This is a couple websites of some amazing authors:
Chris Crutcher- http://www.chriscrutcher.com/index.html
Laurie Halse Anderson- http://madwomanintheforest.com/
Gayle Forman- http://www.gayleforman.com/
Jenny Han- http://www.dearjennyhan.com/
Maggie Stiefvater- http://www.maggiestiefvater.com/index.php
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Class Book 1
"I Am The Messenger" by Markus Zusak- WOW, WOW, and WOW!
This book was amazing! This story, starting out simply enough about a boy named Ed Kennedy, nineteen years old, and he drives a taxi cab. He lives simply enough, in the city, in a small apartment, "shack", with his dog named "Doorman". The book begins with Ed and his friends, Marv and Ritchie(though later we meet Audrey too), at a bank while a robbery is taking place- by some stroke of fate no one is hurt and Ed plays a small part in stopping the bugler. After this amazing day Ed receives a playing card in the mail, it’s the Ace of diamonds. This card is a message, something that Ed must do. Throughout the book, Ed receives messages, via playing cards- the aces, and with each one he must figure out what is written on the card, what it means, where or who it is about, and what he must do.
This whole story surrounds Ed and his life, his ordinary life. It is the life of someone who does the same things day in and day out. He goes to work, deals with his swearing mother, his brother and sisters who barely speak to him because they have moved away, missing his father, seeing his friends, playing cards at friends' houses, and drinking coffee with his dog. He doesn't do anything out of the ordinary, never stops to think about something bigger and better, and worst of all he continually puts himself and his life down. But through this book we can see a transformation. Ed must push himself to do something more, something greater than he has ever done before. I don't want to give too much away because, everyone should read it! I would recommend this book to anyone!
The other interesting idea that I had throughout this book was how I could use this in the classroom as well as my own funny thoughts throughout the book on how the story was going or where the plot was going to travel. SO instead of giving away the entire book I want to list some of the comments I wrote through the book in two different categories- 1.) ideas for lessons and 2.) my silly thoughts/reactions to the book
1.) -the language is different from that of American- English, the book uses such language that points to the way people from England/Australia(it is hard to figure out) would be talking (fella, shirty, dole bludger, oi, arse, wanker)
-the vocabulary used is very neat, from simple words to more complex (dictionary time) - aspersions/sactimonious
-there are cool moments when the book points to outside events and people, this points to a huge literary term: context- using this starting point could go many ways
- The book does a lot of name dropping for movies, people, authors, etc.
- Setting, place and time are very important to this story
- This book also tackles “real issues” of life- how to handle, help, become aware and informed- that makes me think about the messages Ed is trying to deliver
-Metaphors and other ways to convey emotions
-Descriptive and chapters- only deal with one topic at a time- good idea for a book- works well with this one- why?
-Word choices- powerful meaning and messages conveyed through words- more than their literal meaning
-American English vs. other languages- how it affects the book
-Remembering- a theme of the book?
-What other books or movies does this relate to? - “The Box” and “Pay it Forward”
-Are there other people doing what Ed is doing?
- Does the book come full circle?
2.) - The descriptions are incredible in the story, you get the feeling that the setting (place and time) are important
- The language speaks to the reader because it is different and fun
- Why was it that particular card that was picked first (why aces), someone knows he plays cards- someone knows his life
-The cards give him an excuse to be someone else, something else than his ordinary life- to be important and do something important
- Every person that he meets deserves something better than what they have and doesn’t he?
- Do the cards relate to the people in his life?
- This book also tackles “real issues” of life- how to handle, help, and become aware and informed- that makes me think about the messages Ed is trying to deliver
- When he deals with some of the people he is supposed to deliver a message to, he is making the others have a moment, a message is conveyed right then and there- and to both not just one person involved
-The point of these messages that he is delivering is that he is helping others without getting anything from it, but then again- he is getting some joy in knowing he is actually helping
- Sisters, mother, brother- Ed is being connected to these people through the people already in his life- barefoot girl= his soccer game, Edgar street=his father, Milla= the love he can’t have
- Hard things in life sometimes must either be left alone or done alone
- Is Ed- by doing all these things from the cards- re-experiencing this in his life, but from another point of view?
-The messages are changing his point of view, he appreciates life and isn’t so down on himself all the time
-The priest, Angie, Rose brothers- are they all connected or how do all these people fit together and do the messages connect?
