DEAR reader response #5

9/24/2012

Choose a quote from your D.E.A.R. reading this week. Cite the direct quote below. Include the title of the book you're reading, the author and the page number where the selected quote is located.

1. Briefly summarize the quote in your own words
2. Explore the quote's meaning (your interpretation)
3. State why you think the quote matters to the whole of the story (the implications).

After you have posted, respond to one other person's entry.

The person you respond to does NOT have to be in your same class period or your same grade. Your initial post is due each Wednesday. Your response is due by Friday.

Do NOT WRITE, "I AGREE" TO SOMEONE ELSE. You may write, "Your post made me consider ____," "Your post reminded me of this other _____ I read and how _____," etc.

You must write your first name and last initial and class period each time you post. Example: Shelia S, period 1. You must also use academic language. Absolutely NO texting abbreviations.

SEE MODEL POST BELOW!

Gregory Boyle, in TATTOOS ON THE HEART, wrote, "You stand with the belligerent, the surly, and the badly behaved until bad behavior is recognized for the language it is: the vocabulary of the deeply wounded and of those whose burdens are more than they can bear" (2010, p. 179). (This is cited in APA format.)

Say:

This says that bad behavior is a way of communicating one's pain and that standing with the badly behaved is necessary until the pain is revealed and understood.

Mean:

My interpretation of this passage is that it means that when people act out and misbehave that they are doing so because they are in tremendous pain. Either they've been neglected and their own needs are not being met, or they have been abused or hurt in some way, or perhaps they've suffered a loss that is too big for them to bear. Instead of using their words about how much pain they're in, they act out by doing things that are inappropriate and often illegal (This is a book about gangs.)

Matter:

This passage matters because it offers an explanation for bad behavior and challenges us to see beyond the behavior to the heart of the matter. If we can do that, then we may feel more empathy, and as a result, be able to stick it out with those who are acting badly rather than quickly dismiss, judge and abandon them.

Fnu L.,Period 1

9/24/2012 06:05:29 am

Rose Hsu Jordan, in the Joy luck Club, wrote," So I will tell Lena of my shame. That I was rich and pretty. I was too good for any one man. That I became abandoned goods.I will tell her that at eighteen the prettiness drained from my cheeks.That I thought of throwing myself in the lake like the other ladies of shame. And I will tell her of the baby I killed because I came to hate this man so much"(1989,p. 115).

Say:
The character here is saying that she accidentally kill her baby because she hates her husband so much. She doesn't really mean it but it does happen and no one can really prevent it.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that in this world there are things that you really can't avoid to happen.Things that you whether like or not. But either way, we still have to face the reality and move on. Holding on to the past won't do us any goods. It will drag us on all the pains and sufferings.

Matter
This matter because I realize how human beings need to stop holding on to the past and start forgiving or apoligizing to each other. That way, our life would be more meaningful and eventually we will be able to make more friend.

Leon Y.,Period 1

9/25/2012 08:36:00 am

Your quote reminds me of how there are many people out there who thinks that they can just avoid something because it is too hard to handle. You can not just avoid it, they best thing to do is to face it head on. It doesnt matter if you like it or not.

Pinwen L.,period 1

9/28/2012 09:51:03 am

Your quote really appeals to me. And we really need to change our own perspective.we shouldn't hold grudges toward other because the one who is going to be suffer in the end is going to be us.society and the surrounding really need to change its way of thinking.

Joanne W., Period 6

9/28/2012 12:46:35 pm

Your quote reminds me that we can't always avoid the things that are going to happen. It is like that we shouldn't look back and feel regretful about something that we do, all we need to do is keep looking forward to the future.

Courtney T , per 5

9/28/2012 02:10:29 pm

I agree with this quote because I know a lot of people who holds on to the past. When something doesn't go their way, they just explode with info from the past. I think it is so mixed up that they can't move on and let the past go away. Leting go of the past is the best way to start something new.

Jasmine Li, period 1

9/28/2012 04:36:04 pm

You're quote reminds me of my family, they can't seem to let go of their past. I often tell them that tomorrow will be a better day but they just won't listen. For example my mom had a bad relationship, she tries to stay positive, but once in while she gets really upset. So I think it's really important that we let go of our past and start fresh and live a better life.

