Literature Circles, Post #1

8/26/2013

Literature Circles—Each quarter you will participate in one (or two) reading circle. This is a small group reading assignment. It is something akin to a book club.

You will be placed into groups based on your book choice. You may get your books from the school library, the public library, or my classroom library.

You will have 6 people in your group MAXIMUM and 4 people MINIMUM!

We will schedule your readings on a calendar in class, and you will be required to complete all 6 roles in literature circles.

See explanation of required roles on the Resources Tab. You will be required to post online at suttonclassroom.com in the discussion forum entitled, “Reading Circles.”

You will compose an initial post of 150 words, which will be due each Thursday at midnight. You will respond to one other person (this person can be in a class period other than yours). Your response will be 50 words and is due each Sunday at midnight.

You will read your reading circle book each day for 15 minutes at the beginning of class.

Please post a copy of this week's literature circle job that YOU completed this week. Make sure to include the title of the book and the author.

Then respond to one other person in YOUR literature group. You'll have to scroll around to find them.

Make sure to include only your first name and the first initial of your last name as well as your class period.

EXAMPLE:

Shelia S., p. 1

This week I was the Discussion Director. We are reading THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak. We read pages 1-92.

These are the questions I came up with to guide our discussion.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Make sure to create open ended questions and not YES/NO questions for your group to answer.

Clara L, Per 1

8/28/2013 08:46:01 am

I am the discussion director for " Tweak". by Nic Sheff.

1.What do you think about the story so far?

2.How would you react to it if you have an addiction? Would you try to stop? Or is it once you’re into it, you’re in it for life because it is hard to quit?

3.Do you think that drugs could help you release your stress in life?

4.What do you think about the author’s style of writing?

5. Do you think Nic will recover from his meth addiction? Why / Why not?

6. Judging by the way the author wrote this story, why do you think he writes It the way he does? By using a lot of cursing words, and descriptive details?

7. Do you think this book will inspire teenagers or even adults who are in the same kind of addictions, to be able to realize the consequences and effect on their life, and finally quit and start a new life? Why / Why not?

everett

9/16/2013 09:29:42 am

5 is a good one to ask and i think he will never become sober once you hit drugs your body loves and hates it its like an itch that can never be scratched only very few people can recover but the amount of years he has done drugs i say no he wont.

Rosakon C., Per. 1

8/28/2013 02:01:40 pm

Sold by Patricia McCormick

Summarizer:
This story takes place on a farm with a small family of four. The narrator (and main character) is a girl who helps her mother do house chores and care for her baby brother. This family struggles with their life on a day-to-day basis, and as if their conditions weren’t hard enough, the narrator’s stepdad gambles the money and belongings away. Not even nature is on this family’s side. They went through a dry period, when there was no rain to water the crops. The scorching hot sun was brutal, forcing the family to trade more of their belongings and crops for food. When the rain finally came, it did not stop. Their roof leaked everywhere, and their crops were washed away. These conflicts build up the story and cause readers to wonder what will happen next and how the characters will solve their problems. As a reader, this book opened my eyes to notice that while I have easy access to the simple necessities in life (such as water and food), others struggle so much more yet obtain so much less.

Stacie Lee

8/29/2013 04:25:08 pm

Rosakon , this is a great summary of the story Sold. The first fourty-four pages of the story seem to illustrate the background of the character, such as the poor state that her family is in. I'm glad you ended this with sort of a "thinking" question , like what will happen to the character? Because in the story, it mentions that boys signify successful child, but girls are just burden. So perhaps, what can Lakshmi do?

Vivian L., Period 5

8/29/2013 07:51:43 am

I am the discussion director for “The Stranger" by Albert Camus.

1) How did Maman die?

2) Why was there a religious funeral planned for Meursault's mom even though she wasn't a religious person?

3) Was Thomas Perez really Maman's fiance or was he just a close friend that only had Maman as his only friend?

4) Why was Meursault's boss so annoyed at him for taking only 2 days off for the funeral and the weekend after that?

5) Why doesn’t Meursault even feel sad that his mom is gone forever now?

6) Why is Meursault so cold and detached instead of grieving for his mother at the funeral like all of her other friends at the retirement home?

7) Is Meursault really that heartless to not really care much about his own mother and only is happy to go back home or is he just trying to hide how he feels.

Dylan N.

9/1/2013 01:42:30 pm

These are really some interesting questions. The death of the mother is still a mystery throughout Chapter 2. Meursalt probably had feelings for his mother, maybe he is bottling or containing it inside. He is probably replacing all that sadness with meeting friends and old co worker. The boss is upset maybe because of Meursalt taking 4 days off instead of 2. The boss made him feel guilty about taking a day off anyways, so he is probably even more upset now because of the extension.

Clara L, Per 5

8/29/2013 08:28:26 am

Yela M., Period 5

9/1/2013 02:55:11 pm

1. The story so far is by far the most interesting book I have ever read, because it's different from all the other books that I've read.

2. At that moment, I'd feel relieved & enjoy ever aspect of it. However, I will try my best to stop the addiction. It's definitely going to be hard to quit.

3. I honestly believe that drugs can relieve stress, but it's not the only choice. There are other alternatives to relieve stress, which does not involve harming yourself.

4. He's basically writing an autobiography, with a twist of fiction.

5. I think he will be able to in the future. He has tried his hardest to quit for a while, and stayed for about a few months, but all of a sudden, because of his influences, he got back to doing drugs.

6. Why not? In my opinion it makes the story much more interesting. This author is very blunt with his words.

7. I have not read too much about the story, but from what I've read, I doubt they'll realize the consequences at that moment. It's a hard to quit doing drugs, because it is such a stress reliever, and it's just satisfying. It all depends on the individual to choose whether to change their life or not.

Crystal Li period 2

9/16/2013 01:09:31 pm

This book seems to be an interesting book to read with many ups and downs that makes you want to continue reading to find out what's happening next.

Victoria Y. Period 1

8/29/2013 10:27:52 am

"The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger

Job this week: Connector

Topic: When I started to read this book, it became evident that this teenage boy wasn't satisfied with his life; teenage angst has probably been around for as long as schools started. Holden Caulfield, the main character, feels out of sync with the world around him; his parents, his friends, his teachers, and his peers. He doesn't connect with anyone, especially the "popular kids", who he loathes.

Questions:
Can you relate to Holden's experiences?
Do you know someone who has felt this way or is feeling this way?
How will Holden's attitude towards everyone affect his relationships with others?
How can you deal with people like this?

Jimmy Nguyen Period 1

9/11/2013 01:14:42 am

This is a good topic because many teenage could relate to this story.

Benjamin Trinh., Period 2

9/16/2013 03:14:00 am

Wow, I am reading this book too! From what you wrote, this sounds extremely interesting. Maybe if I continue to read into my book, I will discover more new and unique things.

Justin Saisho

9/16/2013 01:47:06 pm

Wow Victoria! This is a great example that could connect to all high school students. Its great how you found out all of the this by reading this book

Xinyi C. per, 5

8/29/2013 10:35:14 am

I'm a discussion director for SOLD wrote by " Patricia McCormick".

1. What do you think about Lakshmi?

2. What do you think the writer want to tell us in this part?

3.What do you think about the story?

4. What do you think will happen to Lakshmi?

5. Will you be like Lakshmi if you were her?

Jasmine K. Period 6

8/29/2013 11:06:17 am

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Connector:
"Ender's Game" is very similar to a book series that I've read called "Harry Potter". In "Ender's Game", there is a boy named Ender who is sent to the International Battle School in Space to be trained to attack aliens that will invade Earth. In "Harry Potter" the main character Harry is sent to a wizard school called Hogwarts to learn more about magic and become a powerful wizard. Both Harry and Ender are very alike based on their personalities. They're both a bit shy and they both figure things out in their schools. Their social situations are also very similar. Ender has only about 2 friends in the beginning and is bullied by a boy named Bernard. Harry also has 2 friends in the beginning and is bullied by a boy named Draco Malfoy. Ender and Harry are both the chosen ones and they have the ability to save their worlds.

Lewen M., Period 6

9/1/2013 10:48:02 am

Great connections Jasmine! I can see how Ender's Games relates to Harry Potter. That is very insightful of you to see these specific details of both Harry and Ender. Good Job :)

Tyler F. Period 6

9/1/2013 11:15:55 am

Wow Jasmine, never knew you read Harry Potter. This was a great connection and good point. I glad you connected Ender's Game with such a well known book because now more people might read Ender's Game due to the similarities Harry Potter and Ender. I wonder how much longer will these two stories connect and how different will they each become towards the end of the story.

Celine Wong. Period 5

9/16/2013 05:49:12 am

Hey Jasmine! I like how you connected Ender's Game to Harry Potter. I can see how each book relates to one another and it's quite interesting how both books have so much in common. Great Job!

Kyrstin N P. 1

8/29/2013 12:05:51 pm

I am the discussion director for the book "Sold" byPatricia Mccormick.

1. where does the story take place?
2. how many family members does Lakshmi have?
3. What is her step father like?
4. Who is Ama an what is her importance?
5. Why doesn't the step father work?
6. What do you think made the author write about this kind of story?

Kami T. Period 1

9/5/2013 06:28:44 am

Kyrstin, these are some great questions! I was curious of who was Ama too. I was not sure if it is her mom or not. I also was wonder why the step father does not work as well, but i think it is because he cannot hold a job.

Ronald H., Period 6

8/29/2013 01:23:03 pm

Sold by Patricia McCormick

Connector:
I have heard of many stories about sexual slavery. I have seen a movie called, "Taken", in which girls are caught and drugged, and then get raped by men. This story is about the same thing but that the main character does get caught or drugged. She is forced to as the men says in order to earn money for her family.

Alex K.

9/1/2013 02:40:43 pm

This book is very sad because she had no idea what was happening to her. She was given the wrong information about what to expect.

Alex K. Period 6

9/1/2013 02:41:27 pm

Dylan N, Period 5

8/29/2013 01:23:55 pm

I am the illustrator for “The Strangers” by Albert Camus.
For the illustration that I drew up involves the protagonist, Meursault standing next to the coffin (which is sealed) that his mother is buried in. The other characters in the picture are the director and his mother’s friends. I drew this illustration because without the death of Meursault’s mother, he would not be in Marengo meeting the people that loved her mother. The director told Meursault to not feel bad because the most he could have done, was giving his salary to his mother. Meursault had to ask his boss for days off to attend his mother’s funeral and his boss made Meursault feel guilty for asking that request. This illustration simply represents the beginning of the story where Meursault begins his adventure with his mother’s death. With this tragedy occurring in Meursault’s life, he meets new people and old co-workers.

Alex K. Period 6

8/29/2013 01:35:27 pm

I am the discussion director for "Sold" by Patricia McCormick.

1. What do you think of the story?

2. Does book capture your attention? Why?

3. Would you do what the stepfather did for survival?

4. Do you think this is a good story?

5. Do you think this still happens in our modern world?

6. What would you do if you were in this situation? (no money, barely surviving, might not have food on the table for you)

7. Do you think Lakshmi will ever get back to her family?

Tyler F. Period 6

8/29/2013 01:53:17 pm

Ender's Game, by Orson Scott Card.
Illuminator-
"'How can you know all this?' 'We monitored your brother and sister, Ender. You'd be amazed at how sensitive the instruments are. We were...We understand.' 'So my parents love me and don't love me?' 'They love you. The question is whether they wnat you here. Your presence in this house is a constant...' 'Valentine loves me.' 'With all her heart...I told you it wouldn't be easy.'"(23).
-Well, in this conversation between Ender and Colonel Graff, we see the start of Ender's career. Notice how manipulative Colonel Graff is and how Ender reacts. Remember that Ender is still a six year old boy so Graff perfectly digs into the boy weakness. Just wanted to pay attention to the beginning of Ender's career and how it started on crooked truths and the manipulation of a little boy. Let's remember this point when we reach the end and see how Ender changed throughout the book.
Another quote i that was funny is, "My name is Dap. I'm your mom for the next few months." (40).
- Just imagine yourselves just leaving your family, all alone with twenty other boys or girls. How would you feel about a man saying he was your mother? Kind of weird yeah.

