Literature Circles, Quarter 1: Explication of one KEY Passage

8/26/2014

Literature Circle Explication Exercise:

Choose one key quote from your first quarter reading selection and then explicate it in the following manner:

a. Type the quote out using MLA guidelines. Include the title of the book, the author, and page number.
b. Under the quote, write out your explication of the quote. Please include the context of the quote, its significance to the story, and why it matters to the story as a whole. Please space and label all elements of the explication appropriately so that it is easy for the reader to distinguish what you are doing.

You will need to respond to at least 2 other students' explications.

NOTE the QUALITY AND DEPTH of this sample response.

SAMPLE NUMBER 1:

Hamlet - Quote Explication 10/8/14posted Oct 06, 2014 by nikkiwang321
Quote: "King: Follow him at foot; tempt him with speed aboard. / Delay it not. I'll have him hence tonight. / Away, for everything is sealed and done / That else leans on th' affair. Pray you, make haste. / [All] / And England, if my love thou hold'st at aught / (As my great power thereof may give thee sense, / Since yet thy cicatrice looks raw and red / After the Danish sword, and thy free awe / Pays homage to us), thou mayst not coldly set / Our sovereign process, which imports at full, / By letters congruing to that effect, / The present death of Hamlet. Do it, England, / For like the hectic in my blood he rages, / And though must cur me. Till I know 'tis done, / Howe'er my haps, my joys <were ne'er begun.>" (Shakespeare, 199)

Context: After Hamlet kills Polonius while guilting his mother the Queen into admitting her sins, Hamlet drags Polonius' body elsewhere and the Queen informs the King of Hamlet's deeds. To this, the King has sentenced Hamlet to England as punishment for killing the innocent man.

Significance:Due to Hamlet killing Polonius thinking that he was the King, Hamlet has done a horrible deed and has been sentenced to go to England by the King, which works in the favor of both the King and Hamlet. It works in the favor of Hamlet because he gets to leave Elsinore and be rid of his uncle and his mother, who he thinks betrayed his father King Hamlet. Hamlet being sent away also works in King Claudius' favor as explained by the quote. While sending Hamlet to England, the King hopes that England will help him kill Hamlet, as expressed himself, "The present death of Hamlet. Do it, England... Till I know 'tis done, / Howe'er my haps, my joys <were ne'er begun.>" (Shakespeare, 199). This expresses the King's wishes to have Hamlet killed. The king wishes Hamlet dead because if Hamlet is alive, then there is someone who knows of his deeds in killing the previous king, his brother, which Hamlet confirmed during the play. Hamlet confirmed his suspicions of his uncle killing his father when King Claudius rises and stops the play when Lucianus pours poison into Gonzago's ear to obtain Gonzago's estate and eventually marries his wife. All in all, King Claudius uses the death of Polonius as a reason to rid himself of the threat, which is Hamlet.

SAMPLE #2

Paradise Lost 10/8/2014posted Oct 06, 2014 by EstherLaw
Quote: "To whom thus Adam cleerd of doubt, repli'd/ How fully hast thou satisfi'd mee, pure/ Intelligence of Heav'n, Angel serene/ And freed from intricacies, taught to live/ The easiest way, nor with perplexing thoughts/ To interrupt the sweet of Life, from which/ God hath bid dwell farr off all anxious cares" (Milton 159).

Context: After the angel Raphael tells Adam about how the world was created, how Satan fell from Heaven, and how the astrological bodies move, Adam thanks the angel for giving him the information. Adam claims to be happy with what he has learned and praises God for not giving him many worries to think about.

Significance: In this scene, Adam's curiosity is satisfied by what Raphael tells him. Adam exalts the importance of knowledge, praising both Raphael's and Heaven's intelligence. This shows that Adam likes to have knowledge, and that if he has questions about something, he will be curious to know the answer. In this way, Adam is in danger of being tempted by Satan, for he knows that eating the Forbidden Fruit will give him some degree of knowledge.

193 Comments

Eric Song

10/17/2014 01:26:38 am

"Human beings are free except when humanity needs them. Maybe humanity needs you. To do something. Maybe humanity needs me—to find out what you're good for. We might both do despicable things, Ender, but if humankind survives, then we were good tools."

Eric Song

Ms. Sutton

10/17/2014 02:40:18 am

Eric, you did not explicate the passage. In order to complete the assignment, you need to add the context and the significance of the quote.

Eric Song

10/17/2014 08:42:14 am

Context: Graff is explaining to Ender the philosophy behind everything they are doing. Although Ender does not know it at the time, this is the same reasoning that the adults will use to manipulate the children time and time again. Ender objects to this idea, because he believes that people are more than just tools, but nevertheless it is the pervading ideology of the I.F. throughout the book.

Significance: This philosophy justifies doing terrible things in the name of humanity, and it also means that individuals will have to make awful sacrifices for their species.

Eric Song

Samantha Wong

10/18/2014 06:09:20 am

I like your quote

Vcky Kwong ,Per 1

10/20/2014 06:29:12 am

I liked how you explain your significance of your quote. I feel that your explanation was deep in that regard.

Matthew Lee Period 1

10/17/2014 01:28:04 am

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
Quote:"These annoyances were petty, though and Ender persuaded himself to accept them as another form of praise. Already the other armies were beginning to imitate Ender. Now most soldiers attacked with knees tucked under them; formations were breaking up now, and more commanders were ending out toons to slip along the walls. None had caught on yet to Ender’s five-toon organization - it gave him the slight advantage that when they had accounted for the movements of four units, they wouldn’t be looking for the fifth.”
(Page 187)

Context: Ender had just been ranked to a commander being given his own team to lead. However the other teams disapprove of Ender's achievements and try to figure out how his team was so powerful. So these teams and launchies started to bash on him even harder. But Ender just saw these insults as praise and view his situation in a more positive way. As of they were jelious.

Signifigance: Ender ever since the beginning of battle schoo had retained a bad reputation among his peers. Though he had been looked down upon he was the one who had achieved much more than any other soilder by obtaining his own team to command. With his status now as a commander he had gathered even more negative attention from the other groups. However after mant conflicts he had came to accept that others were merely paraising him. While other teams try desperately to unveil Ender's strategies he continues to move forward.

Ms. Sutton

10/17/2014 02:42:47 am

Matthew, this is a good start. However, you need to pay attention to your writing. You have some errors in spelling. It is an academic space so make sure you write using academic language.

The content is okay, but the grammar needs to be addressed.

Anthony Quach Period 1

10/17/2014 06:27:06 am

I like how you started off good and the content you wrote about. You need to improve your grammar in this too.

Stephanie T, Period 2

10/17/2014 08:39:23 am

I like the quote that you chose! I think it's great that Ender learned how accept the way others treated him even though he went through some complications with that. He seems like a really strong character.

Samantha Wong P1

10/18/2014 06:09:00 am

I like how you used this quote and I think you explained it well

Marcus R. Period 1

10/19/2014 08:37:58 am

I think this is a very well done and thought out post.

Tiffany Mar Period 2

10/19/2014 01:52:22 pm

The title of this story really caught my interest! Hopefully I can read this book during the school year.

Noe G. Period 1

10/20/2014 01:09:28 am

Good explanation in this quote ! I like it.

Christopher Chu P1

10/20/2014 01:19:05 am

I like the quote that you used. Your explication was really good, just some minor grammatical errors.

Eddie Lin Period 2

10/17/2014 02:26:16 am

Ms. Sutton

10/17/2014 02:45:36 am

Eddie, are you equating love, as mentioned in the quote you chose, with happiness? I don't think that is what is meant by the passage or why it is actually significant. Dig a bit deeper in your explication. This reads like you are simply trying to fulfill the assignment, not like you are actually thinking critically and analytically.

Eddie Lin Period 2

10/18/2014 05:37:44 am

a. The Secret Life of Bees
"And whatever it is that keeps widening your heart, that's Mary, top, not only the power inside you but the love. And when you get down to it, Lily, that's the only purpose grand enough for a human life. Not just to love - but to persist in love" (Sue Monk Kidd, P.289).
b. Explication

Context:
August tells Lily this quote some time after May commits suicide. May's suicide, although a tragic event, helped to reform the way the entire family thinks. Instead of drowning themselves in sorrow, the family understands that love and happiness is the "only purpose grand enough for human life". In the story, love encompasses both romantic love, and friendship/family love. For example, June and Neil's romantic love was sparked again after May's suicide note convinced June to do whatever it takes to be happy. Family love was shown during Lily's stay at the Boatwright sister's house. Although not actually related, the group bonded tightly and flourished in a happy environment. Happiness for Lily occurred when she finally felt welcomed and accepted by the love of the Boatwright sisters.

Significance:
The theme of love and happiness is a important part of this story, because the story takes place in the Civil Rights Era in the US. During this time period, most of society only knew hate, prejudice and division. In The Secret Life of Bees, skin color played no part in the bonding and love of the characters. For example, Lily, a white girl, fell in love with Zach, a black boy. Lily also felt more welcomed in a family of black sisters than she ever did with her own white family. The themes of love in this story need to be applied in today's society, where hate and division are still every day occurrences. As mentioned in the quote, the only reason grand enough for human life is to persist in love. If everyone put aside their differences and worked together as one, society and humanity as a whole can overcome any adversity, even those brought by our violent and hateful human nature ways.

Dylan Quintero

10/18/2014 08:19:29 am

That is a very important life lesson.

Kimberly T., Period 2

10/19/2014 05:39:31 am

I really like how you discussed all the themes in the story.

Dicky(Jianchao) Huang Per.5

10/19/2014 06:42:05 am

Love and happiness is the positive element in that era, it is also these two element gave Lily and her new family hope and support in a society still had racial discrimination and inequality.

Kevin Tang P.2

10/19/2014 03:13:18 pm

I agree, if people just put aside their differences the world can become a more peaceful place, free of prejudice and war.

Burton Tran

10/17/2014 02:29:45 am

Quote: "I saw her making a trail of graham crackers and marshmallows for the roaches to follow. My father told me once that my mother used to do the same thing. I figured she'd learned it from May. So I asked her,"Did you ever know a Deborah Fontanel?" and she said yes she did, that Deborah stayed in the honey house. Goodness, there's so much to tell. You remember how I told you I worked as a housekeeper back in Richmond, before I got my teaching job? Well, that was in your mother's house."

Context:Lily had asked May whether or not she knew her mother and when May replied with a "Yes", it lead to her finding out more about her mother and eventually led to Lily asking August about her mother. She later finds out that her mother and August had a close connection.

Significance:Lily had found the connection her mother had to August. She had finally found the answer she was looking for, whether or not her mother had left her. She had also found out more about her mother and what her childhood was like and August finds out the truth about Lily and Rosaleen running away from their home and T. Ray.

Ms. Sutton

10/17/2014 02:46:55 am

But why is this so important to the story? I think you are missing a deeper connection that can and should be made here. Dig deeper.

Burton Tran

10/20/2014 02:12:34 am

Quote: "But she's white, August. That was a great revelation-not that I was white but that it seemed like June might not want me here because of my skin color. I hadn't known this was possible-to reject people for being white."

Context:Lily had never thought people could reject people for being white. She assumed that June wouldn't reject her without even knowing her but she rejected her for being white which was a shock to Lily.

Significance: It may be just a stereotype that some people of certain races are racist but some people don't know that racism can go both ways. It doesn't really matter what race people are, they can still be racist.

Dylan Quintero

10/18/2014 08:19:00 am

That was a very big revelation in the story. It was Lily's purpose of going to Tiburon in the first place.

Marcus Monserrat P2

10/19/2014 11:16:55 am

I like this passage on how it reveal the three sisters knew Lily's mom.

Tiffany Mar Period 2

10/19/2014 01:50:26 pm

Knowing that Lily had found out about her childhood life makes this story seem interesting because it sounds like her life was a mystery!

Emma Rae Perez Period 1

10/19/2014 04:11:32 pm

I thought this was an important part of the story as well because this is the first time she gets confirmation of her mother staying at August's house.

Eddie Lin Period 2

10/20/2014 01:54:36 am

I agree that the revealing of August and Lily's mom's past was an important part of the story. I was questioning August and Lily's moms connection the entire time I read the book before the revealing.

Justin Tang Period 2

10/17/2014 02:32:14 am

13 Reasons Why 10/17/14 by Justin Tang
Quote: “You don’t know what goes on in anyone’s life but your own. And when you mess with one part of a person’s life, you’re not messing with just that part. Unfortunately, you can’t be that precise and selective. When you mess with one part of a person’s life, you’re messing with their entire life. Everything. . . affects everything.” (Asher 201)
Context: This is towards the end of the book when Hannah is almost done with the tapes and is about to follow through with her actions. Clay Jenson, only able to listen to this feels demoralized because there is nothing he can do but listen to her the moments before she was about commit suicide. He began to look back and realized how much she got bullied at school and how he wasn't there for her. The bullies themselves didn't think they would have that much of an impact on Hannah's life but it ended up being her entire life.

Significance.: In this scene, Hannah isn’t only dealing with these events. She is dealing with loneliness, insecurity and the desperate need to find someone who cares. One thing leads to another; she has no one to hold on to and no idea how to stop what is happening. She decides to let go of herself. Many teenagers say that after reading the book, they stop having suicidal thoughts because they want Hannah to live. If you were Hannah, what would you do to get yourself out of the situations? Would you end your life? I can’t decide if Hannah is wrong or right when she doesn’t really seek help and share her problems with others. I can’t possibly understand how she feels. I will say that she should. Everyone should. No one deserves the suicidal thought. And, this might be a cliché, but you never know how your life will change in future. You can be the change.