-Ed is getting back what he gave
-Ed starts helping without needing too-he originally helped at the robbery- had it in him all along
I also loved particular quotes throughout the book:
-“The moon escapes from the clouds, and I suddenly feel naked. Like the world can see me.”
-“It was like she held a string and pulled on it just slightly to open me up. She got in, put a piece of herself inside me, and left again. In there somewhere I still feel it.”
- “Inside, I laugh. Me? A saint? I list what I am. Taxi driver. Local deadbeat. Cornerstone of mediocrity. Sexual midget. Pathetic card player.”
- “I wouldn’t want four aces. In a card game, you pray for a hand like that. My life is not a card game.”- this is so ironic
- “I want to tell them, but I realize that all I do is deliver the message. I don’t decipher it or make sense of it for them. They need to do that themselves.”- interesting point to discuss in a class
This book was amazing! This story, starting out simply enough about a boy named Ed Kennedy, nineteen years old, and he drives a taxi cab. He lives simply enough, in the city, in a small apartment, "shack", with his dog named "Doorman". The book begins with Ed and his friends, Marv and Ritchie(though later we meet Audrey too), at a bank while a robbery is taking place- by some stroke of fate no one is hurt and Ed plays a small part in stopping the bugler. After this amazing day Ed receives a playing card in the mail, it’s the Ace of diamonds. This card is a message, something that Ed must do. Throughout the book, Ed receives messages, via playing cards- the aces, and with each one he must figure out what is written on the card, what it means, where or who it is about, and what he must do.
This whole story surrounds Ed and his life, his ordinary life. It is the life of someone who does the same things day in and day out. He goes to work, deals with his swearing mother, his brother and sisters who barely speak to him because they have moved away, missing his father, seeing his friends, playing cards at friends' houses, and drinking coffee with his dog. He doesn't do anything out of the ordinary, never stops to think about something bigger and better, and worst of all he continually puts himself and his life down. But through this book we can see a transformation. Ed must push himself to do something more, something greater than he has ever done before. I don't want to give too much away because, everyone should read it! I would recommend this book to anyone!
The other interesting idea that I had throughout this book was how I could use this in the classroom as well as my own funny thoughts throughout the book on how the story was going or where the plot was going to travel. SO instead of giving away the entire book I want to list some of the comments I wrote through the book in two different categories- 1.) ideas for lessons and 2.) my silly thoughts/reactions to the book
1.) -the language is different from that of American- English, the book uses such language that points to the way people from England/Australia(it is hard to figure out) would be talking (fella, shirty, dole bludger, oi, arse, wanker)
-the vocabulary used is very neat, from simple words to more complex (dictionary time) - aspersions/sactimonious
-there are cool moments when the book points to outside events and people, this points to a huge literary term: context- using this starting point could go many ways
- The book does a lot of name dropping for movies, people, authors, etc.
- Setting, place and time are very important to this story
- This book also tackles “real issues” of life- how to handle, help, become aware and informed- that makes me think about the messages Ed is trying to deliver
-Metaphors and other ways to convey emotions
-Descriptive and chapters- only deal with one topic at a time- good idea for a book- works well with this one- why?
-Word choices- powerful meaning and messages conveyed through words- more than their literal meaning
-American English vs. other languages- how it affects the book
-Remembering- a theme of the book?
-What other books or movies does this relate to? - “The Box” and “Pay it Forward”
-Are there other people doing what Ed is doing?
- Does the book come full circle?
2.) - The descriptions are incredible in the story, you get the feeling that the setting (place and time) are important
- The language speaks to the reader because it is different and fun
- Why was it that particular card that was picked first (why aces), someone knows he plays cards- someone knows his life
-The cards give him an excuse to be someone else, something else than his ordinary life- to be important and do something important
- Every person that he meets deserves something better than what they have and doesn’t he?
- Do the cards relate to the people in his life?
- This book also tackles “real issues” of life- how to handle, help, and become aware and informed- that makes me think about the messages Ed is trying to deliver
- When he deals with some of the people he is supposed to deliver a message to, he is making the others have a moment, a message is conveyed right then and there- and to both not just one person involved
-The point of these messages that he is delivering is that he is helping others without getting anything from it, but then again- he is getting some joy in knowing he is actually helping
- Sisters, mother, brother- Ed is being connected to these people through the people already in his life- barefoot girl= his soccer game, Edgar street=his father, Milla= the love he can’t have
- Hard things in life sometimes must either be left alone or done alone
- Is Ed- by doing all these things from the cards- re-experiencing this in his life, but from another point of view?