Jasmine K. Period 6

9/4/2013 12:33:12 pm

I agree with you on how Colonel Graff was very manipulative and that Ender is just six years old, so he doesn't really understand what he's getting into. I think it's so strange how they start training boys to fight at that age;that's like child labor. I also agree that the second quote is weird and funny.

Helen T. Period 2

8/29/2013 01:54:16 pm

I am the summarizer for " Tweak". by Nic Sheff.

A boy named Nic Sheff had just finished 18 months of being clean from drugs until he started using again. It began with a girl named Lauren who was a high school exgirlfriend. He explains his past for about a chapter and how his father had put him into multiple rehab centers and then meets up with a drug dealer named Gack. Nic then engages in a relationship with Lauren and one day, when he gets high with Gack, he comes up with a brilliant idea to become a drug dealer. Gack sets him up with a guy he knows who then proceeds to steal $200 from Nic. Gack looks at the upside and tells Nic that they would earn the money back for him so they set out to sell the drugs.

Adam Diaz, P.1

9/11/2013 01:26:28 am

Helen this is an exceptional summary of the book "Tweak," just by reading your summary I feel like this will be the next book I read. I am interested in stories that deal with drugs and actions that are not accepted by mainstream society and how humans react to those actions. Overall great summary!

John H. Period 5

8/29/2013 02:05:24 pm

I am the Word Watched for CHINA BOY by Gus Lee.

There was one word in the book that I was confused with due to me not knowing the definition. That word is destitute. Destitute means "lacking something needed or desirable." In this book, the mother of the family emphasizes the phrase "My Only Son." This is an important phrase because to the Chinese, having a son is very important. They are the ones that would pass on the family name to the future generations to come. Because of this deep rooted tradition, the mother cares for Kai the most and loves him the most so that he would be a healthy and talented person when he grows up. But it also burdens him as her expectations for him is so great that it might stress him out if he is unable to produce the wanted results.

Ronald H. Period 6

8/31/2013 07:34:02 am

I agree with you, John, that every family want their son to be someone that will able to continue the family traditions. Kai's mother is just like any other mothers that wants her own son to grow up strong and intelligent. In every Chinese family, the expectations for the oldest child is always the highest because they want to younger ones to look up to their older brother/sister. Of course, they would get the most stress to keep up with the expectations of their parents.

Lisa D., Period 5

9/1/2013 09:05:15 am

I agree that the term "My Only Son" is important. Although the mother protects her son and cares for him, it will become a burden later on. Kai will not know how to care for himself and fit into the neighborhood because the mother does not even let him go outside. Now that the mother has passed away, Kai will have to solve the diffuculties of life by himself.

Chanel L., Period 6

8/29/2013 02:15:19 pm

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Discussion Director:

1) What do you think about the story so far?

2) Do you like the characters?

3) Can you relate to the book?

4) Would you agree or disagree with how maids have to use different bathrooms?

5) Do you think Skeeter is nice?

6) If you were Aibileen what would you do?

7) What will happen next?

8) If you can change anything in the book, what would you change?

9) If you met the author, what questions would you ask about the book?

10) What is the most important/ interesting part in the story?

Michelle Z. Period 5

8/29/2013 02:25:02 pm

China Boy by Gus Lee
Connector:
1. In China Boy, Kai’s family had to escape China due to the Civil War between the communists and the nationalists. Like the Civil War in China, Syria has internal conflicts in the country that has forced millions of families to escape to find a safer place to live. The Syrians, like Kai’s family, left almost everything behind in an attempt to find a better life for themselves and hope for a better future.

2. Kai’s mother looks down on his older sisters because in Chinese culture, sons are more “treasured” than daughters. Today, in China, due to the one-child-only policy, songs are more prized than daughters. In many of the orphanages and foster homes in China, most children are girls. This fact shows that even sixty years later, the Chinese’s views on girls and boys did not change a lot.

3. Kai's father has a demanding job that takes him away from his family most of the time. Like many working parents in the modern day, Kai's father does not have time for his family and does not take care of his family very well.

Caitlin Lian Eckvahl. Period 1

8/29/2013 02:30:20 pm

I am the discussion director for the book "The Help", by Kathryn Stockett. The following questions are for chapters 1-7.

1. Out of the three characters so far, who is your favorite? Why?

2. What do you think of the author's writing style?

3. How do you feel about the way Miss Leefolt is raising her child?

4. What do you think of Miss Hilly's "Home Help Sanitation Initiative"?

5. What do you think of Miss Celia? Do you suspect anything about the way she treats Minny? Why?

6. Do you think Minny gets caught at the end of Chapter 4 (pg. 62)? Why or why not?

7. What do you think of Miss Skeeter? And what do you think her idea is on pg. 104?

Jiamin Li, Period 1

8/29/2013 02:34:19 pm

I am the connector for "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Wall.
Connection 1: In chapter two, I know that Jeannette who was the author of the book, her family had moved a lot during her childhood. The Walls family (with three children) lived a transient life in which they live briefly in Las Vegas, San Francisco, and various small desert towns. I have seen a news from the internet, it is said that Americans change their jobs seven times and move their houses eleven times averagely in their life time. I think it is not good to the children’s life because children will a unstable family will not feel comfortable.

Connection 2: Jeannette’s father is bright and creative when not drinking. He reminds me my uncle was a man who was successfully in his business work. Since he had earn many money, he had spend all his time gambling in the casino. Every time he had gone back home, he would get mad at his wife, even beat at her.

Connection 3: One of the most interesting or important connection that comes to mind is Jeannette’s father use an unusual way to teach her. For example, When they went to San Francisco and stayed in the hotel, Jeanette experimented with fire in the bathroom of the hotel, a few nights later the hotel caught fire. She wondered if the fire that burned her when she was cooking hot dogs is related to the fire she was flushing down the toilet and the fire that just burned the hotel. I remember her father had told her to face down her enemy,fire at her age of three. Is it that differently from other family who told their children when they failed on something don’t try it again instead of faced the difficulty without a tremor?

Vivian L. Period 5

9/1/2013 05:36:13 am

Jiamin, you had some great connections. I agree with you for the first connection where it's not fair for the kid to live in an unstable home and have to change their lives because of their family.

Kevin T., Period 5

8/29/2013 02:35:48 pm

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

I am the illuminator for the week.

My 3 passages for the week:

1. Then Ender looked at the others coldly. "You might be having some idea of ganging up on me. You could probably beat me up pretty bad. But just remember what I do to people who try to hurt me. From then on you'd be wondering when I'd get you, and how bad it would be." He kicked Stilson in the face. Blood from his nose spattered the ground nearby. "It wouldn't be this bad," Ender said. "It would be worse." (Ch. 1)

2. Peter walked to the bed, and sure enough, he did not lift himself up to his bed. Instead he came and stood by Ender's head. But he did not reach for a pillow to smother Ender. He did not have a weapon. He whispered, "Ender, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I know how it feels. I'm sorry, I'm your brother. I love you. "A long time later, Peter's even breathing said that he was asleep. Ender peeled the bandaid from his neck. And for the second time that day he cried. (Ch. 2)

3. "But it's more complicated than that. Your father still named you with legitimate saints' names. In fact, he baptized all three of you himself as soon as he got you home after you were born. And your mother objected. They quarreled over it each time, not because she didn't want you baptized, but because she didn't want you baptized Catholic. They haven't really given up their religion. They look at you and see you as a badge of pride, because they were able to circumvent the law and have a Third. But you're also a badge of cowardice, because they dare not go further and practice the noncompliance they still feel is right. And you're a badge of public shame, because at every step you interfere with their efforts at assimilation into normal complying society." (Ch. 3)

Benjamin F. Period 5

8/29/2013 02:40:58 pm

"The Help" By Kathryn Stockett
Discussion Directer:

1. Do you think that the colored help is like a second mom to the white child they take care of or are they simply look as a maid?

2. How different do the white people speak compared to the colored help?

3.Do you think Abileens's son's death could of been prevented?

4. Why do you think Minny's employer was put in a home?

5. Do you think the lies about Minny that Mrs.Hilly told could be true?

6. Do you think the white employers should build a separate bathroom for the colored help?

7. Why do you think Mrs Foote won't tell her husband about hiring Minny.

8. What is "Crisco' good for?

Nicole G., Period 6

8/29/2013 02:40:59 pm

Illustrator for Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card.

I decided to draw the scene in which Ender sends out a message to all the desks that reads:

COVER YOUR BUTT. BERNARD IS WATCHING.
--GOD

in which Bernard responds back to Ender with: "I KNOW IT WAS YOU."

In an attempt to lure Shen away from the clutches of Bernard and into becoming an ally, Ender slyly hacks into the system and disguises his identity to create that message. I thought this scene was intense because I wondered, "does Bernard really know?" Was this some sort of foreshadowing--that Bernard is more intelligent than he lets on, and that he's plotting something vindictive? But it's going to be a tough battle if they remain enemies, because Ender is completely one step ahead. I also questioned if Bernard has an ulterior motive for his antagonism towards Ender, and if so, what is it? Or is he merely afraid/intimidated, and tries to hide it by putting on a brave front?

Clarissa H. period 5

9/12/2013 12:37:55 pm

Nicole, I really enjoyed the explanation about your illustration of the book "Ender's Game". Your thoughts about any ulterior motives from the character were very interesting and I will definitely check out this book next!

Clarissa H. period 5

9/12/2013 12:38:03 pm

Clarissa H. period 5

9/12/2013 12:38:19 pm

Clarissa H. period 5

9/12/2013 12:38:27 pm

Clarissa H. period 5

9/12/2013 12:38:54 pm

Kathy F. , Period 1

8/29/2013 02:56:58 pm

"The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak.

I am the connector.
Although I cannot relate to most of Liesel's life (especially since she spent most of her childhood being a foster child), I can relate to Liesel's struggle with reading. I used to be an ELD student, and I couldn't read the same books that my classmates have read. I needed extra help just like Liesel did. Like Liesel, I went to a family member for help and we tackled the hard words one at a time. Also, this book reminds me of “Night” because both of these books refer to the time of the Holocaust. What I thought was pretty neat was the fact that the main characters of the story have different perspectives. In “Night”, the main character is Jewish and suffering in Nazi camps, while the main character in “The Book Thief” is a German youth with absolutely no idea of what is happening (at this point in the story). I feel like we ( the youth) are like Liesel; we have absolutely no clue of what is truly happening and our judgments are clouded by media or the words/rumors of others.

John H. Period 5

9/1/2013 01:19:13 pm

I totally agree with what you're saying Kathy. I too have read "Night" and the way you connect the two books together is extremely accurate as the characters are of the same era. I also agree with how we as youths easily have the truths hidden from them. Children seem to be easily manipulated by television, newspapers, adults, and peers.

Lisa D., Period 5

8/29/2013 03:16:47 pm

China Boy by Gus Lee
Illuminator

1) "Had Janie been born healthy, she ironically would have been the new Worthless Daughter, freeing Megan from the rank. Janie would have been the child with a living nonmother, cursed with being yet another in a line of honorless females and unborn sons" (23).
This passage is important to the story because it clearly displays the Chinese culture present in the household, despite living in an all-black San Francisco neighborhood. It confirms how old habits die hard as the second daughter, Megan, is mistreated by the mother due to her sex. This is probably not a surprise to many Asian children even today because sons are still considered to be useful and are favored over girls. This custom also explains why Kai is so protected by the mother: he is the one and only son who can bring honor to the family.
2) “Mah-mee did not let me go outside with the other children…” ( )
This passage is important because it is one of many reasons why Kai did not adapt to American culture early on. We know why Kai’s mother is so protective of Kai, but this decision would make it harder for Kai to fit into his neighborhood. In the beginning, the story opens up with Kai being bullied because he is Chinese and so different from the other kids. Although Kai’s mother thought she was shielding Kai from the cruel things in the world, coupled with Kai’s bad vision and small stature, it will later be more of a curse than a blessing.
3) “After The Run, Mah-mee asserted her independence…” ( )
This passage is important because it is one of the main problems that Kai will have to deal with. Mah-mee was a traditional woman, always being devoted to her husband and her father, but in some ways, she has learned to assimilate into American culture as well. Chinese women are taught to be quiet and raise the children at home, but the mother was a woman that voiced her thoughts to her husband and was eager to be educated on Eastern culture as well as Western. It is also kind of funny that she never gets in trouble for her bizarre actions because she is beautiful. Unfortunately, she did not teach Kai any of these traits, and he will learn the hard way on how to balance his Chinese identity and a new, Americanized one.