Stephanie T, Period 2

10/17/2014 08:30:47 am

Hi Justin!
That quote is so true coming to really think about it. People never know how much another person can take, especially when it involves emotions. For example, some cannot handle sarcasm that well and take it personally. Only the individual knows truly about themselves and their thresholds, and it is mostly up to that person to do something about it and seek help if needed.

Belinda C. Period 2

10/19/2014 07:39:57 am

Justin! I agree with that quote because I do believe that one life can affect many lives. If I were Hannah, I wouldn't know what to do. I do believe that suicide is never an option, but no one should ever have to come close to having suicidal thoughts.

Brian W, Period 2

10/20/2014 02:00:42 am

Hey Justin, that quote is very real. A person cannot judge another person too deeply unless he/she truly knows another's life. I also believe that suicide is never an option because it is irrevocable and life should be lived, regardless of what others think. I don't think Hannah should've ended it for herself based on the judgment of her peers.

Samuel T. Period 2

10/20/2014 02:14:57 am

The quote you chose really speaks to me and it relates to a lot of situations in my own life. Many times, situations can only be understood by those suffering and they can become worse when people try to get too involved in other people's problems. Hannah faced a difficult situation, but suicide is never the answer, and there are always other ways to solve your problems.

Anthony Quach Period 5

10/17/2014 06:25:41 am

Monster - Quote Explanation

Quote: "But yes, Mr. Harmon was involved. He made a moral decision to participate in this "get over." He wanted to "get paid" with everyone else. He is as guilty as everybody else, no matter how many moral hairs he can split. His participation made the crime easier. His willingness to check out the store, no matter how poorly he did it, was one of the causative factors that resulted in the death of Mr. Nesbitt." (Monster 262)

Context: Steve Harmon is implicated in a crime he supposedly did not commit. Even when he didn't have anything to do in the crime he is bering trial as a criminal in a crime that resulted in the death of an innocent man. His opponent or the prosecutor is attempting to make the jury believe that is had something to do with the crime, that he isn't as innocent as others think they are.

Significance: In this scene, the prosecutor Ms. Petrocilli is attempting to convince the jury that Steve Harmon is guilty and he had a role in the crime. This causes Steve to question whether or not he really is a monster or not. But because of that testimony this allows the jury to hear two sides to the story, and they are able to decide whether or not he is innocent with the evidence given to them.

Jack G. Period 2

10/20/2014 12:48:11 am

I really think that sometimes society's beliefs have such a powerful influence that it could make you question your own original ideas and beliefs.

Kirk H. P1

10/20/2014 01:30:23 am

I think that you very greatly explained your quote and linked it to the story. Even though I have not yet read the book you are quoting, you help me to understand it and intrigue me to reading it. Thanks!

Justin T Period 2

10/20/2014 01:54:27 am

I think that that is an important lesson to learn, to hear both sides of a story before making a decision. What the society thinks can influence our decisions, but they shouldn't.

Eddie Lin Period 2

10/20/2014 01:57:22 am

I like the significance section of your explication. It makes me wonder how many stories like this exist in real life, or out of the book.

Jessie Garnica

10/17/2014 06:33:15 am

a. Type the quote out using MLA guidelines. Include the title of the book, the author, and page number.
b. Under the quote, write out your explication of the quote. Please include the context of the quote, its significance to the story, and why it matters to the story as a whole. Please space and label all elements of the explication appropriately so that it is easy for the reader to distinguish what you are doing.
In Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, this quote said by Hanna Baker stood out to me the most "You can't rewrite the past" (page 60) This is important because the past is over. You cant go back and change it. You cant take back things that you said, or do things you wish you had. Once you walk away from an opportunity it is gone. There is no changing it. If someone had done what they thought was right in the moment, then the past would not need to be rewritten. She made it known that all the things people did to her cannot be undone, therefore her decision to end her life wasn't something to undo either.

Alex Dea

10/19/2014 02:40:11 pm

I agree. Hannah left the world because she was unhappy with the way everyone was bullying her. She made the tapes to tell her story and make sure that they knew what they had done.

Brian W, Period 2

10/20/2014 02:05:52 am

Hey Jessie, I agree with the quote "you can't rewrite the past." It is very true because opportunities that were missed are a part of the past and in my opinion people should not overlook their problems too much and put so much weight on an issue based on the judgment of others. Although many decisions in life are irrevocable, nobody should ever have to come across the thought to commit suicide.

Diana Tran Period 5

10/17/2014 06:33:25 am

Panic by Sharon M. Draper
Quote: "The door opened slowly. All she could see in the shaft of yellow light was Thane's silhouette. He entered the room.
"Thane! Oh my gosh-- Help me! Untie me! What's going on?"
"Are you done crying?"
"Please! Please call my mother. I want to go home!"
"That's not going to happen." He laughed-- and Diamond felt the coldness of it through her bones" (Draper 95)

Context: This scene occurred after Diamond willing went along with Thane to his house and drank a glass of coke, which caused her to pass out due to the drugs that Thane had put into the drink. After Diamond woke up tied, it is seen that she could feel the darkness of Thane's intentions upon her. She was stricken by how her dreams of a star role were shattered and how she may be stuck within Thane's grasp for an unknown amount of time.

Significance: This scene reflects how one mistake that Diamond has made changes her environment, not only for herself, but of the individuals around her. Putting herself in this situation, she makes it harder for herself to have hope in a brighter future. As a dancer, she had her whole life ahead of her, with loving friends and family. The outcome of this kidnapping situation gives her the sense that she may not be able to trust any other person in her life which will scar and create a senseless memory to remind her how her life has changed.

Monica Au

10/20/2014 01:07:06 am

Wow this is super interesting! Hopefully I get to read this book one day.

Kirk Hum P.1

10/20/2014 01:31:43 am

This seems like a very emotional point in the book. I am proud of you for digging deep into your thoughts to explain and relate it to your own life. That takes a lot of courage and thought.

Justin T P2

10/20/2014 01:56:11 am

This book seems really emotional because how the main character changes herself for her future.

Stephanie T, Period 2

10/17/2014 08:16:51 am

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time

Quote:
"And then I will get a First Class Honors degree and I will become a scientist.
And I know I can do this because I went to London on my own, and because I solved the mystery of Who Killed Wellington? and I found my mother and I was brave and I wrote a book and that means I can do anything" (Haddon 221).

Context:

In his story, Christopher concludes that since he has solved the mystery of a murdered dog that had belonged to his neighbor and also found his mother who apparently died, he believes that he can reach his goal of getting the highest degree in college and becoming a scientist. He solved the murder case on his own. He also traveled far away from home to find his mother who is not, in fact, dead but actually alive and healthy. He is a smart young boy who believes he has what it takes to become a scientist, which is a rigorous position to undertake.

Significance:

The novel comes to an end as Christopher concludes it by quickly explaining his educational and career goals. He directly states that he will fulfill them because of what he has already accomplished so far. This is significant because even though he has difficulties socializing with the majority of the population due to his autism, he knows that he can and will achieve his goals. His confidence shows that nothing can stop him. This makes readers realize that autistic people are not as limited to their actions as they first thought-- they have a potential to do great things, too.

Bertram M.

10/20/2014 01:11:44 am

I agree with what you said about Christopher. How he is able to do anything he wants after what has happened. From London to finding his mom. His confidence in himself to accomplish that was enough to give himself that motivation to do anything. Especially that FIrst Class Honors will be a piece of cake compared to this incident with murder of Wellington and his dog.

Samantha Wong P1

10/18/2014 06:07:37 am

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Quote: "Well, what I've done to you this day, Bean, I've done. But I'll be watching you, more compassionately than you know, and when the time is right you'll find that I'm your friend, and you are the soldier you want to be" (Ender 168).

Context: Ender becomes the new commander of the Dragon Army and receives an usually young soldier by the name of Bean. During the Dragon Army's first practice earlier that day, Ender makes Bean stand out, which turns the other soldiers against him out of envy. Ender knows that Bean is unhappy with him for putting a target on his back.

Significance:
Because Bean is so advanced in skill and mentality, he reminds Ender of himself a couple years earlier. Every since Ender had arrived at Battle School, the had been isolated and kept off balance, so he could be ready to improvise and be determined to win no matter what. Ender was trained to be a better soldier, and had not been allowed to get close to anyone. This caused Ender to be miserable and he hated what the generals had done to him, but these tactics had worked in making Ender a better soldier. He knew what Bean would go through, but he would care about Bean more than the generals had cared for him.

David V., Period 2

10/19/2014 09:46:20 am

Having someone who is better than you can provide a sense of motivation so you can show who's the better one later on. Sometime it might be jealousy or motivation.

Alex Dea

10/19/2014 02:41:33 pm

it sounds like such an interesting story. The intense story line has me caught in.

Anthony W. , Period 1

10/19/2014 05:13:26 pm

Your depiction of the quote and by explaining its significance got me wanting to read the book!

Dylan Quintero, period 2

10/18/2014 08:14:25 am

"What if he was home missing me, saying, Why oh why didn't I love her better?"

Context:
Lily is currently staying at the Boatwright house and being accustomed to it and the family. She sits, closes her eyes, and imagines being back home with a new T. Ray. A better T. Ray who cares for her.

Significance:
Lily's wondering of if it's too much to think that maybe T. Ray misses her and changed completely goes against everything she has done. It makes her running away and staying at the Boatwright house pointless. She still has hope in T. Ray, even after everything he has put her through.

Armando R. (Period 5)

10/19/2014 03:41:19 am

that's such an intense quote.

Marcus R., Period 1

10/19/2014 08:33:58 am

I agree, this is a very deep and intense quote that shows the heart ache.

Marcus Monserrat P2

10/19/2014 11:23:56 am

The quote is very imaginative on how Lily wanted a father that would care for her like her mother.

Marcus Monserrat P2

10/19/2014 11:25:56 am

This is such a good quote from the book and how it has Lily thinking about T.Ray

Christopher Chu P1

10/20/2014 01:28:03 am

This quote shows some deep meaning, I like it.

Cecilia Yu, period 5

10/18/2014 03:32:50 pm

The secret life of bees
Quotes:
" I can tell you this much: the world is a great big log thrown on the fires of love."
Context:
Lily finally come to a conclusion at the end of chapter 7, after in the field, she licked honey off his hand that she realized she really loves Zach. Zach and Lily also witnessed Neil and June have fight. In these two different situations, Lily learned that love not only brings people together but also sometimes drives people apart.
Significance:
Lily doesn't have much experience of love, because she never get any love from his father or mother. But, she loved them deeply, so she thought that love is all about rejection and negativity. Now, she suddenly experience love, so she doesn't have a clear idea of whether love can also be positive.

Kimberly T., Period 2

10/19/2014 05:36:04 am

I really like how you described the layers of Lily's feelings. I'm starting this book, and it seems really interesting from the quotes I am reading so far.

Dicky(jianchao) Huang Per.5

10/19/2014 06:36:09 am

Hi! I agree, Lily finds love in her new family and experienced the transition there.

Bianca L. Per.5

10/19/2014 06:50:52 am

I really like the quote you chose to explain the different aspects of love that people experience.

Emma Rae Perez Period 1

10/19/2014 04:14:00 pm

I thought this was a good quote and I also like how you talked about Lily not receiving love from either of her parents.

Armando R. (Period 5)

10/19/2014 03:39:05 am

Sold by Patricia McCormick
Quote: "'My name is Lakshmi,' I say, 'I am from Nepal. I am fourteen years old'"
(Page 269).

Context: Lakshmi has just ran to the Americans to be rescued from Happiness House during a raid. Upon seeing the Americans she says this. The reader is left to assume that they did take her away from the life of human trafficking.

Significance: After being in Happiness House for about a year she really didn't have a name, she was just a child of human trafficking. When she finally says who she is, it gives her a face, an identity. It also signifies her being rescued.

Bianca. L per.5

10/19/2014 06:49:08 am

I like your idea that by her saying her name for the first time ever since she's been at Happiness House gives her her freedom back.

Belinda C.

10/19/2014 07:45:30 am

I really like the quote. In Lakshmi's situations, I could see why she felt she lost her face, her identity. Having been part of a life of human trafficking, she may have questioned her reasons for life. But after being free, saying her name once again gives her power and symbolizes her freedom. That, to me, is just amazing.

Calvin Huang P1

10/19/2014 11:03:50 am

I agree with you that when she says who she is it gives her an identity, because when I was reading the book, I almost forgot who she was because her name was rarely mentioned.

Natalie Y Period 5

10/19/2014 11:54:45 am

I like how you told us the main character's name, place of origin and the age.

Justin C. P,1

10/19/2014 12:35:17 pm

I like this quote too because it shows how Lakshmi's life had changed and what she had went through.

Mayra Alcalá

10/20/2014 01:09:33 am

Great choice of book to read ! I thought this was book was great, sad but great. Your significance of what the quote means is on point!

Kimberly T., Period 2

10/19/2014 05:26:07 am

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon

Quote: “I am going to prove that I’m not stupid. Next month I’m going to take my A level in maths and I’m going to get an A grade. No one has ever taken an A level at our school before, and the headmistress, Mrs. Gascoyne, didn’t want me to take it at first. She said they didn't have the facilities to let us sit A levels. But Father had an argument with Mrs. Gascoyne and he got really cross. Mrs. Gascoyne said they didn't want to treat me differently from everyone else in the school because then everyone would want to be treated differently and it would set a precedent. And I could always do my A levels later, at 18” (Haddon, 28-29).

Context: Christopher believes that everyone has special needs, such as his Father who has to carry little packets of artificial sweetening tablets for his coffee. However, he is not considered “Special Needs,” even if he has a special need. Sometimes the children from a nearby school see Christopher and his classmates getting off the bus and shout, “Special Needs! Special Needs!” But Christopher disregards them.

