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.
"Let me tell you about it."
I just finished the book, and I couldn't wait to blog about the power of the book. I am not even sure where to begin. I have tears welling up in my eyes, and I want to go and hug Melinda. I want to tell her that everything is going to be okay, and that the healing process takes time.
Even though I am a loud person, sometimes I can't find the words to speak about what I am thinking/ feeling. I also feel that I am the only person dealing with these issues. But Melinda finds the strength in nature and art to help find her roots to start speaking out. When she knows that other girls have gone through similar situations she is empowered and when she knows that someone who is close to her could get hurt she is moved to act.
I am a huge fan of the teacher/student relationship that Mr. Freeman and Melinda have with each other. I love this quote:
" Think about love, or hate, or joy, or rage--what ever makes you feel something, makes your palms sweat or your toes curl. Focus on that feeling. When people don't express themselves, they die one piece at a time. You'd be shocked how many adults are really dead inside--walking through their days with no idea who they are, just waiting for a heart attack or cancer or a Mack truck to come along and finish the job. It's the saddest thing I know" (122).
This quote rings extremely true and personally in my heart. What are we living for? Why don't we truly express ourselves? This reminds me of how Pastor Mark, said that the symbol of Christianity is a mark of pain, hurt, and suffering. Life is not easy. Sharing your feelings and thoughts with others is not easy, but we push through the blockage, because even a stream will find its away around a damn.
My two favorite aspects of the book are Melinda's thoughts and how she uses metaphors and similes to compare people to animals. She paints such a beautiful picture of everything for the reader. Her thoughts are biting, stinging, hysterical, and most of all powerful. I wish that she would have used an animal metaphor at the end of the story to describe her self; however, her growth through nature is beautifully articulated. I am able to related to Melinda because I too grow from observing and being in nature. Trees are life bearing, homes, givers of oxygen, wood, nuts, and shade. They are also strong, stable, and flexible. My favorite yoga pose is the tree.
Melinda's story is extremely powerful, but I know that it rings true in many lives. A story like this would give other girls and guys the power to speak up against what has happened in their lives that they think is wrong or sinful. I have never personally experienced anything like this, but it is imperative to share this book and Melinda's story.
I was laying in bed the other night thinking about the book and I look up and on my bulletin board behind my bed I have a pin that says "Speak up about Speak!" These there is this great website that lets people talk about their thoughts and reactions to the book. http://speakupaboutspeak.blogspot.com/
Even though I am a loud person, sometimes I can't find the words to speak about what I am thinking/ feeling. I also feel that I am the only person dealing with these issues. But Melinda finds the strength in nature and art to help find her roots to start speaking out. When she knows that other girls have gone through similar situations she is empowered and when she knows that someone who is close to her could get hurt she is moved to act.
I am a huge fan of the teacher/student relationship that Mr. Freeman and Melinda have with each other. I love this quote:
" Think about love, or hate, or joy, or rage--what ever makes you feel something, makes your palms sweat or your toes curl. Focus on that feeling. When people don't express themselves, they die one piece at a time. You'd be shocked how many adults are really dead inside--walking through their days with no idea who they are, just waiting for a heart attack or cancer or a Mack truck to come along and finish the job. It's the saddest thing I know" (122).
This quote rings extremely true and personally in my heart. What are we living for? Why don't we truly express ourselves? This reminds me of how Pastor Mark, said that the symbol of Christianity is a mark of pain, hurt, and suffering. Life is not easy. Sharing your feelings and thoughts with others is not easy, but we push through the blockage, because even a stream will find its away around a damn.
My two favorite aspects of the book are Melinda's thoughts and how she uses metaphors and similes to compare people to animals. She paints such a beautiful picture of everything for the reader. Her thoughts are biting, stinging, hysterical, and most of all powerful. I wish that she would have used an animal metaphor at the end of the story to describe her self; however, her growth through nature is beautifully articulated. I am able to related to Melinda because I too grow from observing and being in nature. Trees are life bearing, homes, givers of oxygen, wood, nuts, and shade. They are also strong, stable, and flexible. My favorite yoga pose is the tree.
Melinda's story is extremely powerful, but I know that it rings true in many lives. A story like this would give other girls and guys the power to speak up against what has happened in their lives that they think is wrong or sinful. I have never personally experienced anything like this, but it is imperative to share this book and Melinda's story.