-The messages are changing his point of view, he appreciates life and isn’t so down on himself all the time
-The priest, Angie, Rose brothers- are they all connected or how do all these people fit together and do the messages connect?
-Ed is getting back what he gave
-Ed starts helping without needing too-he originally helped at the robbery- had it in him all along
I also loved particular quotes throughout the book:
-“The moon escapes from the clouds, and I suddenly feel naked. Like the world can see me.”
-“It was like she held a string and pulled on it just slightly to open me up. She got in, put a piece of herself inside me, and left again. In there somewhere I still feel it.”
- “Inside, I laugh. Me? A saint? I list what I am. Taxi driver. Local deadbeat. Cornerstone of mediocrity. Sexual midget. Pathetic card player.”
- “I wouldn’t want four aces. In a card game, you pray for a hand like that. My life is not a card game.”- this is so ironic
- “I want to tell them, but I realize that all I do is deliver the message. I don’t decipher it or make sense of it for them. They need to do that themselves.”- interesting point to discuss in a class
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
EDU 330- Book 2 Picture
These images are my feelings from "Send me Down a Miracle" by Han Nolan-and this compilation I want to call: Identity in Pieces
Pictures found from the website: World of Mysteries-from The M.C. Escher-inspired Art of Rob Gonsalves https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORKMJU2shjk_JwxB8IusGAGGApJ20hF4rGAf6tGuPqQPzWNfGrEk7RqkkULT2xlyNaJDytwhI1cFApqmTQo5kNmugsRL9Lwu67Ps4UR38iF537xhmHlYtFW608VfGjHSmPYiFoddZ-fBL/s640/Gonsalves_UnfinishedPuzzle.jpg
EDU 330- Book 2
My next book that I read was entitled “Send me down a miracle” by Han Nolan. This book really hit home with some of the issues explored in the book. It begins with the main character Charity Pittman, a fourteen year old girl, describing her life and her family. She lives in a small town of Casper, Alabama with her sister Grace and her father who happens to be the town Reverend. Early in the book we discover that someone new has come to town and her name is Adrienne. She is from the city and happens to be an artist, somewhat messy and free-spirited, and her new ideas and ways of living put the town in a crazy uproar. The town, a quiet small southern town, has “proper” ways of behaving and Adrienne does not fit their expectations or their mold.
As we learn that Charity is trying to discover herself, being the right age of figuring out school, friends, boys and such, she wonders about being an artist. Adrienne has so kindly offered art lessons but Charity’s father doesn't see it to be of importance to take art lessons. Going to school, working, and more importantly attending services on Sundays which entails staying very true and strong to your faith is what Charity’s father has in mind for her, as well as following in his footsteps. However this left no time for Adrienne. Her father, trying to keep the town together through faith, helping others, has somewhat lost himself in preaching. His wife, Charity and Grace’s mother has left for a birdcage convention that she attends every year, although this year, it seems to be different to Charity and the others around town.
Taking art lessons anyway we find that Charity is starting to find that she is moving away from following her father’s footsteps and wanting to have her own path in life, to become her own person. But these thoughts and feelings become back burner material when Adrienne, after locking herself in her house for a month for an artistic experiment, claims that she has seem Jesus. Of course the entire town, Reverend Pittman and especially Charity, flock to her house to find out the reality of this claim. Throughout the book we see the battle between both sides of believing, that Jesus has appeared and the Adrienne is just crazy. This stirs up a lot of faith issues and problems not just for each person but for who they are in the world and for the town as a whole. The book follows Charity’s struggles to find herself and make her father happy. Charity’s family deals with its own problems and so do the other families in town, questioning their lives and faith for the first time.
This book is a great read! I loved it! Not only do we see the main character struggle but we see everyone in the book struggle with one issue or another. It brings the idea of moral issues, religion, and identity into play. Not only would this book be great as a discussion tool for the issues at hand, but for faith of any kind in something in a person’s life. It would work great as a tool to discuss how we find our own path in life and what happens when adults, parents, others in our lives try to tell us how to live. I ended this book feeling closure, feeling lost and feeling found. The book really makes you wonder. Furthermore, to top the whole story off, the ending of the book makes you stop and question whether or not the story was as told or if it was a metaphor for something larger. As in, was Adrienne just someone sent to help the town discover themselves or was she someone who actually came and visited to have a vacation away and to practice her “art”. I would definitely read this book again and recommend it to others out there!