*Sorry, will reply with page numbers soon.

Victoria L., Period 5

9/1/2013 12:33:31 am

Those are great quotes that you choose. It shows the background information of the story and of the Chinese culture.

Jean M., Period 2

8/29/2013 03:21:48 pm

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Connector:
Racial discrimination existed in the United States ever since the 1800s, especially in the South. Like AIbileen, Minny, and many characters in the story, African Americans during that time have to face with the problem of racial discrimination their whole life on a daily basis. Since there were no laws to protect them against racial discrimination, African Americans, including other minorities, were unable to avoid facing this issue because they were not considered as citizens of the United States; therefore, they had no rights. However, as more stories of racial discrimination spread across the nation, African Americans started to gain more rights and eventually, the government established laws to prevent this issue. Although in today society, racial discrimination is considered illegal, colored people still have to face with this problem from time to time. For example, when President Obama ran for president in his first term, some people, especially white, decided not to vote for him due to his skin color. This clearly demonstrated the existence of racial discrimination in today’s society.

Yela M., Period 5

8/29/2013 03:27:20 pm

Tweak by Nic Sheff

Illustrator:
The scene I drew, is when the main protagonist Nic and his drug buddy Gack, stopped to pick up some coffee and croissants as they were speeding away from a Hispanic resident. A while back, Nic used to go there and just chill with his friends. However, as Nic drove out of Bovine Bakery, he almost crashed into a blue Volvo station wagon coming from the other side of the street. The person in the blue Volvo station wagon, turns out to be Nic’s stepmom. Both Nic and his stepmom recognize each other as they slammed on their brakes. Nic quickly backed away and drove off in speed. His stepmom chases after him honking like a crazy maniac. Gack did not know what was going on. Infinite negative thoughts of his stepmom and his dad was running through Nic’s mind as he’s driving recklessly. He’s thinking of how furious they might of been with him, and how disappointed they were when he left the family. But after all Nic has done, he never lost respect for Karen, his stepmother.

Brandon F., Period 1

8/29/2013 04:02:10 pm

ILLUMINATOR: (Sold)
"'Even a man who gambles away what little we have on a fancy hat and a new coat,' she says, 'is better than no man at all'" (38).
I chose this quotation because it displays man's dominance in domestic affairs. It also reveals women's docile behavior in the context.
"I ask Ama why. 'Why,' i say, 'must women suffer so?'
'This has simply been our fate,' she says.
'Simply to endure,' she says, 'is to triumph'" (16).
I chose this quotation because it outlines the strength and empowerment of women which could be a possible motif throughout the story. It also offers a comparison between this society and that of Western civilization: Each has a differing social structure and gender roles.

"While I try to remember the days when the heat was so fierce, so relentless, so merciless, that we prayed for this rain" (32).
This quotation is significant because it emphasizes the struggle of under developing countries. Still dependent on weather and external conditioning for survival, the people convey how powerless humanity is.

Ken G., Per.6

8/29/2013 04:05:05 pm

I am the connector for "Catcher in the Rye", by J.D. Salinger.

This story revolves around a college student named Holden who is going to be dropped out of college. The narrator, himself talks about events and experiences that he had. I feel connected to the main character because he is a loser. The main character gives up easily, and does not try as hard, resulting in dropping out of college. He have no goal for now and is not looking foraward to his future. I am also sort of life that, for now I have bad grades, no goals, and is still confused. I also have a friend, whos a player like the one the Holden have, and have a good friendship with him. I would compare this story to me, because I really knows how Holden feels. I am looking forward for what's next, because I want to know how Holden respond to his failure. I want to see what he can or will do, and apply that to my own life.

Victoria Y. Period 1

8/30/2013 04:23:27 pm

I am also reading Catcher in the Rye and I also have the same job as you! I really feel that you shared a very deep personal connection to the book. You are very brave to come out and show how vulnerable you are and I admire that. I know this is minor but Holden Caulfield isn't dropping out of college, he is being "kicked out". Also he is sixteen which places him in high school.

Lewen M., Period 6

8/29/2013 04:18:26 pm

Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

Summarizer:
Ender’s Game takes place in the future on earth and in space. In the future, spouses are only allowed to raise two children, but Mr. and Mrs. Wiggin have a “third” child named Andrew (Ender) Wiggin, the main character. Ender is a 6-year-old boy who recently got his monitor removed. Peter Wiggin, Ender’s brother, hates Ender because Ender had the monitor for a year longer than Peter did.

At school, a boy named Stilson teases and corners Ender. Finding a way to escape, Ender kicks Stilson several times to stop anyone else from messing with him in the future. Little did Ender know that the situation was a test conducted by the government to examine Ender’s ability to stand up for himself.

Since Ender passed the test, Colonel Graff sends Ender into space to enter Battle School. On the ride to Battle School, Ender breaks Bernard’s arm because Bernard was teasing him. Ender felt sick knowing that he never intended to hurt anyone but to protect himself.

Ryan T, Period 2

8/29/2013 04:20:20 pm

I am the discussion director for "Tweak" by Nic Sheff

1. How do you like the book so far?

2. Do you think that Nic will eventually stop his drug addiction?

3. How will life be for Nic if he stops his drug abuse?

4. Is it possible for Nic to completely stop using drugs?

5. Do you like this authors style of writing? What could make it better?

6. Do you think this book will prevent kids from doing drugs and not become like Nic?

7. What do you think will happen next?

Stacie L , Period 1

8/29/2013 04:21:07 pm

Sold by Patricia McCormick

Summarizer :

The story begins with Lakshmi, a thirteen year old girl, who lives in a small hut (with no tin roof) with her family. She is taken care by Ama, her mother, and her stepfather, who doesn't seem to be that friendly. Ama is the main influence in Lakshmi's life. She's the one who teaches Lakshmi the role of a women , the role of a wife when she is later set to marry Krishna, and the role of a good daughter. The beginning focuses on myriad amounts of struggles they deal with everyday. One of the biggest problem was the lack of rain that their land received. And finally, when it did rain, and the monsoons kicked in, the rain wouldn't stopped. As a result, it washed away all the remains of the family's crops. This results in many more struggles to come with the family, and how to solve it.

Rosakon C., Period 1

9/2/2013 08:25:27 am

I like that you mentioned her roles as she grows older. I think that the story will show her changing from the little girl at the front cover of the book to a very different and mature girl at the back cover. Along with her character development, I like that you mentioned how dependent these characters are on natural resources.

Jacqueline W., Period 1

8/29/2013 04:31:37 pm

I am illustrator for the book "Sold" by Patricia McCormick.

Chapman L., Period 6

8/29/2013 04:49:53 pm

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Word Watcher:
There are two key words that describe the two things that cause the major conflicts of the story: bugger and Third. Both words are consistently used like the typical slang. They are both nouns. Bugger is a name used to call the extraterrestrials that attacked Ender's Earth. The usage of this word is usually with disdain and hatred. To Ender, he doesn’t really hate the buggers despite how the rest of society does. Third is the third child of a family. In Ender's universe being the third child was something that was thought of as weird and uncommon. Being the Third child, Ender is commonly bullied and teased. This plays a big role in his actions and thoughts. The military wanted his parents to have third child, because they were searching for the next commanding officer who can protect the Earth. They believed that Ender could be the midpoint of his aggressive brother and moderate sister, thus putting high hopes like the “Chosen One”.

Tommy C., Period 5

8/29/2013 05:39:47 pm

The Help by Katheryn Stockett

Summairzer:
The story opens with Aibileen telling of her work as a maid for a Miss. Leefolt. As the story progresses, the reader gets to see the story told from two other perspectives, Minnie and Miss Skeeter’s perspectives. The scene where Miss Skeeter and Aibileen hold a private conversation in the kitchen after the Miss Leefolt’s club meeting was an important event that occurred. During that conversation, Miss Skeeter asked Aibileen the mysterious question, “Do you ever wish you could …change things?” How Aibileen will respond to this question will probably determine the future events that will occur later on in the story, weaving all the way to the climax. The alternating narration between the three main characters implies a relationship or possibly cooperation amongst them to achieve a certain common goal, and this goal can probably be defined by the course of action Aibileen takes in order respond to Miss Skeeter’s initial question.

Marjorie L., Period 5

8/29/2013 09:20:21 pm

THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett

Discussion director:
1. After hearing from Aibileen in chapter 6, what do you think happened to Constantine? Will Skeeter and Constantine ever meet again?

2. Describe Skeeter's relationship with Constantine.

3. Why do you think Miss Celia is afraid to tell her husband about hiring a maid (Minny)? What might happen if Miss Celia does tell her husband?

4. What do you think of the story so far?

5. Who's your favorite character so far? Why?

Mindy M., Period 6

8/30/2013 06:07:42 am

THE CATHER IN THE RYE by J. D. Salinger

Word Watcher:
The most frequently used word in the novel is phony. It is used both as a noun and as an adjective in this section.The definition is fake or fraudulent person or thing. This word reveals the personality and thinking of the narrator Holden Caulfield. Since Holden had some unsatisfied experiences, he did not believe in people around him.While he was talking to others, he always suspected other people's words. He was suspicious because he thought people were lying to him. He liked to guess everyone's intention and thought. Holden was sick of this world which was filled with lies and dishonesty. Therefore, he wanted to escape as soon as possible to get rid of all the troubles.

Amy Z. Period 6

8/31/2013 05:31:11 am

Phony is a word I saw a lots in the first four chapters. As the narrator, Holden used the word "phony" frequently because he is unsatisfied with his life and everything around him which showed his hopelessness and despair toward his life.

Lillian L., Period 5

8/30/2013 09:30:18 am

I'm the word watcher for "Sold"

churning: "palm frond machine lazily churning the same sultry city air", "dust churns", "my stomach churns". This word is used in several ways and has several meanings: 1. To agitate or stir (milk or cream) in order to make butter. 2. To shake or agitate vigorously:

earrings: Ama's earrings symbolizes Ama's happiness to Lakshmi.

rickshaw: a new word in this section that means a light two-wheeled hooded vehicle drawn by one or more people, used chiefly in Asian countries.

Jia L.

8/30/2013 09:38:35 am

Well, sorry for being late on this.
Job: Connector
Well, "Ender's Game" surely is a great book about a child who is looked down upon and bullied, but has the power to rise up to all that. This book connects to many people out there who are faced with bullies, and they should stand up for themselves. Bullies are up for a surprise, because a six year old can break someone's arm and can beat someone up. Quite interesting how "Ender's Game" reflects upon society. How people look down upon someone who looks inferior or weak.

Brian K. Period 6

8/30/2013 09:42:32 am

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Discussion Director:

1) Do you enjoy the book so far? and why?

2) If you were in Ender's situation, how would you react?

3) What do you think will happen next? and Why?

4) What do you think about this whole situation that Ender is in?

5) How do you think might the other character impact Ender's future?

6) What is the most important event so far?

Victor H.

8/30/2013 02:17:03 pm

THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett

Word Watcher:

The words that particularly stuck out to me were "the help", "sass", and "Law!". I found out that the help referred to the black maids. They help out the white people with household chores and such for very low pay. The narrator in this book is a help. They refer to other maids as the help also. This story took place in a time where segregation was still heavily in place in America. So maids don't get their names mentioned, but instead are all named the help. Sassing is the act of back talking. Some maids have problems with their white bosses because the white people are very demanding and treat them far inferior as if they were still slaves. Usually maids that want to keep their jobs would keep quiet and ignore it. But maids that can't keep their mouth shuts would talk back and they would have very bad reputations as maids. "Law!" is an onomatopoeia that means "Lord!" but through the accent of African Americans. The narrator yells this quiet frequently.

Emily T. Period 2

8/30/2013 02:29:39 pm

"The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
Word Watcher
There were two words that showed up in the book that jumped out at me: boy and bull. J.D Salinger used the words in a way where we wouldn't think of it. Boy could mean a lot but in this context he makes it seem like Holden is a child and not a 17 year old teenager. Bull is also used as Holden was tired of listening to lies and what he should and shouldn't be doing and to express how angry he is at himself.

