I started reading this book that is based focused on relating health issues to young adult literature. The first book that they talk about is Freak the Mighty. I thought that I should read it so that I could understand the context of what the book is going to discuss about Freak the Mighty.
Thus far I have learned a lot!
This is a passage out of it! Made me laugh and think...HMMMMM....
"Television, the opiate of the massives."
For about the eleventh time I go, "Huh?"
"Opiate, a drug," he says. "Massive, that means large and heavy. Thus television is the drug of fat heads. Opiate of the massives."
"You don't have a TV?"
"Of course"... "but, I also read tons of books so I can figure out what's true and what's fake, which isn't always easy. Books are like truth serum--if you don't read, you can't figure out what's real."
I love this passage. Not only does it compare television to the drug of the American nation, but also makes the youth contemplate the power of reading. Kevin (aka: Freak) does an excellent job at helping Maxwell understand his knowledgable perspective on the power of reading. How cool would it be to have a universal truth serum, oh wait, there already is! Do you think the masses can handle the truth?
The two characters in this book thus far are complete foils of each other. Their weakness are completly highlighted by the others strengths. Thus far, this book would be an excellent choice for a middle school teacher to not only teach about character development but literacy devices.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Chains
What is the purpose of Chains?
The act of being chained to one group of people, to family, to friends, to morals...
"I was chained between two Nations" (188?).
At first I was not a fan at all of this book.
This is one of the only Historical Fiction books that I have read...
Honestly, I am not a fan, but am glad for the experience.
I am however a huge fan of Laurie Halse Anderson; yet, this book was not what I was hoping for. Maybe I was thrown off because it is a young adult novel, but deals with extremely
I see how this could be a great supplementary text in a social studies class. I have been reading a lot about using a variety of texts in content area classes. I had the thought yesterday that all subject areas should be encouraged to use a variety of texts and not text books.
I love the themes of family, love, chains, freedom that run through out the entire text. This is also a great representation for young students to see the realistic every
Here are some of my favorite quotes!
"The best time to talk to ghosts is just before the sun comes up. That's when they can hear us true, Momma said" (1).
The whole idea of ghosts here is not that they are scary, but that they are powerful spirits.
"My eyes were as starved for words as the rest of me was for dinner" (59). This shows the true nature of the slaves during this time.
"The beast has grown too large." The Mayor said, "If it breaks free of its chains, we are all in danger. We need to cut off its head" (89). I particularly like this quote, not only because it foreshadows what is to come, but also personifies the conflict between the Tories/ Loyalists and the Patriots.
"How could men who liked cats be bad" (188)? I love this quote, because I am a cat person! :)
As part of my final project for my independent study, I was required to create a Google Lit Trip using a historical fiction text. This was an extremely challenge for me for the follow reasons:
1) Learning how to use Google earth was a challenge
2) The book is historical fiction and based in the 1700s; therefore, most of the places were fictional. Since this occured back in the 1700s, most of the places have been renamed or do not exist anymore. The events were mostly accurate and true. Laurie Halse Anderson stated in appendix that:
The real letters, diaries, newspaper articles, runaway ads, cookbooks, and military reports that I found in my research helped me develop the characters....The tension between Patriot and Loyalist New Yorkers, the Tea Water Pump, the taking of lead from houses, the pulling down of King George's statue, the chaos surrounding the British invasion of the city, the fire, prisoners of war, the Queen's Birthday Ball: all of these are historical facts. I wove the fictional characters of Isabel and Curzon into the history" (303).
The act of being chained to one group of people, to family, to friends, to morals...
"I was chained between two Nations" (188?).
At first I was not a fan at all of this book.
This is one of the only Historical Fiction books that I have read...
Honestly, I am not a fan, but am glad for the experience.
I am however a huge fan of Laurie Halse Anderson; yet, this book was not what I was hoping for. Maybe I was thrown off because it is a young adult novel, but deals with extremely
I see how this could be a great supplementary text in a social studies class. I have been reading a lot about using a variety of texts in content area classes. I had the thought yesterday that all subject areas should be encouraged to use a variety of texts and not text books.