Significance: Christopher is defying the prejudgments of people who have made assumptions about him because he is in a “Special Needs” class. Though Christopher copes with social behavior issues, not a single reader can deny his amazing sense of determination. He reads math books for leisure and is very orderly in practicing math problems. He tells himself he will be the first person in his school to take an A level math course and prove to everyone that he is not stupid.

Rene S. Period 1

10/19/2014 05:06:03 pm

Hi Kimberly! I completely agree with your perception of Christopher! He fights and is very determined to what he wants to do for his own future.

Thomas De La Torre

10/19/2014 06:29:13 am

" Layla showered slowly, letting the warm water massage her sore arm. She could already tell that she'd have to wear long sleeves tomorrow. She toweled off carefully, put on her pajamas, and picked up her phone. scrolling through her list, she tapped Mercedes' picture. Seconds later Mercedes picked up." (Draper, 89)

Context : Draper gives insight to the extent of Layla's injuries sustained from Donovan's abuse. She is in a constant struggle to conceal her signs of abuse. She is reluctant to Leave Donovan for the corporal punishment he gives her on a regular basis. Layla seeks comfort in conversations with her friend Mercedes.Layla does not always disclose the full severity of her altercations to Mercedes.

Thomas De La Torre

10/19/2014 06:37:57 am

significance : The audience is shown the emotional struggles Which Layla has to cope with. she is a were that Donovan is causing bodily harm to her yet she lies to herself, and simply writes off her injuries as a way Donovan shows his love for her. For the entire length of the passage Layla is in a struggle of weather a healthy relationship involves negative physical contact. The book sheds light on her broken childhood later on in the story, but at this moment in the book, this is an early appearance of her having a reflection on her self.

Thomas De La Torre

10/19/2014 06:42:34 am

"Panic" Sharon Draper

Vanessa M., Period 2

10/19/2014 01:25:47 pm

I honestly don't know what will I do if I Layla, but I do think that love hurts and it's very complicated.

Royce Shinba Period 5

10/19/2014 04:13:44 pm

I like the quote you picked because it seems that Layla is getting abused but does nothing about it. She takes the beating from her boyfriend and thinks its out of love.

Dicky(Jianchao) Huang Per.5

10/19/2014 06:34:12 am

Quote: “I’ve just never heard of a Negro lawyer, that’s all. You’ve got to hear of these things before you can imagine them.”
“Bullshit. You gotta imagine what’s never been.” (Chapter 7)

Context: This is the conversation between Lily and Zach. Zach explained to Lily about his dream to be a lawyer in the future, but Lily could not understand.

Significance: From this conversation, we can see the limitation of Lily understand toward jobs of African American. Lily was a white, like most of the white people at that time, they were influenced by the tradition and social expectation toward African American. Lily havent seen and could not image African American could be a lawyer. On the other hand, Zach, represented the majority of African American in civil right movement of 1960s, had strong desire to have better jobs other than domestic servants and labors. Although it was unprecedented, they wanted to break the discrimination, segregation , and all other social inequality. Lily and Zach are friends, but in this conversation, they are representing the two somewhat conflicting groups in a larger society.

Thomas De La Torre

10/19/2014 06:48:22 am

I agree with the context surrounding this passage, during the time this the story takes place there was a very shallow job market for African Americans. I also like how the author does not censor the language in the passage as it adds authenticity to the story given the time and place in which it takes place in.

Bianca L. Per.5

10/19/2014 06:44:16 am

Sold - Patricia McCormick

Quote: “ ‘let me explain it to you.’
‘You belong to me,’ she says. "And I paid a pretty sum for
you, too."
She opens to a page in her book and points to the notation
for 10,000 rupees.
‘You will take men to your room,’ she says. ‘And do whatever
they ask of you. You will work here, like the other girls, until
your debt is paid off.’
My head is spinning now, but I see only one thing: the number
in her book. It warps and blurs, then fractures into bits that
swim before my eyes. I fight back tears and find my voice”( McCormick 108).

Context: Lakshmi attempts to pack her bags and go home after a few rough days at Happiness House. She explains to Mumtaz that there’s a mistake and she’s suppose to be working as a maid to a rich family. Mumtaz then explains to Lakshmi that there is no mistake and that her family had sold her to Happiness House. Lakshmi may not leave until she has worked off her debt to Mumtaz.

Significance: This quotation is significant because it forces Lakshmi to realize that she is a slave to Happiness House. She no longer has freedom or control over her own body and must be forced to work off her debt in order to gain freedom. She feels hopeless and betrayed by her family, yet conflicted because she knows she must work in order to support her mother back home. As a child from a family living in poverty and a girl, she has little power in dictating her own life.

Thomas De La Torre

10/19/2014 06:51:13 am

i am becoming interested ion the realistic nature of the quotes as they play out a very plausible scenario.

Calvin Huang P1

10/19/2014 12:19:16 pm

How do you think Lakshmi felt before Mumtaz explained it to her?

Mayra A. Period 1

10/20/2014 01:13:25 am

This was one of the best quotes throughtout the book. It's so sad knowing someone paid for you and now you have to do what they tell you since you are "owned" by them.

Belinda C. Period 2

10/19/2014 07:33:50 am

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
Quote: "Then I stopped reading the letter because I felt sick. Mother had not had a heart attack. Mother had not died. Mother had been alive all the time. And Father had lied about this. I tried really hard to think if there was any other explanation but I couldn't think of one. And then I couldn't think of anything at all because my brain wasn't working properly. I felt giddy. It was like the room was swinging from side to side, as if it was at the top of a really tall building and the building was swinging backward and forward in a strong wind" (Haddon 112).

Context: Two years ago, Christopher was told by Father that Mother had died from a heart attack. Now, Christopher finds letters hidden in Father's room that are written by Mother, making Christopher confused because Mother is supposedly dead. After reading the letters, he sums up that Mother is not dead, and that Father lied. Christopher does not know how to cope with this situation and cannot think properly, so he starts to feel nauseous.

Significance: In this scene, Christopher shows the depth of his mind and how he handles such unique situations. Throughout the book, readers see glimpses of how Chris's mind works (e.g. prime numbers, red= good, yellow= bad, crowd of people= bad). At this point when Christopher finds the truth that his mom is alive, he doesn't show emotions because he does not know how to express them. Christopher is unique. Others define him as a "special needs" kid. In most situations, if a typical kid were to be in the same situation as Christopher, he would show emotions, whether it's anger, sadness, or happiness. However, Christopher is different. He does not know how to cope in this situation and instead, feels confused and sick. Christopher shows readers what it may be like to have autism that most of us usually look over when really, we should look into. People do have autism in real life. Imagine being in Christopher's shoes and not knowing how to express emotions and understanding what's happening. How would you react? In reality, some still look down upon those who have autism. They may seem different, but they're just like anybody else.

Teresa C Period 2

10/19/2014 11:43:31 am

Hey Belinda! I really thought this part of the book was shocking and played an important part to the book. I would have never thought this would happen before reading it.

Marcus Monserrat P2

10/19/2014 07:51:26 am

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
Quote: "My first and only memory of my mother was the day she died"(Kidd, P.5)

Context: In chapter 1, Lily talking about the kind the memories she had with her mother and how her mother made sure that was safe and had fun. Lily then thinks about how her mother cared about her by how she used to be tucked into bed, read her stories, and hang her clothes. When Lily looks at T. Ray, she starts to think how he doesn't care for her. Then later they after the argument they, Lily ran away with her friend, Rosaleen, and went to the Boatwright house. That is the place where Lily treated with care and warmth by the three Boatwright sisters named August, May, and June.

Explication: This quote is important to the book because it shows how much Lily misses her mother. This matters to the story as a whole because in the beginning Lily had thought that her father would care for like her mother, but he didn't. So Lily left and went to the Boatwright house. At the end of the book Lily was able to stay with a person that would be a motherly figure her and that was August and how she was able get T. Ray to let Lily stay with her.

Royce Shinba Period 5

10/19/2014 04:20:40 pm

I liked the quote you picked and how you explained it. It seems like a harsh quote, due to the fact that she only remembers her mother when she died. When you explained that it shows how much she misses her mother, it changed my whole thought about the quote. That's what makes this quote/book interesting.

Genan Hamideh, period 1

10/20/2014 01:24:45 am

i never really understood this book. But, it sounds like it was a type of book where the plot is emotional yet interesting.

Marcus R., Period 1

10/19/2014 08:27:38 am

"Looking for Alaska" by John Green

Quote: "I still think that, sometimes, think that maybe 'the afterlife' is just something we made up to ease the pain of loss, to make our time in the labyrinth bearable. Maybe she was just matter, and matter gets recycled." (Green 220)

Context: Pudge is grieving the loss of his really good friend, Alaska, after she was involved in a tragic car accident. He is trying to cope by questioning what really happens to people after they die.

Significance: This quote is important because it gives readers an insight on what Pudge is thinking, how he copes, and what his beliefs are about the afterlife. Pudge doesn't believe there is life after death. He believes that when you die, your soul does not continue to live on. Your dead body decomposes and the resources are returned to the earth, and that's it. This quote portrays Pudge as a realist because he views life and death as it really is; he does not believe in an afterlife because there is no scientific evidence of it really being there.

Brian Y. Period 5

10/19/2014 10:35:50 am

@Marcus R.
Pulge was also trying to figure out the labyrinth in the book Alaska reads everyday. And in the story Pulge finds a note on the story written by Alaska. To escape the labyrinth you hit is fast and straight. Good quote.

Monica Au

10/20/2014 01:08:42 am

I read this book as well which is why I can agree with what you are saying about this quote. Great job!

Daniel L. Period 1

10/20/2014 01:11:15 am

That some pretty deep stuff. This is a sad story, no one should think like that.

David V., Period 2

10/19/2014 09:37:21 am

"Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Key

Quote: "In the moment when I truly understand my enemy, understand him well enough to defeat him, then in that very moment I also love him. I think it's impossible to really understand somebody, what they want, what they believe, and not love them the way they love themselves" (Key 165)

Context: Ender is telling Valentine why he hates himself. He has the ability to understand his enemies better than anyone else. But once he does, he destroys them. With such tremendous emphathy, even though they are his worst enemies, Ender loves them. Whenever Ender kills his enemies, he feels very hurt inside. Ender does not want enemies so he would not be forced to hurt anybody. He will love those who are his enemies when he understands them.

Significance: This quote is important because it gives readers an idea what it feels like to have many enemies. Ender does not like to fight, yet he is forced to by Graff. Throughout the story, Ender faced many hardships by killing Buggers. However, in the end of the story, Ender is able to help the Buggers when he truly understand them. He had done a lot to hurt them, now he is glad that he can undo what he has done to them.

Brian Y. Period 5

10/19/2014 10:33:28 am

@David V
I really understand how Ender is hating himself really bad, because I have the same issue myself.

Preston Wong, P.5

10/19/2014 06:59:49 pm

It really is a shame that Ender is forced to fight under these conditions. However, it is with amity that Ender understands his actions and is satisfied about his aftermath doings.

Jack G.

10/20/2014 12:50:23 am

In the context of the story, I feel as though Ender understood the buggers well enough to the point where he could sympathize for them. I feel as though Card wanted us to embrace this concept, since our hate for each other is leading us to bloodshed.

Arthur Tran

10/20/2014 01:30:51 am

Ender didn't want to kill his enemies (he didn't like fighting in general). However, he understood the necessity behind the actions that lead him to kill his enemies.

Brian Y. Period 5

10/19/2014 10:31:41 am

"Looking For Alaska" by John Green
Quote: "I'VE GOT A THEORY," the Colonel said as I walked in the door after a miserable day of classes. The cold had begun to let up, but word has not spread to whoever ran the furnaces, so the classrooms were all stuffy and overheated, and I just wanted to crawl into bed and sleep until the time came to do it all over again.

Context: The Colonel is telling Miles (Pulge) about what he think happened to Alaska, but after the classroom got so hot due to all of the sweat from after their lunch break and everyone is smelling each others sweat and Alaska's friends who were all seriously damaged hardly by the incident that happened to Alaska, and the bullies who bullied Alaska and their friends felt sorry for the first time in forever to actually care for them.

Significance: This quote is important because it shows the reader that people are finding the reason why Alaska had to leave school and get into a car crash. The Colonel and Pulge both closest to Alaska were heart shattered and it is the rising action of the story and they are trying to find out what really was the reason why Alaska left the school, and this is the part where John Green gets the reader hooked into the story.

Brian Y. Period 5

10/19/2014 10:36:34 am

(Green 129) oops forgot ;)

Lily T., Period1

10/19/2014 11:09:25 am

Your quote reminds me of the fact that most bullies don't feel sorry or regretful when bullying others until they realized that the person's life was endangered partly because of them.

Lauren Ng Period 1

10/19/2014 10:41:55 am

Sold by Patricia McCormick
Quote: "Lakshmi,"I say to myself. "My name is Laksmi." Now that Harish is gone, no one says my name. So I say it to myself. "My name is Lakshmi," I repeat. "I am from Nepal. I am thirteen." I am not sure, but I think so much time as passes, that I am fourteen.
(Page 127)

Context: Lakshmi says this right when Harish and his mother, Pushpa, get kicked out of the Happiness House because Pushpa becomes sick. Lakshmi has been taking reading and writing lessons from Harish and is slowly becoming closer to him. Previously, Lakshmi was unable to speak English and pushed everyone away at the Happiness House. In this scene she is speaking to herself alone in a room.