As we learn that Charity is trying to discover herself, being the right age of figuring out school, friends, boys and such, she wonders about being an artist. Adrienne has so kindly offered art lessons but Charity’s father doesn't see it to be of importance to take art lessons. Going to school, working, and more importantly attending services on Sundays which entails staying very true and strong to your faith is what Charity’s father has in mind for her, as well as following in his footsteps. However this left no time for Adrienne. Her father, trying to keep the town together through faith, helping others, has somewhat lost himself in preaching. His wife, Charity and Grace’s mother has left for a birdcage convention that she attends every year, although this year, it seems to be different to Charity and the others around town.
Taking art lessons anyway we find that Charity is starting to find that she is moving away from following her father’s footsteps and wanting to have her own path in life, to become her own person. But these thoughts and feelings become back burner material when Adrienne, after locking herself in her house for a month for an artistic experiment, claims that she has seem Jesus. Of course the entire town, Reverend Pittman and especially Charity, flock to her house to find out the reality of this claim. Throughout the book we see the battle between both sides of believing, that Jesus has appeared and the Adrienne is just crazy. This stirs up a lot of faith issues and problems not just for each person but for who they are in the world and for the town as a whole. The book follows Charity’s struggles to find herself and make her father happy. Charity’s family deals with its own problems and so do the other families in town, questioning their lives and faith for the first time.
This book is a great read! I loved it! Not only do we see the main character struggle but we see everyone in the book struggle with one issue or another. It brings the idea of moral issues, religion, and identity into play. Not only would this book be great as a discussion tool for the issues at hand, but for faith of any kind in something in a person’s life. It would work great as a tool to discuss how we find our own path in life and what happens when adults, parents, others in our lives try to tell us how to live. I ended this book feeling closure, feeling lost and feeling found. The book really makes you wonder. Furthermore, to top the whole story off, the ending of the book makes you stop and question whether or not the story was as told or if it was a metaphor for something larger. As in, was Adrienne just someone sent to help the town discover themselves or was she someone who actually came and visited to have a vacation away and to practice her “art”. I would definitely read this book again and recommend it to others out there!
Independent Reading List (Reasons)
Reasons for Choosing:
I only wrote reasons for the first ten, but I may read other books than what is on this list.
“Monster”- Walter Dean Myers: I decided to read this book because it has literally been starring me in the face for the past several years. I bought this book when it had just come out and I wanted so bad to read it but I was always too busy. This semester I knew that I could finally read the books I had been dying to read for so long, like this one.
“Send me Down a Miracle”- Han Nolan: I choose this book because the back of the book really seemed interesting. I found the characters to have a relatable struggle, with religion, socially acceptable behavior and customs, as well as the idea of trying to “fit in” and staying true to your own beliefs and dreams. I knew that the issues in the book would be heated for debate and I love reading a book that can get me fired up.
“Perfect”- Natasha Friend AND “Lush”: I choose to read “Perfect” before I had even discovered “Lush”. I thought this would make a good, younger book about a “real issue” for young teens, especially young girls these days. I wanted to read something with a teenage reality to it. Once I read the book I decided to read another one of her books as my “two books from the same author” requirement. I think it looks quite similar, in relation to having an “issue” as the main theme of the story, so I thought it might make for another good read.
“Crooked”- Laura and Tom McNeal: This book stood out to be because of the cover. I don’t know what to make of the synopsis on the back, but it seems weird and interesting enough. This book was also one that has been sitting on my shelf for some time and I would like to put it to a better use than simply collecting dust.
“Go Ask Alice”- Anonymous: I choose to read “Go Ask Alice” because I have heard many people talk about how good the book was and how much it had to offer. I have had it for so long that I can’t remember if I have actually read it before or not. I do however know that a book like this can offer a lot more than a potential “issue” book, it can give a lot more for potential use in the classroom, so it looks for now.
“Whale Talk”- Chris Crutcher: I decided on this book because I really like this author. I have read “Staying fat for Sarah Byrnes” and fell in love with it. When I saw the other books that were from this author I thought that it would be a good idea to give more of the work a try and see what happens. I hope not to be disappointed, seeing as how I loved the other book so much.
