall in place again.
When i read this book i achieved so much. It helped me realize that loving a person isn't everything it is also about care and trust. That is what the girl needed to work on because she would never trust him or anything. She came to this conclusion that maybe he isn't the right guy for her and maybe she just needed to move on to someone else, and someone she can actually trust. She always said riding a bike is the only thing she missed out on. Even before her parents got divorced, she always tried to focus on school but it never worked out for her, because she kept thinking about negative things and her parents getting divorced. Now she also has more things to worry about and also, and to be sad. She is spending the WHOLE entire summer in a tiny beach town in Colby with her father and his NEW wife and baby. She is very worried that he will forget about her and not love her as much as he loves this new baby of his. Auden is a very strong girl and can achieve almost anything if she really tried to. She gets a job at a trendy boutique and it introduces her to the world of girls, thier friendships they all have, romances, and conversations.
Then once she starts working there along come Eli,and very intriguing loner. He was a former start on a bike curcuit. Auden introduces him to the little town of Colby. Auden just wants to experience the carefree teenage life she always has been denied from; and also for Eli to put a tragic episode behind him. My favorite part in the book is when it said " Endless supply of long summer nights, and just about anything can happen." Something amazing does happen though, they fall inlove with eachother because how much they have been hanging out. Once again, Sarah Dessen creates a rich and satisfying world that readers will hate to leave. One thing Eli said to Auden is that " You know, if you don't know how to ride a bike, it's nothing to be ashamed of." That made be smile throughput the whole entire book. in conclusion if this i learned that looks do not matter at all it is what is on the inside that really counts and that a person will like you for. That is why Eli likes Auden because he realized how nice of a girl she is and how much she really cares for him with all her heart. If i were you i would most definitely chose this book to read when you have the time to because you will fall in love with this book a soon as you look at the titile, because know i fell inlove with it when i did!
When i read this book i achieved so much. It helped me realize that loving a person isn't everything it is also about care and trust. That is what the girl needed to work on because she would never trust him or anything. She came to this conclusion that maybe he isn't the right guy for her and maybe she just needed to move on to someone else, and someone she can actually trust. She always said riding a bike is the only thing she missed out on. Even before her parents got divorced, she always tried to focus on school but it never worked out for her, because she kept thinking about negative things and her parents getting divorced. Now she also has more things to worry about and also, and to be sad. She is spending the WHOLE entire summer in a tiny beach town in Colby with her father and his NEW wife and baby. She is very worried that he will forget about her and not love her as much as he loves this new baby of his. Auden is a very strong girl and can achieve almost anything if she really tried to. She gets a job at a trendy boutique and it introduces her to the world of girls, thier friendships they all have, romances, and conversations.
Then once she starts working there along come Eli,and very intriguing loner. He was a former start on a bike curcuit. Auden introduces him to the little town of Colby. Auden just wants to experience the carefree teenage life she always has been denied from; and also for Eli to put a tragic episode behind him. My favorite part in the book is when it said " Endless supply of long summer nights, and just about anything can happen." Something amazing does happen though, they fall inlove with eachother because how much they have been hanging out. Once again, Sarah Dessen creates a rich and satisfying world that readers will hate to leave. One thing Eli said to Auden is that " You know, if you don't know how to ride a bike, it's nothing to be ashamed of." That made be smile throughput the whole entire book. in conclusion if this i learned that looks do not matter at all it is what is on the inside that really counts and that a person will like you for. That is why Eli likes Auden because he realized how nice of a girl she is and how much she really cares for him with all her heart. If i were you i would most definitely chose this book to read when you have the time to because you will fall in love with this book a soon as you look at the titile, because know i fell inlove with it when i did!
Novel Review For "Slam"
I read the novel "slam", with no idea what to expect. The book was luring and tempting to read. I never wanted to put it down. The witty comments made by the characters made the novel much more fun to read. I enjoyed the novel to no extent and wish it had continued for a while. The chapters were rather long, but it got the story's point across for that section,and made them much more comprehendable. The book was very easy to understand at first, but when the details started coming in and the climax came, you really needed to pay attention. So many different things happened. This makes the story have a parallel plot. This type of plot is easy to follow if you know what you're reading and take mental notes of the things that are taking place.