Lisa D., Period 5

9/1/2013 08:56:09 am

The Catcher in the Rye is a book that I think revolves around "bull". Not only does everyone seem to lie to Holden, but because the narrator of the story is Holden himself, we don't know if what he is telling us are lies are well. I agree that Holden is not seen as a teenager by everyone else, but a boy. I think this is partly his fault because he does not know how to take care of himself, resulting in his current stay at an institute.

Amy Z. Period 6

8/31/2013 05:27:19 am

Illuminator

"Besides, I’m not going to tell you my whole goddam autobiography or anything. I’ll just tell you about this madman stuff that happened to me around last Christmas just before I got pretty run-down and had to come out here and take it easy" (1)

The protagonist of The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield, also the narrator, seems really depressed about his early life that he doesn't want to mention about his “whole goddam autobiography”. This text also mentions that something catastrophic has happened in his life during Christmas, which he described as “madman stuff”. This text shows how Holden is unsatisfied with his current life, and he is in the quandary at a teenager age. It makes me think about the reality which teenagers have a lot of conflicts with their surroundings in their life. More importantly, this text reflects the kind of realism of the depressed and anxious adolescent spiritual world from the realistic and vivid and detailed portrayal of a boy of middle-class family in the United States. The narrator will describe more detail about what things happened to him during Christmas next.

Amy Z. Period 6

8/31/2013 05:31:52 am

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Illuminator

Besides, I’m not going to tell you my whole goddam autobiography or anything. I’ll just tell you about this madman stuff that happened to me around last Christmas just before I got pretty run-down and had to come out here and take it easy.

The protagonist of The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield, also the narrator, seems really depressed about his early life that he doesn't want to mention about his “whole goddam autobiography”. This text also mentions that something catastrophic has happened in his life during Christmas, which he described as “madman stuff”. This text shows how Holden is unsatisfied with his current life, and he is in the quandary at a teenager age. It makes me think about the reality which teenagers have a lot of conflicts with their surroundings in their life. More importantly, this text reflects the kind of realism of the depressed and anxious adolescent spiritual world from the realistic and vivid and detailed portrayal of a boy of middle-class family in the United States. The narrator will describe more detail about what things happened to him during Christmas next.

Zhi Yu Deng, Period 1

8/31/2013 05:59:03 am

"The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls

Discussion Director:

1) What do you think about the story?

2) What is the main character's feeling about her childhood?

3) What cause her to be ashamed of her mother?

4) How do you feel about main character's story so far?

5) What do you think the reason could be for the family to run away？

6）How do the main character feel about getting burn?

7）Do you think this is a good story?

Sandy Nhan Period 6

8/31/2013 12:17:26 pm

THE CATCHER IN THE RYE by J.D. Salinger
Illuminator:
"You never knew if he was nodding a lot because he was thinking and all, or just because he was a nice guy that didn't know his ass from his elbow." page 8
-This stood out to me because it was the part where you can analyze the teacher's actions and personality.
"I'm the most terrific liar you ever saw in your life." page 16
-Throughout this book, I figure we should keep our eyes open for the truth and the lies Holden tells.
"They always look mossy and awful, and he damn near made you sick if you saw him in the dining room with his mouth full of mashed potatoes and peas or something." page 19
"He didn't like it when you called him 'Ackley Kid'. He was always telling me I was a goddamn kid, because I was sixteen and he was eighteen. It drove him mad when i called him 'Ackley kid." page 21
-Both of these explained what he's like to "Ackley kid" now, and hopefully we'll see a change as we continue reading.

Judy U. period 5

8/31/2013 03:35:39 pm

I am the illustrator for CHINA BOY by Gus Lee

My T. Period 2

8/31/2013 03:55:57 pm

I am the illuminator for "Sarah's Key" by Tatiana De Rosnay.

"Strangely, the concierge was already awake and waiting behind her door. The girl noticed she had an odd, gloating expression on her face. Why did she look like that, the girl wondered, why did she not glance at her mother, or at her, but only at the men, as if she did not want to see her or her mother, as if she had never seen them. And yet her mother had always been kind to this woman. She had looked after the concierge's baby from time to time, little Suzanne, who often fretted because of stomach pains, and her mother had been so patient, had sung to Suzanne in her native tongue, endlessly, and the baby had loved it, had fallen asleep peacefully" (17-18).
This passage shows that there are some people who will abandon you in times of hardship. They pretend to never have met you and insult you even though all this time, you have been nothing less but nice and kind to them. The passage reinforces the idea that only in time of difficulty, you will know who your "friends" really are. If your friends stand by your side, then are truly your friends. If they do not, then they are simply just people who are using you -- once they have discovered that there are no more use of you, then they would just leave you.

Kelly C period 2

9/1/2013 07:19:37 am

I really liked how you explained that passage. I didn't really understand what it meant until you went in depth and explained it with many details.

Shirley Ho, Period 2

9/3/2013 03:44:53 am

Even if they don't stand by your side doesn't mean they were just using you. You have to consider the conditions. It was during the holocaust so speaking up would cause youself a lot of problems. Would you speak up even if it meant you and your family would be in trouble? It hurts to turn a blind eye to something like that. It must have killed them to hear about the children.

My T. Period 2

9/5/2013 12:33:46 pm

I agree that it is difficult to speak up about one's true feelings, especially in such arduous condition. I also acknowledge that if I was living during World War II era, it is possible that I may not have the courage to assert their wrongdoings in fear that I or my family may lose our lives. However, in the case of the concierge, the woman shows no remorse nor compassion for Sarah and her family despite of Sarah's mother has helped her taking care of her child, little Suzanne. The concierge also informs the policemen of other Jewish families in the building, "She said she knew there were other families in the building next door. She pronounced their names with an expression of distaste, thought the girl, as if she was saying a swearword, one of those dirty words you were never supposed to utter" (18-19). These passages show that the concierge is simply pretending to be their friends in good time, and then leaves them when bad time comes.

Patina H. Period 2

9/4/2013 09:09:05 am

I find your interpretation to be very exact, at first i never would of thought the same idea. But you really know how to evaluate and dig deep. The passage you picked was a little long but it said its purpose
in its own way. You did a good job My as always!

Victoria L., Period 5

9/1/2013 12:29:09 am

"China Boy" by Gus Lee
Summarizer
The Ting family is from China and lives in San Francisco since 1944. The Ting family called their immigration "The Run" and Kai's sisters were dressed like peasant while Mah-mee(Mom) carried from China a book written by Tutor Luke of philosophy written from a female perspective. Kai is the only son in the family, and he has three older sisters named Jennifer Sung-Ah, Megan Wai-La, and Janie Ming-Li. Because the only male child in Kai Mother's first cousin's family in Ningshia died horribly after eating peanuts, Kai is forbidden to eat peanuts, but Kai's sisters can eat it. Kai's mother died because of cancer when Kai was 6 year old, unfortunately, Kai was sent away at the time of his mother's death, so Kai couldn't see his mother for the last time. The rituals of the Ting family are confused and forgotten because there's no elder women in the family to advise the sisters, therefore the father wants to find another women to help them.

Michelle Z.

9/1/2013 06:08:22 am

Victoria, I find your summary very helpful since I have read these pages a while ago and have forgotten most of the important details. It is very interesting that the page that we end on is the end of Kai's life with his real mother and the beginning of a new life with a woman that cannot accept his heritage and culture.

Michelle Z. Period 5

9/1/2013 06:09:47 am

Sorry, forgotten the period. I'm in period 5.

Chanel L., Period 6

9/16/2013 12:47:04 pm

Victoria, I like the summary you wrote about this book. It seems interesting. Maybe when I'm done I will read it next.

Tiffany W. Period 1

9/1/2013 12:35:33 am

"The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak
Word Watcher
"It suffices to say that at some point in time, I will be standing over your as genially as possible" (page 4), in this line the word genially is important because the word means marked by, diffusing sympathy or friendliness. Genially and amiable has the same meaning but use in different sentence. "A suddeness found its way onto his lips then which were a corroded brown color and peeling, like old paint." the word corroded pop out in my mind which i don't know that meaning of the word it means become destroyed by water, air , or a corrosive such as an acid. "In society, the higher echelons are composed of privileged people" in this line the word echelons is important and it pop out on the sentence it means a body of troops arranged in a line.

Kathy F. , period 1

9/1/2013 05:02:08 pm

Hey Tiffany, I really love the word that you picked, echelons.Not only did I have no idea what it means but I also think that it is such a strange word. I love how Death has such a dry sense of humor in the first sentence that you referred to. I love how having Death as a narrator gives us Liesel's point of view and also other aspects of the story.

Rainie Xie. period 1

9/1/2013 02:31:48 am

"The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls

ILLUMINATOR

"They might not notice I was missing; They might decide that it wasn't worth the drive back to retrieve me; that like Quoixote the cat, I was a bother and a burden they could do without."(37)
I chose this passage because it is interesting and important. Jeannette fell out of the car, and she thought her dad wouldn't come back to pick her. She was afraid but still calm, and this event showed that she was a smart and brave person.

" I turned to see where it was coming from and realized my dress was on fire. Frozen with fear, I watched the yellow-white flames make a ragged brown line up the pink fabric of my skirt and climb my stomach."
This passage is about Jeannette was fired when she was cooking(she was only three years old). After this accident, Jeannette didn't afraid of fire, instead, she liked to use the match to light the fire. She was special and brave.

"One time I saw a tiny Joshua tree sapling growing not too far from the old tree. I wanted to dig it up and replant it near our house. I told Mom that I would protect it from the wind and water it every day so that it could grow nice and tall and straight. Mom frowned at me. 'You'd be destroying what makes it special," she said. "It's the Joshua tree's struggle that gives it its beauty.'"
This passage tells us how Jeannette was educated by her mother. Jeannette always had different and strange ideas, but her partners were the same. However, the way her mother taught her about the Joshua tree showed that she knew how to treat everything and everyone well.

Amanda Cheng, Period 2

9/14/2013 05:32:47 pm

I like the passages you chose to write about. They are very touching. These passages makes the book sound very interesting and makes me want to read it. Jeannete seems like a very brave and tough girl. She also seems like a very good child who listens to her mother.

Kelly C. period 2

9/1/2013 07:13:16 am

Sold by Patricia McCormick
Connector:
"Sold" is about the hardships a family has to go thru. Due to their crops being washed away and no food to eat they have to sacrifice many things. In the country we live in we don't really have to suffer as much as Lakshima and her family do. As a young 13 year old preparing to marry. Our circumstances are by far different and better. The only thing we can really connect to with this family is economy and how we too aren't able to live the way we like. This story is very interesting because even though its fiction there are places were poor people have to produce their own food and live in poor conditions as well as getting married at a young age. Lakshima's stepfather doesn't seem to care and puts all the responsibility on his wife just like many men do in different parts of the world.

Derrick Lam, Period 1

9/1/2013 07:19:58 pm

I was the connector this week for “The Stranger" by Albert Camus.

In The Stranger the main character Monsieur Meursault is very bland. He doesn't feel anything or ever show his emotions. Even after his mother dies its doesn't affect him. I feel that I can connect to the main character because I never got to meet some of my grand parents and I feel emotionless whenever I think about them.

Michael Q., Period 1

9/16/2013 12:59:36 am

Wow Derrick, job well done and what a beautiful connection

Christine Lee Period 6

9/2/2013 09:45:13 am

"The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak

Discussion Director
1. Why does Liesel steal her first book even though she cannot read?
2. How does Hans Hubermann help Liesel get back on her feet after her brother's death?
3. What is your response to the way Rosa Hubermann treats Liesel?
4. Why did Liesel steal her second book?
5. What are your feelings for the way Liesel has the live?
6. If you were in Liesel's shoes during the book burning, what would you do?
7. Why does Liesel befriend Max?
8. What do you think will happen next after she befriends Max?