“Thirteen Reasons Why”- Jay Asher: This book was talked about so incredibly much last semester than I knew I had to see what the buzz was all about. I have heard many good things about this book and since about half of the people I know who read on a daily basis said this book was awesome. I knew I had to see for myself if it was true and it was just too enticing not to try.
“If I stay”- Forman Gayle- This book not only sounded really interesting but I don’t think I have ever read a book with a story such as this before. I choose this book for the differences that I thought it could bring to my on-going book list. I know that others have had a great experience with this book and I wanted to try to have a great experience too.
“Hoot”- Carl Hiaasen- This book came up on the first day of class when we discuss books we have all read. I could remember hearing about it and some of the story but I have never read the book. After we started our “read aloud” everyday with a book entitled “Flush” by the same author, I discovered this author had a fun way of writing. This fun writing seemed like a good reason to try another book of his and so this book met my hands.
I only wrote reasons for the first ten, but I may read other books than what is on this list.
“Monster”- Walter Dean Myers: I decided to read this book because it has literally been starring me in the face for the past several years. I bought this book when it had just come out and I wanted so bad to read it but I was always too busy. This semester I knew that I could finally read the books I had been dying to read for so long, like this one.
“Send me Down a Miracle”- Han Nolan: I choose this book because the back of the book really seemed interesting. I found the characters to have a relatable struggle, with religion, socially acceptable behavior and customs, as well as the idea of trying to “fit in” and staying true to your own beliefs and dreams. I knew that the issues in the book would be heated for debate and I love reading a book that can get me fired up.
“Perfect”- Natasha Friend AND “Lush”: I choose to read “Perfect” before I had even discovered “Lush”. I thought this would make a good, younger book about a “real issue” for young teens, especially young girls these days. I wanted to read something with a teenage reality to it. Once I read the book I decided to read another one of her books as my “two books from the same author” requirement. I think it looks quite similar, in relation to having an “issue” as the main theme of the story, so I thought it might make for another good read.
“Crooked”- Laura and Tom McNeal: This book stood out to be because of the cover. I don’t know what to make of the synopsis on the back, but it seems weird and interesting enough. This book was also one that has been sitting on my shelf for some time and I would like to put it to a better use than simply collecting dust.
“Go Ask Alice”- Anonymous: I choose to read “Go Ask Alice” because I have heard many people talk about how good the book was and how much it had to offer. I have had it for so long that I can’t remember if I have actually read it before or not. I do however know that a book like this can offer a lot more than a potential “issue” book, it can give a lot more for potential use in the classroom, so it looks for now.
“Whale Talk”- Chris Crutcher: I decided on this book because I really like this author. I have read “Staying fat for Sarah Byrnes” and fell in love with it. When I saw the other books that were from this author I thought that it would be a good idea to give more of the work a try and see what happens. I hope not to be disappointed, seeing as how I loved the other book so much.
“Thirteen Reasons Why”- Jay Asher: This book was talked about so incredibly much last semester than I knew I had to see what the buzz was all about. I have heard many good things about this book and since about half of the people I know who read on a daily basis said this book was awesome. I knew I had to see for myself if it was true and it was just too enticing not to try.
“If I stay”- Forman Gayle- This book not only sounded really interesting but I don’t think I have ever read a book with a story such as this before. I choose this book for the differences that I thought it could bring to my on-going book list. I know that others have had a great experience with this book and I wanted to try to have a great experience too.