I was laying in bed the other night thinking about the book and I look up and on my bulletin board behind my bed I have a pin that says "Speak up about Speak!" These there is this great website that lets people talk about their thoughts and reactions to the book. http://speakupaboutspeak.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
This week I am diving into another one of Laurie Halse Anderson's books. I will leave a post about Winter Girls as soon as I finish with Speak.
The front graphic of the book, a teenage girl in the midst of a forest or maybe a solitary tree has always made me inquiry about the text written inside. The title of Speak along with the graphic makes me think of a tree whisperer. This sounds corny, I know, but that is what comes to mind. When I opened up to the first page and started reading, I realized that the setting in the typical high school, and that the main character, Melinda, is the victim as she describes herself as a "wounded zebra". Anderson gives Melinda great language to describe her surroundings and the actions of herslf and others. My favorite characteristic of Melinda is her choice of animal metaphors to describe people.
Animal similies and metaphors thus far:
-describes her self as a "wounded zebra" (5).
- hairwoman (English teacher), "I can't decide if she had pissed off her hairdresser or is morphing into a monarch butterfly" ( 6).
- "Mr. Freeman is ugly. Big old grasshopper body..." (10). Mr. Freeman is the art teacher.
- "...Heather geeking around me like a moth" (19). Heather is the only person who is nice to her at school.
- Speaking about Rachelle her ex-bestfriend. " She waves her hand in the air and you find yourself thinking of young chimpanzees" (20).
- On multiple occasions Melida refers to an animal in her stomach. "An animal noise rustles in my stomach"(28). " There is a beast in my gut, I can hear it scraping away at the insides of my ribs" (51).
Melinda also has a hysterical personality who always likes to point out the irony of situations. I find myself laughing hysterically at the depiction she gives. Describing her art class she states, "He'll rant for the rest of the period, forty-three minutes. The room is warm, filled with sun and pain fumes. Three kids falls dead asleep, eye twitches, snores, and everything" (31). I am amazed at her sarcastic attitude towards much of school life; yet, I am predicting that this is just a cover. Something happened over the summer where multiple people got arrested and it is all her fault. She hasn't come out and said what exactly it is yet though.....I am dying to find out!
There are other seens when Melinda describe her teachers, I just need to make sure that I do not wear hideous dresses or have multi-color hair!! This makes me want to know what my students think of what I wear!!
With in the first 10 pages, the reader finds out what the tree represented on the front comes from. Mr. Freeman, the ugly artsy grasshopper, states, "Welcome to the only class that will teach you how to survive" (10). He then continues and says,
"Why not spend that time on art: painting, sculpting, charcoal, pastel, oils? Are words or numbes more important than images? Who decided this? Dose algebra move you to tears? Can the plural possessive express the feelings in your heart? If you don't learn art now, you will never learn to breath!!!" (11). What a powerful statement. I would argue that an English class would teach a student more about survival than an art class; yet, I am biased!
I can't wait to read more.
I will leave off with this quote, which is becoming my new facebook status!
"Homework is not an option. My bed is sending out serious nap rays. I can't help myself. The fluffy pillows and warm comforter are more powerful than I am. I have no choice but to snuggle under the covers" (16).
The front graphic of the book, a teenage girl in the midst of a forest or maybe a solitary tree has always made me inquiry about the text written inside. The title of Speak along with the graphic makes me think of a tree whisperer. This sounds corny, I know, but that is what comes to mind. When I opened up to the first page and started reading, I realized that the setting in the typical high school, and that the main character, Melinda, is the victim as she describes herself as a "wounded zebra". Anderson gives Melinda great language to describe her surroundings and the actions of herslf and others. My favorite characteristic of Melinda is her choice of animal metaphors to describe people.
Animal similies and metaphors thus far:
-describes her self as a "wounded zebra" (5).
- hairwoman (English teacher), "I can't decide if she had pissed off her hairdresser or is morphing into a monarch butterfly" ( 6).
- "Mr. Freeman is ugly. Big old grasshopper body..." (10). Mr. Freeman is the art teacher.
- "...Heather geeking around me like a moth" (19). Heather is the only person who is nice to her at school.