Luwei T., Per. 6

9/13/2013 10:17:31 am

Finally found one :D
1. Liesel stole the book because it was available to her. She found it on the ground next to where her brother was buried and wanted it as a memento.
2. He comforts her in the dark corners of the night when she has nightmares about him. She found caring and solace in an uncaring world thanks to him.
3. I'm familiar enough with this brand of parenting to not care.
4. (Well, she doesn't steal her second book, technically but) She takes the second book she steals because she was at that point interested in reading and once again the opportunity was readily available to her.
5. I don't think its the worst way a children can grow up. Its fairly average really, aside the nightmares. She goes to school, hangs out with family and friends, and chills.
6. I wouldn't have taken the book, but she took the chance and was successful, so... I'd like to think like many people that they would have been the ones to resist Nazi indoctrination but fughettaboutit.
7 & 8. I haven't gotten to this part yet.

Christine L., Period 6

9/16/2013 11:18:08 am

This book is definitely developing its plot. I can see that you've read this book in detail. I know that she didn't technically steal her second book but like you said, she takes it because of her interest. Hans has helped her a lot as a father and as a teacher.

Kaiqiang L Per.5

9/2/2013 10:14:50 am

I am Illuminator for the book "Sold" by Patricia McCormick.

Rico L. Per 2

9/2/2013 02:02:13 pm

Ender's Game
Illuminator
"Cover your butt, Bernard is watching-God"
-This passage shows Ender using computer skills to fight his enemy rather than confronting him in a fist fight. This is a smart move because Bernard have become the leader of their group.
"Ender walked in to Stilson's supine body and kicked him again"
-This passage highlights Ender's brilliance in winning a fight. Not only does he bring down the opponent, he also makes sure that they do not try to gang up on him again.

Stephany F., period 2

9/2/2013 02:19:31 pm

Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

“Connector”

• I can relate the book that my literature circle is currently reading to one that I had previously read my sophomore year. The book is called Night, and it was written by Elie Wiesel. Unlike Sarah’s Key, this book was based on a true story of a Jewish teenager’s harsh experience with his father in the Nazi concentration camps in Auschwitz and Buchenwald between 1944 and 1945. The book took place right at the peak of the Holocaust and towards the end of World War II. Although Elie is a few years older than Sarah, and they came from different backgrounds, nothing could change the fact that they had to wear the Star of David on their clothes and identify as being Jewish. Both were stripped of living normal lives along with their families, and had to struggle daily to survive being under Nazi control.

• At the beginning of the book, when Sarah and her family were taken from their homes by the French police, she was optimistic and kept telling herself that there was nothing to worry about, and everything would be OK. I can relate to her, because when I was little, I would be oblivious and think that only good could come out of a bad situation as well. It’s like I would lie to myself in order to keep calm and all I would do is be positive, and think that everything would get better sooner or later. Eventually, just like Sarah, however, I would jump back to reality and feel almost humiliated at how naïve I had been to believe that no matter what, things were always going to turn back to the way they were before.

Cindy M., Period 6

9/3/2013 02:35:44 am

I am the illustrator for "Sold" by Patricia McCormick. This is the scene when Lakshmi and Ama are standing in front of their dying field. The family of Lakshmi had been frustrated by the drought weather. Luckily, the monsoon came to Nepal. Lakshmi and Ama sat under the hut, expecting a bumper harvest and daydreaming a improved situation of their family. However, the monsoon was surprisingly terrible that it destroyed the unprotected crops on the field as well as the optimistic hearts of the mother and the daughter. This scene illustrates the tragedy of farmers. By realizing the difficulties of the poor, we seem to understand the reason for the poor to be superstitious.

Yongmin Mai., Period 6

9/5/2013 03:28:38 pm

This is a really detailed explaination, and you give a reason for choosing this scene.

Amanda Cheng, Period 2

9/14/2013 05:06:50 pm

This sounds like a very interesting and detailed scene. The way you described the scene really shows how devastating the tragedy was for the farmers. The monsoon destroying the crops on the field destroying many optimistic hearts is a great example of how sometimes things can turn out worse than we think and destroy our hopes.

Steven W. P.5.

9/3/2013 03:13:29 am

In the story “Tweak” by Nic sheff, a story based on his own past experiences. Nic, a former drug addict, finds strength to stay sober in his family, his writing, and other aspects of life. In the beginning of the story, Nic only smokes pot, but gradually used pot as his gateway drug into other drugs. It has led to him trying many other drugs such as methamphetamine, pyschedellic mushrooms, heroine, and speed as well. Nic is on and off with his twelve step programs, and relapses come and go. He doesn’t follow it 100%, which leads him to become the drug addict that he is now a week after the program has started. Although he manages to stay clean for 3 months, he gets a sudden urge of temptations to go ack to all the drugs he has done in the past that have made him who he is now, and how he acts. He uses for free, since he sells and uses the profits that he makes to use his own product.he fiaxtes his needs and wants by stealing money rom his family, parents, and evne from his little brothers and sisters who have no idea who is actually breaking into their homes, and stealing their food, money, and clothings. Now, up to 7 days span, he has experimented with more drugs now, than in his past five to six years. He loses and gains friends on the path to success and wealthiness.

Shirley Ho, Period 2

9/3/2013 03:45:56 am

I am the illustrator for Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay.

Kara L. Period 1

9/3/2013 04:44:07 pm

I am the illustrator for "Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger

Patina H. Period 2

9/4/2013 08:59:40 am

"Sarah's Key" by Tatiana de Rosnay
Discussion Director

1. how did you feel when Julia had thoughts about leaving Bertrand?

2.What was the most horrific part of the story so far and why?

3. If you could change the story somehow what would you change?

4. What side of the book is your favorite the past or present?

5. Do you think the brother is stilll alive? if so how?

6. Do you think sarah will get back home ever?

7. why do you think Sarah shows more courage in this situation than her own mother.

8. who is your favorite character of the story and why?

9. what made you choose this book in the first place?

10. if you could ask the author one question what would it be?

Kami T. Period 1

9/5/2013 06:24:05 am

I am the word watcher for the book "Sold" byPatricia Mccormick.

In the book, there was not very many words that were repeated since the book consists of a different topic almost every page. But one word that remains throughout the whole story is the title of the book "sold." The word sold means to sell something in order to receive money in return. In the book, Lakshmi has to sell herself to provide for her family. It shows how she will do anything to support and provide her family. Her owner pays her family money, but she has to pay off the debt by working for them. Also, her first blood is another word that will be throughout the book that stood out to me. Her first blood represented her first period, which meant that she was now a woman. She had to cover her face from men and she had to go hide in the shed until it was over. It caught my attention because i was so curious why she had to hide her face and stay hidden and it will be repeated throughout the book.

Steven W. P.5

9/5/2013 12:11:47 pm

“Tweak” by Nic Sheff

Word Watcher:
There are two key words that describe the two things that cause the major conflicts of the story: perfect and overwhelmed. Here is a quote from his story. “I always get so overwhelmed trying to do everything perfectly. I can't do a job and not put everything I have into it. I need to be the best employee, the best co-worker, the best whatever. I need everyone to like me and I just burn out bending over backward to make that happen. Having people be mad at me is my worst fear. I can't stand it. There is this crazy fear I have of being rejected by anyone - even people I don't really care about. It's always better to leave them first, cut all ties, and disappear. They can't hurt me that way - no one can.”

Alex K. Period 6

9/5/2013 01:02:18 pm

"If your husband asks you to wash his feet, you must do as he says, then put a bit of water in your mouth'
I ask Ama why. 'Why,' i say, 'must women suffer so?'
'This has simply been our fate,' she says.
'Simply to endure,' she says, 'is to triumph'" (16).
--I chose this quote because this is something we have to realize is still happening. We can't complain about how bad our lives are because these people have it worse. We may think we live in a horrible world but this is paradise to them. Spend some time to look a little longer and take in the things we have.
"We sit together, each savoring our secret treats and dreaming of the days after the monsoon." (30)
--They live in so much poverty, we take our items here for granted. We always have foods on our tables, but they have to worry about getting food on the table. We never think of these things because we are lucky.

Helen Trang Period 2

9/5/2013 01:14:28 pm

I am the Summarizer for the book "The Book Thief" By Markus Zusak.

This book is told through the point of view of death, who follows around a girl named Liesel Meminger. It opens by showing that the book thief (Liesel Meminger) and her brother named Werner traveling on a train to Munich. While their mother sleeps, Liesel watches her brother fall into a coughing fit before falling silent, dying. The train then stops because of track work and the guards try to decide what to do with the body. Later, her brother is buried and Liesel freaks out so she starts digging her brother's grave but is then pulled away by her mother. Before they leave the cemetery, Liesel steals a black book.

Lewen M., Period 6

9/5/2013 01:40:46 pm

I am the discussion director for Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

1. Why do you think Peter is so tough on Ender? Is it possible that Peter wants to make Ender stronger or does Peter just want to prove he is better than Ender?

2. Why does Peter apologize to Ender when Ender was supposedly asleep?

3. Do you think it is fair or unfair that Ender has to go to Battle School? Why?

4. What is the most important part that happened during the launch to Battle School?

5. How come Graff isolates Ender and makes every boy in the team dislike Ender?

6. If the boys dislike Ender, why did they make him the chief?

7. Do you think the boys will eventually like Ender or will they dislike him forever because of his intelligence?

Ronald H. Period 6

9/5/2013 01:43:47 pm

"Sold" by Patricia McCormick - Word Watcher

In this story, I have found a very important word "sold". This word pretty much summarizes what the whole book is about. The word itself means to sell something. Lakshmi was tricked to sell herself into prostitution because she thought she was going to work as a maid. Lakshmi have to work and pay off her own debt working for the Mumtaz, who is in charge of the whole sexual slavery thing. Lakshmi cannot leave until she has worked long enough to earn the money that she was worth. Each day, she has to pay Mumtaz for taking care of her and giving her a place to stay so that reduce her chance of getting out of that place by a lot. Since she "sold" herself, it isn't easy to get her normal life back.

Jiayuan Zhu (Amy), Period 6

9/5/2013 02:32:10 pm

I am the illustrator of THE CATCHER IN THE RYE.

This drawing is a scene of the main character, Holden, breaking all the windows of the garage and sleeping in the garage after his brother's death. When he is writing the composition for Stradlater, he talked about his brother, Allie, who died of leukemia several years before. Holden talked about how intelligent Allie was and everyone who sees Allie would like him. This shows Holden love toward Allie, and it indirectly shows Holden's grief of Allie's death. And Holden wrote that he tried to broke the car's windows, but his hands were too fractured to do that which demonstrates the desperate despair. This drawing illustrates the depressing feeling of Allie death, and it shows that Allie's death had negative emotional effect on him.

Victoria L., Period 5

9/5/2013 03:21:16 pm

I am the discussion director for "China Boy" by Gus Lee

1.What do you think about the story so far?

2.How would you react to it if you have an addiction? Would you try to stop? Or is it once you’re into it, you’re in it for life because it is hard to quit?

3.Do you think that drugs could help you release your stress in life?

4.What do you think about the author’s style of writing?

5. Do you think Nic will recover from his meth addiction? Why / Why not?

6. Judging by the way the author wrote this story, why do you think he writes It the way he does? By using a lot of cursing words, and descriptive details?

7. Do you think this book will inspire teenagers or even adults who are in the same kind of addictions, to be able to realize the consequences and effect on their life, and finally quit and start a new life? Why / Why not?

Kevin T., Period 5

9/5/2013 03:22:03 pm

For the 2nd week, I am the illustrator for Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card.

Jasmine K. Period 6

9/5/2013 03:22:44 pm

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Illustrator:
I drew a picture of the scene where Ender is playing a game battling his peers in the Salamander Army. Ender seems to be highly intelligent and he definitely has a talent for gaming. I wanted to illustrate how talented he is because gaming is a very important theme in the book. I also drew another picture where Ender is training his launch group. This shows that Ender understands why and what he is being trained for. He cares about the future and somehow the commander of his section who is also older than him doesn't understand. The commander, Bonzo, seems like he is there to just show off his skills. I did not want to draw scenes where Ender meets his new Army because he becomes an outcast again and that already happened in the beginning of the book. I hope that my illustration will help my group see and have a better understanding about the Salamander Army and the type of person Ender is becoming.