I love the themes of family, love, chains, freedom that run through out the entire text. This is also a great representation for young students to see the realistic every
Here are some of my favorite quotes!
"The best time to talk to ghosts is just before the sun comes up. That's when they can hear us true, Momma said" (1).
The whole idea of ghosts here is not that they are scary, but that they are powerful spirits.
"My eyes were as starved for words as the rest of me was for dinner" (59). This shows the true nature of the slaves during this time.
"The beast has grown too large." The Mayor said, "If it breaks free of its chains, we are all in danger. We need to cut off its head" (89). I particularly like this quote, not only because it foreshadows what is to come, but also personifies the conflict between the Tories/ Loyalists and the Patriots.
"How could men who liked cats be bad" (188)? I love this quote, because I am a cat person! :)
As part of my final project for my independent study, I was required to create a Google Lit Trip using a historical fiction text. This was an extremely challenge for me for the follow reasons:
1) Learning how to use Google earth was a challenge
2) The book is historical fiction and based in the 1700s; therefore, most of the places were fictional. Since this occured back in the 1700s, most of the places have been renamed or do not exist anymore. The events were mostly accurate and true. Laurie Halse Anderson stated in appendix that:
The real letters, diaries, newspaper articles, runaway ads, cookbooks, and military reports that I found in my research helped me develop the characters....The tension between Patriot and Loyalist New Yorkers, the Tea Water Pump, the taking of lead from houses, the pulling down of King George's statue, the chaos surrounding the British invasion of the city, the fire, prisoners of war, the Queen's Birthday Ball: all of these are historical facts. I wove the fictional characters of Isabel and Curzon into the history" (303).
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Chris Crutcher is my hero!
I am sitting out a coffee shop and just finished Angry Management. The guy that is a complete stranger to me, asked, "You juts finished the book?" I replied, "yes." He comments, "You look completely satisfied."
I am blown away by this book, there is so much that is packed into this book. I am not sure how to articulate what I am feeling about this book, or how the power of this book will change my way of looking at bigotry, hatred, and especially teaching in our society.
I am not sure that I have a favorite story about of the three different accounts of anger. All three of them make my heart throb and make me want to cry out to these characters. The story about Angus and Sarah made me cry. The story about Marcus and Matt made me angry and frustrated. Montana and Trey's story made me question the material that I will have my students read and write in my classes, and the purpose behind these topics. I can't get over how much is packed into this 250 pages. I don't think that I have felt so many different emotions from one book.
I am glad that in all instances, that these students have caring and supportive teachers to help give them support when their lives around them are falling to pieces. This is a good book for teachers to reflect on, because being a teacher is about so much more than assigning work and grading it. Claudia Swisher says that you (teachers) must trust their students to do the right thing. She would also add that it is about the relationships that the teacher forms with the students that is key to success in the classroom.
An idea that I got from reading this book is to pair this book with a classical text, such as To Kill A Mocking Bird, or Farinheit 451. Something that I noticed, was that this book and The Absoutely True Diary of the Part- Time Indian happen in the same area of the United States. The characters are similar and go through similar phases. I wonder what Chris Crutcher would say about Junior and I. wonder what Sherman Alexi would say about Angus, Sarah, Montana, Trey, Matt, or Marcus. Also, what would Ray Bradbury say about Montana and Trey's story about censorship? Ahhh...so much goodness!!!! I might introduce a unit on any number of issues or themes using these smaller stories to grab my students attention. I get so excited thinking about the types of conversations that my students and I could have about these issues. I want to know what their initial reactions are, especially since this book was written 2009.
I am going to e-mail Chris Crutcher and tell him that I am amazed at his talent!
Here are some of the items that I underlined for one reason or another.
"I didn't write it for a grade. I can get an A anytime. I wrote it to be published" (Montana, 86). I want my students to have this passion for writing.
"Maxwell West has never figured out that the best, fastest way to create his worst nightmare is to identify it" (106). Most parents don't get this.
"You have to wonder how some people get their license to educate"( Mr. S, 177).