“Hoot”- Carl Hiaasen- This book came up on the first day of class when we discuss books we have all read. I could remember hearing about it and some of the story but I have never read the book. After we started our “read aloud” everyday with a book entitled “Flush” by the same author, I discovered this author had a fun way of writing. This fun writing seemed like a good reason to try another book of his and so this book met my hands.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Independent Reading List
Lizzie’s Independent Reading List:
“Monster”- Walter Dean Myers
“Send me Down a Miracle”- Han Nolan
“Perfect”- Natasha Friend AND “Lush” – Natasha Friend
“Crooked”- Laura and Tom McNeal
“Go Ask Alice”- Anonymous
“Whale Talk”- Chris Crutcher
“Thirteen Reasons Why”- Jay Asher
“If I stay”- Forman Gayle
“Hoot”- Carl Hiaasen
-Multiple books are Award Winners
-I am reading two books by Natasha Friend
-The book that is a stretch for me is “Crooked”- it is a book I have had for so long and want to read but no longer looks like a book that I would, at this point in time, pick out (it seems like a stretch because of interest and topic choice) – However “Thirteen Reasons Why” seems to be a hard book to get through because of the topic, not something I generally like to read about
Other Options:
“The Summer I turned Pretty”- Jenny Han
“Coraline”- Neil Gaiman (“Stardust”)
“Uglies”- Scott Westerfield
“A series of unfortunate events”- Lemony Snicket
“The Princess Plot”- Kirsten Boie
“The Chocolate War”- Robert Cormier
“Stoner and Spaz”
“The Book Thief”
“Flawless”- Sara Shepard
“The Curious Incident of the dog in the night-time”- Mark Haddon
“Bunker 10”- J.A. Henderson
C.S. Lewis books
Narrative:
The most important aspect of independent reading is enjoyment. So often, and in my opinion, too often, students and adults are forced to read things that are too long, too dull, too tedious, or simply horrible. Sometimes by chance, when people, myself included, have to read certain materials it happens that we may “end up” enjoying them. However, majority of the time, reading for a particular purpose other than just random reading, is not looked at with much enthusiasm (unless you’re an English Teacher). I want to put the fun back into reading and for me, this independent reading is doing just that very thing. I hope to be able to read books that have sat on my shelf for 4 years or more. I want to be able to explore what I “think” I like and what I never thought I would. I am hopeful that I will build a great and expansive reading list not only for me but for my future students of the books that not only I will read but books that my classmates will read. I would love to continue book talks in class to be able to find new books to read either later on for my personal reading or for more independent reading for class. I think that creating a class book list is a great idea, on a wiki or blogging to each other about our books. I love being able to share with others and hear what amazing books and thoughts they have to offer.
“Monster”- Walter Dean Myers
“Send me Down a Miracle”- Han Nolan
“Perfect”- Natasha Friend AND “Lush” – Natasha Friend
“Crooked”- Laura and Tom McNeal
“Go Ask Alice”- Anonymous
“Whale Talk”- Chris Crutcher
“Thirteen Reasons Why”- Jay Asher
“If I stay”- Forman Gayle
“Hoot”- Carl Hiaasen
-Multiple books are Award Winners
-I am reading two books by Natasha Friend
-The book that is a stretch for me is “Crooked”- it is a book I have had for so long and want to read but no longer looks like a book that I would, at this point in time, pick out (it seems like a stretch because of interest and topic choice) – However “Thirteen Reasons Why” seems to be a hard book to get through because of the topic, not something I generally like to read about
Other Options:
“The Summer I turned Pretty”- Jenny Han
“Coraline”- Neil Gaiman (“Stardust”)
“Uglies”- Scott Westerfield
“A series of unfortunate events”- Lemony Snicket
“The Princess Plot”- Kirsten Boie
“The Chocolate War”- Robert Cormier
“Stoner and Spaz”
“The Book Thief”
“Flawless”- Sara Shepard
“The Curious Incident of the dog in the night-time”- Mark Haddon
“Bunker 10”- J.A. Henderson
C.S. Lewis books
Narrative:
The most important aspect of independent reading is enjoyment. So often, and in my opinion, too often, students and adults are forced to read things that are too long, too dull, too tedious, or simply horrible. Sometimes by chance, when people, myself included, have to read certain materials it happens that we may “end up” enjoying them. However, majority of the time, reading for a particular purpose other than just random reading, is not looked at with much enthusiasm (unless you’re an English Teacher). I want to put the fun back into reading and for me, this independent reading is doing just that very thing. I hope to be able to read books that have sat on my shelf for 4 years or more. I want to be able to explore what I “think” I like and what I never thought I would. I am hopeful that I will build a great and expansive reading list not only for me but for my future students of the books that not only I will read but books that my classmates will read. I would love to continue book talks in class to be able to find new books to read either later on for my personal reading or for more independent reading for class. I think that creating a class book list is a great idea, on a wiki or blogging to each other about our books. I love being able to share with others and hear what amazing books and thoughts they have to offer.