Significance: I choose this quote because it highlights how alone Laksmi feels after Harish, one of her only friends, is forced out of the Happiness House. Once he is gone no one responds to her and no one can teach her to speak English. This part also demonstrates the horrors and hardships the girls who were sold into sex slavery had to go through. Pushpa becomes pregnant after being raped and then tries to raise Harish in this environment. She does her best, but unfortunately becomes sick with a form of aids and heartlessly the woman in charge of the Happiness House throws them out. This shows how all the girls were replaceable. Lastly I thought this passage was significant because it shows how long Lakshmi was forced into prostitution and how she matured over the time. Over the one year when she turned fourteen she has learned to speak English and the name of her hometown. She has become accustom to horrors around her as each day feels like the last and she no longer knows her age. She does not complain about her predicament, but places her strength into learning. This passage reflects how Laksmi has grown from a naive child, but still feels the loneliness from the Happiness House.

Lily T., Period 1

10/19/2014 11:03:50 am

I like your way of describing about the things not only Lakshmi but also other children that are forced into human trafficking goes through. It must've been extremely traumatizing to go through all that at such a young age.

Desiree Ha Period 2

10/19/2014 12:09:56 pm

I really like how in depth you described the book's main theme of human trafficking and how Laksmi is struggling to retain her identity throughout the whole process.

Lily T., Period 1

10/19/2014 10:47:06 am

"Sold" By Patricia McCormick

Quote: "Mumtaz is cursing downstairs. But I can still hear the American. / I inch toward the steps. But I am too afraid to go down. / The American calls out. / I try to answer, but nothing comes out of my mouth. / I hear more cursing and the scuffle of feet. He is leaving. My American is leaving. / Something inside me breaks open, and I run down the steps, I see Mumtaz, her fat mango face purple with rage, her arms pinned behind her back by two policemen. She lunges in my direction and spits. But the policemen hold her back. / I see my American. There are other men with him, Indian men, and the American lady from the picture. / "My name is Lakshmi," I say. / "I am from Nepal, / I am fourteen years old." (McCormick, 263)

Context: Lakshimi was utterly thrilled yet worried at the same time after finding out that the Americans had finally came to raid the Happiness House again. She was trilled because she had been waiting for countless of weeks to have the Americans rescue her, but she was worried because she thought that they might have left her hanging again like what they did to her previously.

Significance: Lakshimi had finally felt safe knowing that she was in the hands of the Americans. She felt relieved that Mumtaz was finally going to be behind bars. Throughout the book, Lakshimi had been was taught how to speak english from a boy known throughout the book as "David Beckham boy". In the end of the story, she finally had the nerves to speak up for herself and others that were held hostage for human sex trafficking.

Teresa C Period 2

10/19/2014 11:44:46 am

Your book seems really interesting. I saw the trailer for this book from another book and would love to read it sometime this year.

Vanessa M., Period 2

10/19/2014 01:18:18 pm

This seems interesting. Makes me want to read it now :)

Lauren Ng period 2

10/20/2014 01:12:48 am

Hi Lily! I really liked your quote because it is a climax moment in the book and is a moment where Laksmi stand up for herself. This part of the book was one of my favorites and I like how you explained it and talked about the problem of sex trafficking.

Brian V., Period 1

10/19/2014 10:53:18 am

Looking For Alaska -
Quote: "We think that we are invincible because we are. We cannot be born, and we cannot die. Like all energy, we can only change shapes and sizes and manifestations. They forget that when they get old. They get scared of losing and failing. But that part of us greater than the sum of our parts cannot begin and cannot end, and so it cannot fail.” (Sparks 221)

Context: Pudge and many other students are given a writing assignment for their religion class. This assignment is a huge part of their grade. After being deeply affected by the death of Alaska, Pudge begins to look for himself and the meaning of life. He wants to find closure in the death of Alaska, and he relates to his memories of Alaska and tries to find a reason for her unexpected death.
Significance: This quote is significant because it depicts Pudge growth as a character over the traumatic event of losing a friend, a friend he had the world of feelings for. By writing this, I figured he has accepted her death for whatever reason it may be; accident, or as a suicide. This can lead him to the second phase of grief. Recovery. This is probably the hardest part of the many stages of grief. Pudge and his support group of Takumi, the Colonel, and other students will bring him through this sad time in his life.

Brian V

10/19/2014 10:59:13 am

(Green, 221)

Desiree Ha Period 2

10/19/2014 12:07:08 pm

I really think this quote is significant as well because it shows how Alaska never left them, that she was still in their hearts and memories!

Calvin Huang P1

10/19/2014 10:53:50 am

Sold- Patricia McCormick
"When no one is looking, I pack my bundle for my journey to the clean place and hide it under my bed.
What I am taking:
my American storybook,
a hair ribbon Shahanna left behind,
my note book,
my old homespun skirt,
Monica's rag doll.
What I am leaving behind:
the makeup and nail paint mumtaz made me buy,
the condoms under my mattress,
everything that happened here" (McCormick, 252).

Context: In the "Happiness House", Lakshmi had an American customer that offered to take her to a clean place if she wanted to go. Despite being told that Americans customers that go by the house cannot be trusted, Lakshmi took the offer. The American then promised that he would come back with other men and good police officers. After the American left, Lakshmi began to pack up what she would bring to the clean place and what she would leave behind.

Significance: This quote is important to the book because it shows that even though she is in a place where she practically has nothing, there were still some things that she was able to find some sort of value in. The things that she packed up to bring with her were from the people that she had a connection with inside the "Happiness House" and also things that she had brought from her home town.

Natalie Y. Period 5

10/19/2014 11:52:27 am

Your quote reminds me of the movie, life of a geisha, because the main character was sold from her parents because her parents do not have money to support them.

Justin C. P.1

10/19/2014 12:37:09 pm

Dear Calvin, I enjoyed reading your interpretation of the quote because you truly did enjoy this book and seemed to bring back topics from the beginning. Great work you genius !

Natalie Y Period 5

10/19/2014 11:49:34 am

"Looking For Alaska" by John Green
Quote: IT WAS SUNDAY, and the Colonel and I decided against the cafeteria for dinner, instead walking off campus and across Highway 119 to the Sunny Konvenience Kiosk, where we indulged in a well balanced meal of two oatmeal cream pies a piece. Seven hundred calories. Enough energy to sustain a man for half a day. We sat on the curb in front of the store, and I finished dinner in four bites." (Green 169).
Context: The Colonel and Pulge went out to eat but out to a restaurant because the school cafeteria served out very unhealthy food. Which is why when Pulge said they are a well balanced meal of two oatmeal cream pies, they were referring to the cream pies more healthier than the junk food. For example, they were served fried burritos for lunch, and most of their meals were mostly to fully fried.
Significance: This quote is important because it shows us that school serves food that are unhealthy, and the students would do anything to have other foods to eat that are more healthier to eat.

Desiree Ha Period 2

10/19/2014 12:04:45 pm

"Looking for Alaska" by John Green
"'Why do you smoke so damn fast?' I asked.
Quote: She looked at me and smiled widely, and such a wide smile on her narrow face might have looked goofy were it not for the unimpeachably elegant green in her eyes. She smiled with all the delight of a kid on Christmas morning and said, 'Y'all smoke to enjoy it. I smoke to die.'" (Green 44)

Context: Pudge, the narrator, is smoking with his friends when he notices how quickly Alaska smokes her cigarettes. This is Pudge's first time hanging out with his new group of friends since he transferred to Culver Creek. Before coming to Culver Creek, Pudge had no friends at all.

Significance: Throughout the entire book, Alaska is portrayed as a carefree and spontaneous girl who wins Pudge's heart unintentionally. While all the other members in their friendship circle have revealed their past, their lives with their families to be more specific, only Alaska's private life remains a mystery. This quote is significant because it hints at why she is so rebellious with her actions. Not only that, but it also gives a possible explanation as to whether or not the car crash that ended her life was intentional or not.

Anthony W. , Period 1

10/19/2014 05:16:02 pm

I read this book and after I read your quote and your explanation of how the quote is significant, it puts my view of the book into a different perspective and changed how i view Alaska

Teresa C Period 2

10/19/2014 12:13:08 pm

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
By: Mark Haddon

Quote: "And sometimes, when someone has died, like mother died, people say "What would you want to say to your mother if she was here now?" or "what would your mother think of that?" which is stupid because Mother is dead and you can't say anything to people who are dead and dead people can't think" (Haddon 79).

Context: During this part of the book Christopher is just explaining his life and how people ask him questions which he interprets differently from others. This is before Christopher finds out that his mother is really alive after all. Christopher is still secretly investigating about the case of who killing Wellington, his neighbor's dog.

Significant: This is significant because if shows the readers that Christopher obviously thinks differently from a "normal person" because he has autism. In addition, this is a little before his father took away his book which leads to Christopher finding out 2 thinks, who killed Wellington and that his mother is really still alive.

Genan Hamideh, period 1

10/20/2014 01:22:00 am

I actually wanted to read this book after i saw one of the trailers. From the way you put it, it sounds interesting.

Beth Amare, Period 5

10/19/2014 12:22:55 pm

The Secret Life of Bees
Quote: “Lily, I like you better than any girl I’ve ever known, but you have to understand, there are people who would kill boys like me for even looking at girls like you” (Kidd 135).
Context: In this scene, Zach tells Lily that she has to understand the people would kill and jail him for looking and being with white girls like her.
Significance: Although Lily and Zach liked each other, they both knew that the relationship between them wasn’t something society would accept because blacks and whites weren’t even looked at to be friends, yet lovers. This shows how unjust racism is. Lily and Zach have to think about the prejudices of society.

ChinhChu Lai. Period 2

10/19/2014 05:53:41 pm

This reminded me of the materials that I've learned form my U.S. History class. It reminded me of how serious the discrimination in the U.S was. I believed that now a day, the society has been slowly accepted the love from difference races.

Brenda Tolentino, Period 5

10/20/2014 02:04:05 pm

Racism is a major conflict in society. Even a long time ago, it was very bad, and it still is. I agree that racism is unjust and should be changed. People shouldn't judge others based on their skin but their personality. I hope that over time discrimination disappears.

Justin C. P.1

10/19/2014 12:47:17 pm

Sold- Patricia McCormick
I awake for a moment, unsure of where I am.
I yawn and wait for the scent of hearth smoke and baking bread
And what greets my nose is the stench of the privy hole next to my bed.
I pray for a mountain breeze, brisk with the promise of snow, instead I see the palm front machine lazily churning the same sultry city air.
What I hear are the fighting voices of a man and a woman in the room next to mine.

So far, this city is not what I had hoped. (McCormick, 97)

Context : Lakshmi hoped to go to a nice a place and work as a servant. She misses her home when she refers to "mountain breeze". Lakshmi soon realize that the city for her is a living hell. Lakshmi says that her hopes for the city was completely different than what she had expected.

Significance: In this quote, Lakshmi thought her "working" in the city would be a good thing but now she realizes why her mother did not want her to work. It also is a foreshadow of how the "city" will treat her and that she will eventually hate it.

ChinhChu Lai. Period 2

10/19/2014 05:56:08 pm

This is a heart breaking story. I hope nothing like this would happen anymore.

Vanessa M., Period 2

10/19/2014 01:15:54 pm

Panic

Quote: "No, i mean, what did you mean when you said I could do better than being on a dance show? Well, my Chloe was in the last two Harry Potter movies and the first Twilight movie as well. Not huge parts, but she had small speaking roles in all of them. I was the assistant director for all those films.Would you like to meet Chloe and my wife and our goofy dog? Of course" (Draper 24).

Context: After crashing into a man, who looked to be about forty, handsome, and well dress in a business suit at, Diamond started to talk to him,Thane. Thane told Diamond that his daughter, Chloe goes to Broadway High School, the same high school as diamond. He notice that Diamond is a dancer and told her she could be a lead role in the cast of Peter Pan, which is what Diamond wanted all along, to be a lead role. She only played a small role in her school play. So when she heard that she can meet Hollywood starts and be a lead role, she followed Thane into his car.

Significance: This is the rising action of the book. Everything starts happening after this scene. Diamond ended up getting kidnapped and her friend Layla gets physically abused by her boyfriend, Donovan. If Diamond didn't get in the car with Thane,things would be very different. After knowing what happened to Diamond, the whole dance studio was very depressed. Everyone was in a bad, including Layla. In addition to that, Layla got in a fight with Donovan and he left marks on her arms and hand. Everything just got worst after Diamond's kidnapped.

Cergio Angel P.1

10/19/2014 01:34:13 pm

Thirteen Reasons Why- Jay Asher
Quote: " To which I say....no. My chest relaxes, freeing a breath of air I didn't even know I was holding. I hope you're not disappointed. I hope you aren't just listening-salivating-for gossip. I hope these tapes mean more to you than that. Clay, honey; your name does not belong on this list....You don't belong in the same way as the others. It's like that song: One of these things is not like the others. One of these things just don't belong."

Context: Clay is listening to one of the last tapes, which is the one he's been waiting for since he's been listening to the first tape. Involving him in Hannah's suicide, from what clay is still shaken up about

Significance: At this point in the story Clay is nervous about what Hannah has to say about him since he's finally listening to the tape about him. Before listening to all the tapes he was wondering why Hannah would involve him in being one of the thirteen reasons on her list. But now that he's heard what Hannah's first words she had to say about him, he's relieved and eager about what else she has to say.

Bailey K. Period 1

10/20/2014 01:17:46 am

Interesting quote and well said context. I see that Clay is involved in Hannah's suicide now, causing him to be rattled.