- Speaking about Rachelle her ex-bestfriend. " She waves her hand in the air and you find yourself thinking of young chimpanzees" (20).
- On multiple occasions Melida refers to an animal in her stomach. "An animal noise rustles in my stomach"(28). " There is a beast in my gut, I can hear it scraping away at the insides of my ribs" (51).
Melinda also has a hysterical personality who always likes to point out the irony of situations. I find myself laughing hysterically at the depiction she gives. Describing her art class she states, "He'll rant for the rest of the period, forty-three minutes. The room is warm, filled with sun and pain fumes. Three kids falls dead asleep, eye twitches, snores, and everything" (31). I am amazed at her sarcastic attitude towards much of school life; yet, I am predicting that this is just a cover. Something happened over the summer where multiple people got arrested and it is all her fault. She hasn't come out and said what exactly it is yet though.....I am dying to find out!
There are other seens when Melinda describe her teachers, I just need to make sure that I do not wear hideous dresses or have multi-color hair!! This makes me want to know what my students think of what I wear!!
With in the first 10 pages, the reader finds out what the tree represented on the front comes from. Mr. Freeman, the ugly artsy grasshopper, states, "Welcome to the only class that will teach you how to survive" (10). He then continues and says,
"Why not spend that time on art: painting, sculpting, charcoal, pastel, oils? Are words or numbes more important than images? Who decided this? Dose algebra move you to tears? Can the plural possessive express the feelings in your heart? If you don't learn art now, you will never learn to breath!!!" (11). What a powerful statement. I would argue that an English class would teach a student more about survival than an art class; yet, I am biased!
I can't wait to read more.
I will leave off with this quote, which is becoming my new facebook status!
"Homework is not an option. My bed is sending out serious nap rays. I can't help myself. The fluffy pillows and warm comforter are more powerful than I am. I have no choice but to snuggle under the covers" (16).
Friday, January 29, 2010
Dear Friend...
This story is not what I was thinking it was going to be about. This is an ordinary book about an ordinary boy. He is the epotimy of the average high school student. I was hoping for a different kind of book, but now that I have finished, I see the importance of this coming-of-age story. One must be in the right mind frame to read this book, it is almost like a self help holistic book that looks at a simple life that is on a constant emotional life roller coaster. We might want to run from our worries and troubles, but just like in Charlies situation it always comes back to haunt us. Many of my friends have claimed this as their favorite book, because of the relatablity and of the connection that they can feel through Charlie.This book would be great for any high school student. Another aspect that would motivate students would be the aspect of the pop culture that is embedded into Charlie's letters.
I think that I would have been friends with Charlie. I want to be like his teacher Bill that sees the potential in Charlie and helps him see and understand him self through books. What a paradox! Charlie is reading books that he can relate to their main character, while at the same time the reader (me or you) can relate to Charlie! :D
Some notes that I wrote down while reading this last part of the book include:
- guilt (92). The reader is able to completely feel for Charlie. He wants to try and be happy but he cannot force himself to be. Everyone has felt guilt at one time or another.
- Family and friends are extremely important to Charlie they are his life lines.
-Charlie is sentimental (111). Even though he cries a lot he is able to share his emotions with others. Crying is an outward sign of emotion, when one cries it is because the person wants others to know that they are sad/upset. This is an innate emotional reaction.
- French fries make everything better when you are a kid. Mmmm....
- Ha! Charlie is hilarious!! "I'll blind you"! Go get them Tiger!!
- Charlie gives us his way of rating a good film. If you don't feel different after watching the film then it wasn't good. (124).
I can't wait to teach this book!
I think that I would have been friends with Charlie. I want to be like his teacher Bill that sees the potential in Charlie and helps him see and understand him self through books. What a paradox! Charlie is reading books that he can relate to their main character, while at the same time the reader (me or you) can relate to Charlie! :D
Some notes that I wrote down while reading this last part of the book include:
- guilt (92). The reader is able to completely feel for Charlie. He wants to try and be happy but he cannot force himself to be. Everyone has felt guilt at one time or another.
- Family and friends are extremely important to Charlie they are his life lines.
-Charlie is sentimental (111). Even though he cries a lot he is able to share his emotions with others. Crying is an outward sign of emotion, when one cries it is because the person wants others to know that they are sad/upset. This is an innate emotional reaction.