"He was a believer in No Child Left Behind, and I was a believe that no child was being left behind because no one was going anywhere. We were testing kids into comas. Higher-level education was out the window in favor of teaching to the test" (Mr. S, 178). YES!! I am glad that someone has said this in a public fashion! Way to go Chris!!
"Whew! This Christian has some nuts" (Mr. S, 183). Haha!
"Some people just don't get it about Jesus...Everybody's equal in the eyes of God. End of story" (Matt Miller, 197. Soooo true!
"It's my destiny. The first black Rhodes scholar to swim the English Channel. I am going to be so famous " (Marcus James 199). What a great writing prompt: Marcus James said that it was his destiny to do this. (read excerpt) What is your destiny? What are you going to be famous for?
"We have a short conversation in which we discuss whether or not being homosexual is a choice. Funny this, not one of them can tell me when they made the choice to be heterosexual" (Matt Miller, 208). Good argument!
I am blown away by this book, there is so much that is packed into this book. I am not sure how to articulate what I am feeling about this book, or how the power of this book will change my way of looking at bigotry, hatred, and especially teaching in our society.
I am not sure that I have a favorite story about of the three different accounts of anger. All three of them make my heart throb and make me want to cry out to these characters. The story about Angus and Sarah made me cry. The story about Marcus and Matt made me angry and frustrated. Montana and Trey's story made me question the material that I will have my students read and write in my classes, and the purpose behind these topics. I can't get over how much is packed into this 250 pages. I don't think that I have felt so many different emotions from one book.
I am glad that in all instances, that these students have caring and supportive teachers to help give them support when their lives around them are falling to pieces. This is a good book for teachers to reflect on, because being a teacher is about so much more than assigning work and grading it. Claudia Swisher says that you (teachers) must trust their students to do the right thing. She would also add that it is about the relationships that the teacher forms with the students that is key to success in the classroom.
An idea that I got from reading this book is to pair this book with a classical text, such as To Kill A Mocking Bird, or Farinheit 451. Something that I noticed, was that this book and The Absoutely True Diary of the Part- Time Indian happen in the same area of the United States. The characters are similar and go through similar phases. I wonder what Chris Crutcher would say about Junior and I. wonder what Sherman Alexi would say about Angus, Sarah, Montana, Trey, Matt, or Marcus. Also, what would Ray Bradbury say about Montana and Trey's story about censorship? Ahhh...so much goodness!!!! I might introduce a unit on any number of issues or themes using these smaller stories to grab my students attention. I get so excited thinking about the types of conversations that my students and I could have about these issues. I want to know what their initial reactions are, especially since this book was written 2009.
I am going to e-mail Chris Crutcher and tell him that I am amazed at his talent!
Here are some of the items that I underlined for one reason or another.
"I didn't write it for a grade. I can get an A anytime. I wrote it to be published" (Montana, 86). I want my students to have this passion for writing.
"Maxwell West has never figured out that the best, fastest way to create his worst nightmare is to identify it" (106). Most parents don't get this.
"You have to wonder how some people get their license to educate"( Mr. S, 177).
"He was a believer in No Child Left Behind, and I was a believe that no child was being left behind because no one was going anywhere. We were testing kids into comas. Higher-level education was out the window in favor of teaching to the test" (Mr. S, 178). YES!! I am glad that someone has said this in a public fashion! Way to go Chris!!
"Whew! This Christian has some nuts" (Mr. S, 183). Haha!
"Some people just don't get it about Jesus...Everybody's equal in the eyes of God. End of story" (Matt Miller, 197. Soooo true!
"It's my destiny. The first black Rhodes scholar to swim the English Channel. I am going to be so famous " (Marcus James 199). What a great writing prompt: Marcus James said that it was his destiny to do this. (read excerpt) What is your destiny? What are you going to be famous for?