EDU 330- Book 1 Picture
After reflecting on reading, I decided that for each book I read, I am going to post a picture representation of what the book left with me. A picture form of how I felt after reading the book and reflecting on it. So for "Monster" the picture I felt best represented my feelings was:
What I call- Freedom through Truth- the power to find the truth and allow yourself to break free from those who hold you down lies in your own hands
Picture: By Joe Klein on the website: Rockford Register Star- http://blogs.e-rockford.com/applesauce/category/libertarians/
EDU 330- Book 1
My first book that I have chosen to read is entitled "Monster" by Walter Dean Myers. This National Book Award finalist, among other awards, was a gripping story from the very first page. This story is told by a young boy, only sixteen,(he is black, which I believe is an important factor contributing to discrimination in the book) and named Steve Harmon. Steve is telling this story from his own view point, which is at current behind bars at the Manhattan Detention Center. Steve is battling being on trial for murder. This book is written, as though Steve, is directing a movie with screen shots, scenes, camera angles, separations for character speech, as well as a listing of the important characters in the book- many of whom are fighting against Steve. All of this is being told through Steve's writing, which is being kept in his notebook, one of the only things he was able to keep. Although most of the book is written as a movie script, he has journal entries throughout that add to the impact of the story.
Throughout this book, we encounter Steve telling the story, piece by piece, of how he was charged with murder. A case, in my own opinion, of the "wrong place, wrong time" scenario for Steve who ended up taking the fall for another's actions. The bulk of the story takes place with Steve in his cell, although we do move with him as he goes to trial (in the courtroom) and his daily life around jail. The title of the book comes from a name that the prosecutor calls Steve, as he is in the courtroom, during the trial. The main characters of this book involve Steve's attorney Kathy O'Brien, who seems to disbelieve Steve from the beginning. Sandra Petrocelli, the prosecutor, who seems to have it out for everyone. James King, a thug involved in the crimes and "Bobo" Evans who seems to have the biggest mouth around, willing to do whatever it takes to cover his own behind. There is also Osvaldo Cruz, a gang member who tries to put on an act to save his reputation and other witnesses who were at the scene.
I think the reason I liked this book so much was the accessibility of it. The reading, or language more importantly, was easy to read. I could relate to the vulnerability of Steve and his determination to fight for what he believed was the truth, as well as his innocence. I wanted to give Steve the benefit of the doubt, believing that he was innocent along the way. At some points throughout the book, you stop and think, "Wait, maybe Steve did have something to do with this- is he guilty?" But you ultimately find yourself sticking true to the main character, almost wanting to protect him from the cruelty behind bars and of the others involved in the case. This book was a great read, fairly short, and although contains some gruesome details, you just can't put it down.
Throughout this book, we encounter Steve telling the story, piece by piece, of how he was charged with murder. A case, in my own opinion, of the "wrong place, wrong time" scenario for Steve who ended up taking the fall for another's actions. The bulk of the story takes place with Steve in his cell, although we do move with him as he goes to trial (in the courtroom) and his daily life around jail. The title of the book comes from a name that the prosecutor calls Steve, as he is in the courtroom, during the trial. The main characters of this book involve Steve's attorney Kathy O'Brien, who seems to disbelieve Steve from the beginning. Sandra Petrocelli, the prosecutor, who seems to have it out for everyone. James King, a thug involved in the crimes and "Bobo" Evans who seems to have the biggest mouth around, willing to do whatever it takes to cover his own behind. There is also Osvaldo Cruz, a gang member who tries to put on an act to save his reputation and other witnesses who were at the scene.
I think the reason I liked this book so much was the accessibility of it. The reading, or language more importantly, was easy to read. I could relate to the vulnerability of Steve and his determination to fight for what he believed was the truth, as well as his innocence. I wanted to give Steve the benefit of the doubt, believing that he was innocent along the way. At some points throughout the book, you stop and think, "Wait, maybe Steve did have something to do with this- is he guilty?" But you ultimately find yourself sticking true to the main character, almost wanting to protect him from the cruelty behind bars and of the others involved in the case. This book was a great read, fairly short, and although contains some gruesome details, you just can't put it down.
Reading Journey Has Begun
This blog created for my EDU 330- Young Adult Literature class, has inspired me to do something much greater for love of reading. Not only will this blog be a safe haven for reading "dorks" much like myself but I will be able to compile not only my love of books but include titles and authors from my family, friends, and colleagues' interests as well. I will be reflecting on books I will be reading and creating a list of books I would recommend, a list of books that would be great to use in the classroom, and those that I think are worth a second glance.
I hope you enjoy and can't wait to pick up yet another book to "Read for Real"!
I hope you enjoy and can't wait to pick up yet another book to "Read for Real"!
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