Jasmine, Li period 1

9/28/2012 04:42:17 pm

Your quote reminds me of my family, they can't seem to let go of their past. I often tell them tomorrow will be a better day, but they never listens. For example my mom had a bad relationship,she tries to stay positive, but once in a while she gets really upset. So I think it's important for us to let go of our past and start fresh and live a better life.

Isabella Gorrocino Per. 2

9/24/2012 11:11:39 am

Luis Rodriguez, in ALWAYS RUNNING, wrote, " I disappeared in the criminal justice syatem. I was being held without a hearing." (1993,p.164)

Say: In this quote Luis is in jail because he was at the wrong place, at the wrong time. He had been apart of a protest that had taken place through out all of East L.A. He was in jail without having a hearing, meaning that he wasn't given his rights.

Mean: My interpretation of this passage is that during this time if you were a minority or looked like one, you could jus be thrown in jail and the court system wouldn't care. To be a minority in this time was a very hard life. Everything seemed to be unfair. There was no justice.

Matter: This matters because from all these riots that happend throughout this time East L.A. birthed artists, musicians, and writers. The community came together, East L.A. boasted more murals per square mile than any other place in the world. The projects, once known to have crime, drugs and gangs, they covered up the walls with bolod colored, message laden works of art. The riots made a differance.

Fnu L.,period 1

9/24/2012 12:47:45 pm

Your quote reminds me of my history class back then.we were talking about the right that a criminal have.before they arrested them,they have to tell them this,"you are arrested, you don't have to say anything right now,but anything you say can be used against you in the court."
Sadly,they have no such system back then.

Siyao L., Period 1

9/24/2012 02:24:54 pm

Perfect example of racial injustices! Minorities have always been treated different and unfairly in American history. Injustice in court was only the most common practice. Many innocent people were probably put to jail or even sentenced to death because of such injustices.

lina hamideh

9/25/2012 02:16:30 pm

your quote means so much. Many people go through that especially in the old times. justice system is so corrupt, he should have had a hearing. that so sad that he couldnt have a say in what he did. thats cruel and unfair.

Jackie T. Per 2

9/26/2012 09:52:45 am

This quote really reminded me of how our country started out. It wasn't all equality. There was a time when the minority had little to know rights and were often overlooked in the justice system. Many were put into jail that probably never even committed a crime before.

Tracy O., Period 2

9/26/2012 12:43:26 pm

Your post made me consider how all minorities at one time faced discrimination and social inujustice because of either how they look or what they believe in. This could have easily not occured if people had an open mind and understood that we are all human and deserve the same type of rights.

Eric lo, Period 5

9/26/2012 03:43:30 pm

They should not be allowed to do that. Everyone is born with natural rights and one right is that you can't beheld unless charged with a crime. I have a feeling that is still going on in the world. People being arrested for no crime and spend time in jail for no specific reason. They do that because they believe they are guilty but some people are actually innocent.

Luke Qian P.6

9/27/2012 11:32:29 pm

This quote reminds me of all the shows that are on discovery channel and the history channel. Many people were tried without justice and took the blame for something they didn't do. Like the case of Sacco and Vanzetti, they were two italian anarchists who were convicted of robbing and killing two men in 1920. They were executed on August 23, 1927. On the same day a man named Celestinos Madeiros confessed to the murders.

Siyao L., Period 1

9/24/2012 02:16:11 pm

Lynne Griffin, in LIFE WITHOUT SUMMER, wrote "How will we see each other? What about Christmas? Are you going to punish me because I wouldn't stand by and watch your father destroy himself?... No I'm not going to punish you. You and I can do stuff. We can go out for a burger... I must have made a face... If a burger was the way back to my son, I could eat it. I would do anything not to lose Ian too."

Say: This quote follows a conversation between Tessa and her son Ian. Ian's father and Tessa are divorced and recently Ian moved in with his dad because he disliked Alden, Tessa's current husband. Tessa is trying desperately to maintain her relationship with her son, not wanting to lose him as well as her daughter Abby.