"We have a short conversation in which we discuss whether or not being homosexual is a choice. Funny this, not one of them can tell me when they made the choice to be heterosexual" (Matt Miller, 208). Good argument!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Angry Management by Chris Crutcher
I am not even sure where begin. I know that I have read the first 80 pages of this book and am a huge fan of Chris Crutcher. Y? Easy! I can feel the power, the despiration, the emotional roller coaster that he has written out for his characters. I feel the hurt and the pain that both Sara Byrnes and Angus Bethune have experienced. I love how they cling to love, each other, because they need each other. I do not want to give a character analysis, because it is important that you read this book. I will however leave you with some quotes that made me verbally express myself, and give way to the themes that present themselves in the book thus far.
"Since kindergarten I've been explaing to my very few friends that I have four parents, all gay as court jesters and all living on the same city block.." (18)
"If we're going to be marries, I have to trust you," Sarah says.(19)
"This other fat guy not only went Jenny Craig on me;..." (32)
"Only she isn't a swimmer. She's an aqua jogger. The reason why I believe in God is so I can curse Him." (34)
"I'm telling you, having parents that love you trumps everything, even I know that." (36)
"I've eaten some shit in my life, but compared to what Sarah has tasted, my shit tasted like angel food cake." (41)
"...a 270-pound man-child and a crispy child-woman." (42)
"When you've wondered in the desert all your life, you'd be surprised what one sip of water can do." (49)
"Sarah Byrnes has a face like the moon." (79)
I can't wait to share more!!!!!!!! <3
"Since kindergarten I've been explaing to my very few friends that I have four parents, all gay as court jesters and all living on the same city block.." (18)
"If we're going to be marries, I have to trust you," Sarah says.(19)
"This other fat guy not only went Jenny Craig on me;..." (32)
"Only she isn't a swimmer. She's an aqua jogger. The reason why I believe in God is so I can curse Him." (34)
"I'm telling you, having parents that love you trumps everything, even I know that." (36)
"I've eaten some shit in my life, but compared to what Sarah has tasted, my shit tasted like angel food cake." (41)
"...a 270-pound man-child and a crispy child-woman." (42)
"When you've wondered in the desert all your life, you'd be surprised what one sip of water can do." (49)
"Sarah Byrnes has a face like the moon." (79)
I can't wait to share more!!!!!!!! <3
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging
Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison
This book is a fire cracker! Before reading this book I flipped through the book and found a glossary of terms. These terms as Georgia puts it are "English" terminology and not typical "American" lingo.
A few of my favorite:
Bloke: a member of the masculine gener
Duffing up: female, less violent version of beating up
Fringe: American version of "bangs".
Knickers: panties, "things you wear to cover your girlie parts"
Nuddy-pants: nakedness
Snogging: Kissing.
So, after I laughed uncontrollably, I could not wait to open the book and start reading. The book is broken down into chapters by Months. I am currently on page 55 and do not find this book to be as exciting as I wanted it to be. Georgia the 14 year old girl goes through the regular every day type of issues.She shaves off her eye brows, finds a cute guy that she likes, and just seems to live the life of an average teenage girl. I would recommend this book to any girls as a pleasure read; however, this is not a teachable book.
This book has served its purposes; I laughed and had a glimpse of a teenage romance. Now that my spirits are lifted I am ready to give up on the book for a summer pleasure read.
Who is Angus? Angus is Georgia’s huge cat. He was an abandoned kitten and now loves to intimidate the next door poodle.
This book is a fire cracker! Before reading this book I flipped through the book and found a glossary of terms. These terms as Georgia puts it are "English" terminology and not typical "American" lingo.
A few of my favorite:
Bloke: a member of the masculine gener
Duffing up: female, less violent version of beating up
Fringe: American version of "bangs".
Knickers: panties, "things you wear to cover your girlie parts"
Nuddy-pants: nakedness
Snogging: Kissing.
So, after I laughed uncontrollably, I could not wait to open the book and start reading. The book is broken down into chapters by Months. I am currently on page 55 and do not find this book to be as exciting as I wanted it to be. Georgia the 14 year old girl goes through the regular every day type of issues.She shaves off her eye brows, finds a cute guy that she likes, and just seems to live the life of an average teenage girl. I would recommend this book to any girls as a pleasure read; however, this is not a teachable book.