Tiffany Mar Period 2

10/19/2014 01:39:24 pm

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

Quote: "Then I heard his van pulling up outside the house and I knew that I had to think fast and be clever. So I decided that I would leave the book where it was because I reasoned that Father
wasn't going to throw it away if he had put it into the shirt box and I could carry on writing in another book that I would keep really secret and then, maybe later, he might change his mind and let me have the first book back again and I could copy the new book into it. And if he never gave it back to me I would be able to remember most of what I had written, so I would put it all into the second secret book and if there were bits I wanted to check to make sure I had remembered them correctly I could come into his room when he was out and check.Then I heard Father shutting the door of the van.
And that was when I saw the envelope. It was an envelope addressed to me and it was lying under my book in the shirt box with some other envelopes." (Haddon 60)

Context: Since Christopher's father had taken Christopher's journal away from him, he was determined to get it back. As Christopher goes into his fathers room while his dad wasn't at home, not only does he find his journal, but a stack of letters as well. Seeing that they were all addressed to him, he curiously opens up a letter, realizing that his supposedly dead mother had written it to him.

Significance: I chose this quote because it was a plot twist which really turned the story around. Christopher's father had told Christopher that his mother had died from cancer, and knowing that his mother was actually alive had sparked interest as I was reading this passage. Not only does Christopher want to find out who had killed Mrs. Shears dog, Wellington, but he also wanted to find out where his mother was at. This shows how well-driven and committed Christopher is towards what he firmly believes in.

Viviana G., Period 2

10/19/2014 01:59:10 pm

"Looking for Alaska" by John Green
“I was gawky and she was gorgeous and I was hopelessly boring and she was endlessly fascinating. So I walked back to my room and collapsed on the bottom bunk, thinking that if people were rain, I was drizzle and she was hurricane.” (Green 88)

Context: It's there thanksgiving vacation Pudge stays at school. He did want Alaska to stay alone. At night they sneak out and invaded the other rooms not knowing they went into Kevin's room. Kevin was one of the guys that throw Pudge into the lake. They knew it was his room because there was a lot of hair products. And out of revenge Pudge and Alaska they put blue dye in his hair products.

Significance: This quote shows the low self-esteem that Pudge has of himself. With the company of Alaska, he becomes alive and he feels all her freeness that she has. Alaska's everything he is not, and that is what he admires in her.

Alvin O. Per. 5

10/19/2014 02:08:49 pm

Quote :
" ‘Dear Christopher, I'm sorry I didn't write last week. I had to go to the dentist and have two of my molars out. You might not remember when we had to take you to the dentist. You wouldn't let anyone put their hand inside your mouth so had to put you to sleep so that the dentist could take on =e of o=your teeth out. Well, they didn't put me to sleep, they just gave me what is called a local anesthetic which means that though can't feel anything in your mouth, which is just as well because they had to saw through the bone to get the tooth out. And it didn't hurt at all, In fact I was laughing because the dentist had to tug and pull and strain so much and it seems really funny to me. But when I got home the pain started to come back and I had to lie on the sofa for two days and take lots of painkillers…'
Then I stopped reading the letter because I felt sick. Mother had not had a heart attack. Mother had not died. Mother had been alive all the time. And Father had lied about this” (Haddon 112).

Explanation:
Throughout the entire book up until this point, Chris's mom was thought to be dead because his father stated very early that his mom had died of a heart attack. Chris had found a set of letters that was addressed to him. At first he couldn't believe it, but after reading more and more, he realized that they were all from his mother. This served as a major turning point to not only Chris's relationships with his father,who lied about his mother, but also to the story's overall plot. The original plot was to find the murderer of the dog. But this was overshadowed when Chris's revelation undermined the original plot.

Alex Dea

10/19/2014 02:38:12 pm

13 Reasons Why
Quote: "I hope you're ready, because I'm about to tell you the story of my life. More specifically, why my life ended. And if you're listening to these tapes, you're one of the reasons why." (Asher 5)

Context: Hannah Baker is a teenage girl who was being bullied. She committed suicide and made tapes to be distributed to the people who affected her life. This statement is the opening to the mystery of why she made the tapes, and why she decided to take her life. It warns and gives the listener a message that she is about to describe in every detail, what happened to her during her journey.

Significance: Hannah left the world not telling what happened and why she did what she did. The statement is the opening and the beginning of her story. The significance is simply because she had left a box of herself behind. The quote represents herself telling her side of the story.

Marjorie M period 2

10/20/2014 02:13:11 am

The context and significance of this quote are well written and make want to read the book to find out what happened.

Vivian Quach, Period 1

10/19/2014 03:03:17 pm

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

Quote: " 'Come on, Rosaleen,' I said. 'What can they do to you with a policeman right here?' That was when the dealer lifted the flashlight over his head, then down, smashing it into Rosaleen's forehead. She dropped to her knees. I don't remember screaming, but the next thing I knew, Mr. Gaston had his hand clamped over my mouth. 'Hush,' he said. 'Maybe now you feel like apologizing,' the dealer said. Rosaleen tried to get to her feet, but without her hands it was hopeless. It took me and Mr. Gaston both to pull her up. 'Your black ass is gonna apologize one way or another,' the dealer said, and he stepped toward Rosaleen" (Kidd 35).

Context: As Lily and Rosaleen were walking in the town, they were stopped by three white men who were playing cards. The white men insulted Rosaleen and called the police. A policeman arrested Rosaleen and took her to jail where the card dealer hit her with his flashlight. The policeman did nothing but take Rosaleen and Lily into the jail.

Significance: This excerpt shows the issue of racism, which is a recurring theme throughout "The Secret Life of Bees." It shows how poorly people were treated because of their skin color. Not only were people mistreated, but it was also socially acceptable for a white policeman to overlook unlawful behavior enacted onto a black person. This is also important because racism is still a big issue today.

Joyce Win Per. 1

10/19/2014 03:26:18 pm

I agree that this book shows racism. Rosaleen was mistreated by the whites and this shows a great example of racism.

Daniel L. Period 1

10/20/2014 01:09:18 am

This book shows the racism and ignorance of people who think there race is better. Its sad that there are still people who are like this still

Kevin Tang P.2

10/19/2014 03:07:21 pm

Quote: "Dear August and June,

I'm sorry to leave you like this. I hate you being sad, but think how happy I'll be with April, Mama, Papa and Big Mama. Picture us up there together, and that will help some. I'm tired of carrying around the weight of the world. I'm just going to lay it down now. It's my time to die, and it's your time to live. Don't mess it up.

Love May " (Kidd 210).

Context: May was the sister to August and June Boatwright. May was considered unusual because she can't discern sadness, for example if a stranger dies she feels sad. She committed suicide because Zach was in jail. She decided she had enough carrying the pain of the world and decided to let it go. Before she died she wrote this letter for her sisters to find, explaining why she did it and to live life to the fullest.

Significance: The letter May left had a huge impact on her sisters. Her message pushed her sisters and Lily to continue living their life happily. As a result of the letter June finally conquered her fears of love and decided to marry again. Also August and Lily's relationship improve to the point where Lily finally confesses who she actually was. The quote showed her affection towards her sisters and her desire to have them live happily.

Joyce Win Per. 1

10/19/2014 03:31:54 pm

I agree the letter changed August, June, Lily, and Rosaleen relationship with each other. They all became closer.

MICHAEL RAMOS PERIOD 2

10/20/2014 02:11:34 am

August, Rosaleen and June were sisters, but nothing really tied them together but blood. Maybe blood was enough, but Mays suicide really brought them closer as a family.

Joyce Win Per. 1

10/19/2014 03:18:01 pm

A) The Secret Life of Bees--Sue Monk Kkid
“May lay in two feet of water with a huge river stone on top of her chest. It weighted her body, holding it on the bottom. Looking at her, I thought, She will get up now. August will roll away the stone, and May will come up for air, and we will go back to the house and get her dry. I wanted to reach down and touch her, shake her shoulder a little. She couldn’t have died out here in the river. That would be impossible.” pg.192
B) Context: Lily, Rosaleen, August, and June had just found May in the river late at night after a sudden disappearance. The same day, May had heard the news about Zach. May lies there dead and Lily is explaining the situation. Lily is in utter shock and panic and cannot accept the fact that May is dead. She tells herself that this impossible. She is thinking of different scenarios that could have happened if May did not die.

Significance: This quote is significant to the story because it is the climax of the story. This is where everything changes. The life that Lily, Rosaleen, August, and June had lived with May has changed after May’s death. I would say that everyone became stronger as a whole. After accepting that May was gone, the Boatwright sisters, Lily, and Rosaleen became even more closer than before. They found out how to cherish the happiness that is given to them. May left a message for August and June to live life and have a fresh start and they simply accepted her request. The quote matters to the story because it plays a big role in the entire book.

Royce Shinba Period 5

10/19/2014 04:02:59 pm

Panic by Sharon Draper
Quote: "I'm ... I'm not sure if I'm brave enough to stand up to Donny. Maybe if I apologize to him ..."
"He's the one who hurt you, remember? It is he who must apologize!"
"Yeah, but if I smooth things over, maybe we can work this out."
"You need to stand up to him.Demand some changes. Let him know you won't allow him to put his hands on you ever again."
Layla nodded. " I'm gonna try."
"You have to do more than try, or I'm going to make some phone calls- child protection services, the police, my friend the social worker- I've got quite an arsenal. I can't have my girls being abused. I won't!"
" I understand," Layla said. " I do."
(Draper 174)

Context: This scene occurred the next day after Layla was choked by her boyfriend Donovan. Layla did not go to school, and decided to go see Miss Ginger at the dance studio. Layla wanted to talk to someone about her relationship problems. Miss Ginger told Layla she needed to be brave and have confidence in herself to stand up to Donovan. Miss Ginger knew Layla was getting abused and she wanted to help Layla in anyway possible. That includes calling the police for help if Layla didn't take care of the problem.

Significance: This scene shows that one person can make a difference in someone else's life. Miss Ginger was a big influence in this passage. She gave Layla the confidence boost she needed. I feel this quote is important to the book because people get abused everyday and don't talk about it with anyone. I feel that talking to others about your problem can help in a major way.

Kellie B. Period 2

10/19/2014 06:36:02 pm

I think Miss Ginger, in a way, was playing the role of the mom Layla never had. Since Layla's mom was never around and was always working, she never had the opportunity to talk to her mom or have anyone to confide in which is why she stayed with Donovan. She didn't know she deserved better and the only person who could convince her was a motherly figure like Miss Ginger.

Emma Rae Perez Period 1

10/19/2014 04:09:17 pm

'The Secret Life of Bees' -- Sue Monk Kidd

Quote: "She placed her hand on mine and brushed her thumb back and forth across my skin. "The first day you showed up, I took one look at you and all I could see was Deborah when she was your age. I knew Deborah had a daughter, but i thought no, you couldn't be; it was too much to believe that Deborahs daughter would turn up in my new parlor. Then you said your name was Lily, and right that minute I knew who you were." (page 235-236)

Context: This is right after the ceremony for the black Mary statue had finished and Lily decides to finally come clean to August. She is feeling guilty for lying to August for so long, and she is also very anxious to know the truth about her mother. She waits in August's room, and when she comes in she brings up her mother. However the response is not what Lily expects, and in this quote is where August tells Lily that she has known the truth since she first showed up at her house.

Significance: In my opinion, this part of the book is one of the most important sections. Lily's mission when she came to August's town was to find out the whole story about her mother. She broke the law countless times, lied to the Boatwright sisters, all to find out about her mother. In this section is where she finally gets confirmation that August knows her mother, but not only that she knows her, but that she knew Lily was lying the whole time. Because August let Lily lie to her, it shows that she is understanding of the situation and she cares about Lily/why Lily is there.

Sinan N., Period 5

10/19/2014 04:28:01 pm

Panic by Sharon Draper
Quote:
"Pain, searing pain, woke Diamond up the next morning. She was covered by a thin sheet that only came up to her waist. She felt like she would vomit. Still tied to the bed, but only by one arm this time, she groaned as she pulled the sheet the rest of the way up to hide her nakedness. Every muscle ached, bringing back the horrible details of the night before. She couldn't stop crying. She wanted her mother, her father, her sister, the warmth and safety of home. It hurt. It hurt so much.
And she felt so ashamed." (Draper 102)

Context: When Diamond is offered a position as a lead role in a movie that Thane, a complete stranger to Diamond, persuaded her to take, she left the mall with him to go back to his house. She was drugged, abducted, and raped because she was not wary of who she was trusting. She instead was too focused on a dream that felt so real at the moment she met Thane.

Significance: I feel like this scene and quote is very important to the book because it exposed what happened to Diamond, and how easily it can happen in a real life situation. This could teach readers how to think twice before they selfishly follow a dream. Although Diamond may be portrayed as dumb because she followed a stranger to his home, we must understand that, in the world, this happens quite often. I feel like educating the public about situations like this could save some lives.

daniel Moreno Per.1

10/20/2014 01:34:01 am

i like this quote that you chose and the it also relates to life

Christopher T. Period.2

10/19/2014 04:59:13 pm

Looking For Alaska by John Green
Quote: "I am sorry that I have not talked to you before. I am not staying for graduation. I leave for Japan tomorrow morning. For a long time, I was mad at you. The way you cut me out of everything hurt me, and so I kept what I knew to myself.
But then even after I wasn't mad anymore, I still didn't say anything, and I don't even really know why. Pudge had that kiss,
I guess. And I had this secret.
You've mostly figured this out, but the truth is that I saw her that night, I'd stayed up late with Lara and some people, and then I was falling asleep and I heard her crying outside my back window. It was like 3:15 that morning, maybe, amd I walked out there and saw her walking through the soccer field. I tried to talk to her, but she was in a hurry. She told me that her mother was dead eight years that day, and that she always put flowers on her mother's grave on the anniversary but she forgot that year. She was out there looking for flowers, but it was too early-too wintry. That's how
I knew about January 10. I still have no idea whether it was suicide.