- French fries make everything better when you are a kid. Mmmm....
- Ha! Charlie is hilarious!! "I'll blind you"! Go get them Tiger!!
- Charlie gives us his way of rating a good film. If you don't feel different after watching the film then it wasn't good. (124).
I can't wait to teach this book!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Love That Dog
This week I noticed that Charlies story in The Perks of Being a Wallflower was getting sad. I was not up for reading much of this book. So, I decided to take a break from Charlie and his letters and read a different type of book.
Love That Dog by Sharon Creech is a simplistic book of poetry from the perspective of Jack, an elementary school boy who loves his yellow dog. Jack, like most writers does not want others to make fun of him and so he has his teacher post his work anonymously. The story line is simple, but touches the hearts of all readers who love their dogs. Another great aspect of this book is how much that Jack respects the writer, Mr. Walter Dean Myers. The respect for this writer is clear, because Jack writes a poem that is modeled after Walter Dean Myers poem Love That Boy.
I read the expert from Hate That Cat at the end of the Love That Dog. My favorite quote is"You can't just alliterate and onomatopeiate all over the place, can you?". Jack writes extremely well, and uses his poetry to help him deal with the loss of his yellow dog.
Love That Dog by Sharon Creech is a simplistic book of poetry from the perspective of Jack, an elementary school boy who loves his yellow dog. Jack, like most writers does not want others to make fun of him and so he has his teacher post his work anonymously. The story line is simple, but touches the hearts of all readers who love their dogs. Another great aspect of this book is how much that Jack respects the writer, Mr. Walter Dean Myers. The respect for this writer is clear, because Jack writes a poem that is modeled after Walter Dean Myers poem Love That Boy.
I read the expert from Hate That Cat at the end of the Love That Dog. My favorite quote is"You can't just alliterate and onomatopeiate all over the place, can you?". Jack writes extremely well, and uses his poetry to help him deal with the loss of his yellow dog.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
"I feel infinite" (33).
My predictions were right when I guessed what a "wallflower" was. Charlie is an outsider looking in, and through his letter writing, I feel like the wallflower to Charlie's life. I feel obligated to read his letters and give him adequate time, because he is similar to all of us and deserves to have time dedicated to him. I enjoy the ordinary letters because it is easy to connect and relate to, and I am starting to warm up to Charlie. "You see things. You keep quiet about them. And you understand" (37.) Yes, my role as reader and friend of Charlie is to do these things; to be a wallflower.
I love the theme of family and acceptance through out the 1st half of the novel. For instance, Charlie loves his family and wants the best of all of them, especially his sister. He does not tell Bill, his teacher, about his sister being abused by her boyfriend for no reason. He wants the best for her. " I do worry a lot about her. She is my sister, after all" (49). Not only does Charlie want to fit in with his family, he wants to fit in with Sam and Patrick. His two best friends make him feel complete. My favorite seen is when they are all riding in Sam's truck and the three of them are silent but listening to the song. When the song is over, Charlie states, "I feel infinite" (33). What a feeling, almost like when you accomplish a goal or win a tournament that you have shrived to accomplish.
I was sad for Charlie when Sam told him that she loved him. I can't wait to find out what happens between them, because it is unfair to play with Charlie's emotion, especially when she is dating someone else.
What makes this book extraordinary is the fact that Charlie is just like every other teenage. He wants to have friends and fit in. He wants to know how "it works" and he wants to be loved. This is an extordinary book about ordinary life occurrences.
I am going to make my own mixed CD of Charlie's music that he makes for Patrick! I also want to make a reading list recommended by Charlie! :)
I love the theme of family and acceptance through out the 1st half of the novel. For instance, Charlie loves his family and wants the best of all of them, especially his sister. He does not tell Bill, his teacher, about his sister being abused by her boyfriend for no reason. He wants the best for her. " I do worry a lot about her. She is my sister, after all" (49). Not only does Charlie want to fit in with his family, he wants to fit in with Sam and Patrick. His two best friends make him feel complete. My favorite seen is when they are all riding in Sam's truck and the three of them are silent but listening to the song. When the song is over, Charlie states, "I feel infinite" (33). What a feeling, almost like when you accomplish a goal or win a tournament that you have shrived to accomplish.