This book has served its purposes; I laughed and had a glimpse of a teenage romance. Now that my spirits are lifted I am ready to give up on the book for a summer pleasure read.
Who is Angus? Angus is Georgia’s huge cat. He was an abandoned kitten and now loves to intimidate the next door poodle.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Strange Skies by Matt Marinovich
I'm not sure where to being about this book...
I was given this book as a Christmas present because it was on sale and looked good. It is good for the right age level. But then what is the right age level? How do we know what is appropriate for which students? This book has depressed me, even though I have laughed and enjoyed the ride. I am not a fan of the ending. That would be a cool and thought provoking project for my students, have them recreate the ending of the story.
Maybe everything was too picture perfect. For instance, you have two couples who end up divorced, and then find each other and fall in lust which turns into love when they least expect it. There is the stereotypical boy who has leukemia and tries to teach Paul about life. Everything just seems to be too idealistic and real, almost eerie. I am able to connect personally to this story because I was in the north eastern part of the United States (Brooklyn, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and at the end of the book Florida) this past summer. I knew exactly where Paul was.
A quick synopsis of the book:
Paul, married his wife because her mother is a millionaire and about to die. His wife Lee wants kids, but Paul refuses kids because he sees that kids have ruined his brothers life. Paul's father slept with 512 women and kept each name in a little black book. Paul, towards the end of the book compares himself to his father and how he was an awful person. Paul, lies about having cancer so that he can take a break from his life. In his break from reality he meets up with Barb and Jack. Barb was married a possessive guy and gave birth to Jack who has leukemia. She is no divorced. Paul learns various lessons about life from Jack, and then finds out that he actually does have cancer. I won't give away the ending of the book, but I am not a fan!
Maybe you should pick up this book for a good laugh and a different perspective of life.
Funny, but ultimately depressing.
I was given this book as a Christmas present because it was on sale and looked good. It is good for the right age level. But then what is the right age level? How do we know what is appropriate for which students? This book has depressed me, even though I have laughed and enjoyed the ride. I am not a fan of the ending. That would be a cool and thought provoking project for my students, have them recreate the ending of the story.
Maybe everything was too picture perfect. For instance, you have two couples who end up divorced, and then find each other and fall in lust which turns into love when they least expect it. There is the stereotypical boy who has leukemia and tries to teach Paul about life. Everything just seems to be too idealistic and real, almost eerie. I am able to connect personally to this story because I was in the north eastern part of the United States (Brooklyn, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and at the end of the book Florida) this past summer. I knew exactly where Paul was.
A quick synopsis of the book:
Paul, married his wife because her mother is a millionaire and about to die. His wife Lee wants kids, but Paul refuses kids because he sees that kids have ruined his brothers life. Paul's father slept with 512 women and kept each name in a little black book. Paul, towards the end of the book compares himself to his father and how he was an awful person. Paul, lies about having cancer so that he can take a break from his life. In his break from reality he meets up with Barb and Jack. Barb was married a possessive guy and gave birth to Jack who has leukemia. She is no divorced. Paul learns various lessons about life from Jack, and then finds out that he actually does have cancer. I won't give away the ending of the book, but I am not a fan!
Maybe you should pick up this book for a good laugh and a different perspective of life.
Funny, but ultimately depressing.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Winter Girls by Laurie Halse Anderson
Wow! Laurie Halse Anderson is an amazing writer, and she has another great hit out! Wintergirls is a creepy and realistic novel about twos teenage girl named Lia and Cassie. Both girls have eating disorders and Cassie ends up dying. The story is based on Lia and her reactions to the death of her best friend though the torture she puts herself through by starving herself. Lia is an extremely intricate character, and the reader can see her thought process through the use of crossing out words (specifically food) and telling the reader how many calories are in what she is eating. The story of Lia and Cassie will haunt you, and make you question friendship, family, eating, and mental health. This book gives you a sickening winter chill that penetrates down into your bones and moral being. I personally was unable to sleep after reading right before bed! I dare you to go beyond the cold and bitterness and walk with footsteps of the winter girls.
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