She was so sad, and I didn't know what to say or do. I think she counted on me to be the one person who would always say and do the right things to help her, but I couldn"t. I just thought she was looking for flowers. I didn't know she was going to go. She was drunk just trashed drunk, and I really didn't think she would drive or anything. I thought she would just cry herself to sleep and then drive to visit her mom the next day or something. She walked away, and then I heard a car start. I don't know what I was thinking.
So I let her go too. And I'm sorry. I know you loved her. It was hard not to."
Takumi” (Green 216-217)

Context:
On the last day of school, Pudge went into Takumi's room and saw this note on his table. It explained the reason why Takumi hasn't talk to Pudge for awhile and the fact that he saw Alaska drove away and let her go. The letter also explained the reason why Alaska had a mental break down and drove away. It was because she forgot to put a flower like she used to do for the past eight years on her mother's grave on her anniversary. However, it still didn't clarify whether it was a suicide or accident.
Significance:
After all this time feeling guilty and responsible for her death, it was all gone. From the letter, Pudge realized that Alaska forgave them, and that they had to forgive to survive in the labyrinth. That was the main theme of the whole book. In order to escape from the labyrinth is to learn to forgive and survive. This letter clarified all the confusions. However, Alaska's death due to accident or suicide still remained a mystery.

Preston Wong, Period 5

10/19/2014 06:57:16 pm

Alaska's death is truly a mystery. Could she have died from an external factor by some random chance or did one of her friends cause her death?

Rene S. Period 1

10/19/2014 05:02:40 pm

Haddon, Mark. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. New York: Vintage Books,2003. Print

Quote: " I (Mother) was not a very good mother, Christopher. Maybe if things had been different, maybe if you'd been different, I might have been better at it. But that's just the way things turned out. I'm not like your father. Your father is a much more patient person. He just gets on with things and if things upset him he doesn't let it show. But that's not the way I (Mother) am and there's nothing I can do to change that" (Haddon 106).

Context: When Christopher found a bunch of letters in a shirt box; he was dumbfounded. All the letters were addressed to him. The letters included an address in London and had enough content to know that it came from Christopher’s mom. It was letters filled with bottled up emotions as Christopher’s mom regretted leaving Christopher, but she had no choice. This eventually led to Christopher doubting his dad and felt scared living with his dad. All the events led up to Christopher journeying to London to find his mom.

Significance: The quote that I had chose was one of the letters Christopher’s mom wrote to him. When Christopher found the letters in the shirt box, it was leading towards the climax of the story in which the point of view or the objective switches from the dog to Christopher’s mom. I felt a connection between Christopher and I when he read the letters addressed to him. While Christopher had letters, instead I had phone calls from overseas. We both had the same experience of having our parents separated for a long time when we were kids. This is one of the many reasons why Christopher and I can relate. The theme of the novel is even though you're mentally challenged you have to keep on living to find the happiness you truly deserved.

Bailey K. Period 1

10/20/2014 01:15:27 am

Nice quote, I agree with the part about Chris ending up leaving his dad and going off to find his mother.

Anthony W., Period 1

10/19/2014 05:11:51 pm

"Looking for Alaska" by John Green
Quote: "When adults say, "Teenagers think they are invincible" with that sly, stupid smile on their faces, they don't know how right they are. We need never be hopeless, because we can never be irreparably broken. We think that we are invincible because we are. We cannot be born, and we cannot die. Like all energy, we can only change shapes and sizes and manifestations. They forget that when they get old. They get scared of losing and failing. But that part of us greater than the sum of our parts cannot begin and cannot end, and so it cannot fail" (Green 220-221).

Context: After Pudge figured out how Alaska died and reads the letter that Takumi left for Pudge to read explaining to Pudge what happened the night of Alaska's death. Pudge learns a valuable lesson about life and finds the answer to the essay question which Dr. Hyde assigned them to do. Discovering the details leading to Alaska's death gave Pudge the closure that he needed to accept the fact that Alaska is gone.

Significance: This quote shows how Pudge sees the world. Pudge believes that nobody is actually dead when their physical body leaves the world. He believes nobody should give up because no amount of suffering is permanent and that every wounds heal in the end. This quote shows how Pudge's character evolve throughout the book from having a best friend and having fun to losing a best friend and grieving about the loss of his best friend. He learns the true meaning of life at the end of the book and also how to get out of this labyrinth of suffering.

Kellie B. Period 2

10/19/2014 06:41:38 pm

I agree with the fact that all suffering is not permanent. It is only temporary, healed by the constant flowing river of time. As time moves on, pain from suffering fades until it is gone. There will be a time of peace until suffering comes again. It is the constant vicious cycle of life but in the end, life will always end at peace.

ChinhChu Lai. Period 02

10/19/2014 05:43:10 pm

"Panic" by Sharon Draper. Quote Explication posted by ChinhChu Lai.
Quote: 'm, ill call u ltr, i hve a chance 2 try out 4 the lead in a ptr pan dance movie w/ diva dawson and california clover. awesum huh? my mom nos all abt it. (or she will soon.) sry 2 leave u out, but this was 2 good 2 pass up. tell miss g im sry 2 miss the sho, and not 2 b mad @ me. cyl. d" (Daper 30).

Context: Diamond and Mercedes went to the mall to buy pants for a show that night. While Mercedes was looking at the new dance shoes, Diamond walked to the food court to get pizzas. She bumped into a good looking stranger, named Thane. He introduced himself, saying that he is the director of a Peter Pan show from the Hollywood. He said Diamond has the potential to be the lead role in the show, and she might be able to earn at least half a million dollars. He promised to make Diamond a star if she is willing to go to the audition with him. Diamond was hesitated; however, the eager to pursue her dream as a lead role in the Peter Pan show blocked her logic. She decided to follow the stranger. She texted Mercedes with the content above.

Significance: According to what Mercedes said in the book, Diamond is not a person who would follow a stranger. Indeed, she would not, but because of the opportunity that she has been waiting for so long suddenly appear in front of her, it seems like it's too good to miss the opportunity. In addition, Thane was a person that look like very trustworthy.
Something I learned from this passage is-- never judge a book by its cover. Thane looked very good, yet he turned out to be a kidnapper.

Kellie B. Period 2

10/19/2014 06:31:04 pm

Panic by Sharon Draper

Quote: "Can you bring some money down here? I know you got a little college money saved. I just need ten percent bail-only a thousand dollars. I promise I'll pay you back."
"You ruin my reputation, and you want me to bail you out of jail?" she screamed into the phone.
"So I guess the slut stories are true."
Layla's voice went hard. "Donovan, listen carefully. I want you to hear this real good. Are you listening?"
"Yeah."
"You are dead to me. Dead, you puissant!" She jabbed at the off button and looked at Mercedes with her mouth open (Draper 244).

Context: This excerpt from the book is a conversation between Donovan and Layla, a recently broken up couple. Donovan was abusive emotionally and physically to Layla, leaving bruises on her neck and arms and always making everything her fault. A few days before this conversation takes place, Donovan had sent out topless pictures of Layla to everyone in their school. Now he is in jail and being charged for passing around porn. Until now, Layla has always forgiven Donovan for anything he has done to her and has even apologized for things that were not her fault. But now after what happened, when Donovan calls Layla and tries to put the blame on her while asking for bail money, Layla is furious and will not take it anymore.

Significance: I think this is one of the major turning points in the book. All throughout the story, Layla has been Donovans rag doll, letting him do literally whatever he wants. She has never been able to stand up for herself or realize that Donovan is not good for her. One of the possible reasons that she stays is because she thinks she needs Donovan since her dad is in jail and she does not have a father figure in her life. She is like the butterfly on the cover of the book-beautiful and able to fly but being held down by a pin. Donovan is the pin, preventing her from being happy and growing as a person. But now in this scene, she stands her ground and will not let Donovan push her around anymore. She realizes she deserves better treatment than what she is getting from Donovan. She is her own person and does not need him in her life to be okay. This conversation is where she finally sets herself free from the pins that were holding her wings back.

Preston Wong, Period 5

10/19/2014 06:54:02 pm

"Looking for Alaska" by John Green
Quote:"And then I heard footsteps outside. Footsteps. We'd waited till 1:00 to turn on the lights, figuring everyone would be long asleep—it was a school night afterall— but footsteps, shit, and as the Colonel looked at me confused, I grabbed the Breathalyzer from him and stuffed it between the foam cushions of the couch and grabbed the Dixie cup and the Gatorade bottle of vodka and stashed them behind thecoffee table, and in one motion I grabbed a cigarette from a pack and lit it, hoping the smell of smoke would cover up the smell of booze. I puffed the cigarette without inhaling, trying to smoke up the room, and I was almost back to the couch when the three quick knocks came against the door and the Colonel looked at me, his eyes wide, his suddenly unpromising future flashing before his eyes, and I whispered, "Cry," as the Eagle turned the knob."
Context: Two of the main characters, Miles and Colonel, just stole a breathalyzer from the school dean, who they called Eagle. Of course, if the Eagle caught them red-handed, this would lead to immediate expulsion of both Miles and Colonel. After Eagle successfully stole the breathalyzer, with the help of Miles, they headed to their dormitory to test it. However, the Eagle, for some unknown reason, went to Miles and Colonel dorms. To add on, Colonel drank a prodigious amount of Vodka cups, thus making his breath smell. Both Colonel and Miles would have to relocate to a new school if the Eagle discovered their illegal actions. In order to conceal this secret, Miles told Colonel to pretend to cry so the Eagle would not sense his illegal wrongdoings.
Significance: The reason for Colonel and Miles stealing the breathalyzer is that they wanted to experience what their friend Alaska had felt before passing away to a car accident. Alaska was heavily drunk, in which both Colonel and Miles believed strongly was the main cause for Alaska car accident. However, Miles wanted to confirm if this was true or not, because prior to Alaska car accident, she had screamed and was in a hurry. Thus, Miles and Colonel wanted to discover the truth behind Alaska mysterious death. The quote proves how much Alaska meant dearly to Miles and Colonel, and would do anything to avenge her. They were willing to go as far as to steal a breathalyzer, which could lead to expulsion, and to experience Alaska's incident before her car accident.

David V., Period 2

10/20/2014 01:57:29 am

It's very emotional how they care so much about her. I would do the same if anything horrible happens to a dear friend.

Jack G. period 2

10/20/2014 12:45:37 am

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

"So the whole war is because we can't talk to each other."
"If the other fellow can't tell you his story, you can never be sure he isn't trying to kill you."
"What if we just left them alone?"

Context: In this quote, Ender is asking Colonel Graff why humanity is figting the buggers for all three wars. Graff does not know, and specuates that it is probably because we can't understand the buggers. Ender then speculates what would hapen if both indepenent races left each other alone.

Significance: I feel as though this quote is an allegory for the history of humanity. Human history not surprisingly is filled with bloodshed and a lot of death. Wars were commonplace and were mainly between groups of different culture. Just like the buggers and humans, both groups are independent cultures that do not recognize and acknowledge the other's culture. Also like in the quote, humans are viewed upon negatively for all the bloodshed that we have caused throughout history.

Daniel M. Per 1

10/20/2014 01:32:35 am

"the curious incident of the dog in the night time " - Mark Haddon

Quote: "Mrs. Forbes said that hating yellow and brown is just being silly. And Siobhan said that she shouldn't say things like that and everyone has favorite colors. And Siobhan was right. But Mrs. Forbes was a bit right, too. Because it is sort of being silly. But in life you have to take lots of decisions and if you don't take decisions you would never do anything because you would spend all your time choosing between things you could do. So it is good to have a reason why you hate some things and you like others."

Context: In this quote, Mrs. Forbes is saying that hating yellow and brown and just being silly. I agree with Mrs. Forbes because she is totally right , we shouldn't hate on each other because we are different color. Honestly, we should treat one another with respect. We are supposed to help one another and if someone is in trouble help them out , don't kick a person that is already down.

Significance: i feel this quote relates to real life because you will always meet a racist person. i hate that about life , i hate that we have to have such mean people in this world. i think the people that are being offended in the everyday lifestyle but they should avoid because it is not worth fighting for , they should be honored what color skin they are and hold there head up high.

Monica Au

10/20/2014 01:05:53 am

"Because I will forget her, yes. That which came together will fall apart imperceptibly slowly, and I will forget, but she will forgive my forgetting, just as I forgave her for forgetting me and the Colonel and everyone but herself and her mom in those last moments she spent as a person. I know now that she forgives me for being dumb and scared and doing the dumb and scared thing. I know she forgives me, just as her mother forgives her” (Green, 220).

Context: This is what Miles says at the end of the book. As you can tell this is his own way of having closure with Alaska’s death. He is basically accepting her death and saying that yes, he will soon overcome this. He is also forgiving her for what she did which was forgetting about everyone and driving while she was drunk. He is saying that he will eventually forget about Alaska, and Alaska will forgive him for that. He forgive Alaska while also knowing that she will forgive him.

Significance: This quote is significant because it shows his forgiveness and acceptance for Alaska’s death. While he was struggling for months after her death, he finally overcame it by forgiving her. He knew eventually he would forget about the situation just like how Alaska forgot about him and the Colonel when she was drunk driving. In addition, Miles is pretty much tired of “looking for Alaska”. He feels like he has found enough information about her death and can finally move on. The whole last part of the book is about how Miles and Colonel dealt with the death of Alaska which is why this closure is so significant to the story.

Bertram M.

10/20/2014 01:08:28 am

I like how you connected the passage to why the quote was significant. The forgiveness and acceptance for the death of Alaska. The conclusion of the book seems interesting enough to read it.

Tammi M.

10/20/2014 02:06:30 am

I agree that one of the most significant themes in this book is closure and learning to forgive because, after all, "the only way out of the labyrinth is forgiveness".