The story is about a boy named Sam who follows in the exact footsteps of his mother. She got pregnant with Sam at just sixteen and had a horrible relationship with his father that resulted in a later divorce that left Sam upset, confused, and lost. Sam met his girlfriend, Alicia, at a party his mother's friend was having. There he immediately fell for Alicia. She seemed like a snob and was very smart with Sam. She had no future plans for a career and she was just living each day as it came. She was a carefree spirit that had just lost a prior boyfriend because she wasn't ready to be intimate.
Until she met Sam, everything she believed in changed in the blink of an eye. She really had no morals set up and she didn't know where she was going to be a week from today. School really wasn't that important to her so she really lived lazily. Sam on the other hand had his future picked out but wasn't for sure what he wanted to do with a career. He wanted to go to college, get a degree and just live his life. He had past relationships with girls, but not intimate ones such as the one he developed with Alicia so quickly.
They began to get intimate whenever Sam came over Alicia's house. Then one day they forgot something and both of their lives went down hill from there. About three months later, Sam and Alicia had ended because Sam lost feelings. Alicia loved him though, but he didn't understand what love was and if he felt the same way. Alicia became pregnant and the months until their baby, Roof, odd name huh? , was born were complete and utter chaos. They weren't ready to raise a child, when they were just children themselves. They fought constantly but got back together when Alicia had her first ultra-sound.
Sam didn't love Alicia and was so confused about everything. He lied and told her he loved her when he didn't even think she was attractive anymore. Sam got whizzed around into the future when he fell asleep and everything that happened in the future happened to him when the time came. He changed a few things but the order still followed. Everything finally came together for the two. They raised roof together and became a good family none the less.
The story is about a boy named Sam who follows in the exact footsteps of his mother. She got pregnant with Sam at just sixteen and had a horrible relationship with his father that resulted in a later divorce that left Sam upset, confused, and lost. Sam met his girlfriend, Alicia, at a party his mother's friend was having. There he immediately fell for Alicia. She seemed like a snob and was very smart with Sam. She had no future plans for a career and she was just living each day as it came. She was a carefree spirit that had just lost a prior boyfriend because she wasn't ready to be intimate.
Until she met Sam, everything she believed in changed in the blink of an eye. She really had no morals set up and she didn't know where she was going to be a week from today. School really wasn't that important to her so she really lived lazily. Sam on the other hand had his future picked out but wasn't for sure what he wanted to do with a career. He wanted to go to college, get a degree and just live his life. He had past relationships with girls, but not intimate ones such as the one he developed with Alicia so quickly.
They began to get intimate whenever Sam came over Alicia's house. Then one day they forgot something and both of their lives went down hill from there. About three months later, Sam and Alicia had ended because Sam lost feelings. Alicia loved him though, but he didn't understand what love was and if he felt the same way. Alicia became pregnant and the months until their baby, Roof, odd name huh? , was born were complete and utter chaos. They weren't ready to raise a child, when they were just children themselves. They fought constantly but got back together when Alicia had her first ultra-sound.
Sam didn't love Alicia and was so confused about everything. He lied and told her he loved her when he didn't even think she was attractive anymore. Sam got whizzed around into the future when he fell asleep and everything that happened in the future happened to him when the time came. He changed a few things but the order still followed. Everything finally came together for the two. They raised roof together and became a good family none the less.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Conflict and Characterization in "Kisses and Lies"
The book I have chosen to read is "Kisses and Lies". In this book there is a girl named Scarlett who lives with her aunt. Her and her aunt don't get along well with each other. One night she goes to a party that a couple of the popular girls threw. When she gets there she meets up with Dan McAndrews, who she has a crush on. Later that night they end up kissing, but it's not your average first kiss. He ends up dropping dead at her feet. The next day, at school she gets expelled for being accused of Dan's death. She then goes to the school that her grandmother is in charge of. That's where she meets Taylor, her best friend and her only friend. The two of them are now trying to solve the mystery of Dan's death.
In the book "Kisses and Lies" there are many conflicts, but the main one is Scarlett verses society. The reason behind this conflict is that Scarlett is being accused by everyone that she was the one who killed Dan. Scarlett, on the other hand, is trying to prove that someone had planned his death. But, proving that she is innocent is difficult with everyone against you.