Mindy (Yongmin) M., Period 6

9/5/2013 03:25:16 pm

"The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger

Summarizer:
In this section, Holden had a fight with Stradlater. Stradlater was annoyed by Holden's composition which had nothing to do with the topic. Furthermore, Holden was angered by what Stradlater had done to Jane in the car. After the fight, Holden was injured and went to Ackley's room. Holden could not sleep, so he woke Ackley and asked him whether he could run off and join a nonastery without being Catholic. Yet, they were annoyed by each other. Finally, Holden left and went to New York that night. When he was in the train back to New York, he met an older woman who was the mother of his classmate Ernest Morrow. He told lies about himself and Ernest. And then, Holden took a cab to the Edmont Hotel bacause he hd no one to call. He looked out the lighed window and sicovered a variety of bizzare. Next, he called a girl and tried to date with her, but she refused. Eventually, he went downstairs to the nightclub. He tried to order alcohol, but the waiter refused. Then, he flirted and danced with three women who seemed uninterested in him.

Michelle Z. Period 5

9/5/2013 03:32:43 pm

I am the word watcher for "China Boy" by Gus Lee. A word that is used many times in this book is “China Boy”. When the other kids pick on Kai, they call him “China Boy”. They do not learn his name or even care enough about him to learn his name. He is the only one in his family that has a nickname based on his ethnicity; his sisters are all called by their real names. When the other boys found out Kai’s real name, they were very surprised that he had a name since they have always just seen him as “China Boy”. Swear words are used a lot by the kids in Kai’s neighborhood. They swear at Kai and each other in an attempt to seem tough and manly. They use their words to incite each others into fighting. Although these boys intended to sound fierce with their words, they end up sounding unoriginal and fake.

Yela M., Period 5

9/5/2013 03:40:09 pm

Discussion Director for "Tweak" by Nic Sheff

1. Do you think Nic will get out of his drug addiction?

2. What do you think of the story so far?

3. Is Nic getting better or worse with his drug addiction?

4. Is his "business" succeeding?

5. How is your perspective of Nic different from now, then from the beginning of the story? Positive or negative?

6. Do you think Nic will be the "bigger person" to try to reconnect with his family? If not, why?

Chapman L., Period 6

9/5/2013 03:41:13 pm

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Summarizer:
We return to Ender who has arrived at Battle School. Ender, being on edge with Bernard already, was isolated from his group and constantly bullied by Bernard’s gang. Being bored of the majority of the games in the game room, Ender wanders off the where the older boys are. Although he was pushed and shoved there he persisted until he was able to watch and learn how the games work. He later even challenged one of the older boys to play best two out of three and won with commanding superiority. Upon return, Bernard yet again bothers Ender. Ender, being the intelligent kid, fights back by cracking the code of the messaging system in Battle School and send embarrassing messages under Bernard’s name. Through this Ender makes a friend, Shen, who was also victim to Bernard’s torture. Soon the boys are granted access to the Battle Room to practice maneuvering in null gravity and yet again Ender proves superior to the other boys. But there was one more boy that managed to keep up with him and that is Alai, whom Ender makes friends with also. Alai was Bernard’s friend, but after this Bernard loses his power.

Nicole G., Period 6

9/5/2013 03:55:38 pm

Connector for Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card.

In this chapter of Ender's Game, Ender is being promoted into the Salamander Army. Prior to this, he beats the game that couldn't be beat, and so the men who are watching are stunned yet determined. When Ender receives notice that he will be leaving his fellow mates, he gets really upset because he doesn't think it's fair that he has to leave when he's just starting to fit in. He basically goes under a lot of emotional stress, and I find it relevant to daily life. Oftentimes, as soon as one project is completed, another is assigned and people just rarely ever get a break. There are many things that students have to deal with, even when they finally feel that things are starting to fall in place--events unfold that lead to a lot of distress and anxiety. Teenagers like to think that they are being treated unfairly and usually think about simpler times, about what could have been--just as Ender had in this chapter.

Lisa D., Period 5

9/5/2013 04:10:53 pm

I am the Illustrator for CHINA BOY by Gus Lee.

The picture I drew shows how Kai is trapped between two worlds. One where his mother coddled him, he was safe, and was allowed to learn of his chinese culture. His world is very small and Kai is isolated from all other people not in his family. He even fails to speak English. The other world was with his Stepmother Edna who does the exact opposite, and abuses Kai physically (by letting him be beaten in the streets) and mentally (revealing to Kai that his mother was not away, she had died of cancer). This is the main conflict of the story, as Kai deals with his own problems by himself. He must figure out how his Chinese heritage will play a part in shaping his identity, while at the same time, learn how to fit in at his neighborhood.

Tommy C., Period 5

9/5/2013 06:43:38 pm

The Help by Katheryn Stockett
Discussion Director -
1. What do you think about the story so far?
2. As Mae Mobley matures, do you think she will turn out to have the racist attitude of her mother or do you think that having grown up with Aibileen will allow her to appreciate racial equality?
3. Who is Constantine? Why does Miss Skeeter persistently ask Aibileen about Constantine’s whereabouts?
4. What do you think finally convinced Aibileen to agree to help out Miss Skeeter with her book? What do you think the possible consequences of producing this book may be in the future? Do you think Miss Skeeter’s scheme will be successful?
5. Although Johnny does not mind having a maid, why do you think Miss Celia never told Johnny about Minny?
6. If you were in one of the maids’ shoes, would you trust Miss Skeeter’s plan to make changes in Jackson or would you be skeptical and believe that Miss Skeeter is just trying to report all the complaints maids have against whites?

Hong ( Helen ) Li period 6

9/6/2013 02:46:18 pm

I’m the discussion director for “Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger

1)Why does Holden lie so much?
2)Is Holden a hypocrite?
3)Why does Holden attack him?
4)How is Allie's death symbolic?
5)what type of people does Holden really like?
6)Where does Holden fit in?
7)What does Holden's altercation with Stradlater say about him?

Qinfu G. (Ken) Period 6

9/8/2013 11:47:56 am

I am the word watcher for the book "Catcher in the Rye" by J. D. Salinger.

In the book "Catcher in the Rye", not many words were repeated. This book consists of many different topic every page so it's hard to find a certain word. But the tone of the language characters used in this book is different than other books. They have casual 1940s language that made readers feel relaxed and connectable. Most of the main character Holden's word were negative. It's usually "lousy" and "madman". The word "lousy" when used my Holden, mean't someone either been disgusting or weird. The word lousy Holden uses can be negative or positive. It was used on his friend Stradtler whom he respected, but was also used on Ackley who was actually disgusting. This word caught my attention because it was frequently used in an unusual way.

Cynthia L. per.5

9/8/2013 03:01:12 pm

I am word watcher for Ender's game by Orson Scott Card

1. Third- means that a third child was born, in this story you are only supposed to have 2 but Ender's parents violated the term.They are usually outcasted it is referred to a lot in this story.
2. Toon- a division in an army most likely came from the word platoon.
3.mind game- a game played by the students at battle school that helps enhance the player's mental development. Its supposed to strengthen your brain.
4.buggers- term used for alien enemies what they're being trained to kill
5.salamander- Its the name of the army that Ender was in

Benjamin Trinh., Period 2

9/9/2013 02:01:54 pm

I am a word watcher for The Cather in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.

There are a few key words in this section of the book that I have read. That includes: Game and Winner. Holden tells Spencer that life is a game and says how he doesn't play by the rules. Spencer is outraged and tells Holden he must play life by the rules. That is the only proper way he will succeed in life. If he wants to truly win the game, in Holden's perspective, he must try to succeed but by playing by the rules. Which Holden believes is complete nonsense. Winner is what Holden believes he will be if he doesn't play by the rules. This is the only way he believes that he can be a winner in the game that he is playing. That is life.

Rico L.

9/9/2013 04:23:06 pm

Connector-Ender's game
As the story progresses, Ender is forced to fight against soldiers that he had trained himself. As a result, Ender is forced to develop more flexible strategies in order to lead his army to victory.
This connects to today's cyber hacking. Every country is pressured to develop new strategies and find the smartest hacker in order gain an advantage over the other.

Wilson T., Tak N., Kevin T., Jin C., Garrett H., Jacob N., Cynthia L., Michael Paulo R. Period 5

9/10/2013 06:24:54 am

In this group, we are are discussing the characters in Ender's Game.

Protector:
Colonel Graff - Colonel Graff takes Ender to battleschool. He is one of the higher ups who are trying to protect Earth from bugger invaders. At the same time, he is discreetly trying to protect Ender as well. Even though there are many cases where he lets danger approach Ender, but at the same time hes preparing precautions for Ender.
Valentine - Valentine is always trying to protect Ender. In the beginning of the book, she is trying to protect Ender from Peter's violence and dangerous nature. Even after Ender leaves Earth, Valentine still has to give counseling to Ender to bring him back to his senses.

Possums:
Ender - Ender is the main protagonist of the story. He was born to lead the I.F. forces against the impending doom that the buggers would bring. He never asked for this, however, but the higher ups force him to abide. He has an extremely violent nature but tries to avoid it as much as possible.

Predators:
Peter - Peter stands out the most as a predator. He is always looking for personal gain, analyzing every situation and advantage he has. He is always trying to take advantage of people and uses brute force when necessary.

Benevolent Predator:
Bonzo - Bonzo is in the story for a few chapters as one of the main antagonists. He hates Ender for being so outstanding and intelligent and attracting so much attention. He is a commander in Battleschool and leads with fear and physical force. This is because of his sense of honor. However, he does try to protect his army, but treats them badly at times and wants to obtain respect from his subordinate at all times.

Marjorie L. Kristi L. Chris E. Victor H. Tatiana C. Ben F. Tommy C. Period 5

9/10/2013 06:29:53 am

The Help Characters

predators:
miss hilly spreads lies about Minny, she believes in seperate restrooms for the help and she gossips

BP: Minny is nice but she will fight and backtalk to her employers

Possums: Miss Skeeters mom tries to please white friends
Miss Celia avoids conflict the white people
Miss leefolt also tries to please white people and she makes restroom for the help

Protectors: Miss skeeter shows compassion for the help
Aibileen protects Minny and keeps her ear to the ground
Constatine protects miss skeeter's feelings

Marissa C, Mindy S, Chanel L (Period 6)

9/10/2013 07:35:07 am

We are reading "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. This is about two colored maids that are in the help. They serve white people and notice the unfairness and trying to reveal their experiences through a book by Ms. Skeeter.

Predators: -NO PREDATORS-

Benevolent Predators:
Ms. Hilly- She tries to act nice and acts like she is there for everyone but in reality she is only doing stuff for herself. She is selfish.

Possum:
Leefolt- She does what ever Ms. Hilly says. She is just a follower to avoid the conflict.

Mr. Phelan- He is technically the head of the house but turns a blind eye to what ever Ms. Phelan does.

Ms. Walter- She doesn't have a say in what goes on she just follows

Ms. Hilly to avoid conflict just like Leefolt.

Celia- Although she is the employer and the wife, she keeps the peace of her home in tact by keeping the help (Minny) a secret.

Protectors:
Skeeter- She believes in the help and tries to help them. And she actually cares about the colored people.

Minny- Shes risks her life for Ms Celia. She hides the fact that Ms. Celia can't cook but she tries to help her anyways.

Aibileen- She takes care of Mae Mobley. And she helps build confidents and self esteem.

Zhi D, Period 1

9/13/2013 12:10:50 pm

The book "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett, looks like a interesting book to read and i want to find out what will happen to the two colored maids.

Steven C., Everett A., Bladimir R., (per 6)

9/10/2013 07:35:26 am

We are reading Tweak. The book is about a dn drug addict named Nic Sheff who's trying to rebulid his life. His life is really really bad because he entered the world of drugs and drinking at the age of 12 who drank from day to night. Nic is an older brother and has a step mom and dad and an sister and brother who he all steals from.

PREDATORS:
Gack is a predator because he is the kind of enforcer type in the story that if you dont pay the right amount for the drug he will go beat you up and wish you were dead.

Bullet: He is the same thing as Gack, he will beat you up. Plus he has a knife which he is not afraid to use.

BENEVOLENT

Not available

POSSUMS

Nic is a possum because he is scared of confrontation with anyone.

Lauren is also a possum becasue she has the same fear as Nic.

Protector: Gack's Dad

Gack's dad is the protector in the story because he looks out for Nic and all the dealers

Luwei T., Per. 6

9/10/2013 02:36:51 pm

Hello. I am Luwei, and this week I am the Illuminator for my group, the Book Thieves. I didn't respond sooner even though I had this done because there were no comments here when I last checked, but I suppose I'll have to post here now.