Daniel L. Period 1

10/20/2014 01:06:47 am

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

"i meet your eyes
you don't even see me
you hardly respond
when i whisper
hello
could be my soul mate
two kindred spirits
maybe we're not
i guess we'll never
know

My own mother
you carried me in you
Now you see nothing
but what i wear
people ask you
how am i doing
You smile and nod
dont let it end there

Put me
underneath Gods sky and
know me
dont just see me with your eyes
Take away
this mask of flesh and bone and
see me
for my soul

alone"

Context: In this quote, Hannah Baker is explaining for the person she cares for and wants to be with, to notice her, to know the real her. She wants people to understand who she really is on the inside, she even wants her own mother to notice the real her.

Significance: For this quote, i feel like its a warning, a cry for help. It shows what these people think and want from others, they need a friend to be there for them, for they wont have to feel like this anymore. This is a message to everyone that everyone needs help.They cant do it alone. This part of this book, this poem is really deep and dark and it shows what some kids think in their heads.

Sam Xiang per:1

10/21/2014 01:05:32 am

I like this poem it is very powerful in the book thirteen reasons why!

Noe G. Period 1

10/20/2014 01:06:55 am

Thirteen Reasons why by Jay Asher
"So what do you think of him now, Justin? Do you hate him? Your friend that raped her, is he still your friend? Yes, but why? It must be denial. It has to be. Sure, he goes through girls like used underwear. But he's always been a good friend to you. And the more you hang out with him, the more he seems like the same old guy from before, right?"

Context: In this quote Hannah Baker is talking about Justin. She knows that in reality he raped the girl at the party but he acts the same way, like if he did nothing wrong. And as she says that Justin goes through girls like used underwear, she means that all he wants is pleasure and cares not about respecting them.

Significance: I feel like Hannah Baker is warning Clay about Justin. I had a feeling that Clay was in denial because Justin was his friend and he couldn't believe that he raped the girl at the party. Vlay didn't want to believe that it was true.

Bertram M. Period 1

10/20/2014 01:08:34 am

Haddon, Mark. "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time". New York: Vintage Books,2003. Print. 48-49.

Quote: He said, "Where have you been?" And I said, "I have been out."….. Father said, "I have just had a phone call from Mrs. Shears." I started eating my baked beans and broccoli and two slices of ham. Then Father asked, "What the hell were you doing poking round her garden?" I said, "I was doing detective work trying to find out who killed Wellington."

Context: Christopher’s father has caught on to what Christopher has been doing. Christopher thinks he can talk his way out of it, but his father will not allow it this time. This is because his father doesn’t want Christopher getting into other people’s business. Father was the one that killed the dog, but no one knows that except himself. Christopher, however, insists on finding the murder of the dog, Wellingtion.

Significant: This quote is significant to the story because it begins the feud between Christopher and his father. Christopher continues to find the killer of the dog, asking from neighbor to neighbor. He talks to Mrs. Shears and gets kicked out. Then he has no choice but to talk to everyone else on the street. Christopher knew that he couldn’t let his father know what he was up to or he would be in serious trouble. He had to keep this operation/investigation to himself. What seems like a father protecting his son ends up being a murderer protecting himself. But in the end, Christopher’s father couldn’t bear it anymore and told the truth to his son. This in turns, scares crap out of Christopher and results in him finding letters about his mom. Then he turns his direction to finding his mom.

Christopher Chu Period 1

10/20/2014 01:12:11 am

"Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card

a. Quote: "Human beings didn't evolve brains in order to lie around on lakes. Killing's the first thing we learned. And a good thing we did, or we'd dead, and the tigers would own the earth." (Card 241)

b. Explication

Context: After Ender finally finishes Battle school in space, he returns home for the first time in years, and he meets his sister, Valentine. Of course, this was all the doing of Colonel Graff, who took Ender once he left home for battle school. Because Ender didn't want to continue his studies as a commander, Colonel Graff needed someone to convince him, and the only one he could think of would be his sister. Valentine convinced him to continue Ender's studies of battle school, and hated it because she followed through Colonel Graff's plans. Ender than returns to space to command school where he will study to become a commander for the upcoming war.

Significance: This quote talks about Ender and Valentine's discussion with each other after not seeing each other for a very long time. It also shows how much Ender changed from an innocent child to a killing machine. However, Valentine reminded him that killing was the first thing that humans ever learned to do to survive, and that he still is a good person deep down in his heart. This made Ender change his mind about quitting battle school and continuing to become a commander for the next wave of attacks against aliens in space.

Arthur Tran

10/20/2014 01:27:35 am

Valentine was a key player (if not the most important one) in getting Ender to become motivated enough to push on through his Battle School Studies.

Kirk H. P1

10/20/2014 01:12:36 am

John Green - Looking For Alaska

Quote: "We need never need be hopeless, because we can never be irreparably broken. We think that we are invincible because we are. We cannot be born, and we cannot die. Like all energy, we can only change shapes and sizes and manifestations. They forget that when they get old. They get scared of losing and failing. But that part of us greater than the sum of our parts cannot begin and cannot end, so it cannot fail" (Green, 220-221)

Context: Many adults (referred to as "they" in the quote) forget their experiences as children and as teenagers. They aren't able to understand that at a younger age they acted invincible; they weren't acting. They were invincible, and still are. They can neither die nor be born, and that is what drives them to succeed and to live life, because there is no option of failure. This excerpt is from the final words of the book, where the main character, Miles, is explaining to his teacher that suffering is bearable only because of the fact that we are all indestructible.

Significance: At this point in the story, Miles and Colonel are exhausted of trying to discover the true reason that Alaska died. They try countless times only to end up with an inconclusive scenario. Miles comes to the conclusion that he has failed in his search and has failed Alaska. This leads them to an important self-discovery that Miles, John Green (the author) and I can all agree upon: the only way to end suffering is to forgive. Suffering in the story, as well as in all of our lives, is inevitable. However, as explained by the quote it is tolerable solely due to the fact that our energy is invincible. We cannot begin nor end, so we cannot fail. This is a perfect ending to the story because Miles knows that he has not failed Alaska, but he has learned to forgive, and hopes that Alaska has forgiven him as well.

Bailey K. Period 1

10/20/2014 01:13:13 am

Haddon, Mark. "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time". New York : Vintage Nooks, 2003.
Quote : "My memory is like a film. That is why I am really good at remembering things, like the conversations I have written down in this book, and what people were wearing, and what they smelled like, because my memory has a smelltrack which is like a soundtrack." (Haddon 96)

Context: In this quote, this shows a key characteristic of Christopher's thinking. The images and scenes he narrates for us has a meaning that we are swept up into his world and are really able to access his viewpoint. We are also able to view the other characters with a new clarity, and so the novel really does educate the reader, not only about Christopher and his perspective but about seeing the world from a new point of view.

Significance: I think this quote was a turning point in the story because Chris knows that he is special and his view on everything changes. As the story goes on, he realizes that he can remember smell, sight, and words that help him. It is important that Chris learned this as he was able to find other things out a lot easier.

Genan Hamideh, period 1

10/20/2014 01:19:33 am

13 reasons why
"One…last…try."
She's whispering. the recorder is close to her mouth and with each break in her words i can hear her breathe.
"Im giving life one more chance. At this time , I'm getting help. I'm asking for help because i cannot do this alone. I've tried that."

Context: In this quote, it shows that hannah is down to her last tape and she's really on the verge of giving up her own life. She feels alone and needs someone to help her so she goes to mr. Porter, her english teacher and also the substitute guidance counselor. Basically, she needs someone to tell her that there is so much more to life than what she has gone through. She's saying that mr. Porter is the last chance she"ll give someone to save her life. But, he also failed.

Significance: Throughout this whole book, she has told everyone who were the people that had a big impact on her suicide. This particular passage is important because she is down to one last person that could have saved her life. She could have asked someone else to help her but she gave up so fast. After Hannah mentioned the words 'I need everything to stop. People. Life.' to mr. Porter, he was surprised and said those words were serious. But I don't think he tried enough when she left willingly. He could have ran after her but he didn't. He failed too.

emily truong p.1

10/20/2014 01:21:59 am

"Looking for Alaska" by John Green

Quote: "Basically you've got two groups here," he explained, speaking with increasing urgency. "You've got the regular boarders, like me, and then you've got the weekday warriors: they board here, but they're all rich kids who live in Birmingham and go home to their parents air-conditioned mansions every weekend. Those are the cool kids. I don't like them, and they don't like me, and so if you came here thinking that you were hot shit at your public school so you'll be hot shit here, you'd best not be seen with me. You did go to public school, didn't you?" (pg. 13)

context: In this passage from the book, the Colonel is explaining to Miles how things work at Culver Creek. He explains to him how there are two main groups on campus, the Weekday warriors, who are the snobby, rich kids of the school, and the regular boarders like the Colonel himself. The Colonel doesn't like the Weekday warriors and they don't like him, so he makes it clear to Miles, that if he wants to be part of the cool kids, they shouldn't hang out.

Significance: The Colonel explained to Miles that there are 2, totally separate groups on campus and as he began to speak it was sounding more urgent. To the Colonel this was something he had to tell Miles right away. This passage is important because the Colonel is basically making Miles choose whether he wants to hang out with the Weekday warriors or people like the Colonel. From the passage you could tell, that not matter which group he hangouts with that there will be consequences, for one, the 2 groups don't really like each other. The role of the 2 groups has a large impact on the outcome of the story and this passage is where it all starts.

Christian R. Per. 2

10/20/2014 02:12:57 am

I agree because the groups you choose to be with during high school define you as a person and how your experiences through life will progress.

Mayra A. Period 1

10/20/2014 01:22:14 am

a) "you will take men to your room ," she says." And do whatever they ask of you. You will work here, like the other girls, until your debt is paid off" (McCormick,106).

b) Context: The "Happiness House", is also known as the house that makes girls have to do whatever the men tell them to in order to get paid or get over there debt. Lakshmi is only 14 and already has no control over her own body. It's sad knowing that human traficking is happening around the world and we don't do anything to try and stop it.

C) The significance I got from this quote is when I found out that the "happiness house" wasn't so happy. I realized she was sold/ human trafficked when I read this quote. It mainly means she has to sleep with the men or do what they ask of her like the other girls living in the happy house in order to get paid and be able to eat.

raymond morales

10/20/2014 01:36:39 am

i like the quote that you put. it shows how sad trafficking is

Arthur Tran

10/20/2014 01:24:55 am

through the corridor, Boys from other armies came to their doors. he spoke quietly into the silence." (Card 219).

b. Explanation

Context
This scene was after a battle, where Ender's Army was pitted against two other armies, which was not the normal procedure. After several grueling battle, this battle ended the chain of battles. After this event, Ender was past his breaking point and gave up on the Battle School.

Significance
The significance of this quote is that this shows where Ender has given up. Ender was tired of all the hoops and hurdles, through and over, he had to jump. Ender was tired of putting up with the unfair odds stacked against him. So he just gave up.This event is also significant to how the books ends, as the last battle of the book is ended by ender using the same method of attack.

Raymond Morales

10/20/2014 01:27:45 am

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon pg73

Quote: "People say that you always have to tell the truth. But they do not mean this because you are not allowed to tell old people that they are old and you are not allowed to tell people if they smell funny or if a grown up has made a fart. And you are not allowed to say, "I don't like you," unless that person has been horrible to you"

Context: In this quote Christopher has a point because we're all taught to tell the truth. But then we're also taught to not say things that hurt people's feelings. This is the aspect that escapes Christopher that sometimes telling the truth isn't the right thing to do. What would be the point of telling an old person that they're old? when they know this themselves, and don't need to have it pointed out by someone else

Significance: i feel like this quote is significance because it shows the characteristics of how Christopher is. He believe in only telling the truth if it really necessary.

Diana S. per1

10/20/2014 01:34:11 am

Thirteen reasons why by Jay Asher
quote: "I step away from my locker and watch her continue down the hall. I want to say something, call her name, but my throat tightens. part of me wants to ignore it. to turn around and keep myself busy, doing anything, till second period. But Skye's walking down the same stretch of hall where I watched Hannah slip away two weeks ago. On that day, Hannah disappeared into a crowd of students, allowing the tapes to say her good-bye. But I can still hear the footsteps of Skye Miller, sounding weaker the further she gets. And i start walking, towards her." (Asher 287)

Context: Hannah Baker is a girl who commits suicide, because people bully her into it. Hannah was a sweet girl who was later turned into a depressed young girl. Hannah makes these tapes and send them all out to the people who made her life like hell.

Significance: Clay doesn't want what happened to Hannah happen to Skye so what he does different is he actually goes after her and makes sure he doesn't do the same mistake he does with Hannah.

zhifeng cai

10/20/2014 02:00:05 am

passage"the piano plaintively plinked out the intro,and diamond moved to the center of the empty room and just listened to the words as the piece swelled to its completion. miss ginger hit play again. the song was about sad eyes, stolen smiles, and darks, dark skies. but the song was most powerful when jordin sang about seeing the stars,about having faith-"when you fall the hardest, you find how strong you are…"the song began foe the third time"

Context:diamond is the girl who is got kidnapped by a bad guy, and she save her self by using her mind and she escape from the bad evil hand of thane,she was a nice girl, she finally got out from those bad hands and have her own life back again

Significance:diamond have been save,she went to the dance room, and miss ginger is there,and miss ginger ask her if she wants a dance, she says yes, so the music plays and for 3 times, diamond didn't start to dance,she just came back from a dark nightmare, so that she need time to be ready for herself once again to dance

charly t. period 3

10/20/2014 02:00:56 am

Ender Games
"Ender was four lines into the letter before he realized that it was from someone else in battle school. it had come in the regular way a mail waitting message when he signed into hit desk. he read four lines into it and skipped to the end to the signature. then je went back to read the words over and over again.

it was than that ender realized that he was human again, it due to the humanity he still hadto allow him to feel that inner love. the love he misses from his sister. it was also than that he couldnt be broken. it showed he had over powered the commanders attempt on breaking him. changing him was impossible because of his knowledge. Rereading his letter over and over, making sure it was from his sister was all a lie. he knew and he still wanted to believe in it. that made him a human being.