Mean: I interpret this quote as Tessa's motherly love. Although eating a burger is not a big event, Tessa's attempt to stay in contact with her son shows that she really cares for him. She really wants Ian to understand that she loves her new husband but she will never forget her son either.

Matter: This quote is important because as teenagers we often take our lives for granted and do not realize how much are parents do for us. Our moms are our personal chauffeurs, chef, bank and yet sometimes we don't acknowledge that this is all done out of love. This quote is also an accurate representation of the situation some children and teenagers face when their parents are divorced.

Zerlinda L., Period 5

9/26/2012 03:01:12 pm

This quote makes me think about today's society with all these divorces and marriage failures. It is a hard thing to deal with as people move along but others can't forget.

Zerlinda L., Period 5

9/26/2012 03:08:05 pm

This quote makes me think about today's society of how there are many divorces and marriage failures. It's difficult for some people to get over these difficulties and they just have have a hard time getting through the situation.

Chi Ying Yu ((Period 1)

9/27/2012 10:44:00 am

Your interpretation makes me realize that I need to appreciate things my parents do for me. Usually the most love shown is through small actions like this, not just hugs and kisses. Children who have divorced parents often times feel neglected, so the mother's action is actually very crucial in saving their falling apart relationship.

Cassidy A. Period 1

9/28/2012 04:22:15 pm

This quote really made me think about how I treat my own parents. While often they seem to not understand what we are going through, they go through so much to make our lives so much better. And i agree that it is important to not take advantage of our parents so much.

Leon Y.,Period 1

9/25/2012 08:33:04 am

J.D. Salinger, in The Catcher in the Rye wrote, “I have a feeling that you’re riding for some kind of terrible, terrible fall. . . . The whole arrangement’s designed for men who, at some time or other in their lives, were looking for something their own environment couldn’t supply them with. . . . So they gave up looking.” (1951, p174).

Say: Holden had a conversation with Mr. Antolini about his life. Mr Antolini is telling Holden that he is heading for a big fall that he may not be able to get back up from. He tries to help Holden get out of the terrible fall.

Mean: This means that everyone will eventually in life have a problem and it is alright for someone to help you out of it. Sometimes it may be tough but you can manage it with some advice from another person.

Matter: This matter because there are alot of people out there that just need some advice to get out of a situation. If people are willing to accept the help and advice, they will get out of hard peoblems easily. It is important to get help from people because you can't always do it yourself.

Art Medina Period 1

9/25/2012 11:02:09 am

This quote is quite reminiscent of what my father once told me, to never give up despite how hard the situation might get. People will always be confronted with adversities, but they must always remember that there is hope. There is a light at the end of the tunnel no matter how hard the situation is. It is extremely critical that one stays positive no matter how hard the "fall" is and know that there is always support and everything will get better in due time.

Johanna Fong

9/26/2012 03:13:08 pm

Your post reminded me of the time back when I was in the 8th grade. When I was in the 3rd grade I wanted to grow up faster so I could go out with my friends and have fun on the weekends like a teenager. Little did I know that growing up sucks. It really wasn't what I wanted. But in the end, it’s your choice to make the best out of everything. Back in the 8th grade, I didn't care about school and my grades. It all started to hit me that if I fail I won’t go to High School and graduate. The main reason why I didn't care about my education so much was because my parents aren't there with me; it’s hard to just cross the stage and not have them watch me. I am their youngest child out of five and I just wish that they can see me get my diploma. If you work hard in school it all pays off in the future. No one really helped me with my situation because they don't know how it's like and what I go through, but you can always help yourself.

Itto Akiyama

9/26/2012 04:48:56 pm

This quote reminds myself about how hard a person's life can be. Many people face some sort of problem through a single day and there are those few people who take the time to make others feel better. When a person makes another who is down feel better, the person being helped feels like there are people who care and the person will think that there are many others who feel this way and he is not the only one overcoming struggles in life.