“Keep in mind the story is told from the perspective of Death, a nearly-omniscient narrator.

p. 19 '***A SPECTACULARLY TRAGIC MOMENT***
A train was moving quickly.
It was packed with humans.
A six-year-old boy died in the third carriage.'

p. 61 'Rudy understood nothing, and that night was the prelude of things to come. Two and a half years later, the Karfmann Shoe Shop was reduced to broken glass, and all the shoes were flung aboard a truck in their boxes.

p. 77 'The book thief looked down again, at the words.
Come on, Rudy mouthed it this time.
Come on, Liesel.
Her blood loudened. The sentences blurred. The white page was suddenly written in another tongue...'

p. 80 'Trust me though, the words were on their way, and when they arrived, Liesel would hold them in her hands like the clouds and she would wring them out like the rain.'”

Questions:

What is the meaning of the passage?

What is the significance of this passage on the subject of the character(s) involved in it?

Why is this meaning important to the rest of the story?

Fellow thieves, feel free to respond to my questions. :D
Passages kept intentionally ephemeral, because this is the beginning, and we don't get to see the main plot yet.
#The Book Thief #Period 6 #Per.6

Also my internet was down some of the time, as it was when I wrote this. ヽ（´ー｀）┌

Adam Diaz P.1

9/11/2013 01:21:44 am

Word Watcher—SOLD by Patricia McCormick

A word that stood out to me in the book SOLD was the word auspicious, because by definition auspicious means a favorable occasion, or opportune. The main character Lakshmi’s step dad says that “this is an auspicious night,” a night that favors gamblers like himself. This “auspicious night eventually leads to him gambling with the delusion that he will win, which only contributes to the families horrible financial situation.

Victoria L., Period 5

9/11/2013 04:51:25 am

Illuminator- CHINA BOY by GUS LEE
" Here I had Toussaint, and Titus McGovern and Alvin Sharpes. I had Toussaint's momma who hugged me, spoke to me with laughter in her voice, and had sung to me. A number of other women on the block were likewise kind, wiping my blood with white hankies.Hector had just saved my life, and he and Joe Cutty had great coin on the street. Reverend Jones always smiled at me, welcoming me to his church. I was not sure that I would be so lucky on the streets of Shanghai, trying to get by as a cultural Chinese. I could hardly speak Songhai anymore. The idea of backtracking on the Chinese tongues made me ill."
I choose this passage because it compares the quality of other mothers in compare with Kai's stepmother, Edna. It also shows that Kai is making new friends, and he is starting to loose his Shanghai heritage. Edna is successfully getting rid of the Ting's family Chinese heritage.

Sandy Nhan, Period 1

9/11/2013 07:41:50 am

I am the connector for "The Catcher in The Rye" this week. Many movies and stories are written about teenagers having their own complications and in this book the main character, Holden, has this. I feel like no matter how complicated life was for Holden, he runs away from it. It's to the point where sometimes he can't stand the pressure and gives up. He wouldn't care about his future and that's why he got kicked out of school due to his grades. He can't and will not face the outcomes whether it's bad or not, and he'll run. In my opinion, I feel like Holden can relate to many teens these days due to our economy and the life we get into.

Kami T. Period 1

9/11/2013 12:06:03 pm

I am the summarizer for the book "Sold" by Patricia Mccormick.

In the next section, Lakshmi is leaving her village to provide for her family. Lakshmi assumes that she will be selling herself to work as a maid/servant. Auntie Bimla is the woman who comes to Lakshmi’s village to buy her and take her back to where she will work, but she only travels a certain distance with Lakshmi. Since it is dangerous to cross the border, Uncle Husband would accompany Lakshmi instead of Auntie Bimla. Throughout the journey, Lakshmi witnessed how cruel the owners could be if you disobey them and try to runaway.

Kristi L. period 5

9/16/2013 05:47:16 am

From reading this, it gets me very interested in this book. Many children have done this in the past to help support their family and i'd like to hear about the experiences she witnesses.

Natasha Nix p.6

9/11/2013 12:58:08 pm

Illustrator for The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

I drew a picture of Liesel and Hans holding hands as Hans led her to the house. I drew this picture because it was really the first big step for Liesel. Her brother had died and her mother had given her up. She was scared and refused to be taken into the Hubermann house and Hans finally coaxing her out of the car and into the house was a big deal. It also shows that Hans, as we already know, will not be an evil foster father. He will be a kind and loving one. He will be the father Liesel never got the chance to have. I drew this simply because it marks the beginning of a strong and loving relationship between Hans and Liesel. It marks the beginning of a friendship that continues to grow and blossom just as Liesel does.

Clarissa H. period 5

9/12/2013 12:23:43 pm

I am the illustrator for “The Glass Castle” by Jeanette Walls.
For my illustration I drew the Walls kids huddled in the back of a truck while their parents are speeding down the highway up front. The kids are supposed to stay quiet because it isn’t legal for anyone to ride in the back of truck but they can’t help it when the doors fly open and at any moment they could fall out. With no way to let their parents know what happened, they stay huddled there until another car on the road spots them and signals to the parents to check on their truck. Although Jeanette views her experiences growing up as an adventure, I cannot help but question her parent’s way of raising their kids, especially the Dad. When he stopped the truck to go check on his kids and see what was going on, he got mad at them for letting it happen although it was not something they could control.

Jeny Chavez, Per.5

9/13/2013 05:23:12 pm

What a great scene to illustrate! It perfectly portrays the family, how the children are always trying to fix the problems the parents create.

Victoria Y. Period 1

9/12/2013 03:51:34 pm

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Holden Caulfield took a cab to a hotel because he couldn't let his parents find out about his expulsion yet. When he arrives at the hotel he's feeling lonely and depressed so he decides to call up a "promiscuous" woman. He starts to feel aroused so he tries to get the woman to come to his hotel room, but after she declines he decides to try his luck at the Lavender room. He meets three women and dances with one of them until he realizes that they are all "dumb as rocks". After this encounter, he feels even more depressed, so he takes a cab down to Ernie's nightclub. Ernie the owner plays jazz music on the piano while people drink and talk the night away. He is then forced to leave because he encounters his older brother's girlfriend. When he arrives back at the hotel, a man is waiting inside the elevator, he offers him a night with a prostitute, and Holden accepts.

Stacie L period 1

9/12/2013 04:54:39 pm

I am the illumination for "Sold" by Patricia McCormick .
Page 98- This passage tells about Lakshmis first interraction with a television, something she's never seen before. She describes the television as a "black box with a large glass window in front". My questions - What does this say about Lakshmis lifestyle? How fascinated was she? What's the difference between you & her?

Page 92- this passage was where uncle husband sold Lakshmi to Mumtaz for a specific amount of price. They exchanged big numbers with lots of zeros. What does Lakshmi think of uncle husband? What do you think is happening to Lakshmi? How would you react?

Page 122- Lakshmi stares into the mirror & tells herself that "you have become one of them". What do you think Lakshmi means when she says this? Who is "one of them"? What will happen to Lakshmi next in the story?

Jacqueline Wong, Period 1

9/12/2013 04:57:37 pm

Word Watcher for SOLD- What I found interesting in this week's reading was the name of the house Lakshmi was living in since the day she was sold. The name of the house is titled, "Happiness House" because men pay to stay with girls who live in the house, including Lakshmi and expect a satisfaction in the end. However, the "Happiness House" is really meant to describe the men's and Mumtaz's needs. Men who pay get what they want and Mumtaz receives a profitable amount of money. Ironically, the girls in the household who were sold in belief that the money was being sent to their families are the ones suffering, thus causing the house to be more of a "miserable house".

Helen Trang Period 2

9/13/2013 12:48:29 am

I am the word watcher for "The Book Thief"
The word that i didn't understand in the book while i was reading were:
Kerosene- a mixture of liquid hydrocarbons obtained by distilling petroleum
Flippant- frivolously disrespectful, shallow, or lacking in seriousness
crux- a vital, basic, decisive, or pivotal point
Synagogues- a Jewish house of worship
Castigated- to criticize or reprimand severely.

johnny per 2

9/13/2013 03:05:17 am

I am the summarizer for the book, "The Book Thief", Liesel learned how to read and write and realized the importance of books she starts to become aware of the situations around her.she comes to realize that the nazis are killing people for being communists and she now comes to the point where she realizes that hitler might be the one behind here fathers,mothers,and brothers disapperances .

Adam Diaz P.1

9/13/2013 01:37:09 am

Summarizer:

In this part of the book the main character Lakshmi is traveling the city with “uncle husband.” Little does she know that he is taking her to a brothel to be sold off to an awful women named Mumtaz. When uncle husband and Lakshmi finally arrive at the “happiness house” (brothel) he sells her to Mumtaz for 10,000 rupees. Lakshmi at this point is very scared and confused, eventually she figures out whats going on the hard way. Some time passes by when an old man arrives in the room she has been locked in for days arrives, he proceeds to rape her. Men keep coming by until she is removed from the room to work with the other girls because she is no longer a virgin.

Kami T. Period 1

9/13/2013 06:30:21 am

I am the discussion director for "Sold" by Patricia McCormick.

1. What do you think of the story so far?

2. Do you find the book interesting? Why or why not?

3. What would you do if you were sold to provide for your family?

4. How do you think the story will end?

5. Do you think Lakshmi will return back home?

6. What would you do if you were put in Lakshmi's shoes? (no money, having to work as a prostitute, not understand anything, lonely, not have food on the table for you, and etc.)

7. How does this book make you feel about life? Do you take your life for granted after knowing the conditions/sacrifices Lakshmi faces?

Ronald H. Period 6

9/15/2013 03:22:53 pm

The story is very interesting so far. All the things that have happened to Lakshmi is very sad but I believe there will be a bright ending. It's weird how the book is written because there are little sub-chapters on each page. If I was sold to a family, I will try to be as brave as her. But since I'm a boy, I won't be sold. I agree with you that many people take life for granted. We're lucky to be able to go to school and have friends that are by our sides. Many people are suffering out there because they don't live the lives that we are living right now.

Alex K. Period 6

9/13/2013 09:06:39 am

I am the Illustrator for "Sold"
This scene that i drew from the book is when Lakshmi was sent into the "Happiness House". She has just been sold to Mumtaz and Lakshmi has no idea what is happening. Lakshmi was expecting to do work like a maid but instead she was sold into sex slavery. This is very tragic because this is happening right now and the author is trying to inform people about it through this book.

Dylan N. , Period 5

9/15/2013 02:00:48 pm

It sounds like an interesting book and I would like to see the drawing. Lakshimi should have a say in this, she is being treated like a prostitute while she should be a maid.

Ronald H. Period 6

9/13/2013 01:33:27 pm

I am the Summarizer for "Sold" by Patricia McCormick

Lakshmi, a girl from Nepal, was sold into sexual slavery by her stepfather. She thought she was working as a maid to gain money for her poor family. Lakshmi didn't know what was happening at first, but she found out that she had to work with men and do whatever she is told. She has to find a way to pay back her debts and go back home so she doesn't have to do these horrifying and dirty jobs.

Alex K. Period 6

9/15/2013 11:20:49 am

Great summary! It is sad how Lakshmi has had such a horrible life. She was poor and sold into a horrible job that should never exist. This should be banished from the face of the earth. This book really is a great book and opens your eyes to what is happening around the world.

Stephanie Li period 1

9/15/2013 01:16:13 pm

What a poor girl! I felt real sympathy to her. Lakshmi's stepfather isn't humanity to her.By the way, these passages makes the book sound very interesting and makes me want to read it. I think that she would have a better life after pay back her debts.

Stephanie Li period 1

9/15/2013 02:40:43 pm

Stephanie Li period 1

9/15/2013 02:40:54 pm

Stephanie Li period 1

9/15/2013 02:41:03 pm

Stephanie Li period 1

9/15/2013 02:41:09 pm

Stephanie Li period 1

9/15/2013 02:41:15 pm

Stephanie Li period 1

9/15/2013 02:41:26 pm

Stephanie Li period 1

9/15/2013 02:41:36 pm

Jeny C., Per.5

9/13/2013 05:00:26 pm

Illuminator:
" 'Erma cant let go of her misery,' Mom said. 'It's all she knows.' She added that you should never hate anyone, even your worst enemies. 'Everyone has something good about them,' she said. 'You have to find the redeeming quality and love the person for that.' 'Oh yea?' I said. ' How about Hitler? what was his redeeming quality?' 'Hitler loved dogs,' Mom said without hesitation."
I chose this passage because I had never thought about Hitler as a person. I always thought of him as some sort of evil anathema that committed one of the worst crimes known to man. However, Jeannette's mother speaks words of wisdom, even your worst enemies acquire redeeming qualities that you can love them for it. It is a great way to eliminate any animosity in the air.