Tammi Matsukiyo

10/20/2014 02:03:13 am

Looking for Alaska

"I was gawky and she was gorgeous and I was hopelessly boring and she was endlessly fascinating. So I walked back to my room and collapsed on the bottom junk, thinking that if people were rain, I was drizzle and she was a hurricane" (85 Green).

Context: Miles, or Pudge, says this after a long day of adventures with Alaska during Thanksgiving break at Culver Creek. They had just finished going through everybody's dormitories because everyone else went home during the break. Alaska didn't want to go home so she begged Miles to stay with her so she wouldn't be lonely. He regrets blowing off his family at first, but soon he is glad that he spent time with Alaska alone and got to know her.

Significance: During their time alone at Culver Creek, Miles's crush on Alaska quickly becomes a deeper love. This quote epitomizes his feelings for her throughout the book because he always had a great fascination for her that bordered obsession. We see this unrealistic and glorified description of her carry over into his denial of her death and selfish ignorance of her flaws. He imagines that Alaska loved him as much as he loved her and that he shared something special with her, more than her other friends. This attitude held him back and he wasn't able to move on and have closure until he accepted that she was flawed and that she was the cause of her death, whether it was a suicide or not. This is important because sometimes we all have to remember to step back and look at things objectively rather than subjectively.

Michael Toki Per.2

10/20/2014 02:04:14 am

Ender's Game
Quote: "I''ve watched through his eye, I've listened through his ears, and I tell you he's the one. Or at least as close as we're going to get" (Pg1)

Context: Andrew Wiggin (Ender) is a boy who gets bullied normally whether its at school or at home. It's because he is the third child in the his family that he has become an outcast that was never highly praised like his other two siblings. After being recruited for the army he starts a new life as a newbee that progressed faster than of the other recruits.

Significance: These mysterious informants talk about Ender in the beginning of the story giving him high praises about being the one who will command the armies troops to victory against the Buggers. This helps progress the story, because in each chapter you slowly find out that these mysterious informants are actually commanders watching his every move for the future that awaits him.

Lauren S., period 2

10/20/2014 02:12:04 am

Hi Michael. I like how this quote expresses a lot of sensory details. Also this quote kind of leaves a suspense of what the main character is fit for.

Samuel T. Period 2

10/20/2014 02:06:50 am

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

Quote: "Then he lifted me up and made me sit on the side of the bed. He took my jumper and my shirt off and put them on the bed. Then he made me stand up and walk through to the bathroom. And I didn't scream. And I didn't fight him. And I didn't hit him" (Haddon 115).

Context: This part of the book comes after Christopher finds the letters from his mother inside his father's closet. For the past two years, he had believed that his mom was dead, and the letters arriving every week showed that his dad had lied to him.

Significance: Christopher has autism, and he doesn't like it when people touch him without his permission. During this scene, when his dad takes off his clothes and touches him, Christopher doesn't hit him or push him away like he normally would. This highlights the great emotional change that he went through when he found out that his father had lied to him and that his mother was still alive. After this scene, Christopher becomes and emotionally different person and discovers the courage to look for his mother on his own.

Lauren S., period 2

10/20/2014 02:08:03 am

Panic by Sharon M. Draper
Quote: "But the song was most powerful when Jordin sang about seeing the stars, about having faith -- 'When you fall the hardest, you find how strong you are…' "

Context: Diamond Landers was a ballet dancer who dreamed of playing the lead role of Wendy in the play "Peter Pan." However, she was bummed when she didn't get the part. An opportunity of a lifetime was presented by a stranger who promised Diamond a lead role in a movie. As the story progresses, she realizes that she had been kidnapped, drugged, and stared in a different type of movie.

Significance: These lyrics are significant to the book because Diamond experienced a lifetime low when she was kidnapped. In the end, she realized how strong of a person she has become because of the depressing situation.

Michael Toki Per.2

10/20/2014 02:10:40 am

I your quote and sounds like a nice build up to the main story. Sounds very interesting.

Marjorie M. Period 2

10/20/2014 02:08:27 am

"I decided that I was going to find out who killed Wellington even though Father had told me to stay out of other people's business" (Haddon 28).

Context: Christopher says this at the beginning of the book after he found out that Wellington was dead and that no one knew who killed him. This shows that Christopher is very determined when he sets his mind on something.

Significance: The significant in this quote is that Christopher says he is going to keep investigating to find out who killed Wellington but throughout the whole investigation he finds out more than he bargained for. Christopher not only finds who killed Wellington but he also finds out about his mother and thats his father had been lying to him for the longest time.

MICHAEL RAMOS PERIOD 2

10/20/2014 02:08:37 am

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
Quote:
"My first and only memory of my mother was the day she died" (page: 5)

Context: Lily's memories of her mother are mostly comprised of safety and enjoyment. Lily thinks about how her mother cared for her by putting her to bed, read to her, and fixing her laundry. But Lily accidentally shot her own mother in point blank range. T.Ray (Lily's father) had been fighting with Lily's mother when the gun went off. When Lily sees T. Ray, she knows he doesn't care for her. Then Lily runs away with her friend, Rosaleen. That is the place where Lily was finally treated with compassion and love by the Boatwrights.

Significance: This quote shows how Lily doesn't have enough memories of her mother. A child deserves to know the person who gave them life. This quote showed me how much Lily really needs her mother back.

Christian R. Per. 2

10/20/2014 02:11:17 am

John Green- Looking For Alaska

Quote: "All night, I felt paralyzed into silence, terrorized. What was I so afraid of anyway? The thing had happened. She was dead… And now she was colder by the hour, more dead with every breath I took. I thought: That is fear: I have lost something important, and I cannot find it, and I need it. It is fear like if someone lost his glasses and went to the glasses store and they told him that the world had run out of glasses and he would just have to do without." (Green 144)

Context: The legendary Alaska Young has just dies two days ago, and Miles and the Chip are mesmerized by the event that had just occurred. Alaska weaved the whole band of misfits together and now she was just simply gone. Out of all of their lives forever, and everyone feels an empty void within.

Significance: Through Alaska's death, we realize that anything is possible, even the most tragic events. Our fears of missing people eventually reach us and we have no control over them. Though, this story may have had a depressing ending, it helps readers realize how we must appreciate those around us because they one day may not be there.

Ali (Alisia) Guzman Per:1

10/20/2014 06:11:52 am

I kind of got the chills reading your quote very good choice :D

Robert C. Per 2

10/20/2014 02:40:49 am

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
Quote: He drank the creamy liquid./He was dead again. He played again, and this time the liquid set, like concrete, and held his head down while the Giant cut him open along the spine and debunked him like a fish/ He reappeared at the landslides and decided not to go on./ stood on the Giant's table as the shot glasses were set before him. He stared at the two liquids. The one foaming, the other with waves in it like the sea. He tried to guess what kind of death each one held. Probably a fish will come out of the ocean one and eat me. The foamy one will probably asphyxiate me./ And instead of pushing his into the one of the liquids he kicked one over, then the other,and dodged the Giant's huge hands as the Giant shouted, ''cheater, cheater!'' He jumped at the Giant's face, clambered up his lip and nose and began to dig in the Giant's eye. The stuff came away like cottage cheese, and as the Giant screamed, Enders's figure burrowed into the eye, climbed right in, burrowed in and in.

Context: In this part of the book Ender is lying in his bunk and plays a game on a device that sort of looks like an iPad. This game involves you as a small mouse, two glasses with green liquid and a Giant. Ender plays the first time and chooses the foamy cup and then tries again and chooses the sea like one. He keeps playing and playing until he snaps and basically kills the Giant.

Significance: This shows Ender's exception to who he is. Before he avoid trying to be like his brother and then when he kills the Giant he gets over it.

Brian W, Period 2

10/20/2014 02:44:09 am

13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Quote: "'Fine,' I said. 'But we're not stopping anywhere.' A few times on the ride home and he tried talking to me. But each time I cut him off. I did not want to act like everything was okay, because it wasn't. And after I dropped him off, I took the longest possible route home. I explored alleys and hidden roads I never knew existed. I discovered neighborhoods entirely new to me. And finally… I discovered I was sick of this town and everything in it. Next side.' (Asher 118).

Context: In the quote on page 118, Hannah Baker expresses her attitude to the conversation with her stalker, Tyler. Hannah is in a sassy state because of her complications with her fake friends after the party. In the passage, Hannah overthinks too much of her conversations.

Significance: Hannah is too self-centered to ease the comments of other people. Hannah seeked more alone-time after she dropped Tyler off from her car. It is important to not overthink small unimportant things.

Ali (Alisia) Guzman Per:1

10/20/2014 06:10:09 am

Thirteen reasons why "In the distance, muffled by a classroom wall, comes a familiar voice. I slowly open my eyes. But the voice will never sound friendly again." (Jay Asher,286)

Context: This is the morning after Clay listens to the tapes and mails them off to the next person. He is distressed and tired in this moment at his locker at school. He is late to school and hears his teachers voice. He is angry at his teacher.

Significance: This quote is very important because this is showing how people will will look at him and how he will look at others differently. He is is showing all of his feelings in this short. You see how he questions his thoughts on the people around him. Clay is showing how he is going to see everyone else on the tapes just reacting to his teachers voice. The quote is also very visual, you can almost see the expression on his face. You can kind of feel like you are in the hall way with him.This kind of shows the realty of everything that had happened the night before.

Vicky Kwong, Per 1

10/20/2014 06:22:35 am

Thirteen Reasons why "Throughout the tapes. I'll be mentioning several spots around our beloved city for you to visit. I can't force you to go there, but if you'd like a little more insight, just head for the stars. Or, if you'd like, just throw the maps away and I'll never know."(Jay Asher,12)

Context: It's about a few week, before Hannah took the pill. She slip an envelope through the vent of Clay's locker telling him to save it and that he'd need it. Inside the envelope that Hannah had slip inside clay's locker contain the map of the city with red star marked in different location, areas around town. Clay had kept the map inside his backpack so that he could show it around school to see if anyone had gotten one as well, and to see if they knew what it meant. Eventually he forgot it when he left it beneath his text book.

Significance: The significance of this quote shows that Hannah, aside from the fact that she blames the people for her death/suicide, shows that she gave them an option saying that she can't force them to go and they could throw the map away and she will never know. It may mean that she said it that way to make them feel guilty or to make them think twice before deciding. People shouldn't blame someone else to be responsible for their death just to torment them and make them feel really guilty.

Brenda Tolentino, Period 5

10/20/2014 01:27:33 pm

Panic by Sharon M. Draper
Quote: "I drove by your house the other day. How old is your sister- about nine?" "NO!" Diamond screamed. "You keep your filthy hands off her!" "I've got customers who prefer them young." "No! Don't you dare touch her!"... "Please don't touch my baby sister," Diamond moaned. "I'll do anything you want" "Drugs are in the water. Drink it or not. Your choice. You can be a junkie, or you can be clearheaded and enjoy the experience" (Draper, 200-201).
Context: Diamond said no to Thane about going to Colorado with him, so he threatened to take Diamond's little sister. Diamond wants to protect her little sister from the very thing she is going through, and any other girl who Thane wants. So she gives herself up for her younger sister.
Significance: This passage is one of the most important scenes of the book because it emphasizes in love and family. This book contemporary issue is rape, but there is also a theme of family and friendship. This scene focuses on family, which is very significant. After Thane tries to bring Diamond to Colorado with him to continue all the raping and abusing. Diamond actually fought back this time, saying no. However, he threatens to take her little sister, and like the amazing sister she is, Diamond begs him not to take her, and ends up sacrificing herself for her. Diamond really wants to protect her sister from any harm, especially Thane. Doing this, it shows Diamond's bravery and her selflessness. She cares deeply for her family, so this is very essential.

Dawson Wu, Period 2

10/20/2014 04:35:53 pm

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

"Would you want to hear other people's thought? Of course you would. Everyone answers yes to that question, until they think it all the way through" (Asher 156).

Context: People learn to make judgement faster than anything they can do in life. So fast that they don't realize what they actually said or committed to. Sometimes their deprive of their knowledge because the information given makes or sound like it's a good idea or a smart thought. Being able to hear peoples thought how great would that be so that you can know how people are thinking so that you can understand them. I sounds like a great idea, but really it's something bad. Being able to read people thought is called invasion of personal space, because it's your thoughts that you think to yourself not to anyone else at all. Sometimes the smallest word or phase can change the way people make decision in life.

Significance: One it would be to tell people think careful of your actions and words. Two always be smart and understanding of the things you do in life. Basically thinking about what you want in life and how you achieve it or get and if you did he right choice or not. Always think twice about the things you do in life, make smart decision make decision that make a great impact on you and if possible on other people too.

Sam Xiang per:1

10/21/2014 01:04:13 am

If my love were an ocean, there would be no more land. If my love were a desert, you would see only sand. If my love were a star— late at night, only light. And if my love could grow wings, I’d be soaring in flight.

Quote: this is a poem from the book thirteen reasons why! Hannah baker said this speech because she wished if more people would care for her!

Significant: I think that she is very sad that people are treating her differently

Literature Circles

Literature Circles, Quarter 1: Explication of one KEY Passage

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