Chi Ying Yu (Period 1)

9/25/2012 10:11:06 am

In Tweak by Nic Shefff, "All my heroes, Kurt Covain, Iceverg Slim....., they all lived these crazy lives. None of them ever had go tot these cheeseball twelve-step meetings and talk about all this corny twelve-step crap. I can't help feeling like I'm just not cool anymore. I still feel hopelessly inadequate about myself and my life. I don't want to live like some goddamn Pollyanna, yet I', terrified to use again"(126).

Say: Nic is revealing his inner thoughts on drugs, which he thinks is cool and the twelve step, the program to stop drug addicts, is not "cool". However, he understands the detrimental effects to his body, relationship with family, life if he goes on relapse again.

Mean: Though not very determined still, he finally realized he wants his old healthy life with family love and sports. He is finally tired of the cycle of buying drug, getting high, and start over everyday. Even though he thinks it is not cool to be in the twelve step program, at least he knows it is the right choice.

Matter: This quote matters because many teenager drug user or smoker find themselves "cool", but in reality it is only illusion. They turn to drugs because they feel isolated and unfit in the society, but once they get high, they don't have to care about how others view them anymore. This is only the temporary way of dealing with life and does not solve any problem.

Art Medina Period 1

9/25/2012 11:13:21 am

Patricia Mccormick, in Sold, wrote, "When he looks, he sees cigarettes and rice for himself. I see a tin roof."

Say: The main character Lakshmi always has her mind on the bigger picture in life. She knows that her father may not always keep his mind on the things that are truly important, such as a home, but instead focuses on small insignificant object such as cigarettes. Lakshmi is focusing on the well being of her family.

Mean: I interpret this quote as the true character of Lakshmi. She sees life in much more profound perspective. She could care less about materialistic objects, like her father. She is always looking out for her family and how their life at home can be better. She wants to be a good sibling and turn her positive thoughts into actions.

Matter: This quote is significant because it shows how some individuals, especially teens, have their mind on the big picture. They are always looking out for the well beings of others, rather than themselves, and always want to see improvements. Some teens need to learn to change their perspective on life and take their thoughts away from materialistic things and stop being selfish. They need to seek a good life for not just themselves, but the important people who surround them as well.

Jenny Yik, Period 2

9/26/2012 02:24:08 pm

This quote really does show that the character has her mind set on the bigger picture. I feel that most people focus on something that is more important than on the little things.

Brilliant H., Period 2

9/25/2012 01:20:35 pm

Andrew Tobias, in THE ONLY INVESTMENT GUIDE YOU'LL EVER NEED, wrote "In the financial marketplace, you get what you paid for, if you're careful. If you try to get more, you get burned" (2003, p 64).

Say: This quote by Andrew Tobias reminds readers not to get greedy when it comes to investing in stocks. He brings up a story about how he went to a horse race track once and bet on the worst horse in the race. The odds of the horse winning were 1 in 25, yet he chose that horse anyway and bet three dollars on it. Just as luck would have it, that horse won the race, but Tobias only bet $3 on it. He said that if he tried to bet more money, he would have surely lost though.

Mean: This quote means that when investing, it is important to remember that it is investing. If you spend money on something that has a bad track record, it is good if you believe that you have already lost your money. It is almost always certain that if you place all your eggs in a shabby basket, you'll lose everything. This is what Tobias means when he says that you get what you paid for, only if you're careful. Being careful means thinking about your purchases, researching, asking around for advice and recommendations.

Matter: This quote matters because too many people spend their money on quick fixes, trying to find the easiest, cheapest way to strike it rich. Although it seems like a great idea to bet $100 dollars at a poker table and come out with thousands, you're more likely to win if you bet $3 with an incredible winning hand than if you bet a lot of money.

Ryan C., Period 1

9/25/2012 04:29:47 pm

This quote reminds me of the problems that currently plague the nation. For instance, the President has tried many things to try and fix the current job market. However, his attempts are mostly quick fixes to try to produce results as quickly as possible. Eventually he will have to deal with the root of the problem instead of gambling with other methods.

Cynthia C.

9/26/2012 07:24:10 am

I think this quote is important because many people do spend their money recklessly. When they want to gain more money by gambling or investing, they bet in a lot money thinking they'll win a lot more money faster. The problem is when they lose, they'll lose most of their money or even all of their money, leaving them with less money than expected.