In the book "Kisses and Lies" there are many conflicts, but the main one is Scarlett verses society. The reason behind this conflict is that Scarlett is being accused by everyone that she was the one who killed Dan. Scarlett, on the other hand, is trying to prove that someone had planned his death. But, proving that she is innocent is difficult with everyone against you.
Monday, November 22, 2010
charaterization and setting in "By the time you read this il'k be dead"
I am reading the book " By the time you read this il'l be dead" this book is based on a girl named Daelyn who is suiciedal and has tried many ways of endinging her life.The teo literary elements that i would like to point out are charaterization and setting.
Charaterization,the book describes Daelyn as a round dynamic character she has proven to be very persistant with ending her life and she shows no signs in backing down,she sneaks things from her parents and even worse she is known as the mute freak at school she and after her last attempt to end her life left he in a neck brace and eating blended she feels like the world doesnt want her.After being betrayed by people claiming to be her friend she doesnt let anybody in and her parents have to chack on her every hour day and night just to make surs that shes alive.
The setting of this novel is home school and her favorite bench near her school where she reads while waiting for her mom to pick her up from school she feels like she is not wanted anywhere but in the grave.At home her parents dont understand her and at school she gets teased and picked on and on the bench shes alone ...until she meets a strange boy can he change her life or is she destined to live as a nobody forever?
Charaterization,the book describes Daelyn as a round dynamic character she has proven to be very persistant with ending her life and she shows no signs in backing down,she sneaks things from her parents and even worse she is known as the mute freak at school she and after her last attempt to end her life left he in a neck brace and eating blended she feels like the world doesnt want her.After being betrayed by people claiming to be her friend she doesnt let anybody in and her parents have to chack on her every hour day and night just to make surs that shes alive.
The setting of this novel is home school and her favorite bench near her school where she reads while waiting for her mom to pick her up from school she feels like she is not wanted anywhere but in the grave.At home her parents dont understand her and at school she gets teased and picked on and on the bench shes alone ...until she meets a strange boy can he change her life or is she destined to live as a nobody forever?
the setting and plote hunger games
The setting of the novel "Hunger Games" is all year around and takes place in Panum and new world. There are 12 districts. Each district is like a state. Katniss the main charter lives in district 12. Katniss stepped up for the challenge of the hunger games was at the capital. The capital was not a district because they send no people there besides for the hunger games. President Snow is in charge of the hunger games and he is evil.
The plot of this novel is that Katniss sister was chosen for the Hungry games which is a once a year. The Hunger Game is a fight to the death. There are 12 districts each district is a state and 2 people a boy and a girl so a total of 24 people are in the Hunger Games. And only be one winner. Katniss sister was chosen in there district and her older sister, Katniss stood up and took her position. So Katniss and another boy who has no family so no one stood up for him. They both go to Katniss family and live and eat together. They go on a train to the capital were the game is at. They arrive the arena are woods and it’s very big. Katniss and the boy decide to work together so let the game begin!
The plot of this novel is that Katniss sister was chosen for the Hungry games which is a once a year. The Hunger Game is a fight to the death. There are 12 districts each district is a state and 2 people a boy and a girl so a total of 24 people are in the Hunger Games. And only be one winner. Katniss sister was chosen in there district and her older sister, Katniss stood up and took her position. So Katniss and another boy who has no family so no one stood up for him. They both go to Katniss family and live and eat together. They go on a train to the capital were the game is at. They arrive the arena are woods and it’s very big. Katniss and the boy decide to work together so let the game begin!
Conflict and Point of View in ''Speak''
There are a number of conflicts in this novel. Many involving the main character Melinda. For example: there's Melinda VS. Classmates , Melinda VS. Homework, Melinda VS. IT [Andy Evans], and Melinda VS. Parents just to name a few. I beleive the conflict of Melinda VS. IT is growing to be a big event in this story. I think, even though this conflict is not a major one, that it will evolve into a changing point in the book. There are also conflicts with minor characters in the book too. For say: Heather VS. Marthas [even though Heather doesn't realize there is a conflict between them.], and there's the conflict of Mr. Freedman VS. himself, this battle I find intersting, because hes trying to find himself through his art and even that is making him lost.