Clara L, per 5

9/14/2013 06:52:23 am

Tweak by Nic Sheff

This week I am the summarizer. Tweak is about a young man who is recovering addiction from drugs. He is addicted to meth, cocaine, and heroin. Nic tries to recover and go back to rehab back in LA, but he went through a lot of struggles. He found a sponsor name Spencer, who is willing to help him go through every step he can to get Nic out of his addiction. Everyone wants him to leave the girl that he says he is in love with. Throughout the book the author keeps me guessing of either Nic will ever recover from his deep addiction, yet when it gets to the point where it seems like he will , something hinders him. Will Nic kick is habit once and for all or does his life stay on this miserable question path?

Jiamin Li period 1

9/14/2013 12:06:27 pm

I am the summarizer for the book “The Glass Castle” by Jeanette Walls.
The most important events in the section I have read was about Jeanette's father often get drunk. When her dad went crazy, the children had their own ways of shutting down and closing off, and her mother had hidden in the bathroom. This is significant impact on their psychically and mentally injury to the feelings. Jeanette had once requested her father stop drinking anymore as her birthday present. Her father had stopped for a while, and then they had more money to buy food. But three days later, with her dad drinking again, there was no money coming in. Therefore, her mom began to talk about moving east again. Then there is the story of the next unit. I want to know what going to happen in the West Virginia.

Jiamin Li period 1

9/14/2013 12:06:33 pm

Jiamin Li period 1

9/14/2013 12:07:08 pm

Jiamin Li period 1

9/14/2013 12:07:33 pm

Jiamin Li period 1

9/14/2013 12:17:31 pm

Jiamin Li period 1

9/14/2013 12:17:51 pm

Amanda Cheng, Period 2

9/14/2013 04:02:04 pm

For the first literary post, I was the Illustrator for "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger. I drew Holden in Mr. Spencer's house. That is when Mr. Spencer invites Holden to his house to talk to him just right when Holden is kicked out of school for his grades. Holden is just standing there listening to Mr. Spencer lecture him about how bad his grades were and he even brought up the subject of how Holden submitted a terrible paper and that he had to flunk him for it. He even lecture Holden about how life is about following the rules and that he should think about his future. Holden did not want to listen to Mr. Spencer anymore so he stops Mr. Spencer and leaves.

While drawing this, I realize that it is just like many of us children not wanting to listen to our own parents or any elders lecture us.

Amanda Cheng, Period 2

9/14/2013 04:44:26 pm

For the second literary discussion, I was the Illuminator.

"If you didn't go to New York, where'd ya go with her?" I asked him, after a little while. I could hardly keep my voice from shaking all over the place. Boy, was I getting nervous. I just had a feeling something had gone funny."
I chose this passage because it shows how much Holden cares about Jane. It also shows how scared he is of Stradlater.

"I ordered a Scotch and soda, and told him not to mix it—I said it fast as hell, because if you hem and haw, they think you're under twenty-one and won't sell you any intoxicating liquor. I had trouble with him anyway, though. "I'm sorry, sir," he said, "but do you have some verification of your age? Your driver's license, perhaps?" I gave him this very cold stare, like he'd insulted the hell out of me, and asked him, "Do I look like I'm under twenty-one?""
This passage shows how Holden is very wild as a teen. He wants to drink liquor so he tries to sound more mature so he is able to get a drink, but when he is asked to show proof of his age, he gets very bothered.

"I held hands with her all the time, for instance. That doesn't sound like much, I realize, but she was terrific to hold hands with. […] We'd get into a goddam movie or something, and right away we'd start holding hands, and we wouldn't quit till the movie was over. And without changing the position or making a big deal out of it. You never even worried, with Jane, whether your hand was sweaty or not. All you knew was, you were happy. You really were."
This passage shows that Holden enjoys just being around Jane and how he is simply happy with holding hands and nothing more.

Cindy Tran Period 2

9/15/2013 08:57:59 am

In this week's literature circle I am the Illustrator for "Tweak" by Nic Sheff. Where we are in the book right now is about how Nic is sobered up and finally getting his life together, but he still feels kind of empty. Even though he's somewhat getting back on the right path, he still doesn't feel satisfied. He misses the feeling and the adrenaline rushing through his body from all the drugs. He no longer talks to Lauren, but she's long gone and messed up by now. So that's what I drew. I drew Nic working, but you can tell by his posture and his facial expression that he's not happy. There are many different hints in the picture I drew to show how internally conflicted Nic still is after all this time.

Dylan N., P.5

9/15/2013 01:59:02 pm

This week, my job was word watcher for the book, " The Stranger" by Albert Camus. Some words that I thought that was significant were " marry, dog, funeral face, Tamerisks, and the Arabs." Marry: Marie wants to ask Meursault to marry her, but he rejects her. Dog: Raymond keeps abusing his dog and keeps repeating in the past chapters. Funeral face: related to the death of Meursault's mother. Tamerisks: are the aspects around their current location. The Arabs: showed up in this chapter and they are the enemies of the book.

Amanda Cheng, Period 2

9/15/2013 02:21:17 pm

For the third literature circle discussion, I was the discussion director for the book "The Catcher in the Rye".

"After they left, I started getting sorry that I'd only given them ten bucks for their collection. But the thing was, I'd made that date to go to the matinee with old Sally Hayes, and I needed to keep some dough for the tickets and stuff. I was sorry anyway, though. Goddam money. It always ends up making you blue as hell."

I chose this passage because it shows how Holden is charitable and is willing to give more money to them but he doesn't because he needs some for later. This passage also shows how much Holden dislikes money and how it has a lot of power over life. Money is like a thing that causes hell to him.

Qinfu G. (Ken), Period 6

9/15/2013 03:06:53 pm

Catcher in the Rye", by J.D. Salinger

Summarizer:

Holden is a drop out who got kicked out of college and picked on by a prostitute owner. At first, the owner told him that he only needs to pay five dollar, but then after, he demands ten dollar. This caused Holden to enrage and spout out big words, but the owner punched him in the face and took ten dollar from him.

Rex Y. Per 1

9/15/2013 11:28:24 pm

Fpr the second literature circle, I am the summarizer for the book “The Glass Castle” by Jeanette Walls. After they begun to move, they basically live on the desert, then dad went to casino and won lots of money, they then went to luxary restuarant and eat, then on the christmas day, dad lost his job so this year's christmas they have no activities.then at the night dad talked a lot of events from the past to Jeantte, she seemed to understand something from it.

Henry G., Per 5

9/16/2013 09:02:45 am

For the third literature circle discussion, I am the connector for the book "The Stranger" by Albert Camus. In one part of the story, Maursault's boss recommended him to be transferred to Paris in order to handle the business there with big companies. This occurs frequently in many people's jobs where they are reassigned to a different location in order to help out. Another connection is when Marie, Meursault's lover, asked Meursault if he wanted to marry her. Marriage occurs in the world today since lovers would ask one another if they would marry them.

everett

9/16/2013 09:39:41 am

I am the discussion director i think my job is to ask very simple things about the book and the people in the book with my group members.
I say nic is a protector and a possum in the start of the book nic is a very soft shy guy who will do anything to stay out of a fight and most likely will not fight back but he dose stand for what he thinks is right and he stands up for lauren (his women) from that one guy from the rehab place telling him he wants best for L. not of what he thinks he also savers L. from the time she O.D in the house that is what i think about nic as a possum and a protector.

Garin L. Period 1

9/16/2013 11:25:07 am

I am the Illustrator for the book "The Stranger" by Albert Camus. I drew a picture of Meursault next to his mother's casket. Meursault's mother had just passed away at an old person's home. I drew Meursault with a blank expression because he wasn't that sad about his mother's passing. In fact, he was annoyed when he could'nt sleep due to a mother's friend who wouldn't stop crying.

Kalvin L. Period 2

9/16/2013 12:24:56 pm

For the second literary discussion I was the illuminator.

" I'm doing it again," thought Ender. " I'm hurting people again, just to save myself. Why don't they leave me alone, so I don't have to hurt them?"
This quote shows the battle that Ender has with his instincts to survive that causes him to hurt people and behave like his ruthless brother Peter, who he abhor.

“It was a lie, of course, that it wouldn't hurt a bit. But since adults always said that when it was going to hurt, he could count on that statement as an accurate prediction of the future. Sometimes lies were more dependable than the truth.”
This quote shows how many lies were told to Ender and to the recruits during their training. It also foretold the secrets that are revealed later on in the story.

“As a species, we have evolved to survive. And the way we do that is by straining and straining and, at last, every few generations, giving birth to genius.”
This quote said by Colonel Graff shows how he thinks and how he truly believes that Ender is the "genius" that they have been looking for.

Garrett H. Period 5

9/16/2013 04:08:52 pm

Summarizer:
It starts with a boy named Ender Wiggin. The most important events in this section starts when Ender gets his monitor removed from his neck and gets ganged up on by a group of bullies. The significant part is when Ender handles the situation well and attracts the attention of the commanders watching him. What makes this important is that this was the beginning of Enders future in the Battle school in space for war. Other events that contribute to the importance of Enders future is how Ender deals with his brother Peter without his monitor which then led to Commander Graff's decision of taking Ender into the Battle school in space to prepare for war. Questions that might be on an exam might contain questions like what was the name of the leader of the boys that ganged up on Ender? Or what is a reason why Ender wouldn't want to leave to Battle school? Or why didn't they choose Peter to go to Battle school? A good essay topic for this section would be would you agree that Ender should leave his childhood and go to Battle school?

Kara L. Period 1

9/19/2013 01:05:03 am

"Catcher in The Rye" J.D. Salinger

Summarizer:

Holden prepares and meets for his date with Sally at the Biltmore Hotel. At the play, Holden gets annoyed of the actors because they seem too good at what they do and seem to full of themselves. During intermission, Holden gets irritated when Sally flirts with another boy from another prep school. Later on Holden gets even more irritated and starts complaining about how much he hated people in prep school and the New York Society. He also begins to exaggerate his dreams of running away with Sally, but Sally disagrees. They start to quarrel and Sally begins to cry. Holden couldn't stand it anymore so he leaves without her. Later on Holden decides to call his friend Carl Luce from Columbia University to have a chat. When they meet Holden starts to pester Luce about sex questions, and Carl suggests that he needs psychoanalysis. Holden begins to irritate Carl just like he did with Sally and Carl decides to just leave.

Fandi Wang Period1

9/19/2013 01:06:58 am

My job this week is the connector for the book "The Catcher and The Rye." In the book, he meets two nuns at a diner, they were traveling and have little to no money, when Holden decides to donate 10 dollars to their cause. In the real world today, many people still donate to the efforts of nuns, since they need the money for their schools, or to buy supplies needed for traveling and education. Another relatable one is when he goes to Broadway to buy tickets for a show. In today's society, we would find that they still sell tickets for shows on Broadway, and a lot of people go to shows on weekends for fun and entertainment.

Sandy Nhan Period 1

9/19/2013 01:07:28 am

"The Catcher In The Rye" by J.D.Salinger
For week 4, my job is being a word watcher.

chateau page 93- (France) A castle or fortress
I find this word interesting because not many people know french.

booze hound page 78- A booze
I find this word interesting to pronounce!

clavichord page 96- an early keyboard instrument producing a soft sound by means of metal blades attached to the inner ends of the keys gently striking the strings.
People are not aware of the instrument's name.

Jimmy Nguyen,per 1

9/19/2013 01:18:56 am

For this week my job is being the summarizer. In the book "tweak" the main character Nic and his friends try to make a lot of money from selling drugs. The protector of this story is Nic parents they try to change him but they couldnt nic would always do bad things and get into trouble. At one point of the story he got into trouble many times to the point where he got kicked out.

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