Andrew L. , Period 5

9/26/2012 12:45:30 pm

This quote made me consider about one's fulfillment to achieving something. It reminded me of the movie "21". The young man who wanted to get his tuition to Harvard by counting cards led him to an uncontrollable eager to win money. He tried to get more money and was playing it big and already earning his needed share of money, he tries to earn more money. Being too greedy, the hotel owner, caught him and punished him. That is why just do it to the point where it is in the safe-zone.

Joe Arguijo Perod 2

9/30/2012 04:43:36 pm

This quote certainly can refer to the reality of the American free enterprise system. When we invest into valuable assets today, the assets of yesterday can be worth much less than before. For this reason we should always have a limit to the amount of things we invest in the financial market because the "greater the risk, the much greater the fall can be". The amount of risk you put, depends on the capacity of you willing to be prepared to accept a major fall or gain in the Free Market system.

Danny Do, Period 1

9/25/2012 02:09:23 pm

Dave Pelzer, in A Child Called It, wrote, “Childhood should be carefree, playing in the sun; not living a nightmare in the darkness of the soul.”

Say: Children should only have positive memories of their childhood rather than darkness and nightmare. They deserve a peaceful fun life, rather than dicipline.

Mean: I interpret this quote as a peacefull postive childhood. Unlike his life, he lived in fear and darkness. Him being abused is terrible, yet noone does anything to assist the poor boy.

Mean: This quote is significant because all children should enjoy the part of their life called childhood. None should ever be in fear, nor feel unplesantness. I feel like the child in this book deserved to be apart of happiness. Also this brings back memories of how my childhood was, and it wasnt terrible as his.

Yen T, Period 1

9/25/2012 03:36:42 pm

This quote reminded me of my mom's childhood stories; she would always tell me about the harsh abuse she endured back in Vietnam when she was younger, and how she has never developed a stronger relationship with her parents, even after she has become so much more successful. It makes me feel incredibly grateful for her love and care, because there are countless numbers of child abuse cases and every single one of the victims deserve to have had a brighter childhood.

Alvin O. period 5

9/26/2012 12:36:57 pm

I agree with this quote because I believe that society is only going to be carried on by our children, so in order for them to be able to do so, they must be raised properly in order to not cause corruption.

Benny C., Period 2

9/26/2012 01:44:19 pm

This quote reminds me of my father's childhood stories. His childhood is not really positive and His neighborhood is full of gangs. It is a very dark place and he almost enters this darkness. However, he was able to overcome it and became a police officer.

Garrett P. Period 1

9/26/2012 02:09:25 pm

This quote really made me realize how lucky I am to have had a childhood without violence and abuse. There are many children who are abused, and no one is there to help them through it. We all should be very grateful that we are not in this same situation as Dave Pelzer. Even to have food on the table every night is something to be grateful for. That's the way it should be for all children. No child should have to live in fear and darkness.

Kaycel Carlem., Period 6

9/26/2012 03:07:43 pm

Your quote made me consider the numerous children all over the world who have suffered or is suffering from child abuse. Not only physically but possibly mentally as well. They will look back on their memories as a child and resent it leaving negative outcomes. Due to them being abused as a child it may cause trauma and instead of growing up in a positive environment, they had to face hostile settings and might reflect their lifestyle or behavior in their adulthood.

Evy Z, Per 6

9/26/2012 03:42:27 pm

I totally agree with this quote many of us want to rush to adulthood when we're young. I remember telling my mom i was so sick of being the youngest always being babied by my family. When I was about fifthteen I realized being an adult in reality was scary. A couple of times i questioned myself will I be able to make it as an adult alone? Adults have way more responsibilities. I'm sure we're all looking back at out childhood wishing we had more time to cherish those days of sleeping in on weekends. As a teen we a loaded with homework, study our butts off on tests, and stress over during finals week. For adults some of them even work during the weekends. To think that waking up every saturday morning to watch cartoons was boring. Man I miss those days. Some kids are scarred by their childhood it stays with them their entire life. It's true that childhood should be carefree and not like living a nightmare. No one deserves to mature so quick at a young age.