In Speak the point of view this story is bieng told in is First Person. The story is being told through the eyes of a ninth grader at Merryweather High by the name of Melinda. I belaive this is a interesting point of view to be told in, especially because me being a ninth grader in highschool, makes me able to relate to her better, say then a 90 year old person reading this book could. I love it when your reading a book and your able to read the thoughts of the narrarator and get inside there mind. Like I've said before its makes you able to understand where they come from easier. It's interesting how the point of view a story is being told in, can really have a impact on the story itself.
In Speak the point of view this story is bieng told in is First Person. The story is being told through the eyes of a ninth grader at Merryweather High by the name of Melinda. I belaive this is a interesting point of view to be told in, especially because me being a ninth grader in highschool, makes me able to relate to her better, say then a 90 year old person reading this book could. I love it when your reading a book and your able to read the thoughts of the narrarator and get inside there mind. Like I've said before its makes you able to understand where they come from easier. It's interesting how the point of view a story is being told in, can really have a impact on the story itself.
Setting and Conflict in "GAME"
Two interesting literary elements in my novel is setting and conflict. The setting is a major part of this story. It takes place in Harlem, New York, which is made up mostly of African Americans. Drew is the main character, and his favorite sport is basketball, which keeps he and his friends out of trouble in their bad neighborhood. He is the main player on his all-black team, and believes he has what it takes to go to the NBA. This is his dream, and he won't let anybody get in the way of it.
The conflict is another big part of the story. Two white guys from another country join Drew's team and get all of the coach's love. The just got on the team, and they are already starting without having to earn it. Drew runs the team, which makes him mad when they get all the attention from the media. Coach House decides he wants to run the team a different way, which is to have the guys down low to score the majority of the points, instead of the guards. One of the new players, Tomas, is the new center and all the plays are run to him. Coach starts sitting out Drew when he begins doing good and doing his own thing, because he isn't doing what coach wants. Drew and Tomas end up becoming good friends and realize they have a lot in common, even though they came from totally different lives.
The conflict is another big part of the story. Two white guys from another country join Drew's team and get all of the coach's love. The just got on the team, and they are already starting without having to earn it. Drew runs the team, which makes him mad when they get all the attention from the media. Coach House decides he wants to run the team a different way, which is to have the guys down low to score the majority of the points, instead of the guards. One of the new players, Tomas, is the new center and all the plays are run to him. Coach starts sitting out Drew when he begins doing good and doing his own thing, because he isn't doing what coach wants. Drew and Tomas end up becoming good friends and realize they have a lot in common, even though they came from totally different lives.
Setting and Conflict in "Tyrell"
The amazing book that i am reading is call "Tyrell". The setting of this story is the Bronxwood, New York.It is winter time and the weather is really bad. Tyrell who is the main character lives in a old motel named Benet because him,his mother, and his younger brother named Troy are homeless.His Father was just arrested because he was caught selling drugs at the parties he has because he is a DJ. Tyrell is in a depressed mood because he lives in a very old and nasty motel filled with bugs and other people that are homeless.
There are many and many conflicts in the book. A conflict that i noticed is, Tyrell and his Family have no where else to turn for living.So Tyrell has to make money some way. Him and his childhood friends plan to have a huge party like his father used to but instead of it being in a party center, he decides to have it in a Bus Depot because it fits his budget range. While he is trying to plan he realizes that his dads "friend" took the equipment that his dad used to DJ with so that means he has to find some other kind of way to get equipment to have an amazing party.
There are many and many conflicts in the book. A conflict that i noticed is, Tyrell and his Family have no where else to turn for living.So Tyrell has to make money some way. Him and his childhood friends plan to have a huge party like his father used to but instead of it being in a party center, he decides to have it in a Bus Depot because it fits his budget range. While he is trying to plan he realizes that his dads "friend" took the equipment that his dad used to DJ with so that means he has to find some other kind of way to get equipment to have an amazing party.
Conflict and Point of View in Just Listen
In the novel "Just Listen", Annabel Greene and her family face many problems in their daily lives. Annabel is caught in a problem that she cannot control. Annabel and her best friend Sophie are in a social battle. Sophie is constantly calling Annabel hurtful names and trying to cause physical fights. The Greene family is having many problems: Whitney's eating disorder, Grace always wanting perfection, and Annabel's secret modeling problems.