I was sad for Charlie when Sam told him that she loved him. I can't wait to find out what happens between them, because it is unfair to play with Charlie's emotion, especially when she is dating someone else.
What makes this book extraordinary is the fact that Charlie is just like every other teenage. He wants to have friends and fit in. He wants to know how "it works" and he wants to be loved. This is an extordinary book about ordinary life occurrences.
I am going to make my own mixed CD of Charlie's music that he makes for Patrick! I also want to make a reading list recommended by Charlie! :)
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Meeting Charlie
I have only read the first few chapters of part 1, but thus far I am a fan of Charlie and his comical stream of consciences. He is a down to earth teenager who has fears and emotions similar to other characters. The difference is that he is willing to express them more than hide and suppress the visible emotion. I like how honest Charlie is with his reader, especially when he confessed that he is afraid of attending high school. Thus far we know that Charlie does have the outsider view of his sisters romance life and that he is strong to have beat up a bully at school.
I enjoy the letter style writing that Charlie engages the reader in. Letter writing is a personal interaction between the reader and the intended audience. These letters about Charlies life make the reader feel as thought we have an outside perspective. As if we are investigators and reading the secrete communication of two friends. Similar to how a teacher might read a note passed between two students .I am not sure who the "you" who Charlie speaks of, or even if I will ever find out. But thus far, it seems as though Charlie is writing these letters to the reader making the reading transaction a different experience for each person.
Yet, I am extremely interested in who this person is. The only critiera that Charlie has for writing to this paticular person is that they will listen, understand, and that the person did not sleep with another person at a particular party even though they could have. I am highly curious!!
Charlie is an extremely in-depth character and I cannot wait to find out more about his life!
I enjoy the letter style writing that Charlie engages the reader in. Letter writing is a personal interaction between the reader and the intended audience. These letters about Charlies life make the reader feel as thought we have an outside perspective. As if we are investigators and reading the secrete communication of two friends. Similar to how a teacher might read a note passed between two students .I am not sure who the "you" who Charlie speaks of, or even if I will ever find out. But thus far, it seems as though Charlie is writing these letters to the reader making the reading transaction a different experience for each person.
Yet, I am extremely interested in who this person is. The only critiera that Charlie has for writing to this paticular person is that they will listen, understand, and that the person did not sleep with another person at a particular party even though they could have. I am highly curious!!
Charlie is an extremely in-depth character and I cannot wait to find out more about his life!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chobsky
Before Reading:
Teacher perspective-
1) What is a wallflower?
2) If I could understand what a wallflower is, than I could come up with some "perks" of being one.
Reader perspective-
A wallflower is someone who stands at the edge of the dance floor with their backs pressed up against the wall so that they are not seen. The person wants to make an appearance or they were forced into coming to the dance or else they would have stayed home. A wallflower is probably someone who is considered unpopular or extremely smart. Maybe termed as a social outcast. The term "wallflower" is a metaphor for an actual flower that hangs/ sits on the wall that is not always noticed or cared for, but is important to the mood of the home area that it inhabits.
The perks of being this person are the outsider view. Instead of being part of the action, the person is viewing the action and know everything that is constantly going on. This could also have draw backs, say if you were witnessing crime or violent act, and the person believed that they were destined to be this wallflower...
This brings up a question: If you are considered to be a wallflower can you break that stereotype?
Teacher perspective-
1) What is a wallflower?
2) If I could understand what a wallflower is, than I could come up with some "perks" of being one.
Reader perspective-
A wallflower is someone who stands at the edge of the dance floor with their backs pressed up against the wall so that they are not seen. The person wants to make an appearance or they were forced into coming to the dance or else they would have stayed home. A wallflower is probably someone who is considered unpopular or extremely smart. Maybe termed as a social outcast. The term "wallflower" is a metaphor for an actual flower that hangs/ sits on the wall that is not always noticed or cared for, but is important to the mood of the home area that it inhabits.
The perks of being this person are the outsider view. Instead of being part of the action, the person is viewing the action and know everything that is constantly going on. This could also have draw backs, say if you were witnessing crime or violent act, and the person believed that they were destined to be this wallflower...
This brings up a question: If you are considered to be a wallflower can you break that stereotype?
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