"Just Listen" is narrated through Annabel's point of view. The first person point of view helps readers clearly understand the setting and plot. Annabel is a well-educated teenage girl, she lives in a very stereotypical world. The point of view also helps readers realize how much Annabel changes throughout the novel. I feel that the book is very easy to read, understand, and enjoy through the point of view Sarah Dessen chose.
"Just Listen" is narrated through Annabel's point of view. The first person point of view helps readers clearly understand the setting and plot. Annabel is a well-educated teenage girl, she lives in a very stereotypical world. The point of view also helps readers realize how much Annabel changes throughout the novel. I feel that the book is very easy to read, understand, and enjoy through the point of view Sarah Dessen chose.
Conflict and Setting in" Runaway "
This book is awesome. If you feel as if you want to go into a different time and place. You should read this book. Just thinking about the title ,you can just imagine that this person is having a had life. The young girl in the story just can't take living the way she is living. The only way to get out of her horrible living conditions it to runaway. It's hard enough being in a foster home but than moving with a family that don't even want you. How are you going to leave a happy life with your new family that is always calling you a thief? Making you sleep in the laundry with a mat , a blanket and a bucket to use the bathroom in. It's just a hard life and she has a way of getting out of it.
The conflict and setting in Runaway. Holly is a young girl about 12 years old. Her mom died for overdosing on some drug. Holly is put into a Foster Home and than has to move in with the Bender's family. This family is really good at playing pretend.. Every time the Social Worker comes they make it seem like everything is all good but really its not. Holly loves dogs and will do anything for them. Everyday Holly goes to school and is having a tiny problem with the children there. Miss. Leone is her teacher that told everyone in the classroom about Holly"s past. The rule in the Bender's hold is that Holly has to catch the bus and come straight home. One day Holly just can't take living with this crazy family anymore. She gets on the bus and goes by her stop and she gets off at the very last stop. After that she was gone and planning on never coming back.
Holly has $13.00 and some change and a book bag full of food. Holly is good to go. She walks a couple of miles and sits in a fast food joint. As she was sitting there she was eating the food she got of the trash when she was at school. The manger of the place does not like her being there. Holly packets up her things and go on her way. She finds her a place to sleep, behind a bush. It's very cold and is lying right on the ground. She can't sleep because she is afraid that some animals are going to get her while she is sleeping. Holly only stays in each place for about 2 to 3 days. After a few day Holly leaves. Holly want to be a sea gypsy! The only way for her to be a sea gypsy is to get near the ocean. She is going from where she is now to California. The only way to get there with no money is to set a fire in a trash bin and than climb into the bottom of the Greyhound bus heading west. Where the people place there bags was were Holly slept ans stayed for about 18 hours or until they came to a stop. Holly is now in California. Where will this brave young little girl go next?
The conflict and setting in Runaway. Holly is a young girl about 12 years old. Her mom died for overdosing on some drug. Holly is put into a Foster Home and than has to move in with the Bender's family. This family is really good at playing pretend.. Every time the Social Worker comes they make it seem like everything is all good but really its not. Holly loves dogs and will do anything for them. Everyday Holly goes to school and is having a tiny problem with the children there. Miss. Leone is her teacher that told everyone in the classroom about Holly"s past. The rule in the Bender's hold is that Holly has to catch the bus and come straight home. One day Holly just can't take living with this crazy family anymore. She gets on the bus and goes by her stop and she gets off at the very last stop. After that she was gone and planning on never coming back.
Holly has $13.00 and some change and a book bag full of food. Holly is good to go. She walks a couple of miles and sits in a fast food joint. As she was sitting there she was eating the food she got of the trash when she was at school. The manger of the place does not like her being there. Holly packets up her things and go on her way. She finds her a place to sleep, behind a bush. It's very cold and is lying right on the ground. She can't sleep because she is afraid that some animals are going to get her while she is sleeping. Holly only stays in each place for about 2 to 3 days. After a few day Holly leaves. Holly want to be a sea gypsy! The only way for her to be a sea gypsy is to get near the ocean. She is going from where she is now to California. The only way to get there with no money is to set a fire in a trash bin and than climb into the bottom of the Greyhound bus heading west. Where the people place there bags was were Holly slept ans stayed for about 18 hours or until they came to a stop. Holly is now in California. Where will this brave young little girl go next?
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