Jeffery W., Period 5

9/27/2012 09:58:40 am

This quote makes me think about children that are carefree. Children should be able to enjoy life and not worry about anything else. If they are under strict disciple, they will not be able to enjoy life later on.

David L., Period 1

9/27/2012 01:58:31 pm

I really like this quote because it shows that kids should not be living a life with abuse and disrespect because they're young and they don't know any better. It also shows how I am lucky to not go through this and to live a life that is rather peaceful than full of nightmares and not wanting to be living.

Stephanie U, Period 1

9/27/2012 02:19:47 pm

This quote makes me realize how lucky I was to grow up with such a loving family. When growing up, a child needs to be supported and nurtured, not put down and abused. There are many children who live their lives like this, not knowing how a "real" childhood should feel like. We should all feel thankful for our loving parents and family.

Zishan (Angela) T., Period 2

9/28/2012 12:48:16 pm

This quote is important because it explains that every child should be carefree and shouldn't think about the horrible thoughts they have in their mind. Children should enjoy their life full of happiness instead of living in fear. Everyone deserves to have a wonderful life.

Cally M, Period 5

9/28/2012 03:46:21 pm

I agree with your notion that children deserve to have a pleasant childhood. The things you witness and experience as a young child carries on with you into adult life. Traumatic, dark, or inappropriate events may have a negative effect on your future. Therefore, children should be exposed to a positive and nurturing environment.

Isabella Gorrocino Period 2

10/1/2012 12:11:34 pm

This quote reminds me of children that are unfortunate to actually have a childhood. Some may be forced to start working early to support their family or others are just not blessed as everyone else may be. This quote really made me feel bad for children that have to grow up faster than they should.

Eric lo, Period 5

10/3/2012 01:47:27 pm

This quote reminded me of my childhood. How i never cared what happened to me as long as i had fun. How no matter now late it was i would still want to play. I would play whenever i could because i would only be a kid for so long and i wanted to enjoy the time. My childhood was the easiest times of my life and i miss them dearly.

lina H period 6

9/25/2012 02:11:23 pm

Walter Dean Meyers in Monster had one of his main characters steve harmon wrote" In a way he was right, at least about me. I want to look like a good person, i want to feel like a good person because i believe i am. But being in here witht hese guys makes it hard to think about yourself as being different."(pg. 42)

SAY: the main character steve Harmon is a oyung boy who didnt commit a crime but yet he watched it happen. now he is in court but meanwhile they keep him in jail he writes notes/journal to himself. in the notes this quote was on he feels that hes a no good and that when hes in there he feels like hes a prisoner.

MEAN: this quote means that he is a good person. he didnt hurt anyone or commit any crime but yet he was there at the scene when it happened. even though he is in jail he still a good person and he is just feels like the prisoner becuase he has been in there for a while and he doesnt know when he is getting out

Matter: this matters becuase a lot of young adults who go to juvinille hall or prison suffer a lot. some of them didnt really do anything but be the watcher and that just as bad as killing someone i guess. the kids who are locked up feel like they are a prisoner and a monster like they did the crime, deep down they know they are good but everything was just an act tough act.

sorry ms. Sutton i accidently had got ur book without me notcing ill return it first period but i apoligize

Alan V, Period 2

9/25/2012 03:23:22 pm

Steven D. Levitt, in FREAKONOMICS, wrote, " An expert doesn't so much argue the various sides of an issue as plant his flag firmly on one side" (2005, P.135).

Say: This quote means that many people are too overconfident in their ideas and are not open to different ones.

Mean:
My interpretation to this quote is that there are many people who are too sure of themselves and do not listen to other people. They believe that they are the experts and have a dogmatic approach in the way they do things. They never want to be wrong, and will surely not budge when you try to convince them otherwise. An expert has to stand firm on his beliefs in order to allow someone to trust him or her.

Matter: This quote matters because we need to open ourselves to new ideas and listen to others. Although we may not always want to be wrong, many times we are. We need to learn from our mistakes. Some people never want to hear that they are wrong and therefore live in a life of denial. Experts need to learn how to plant their flags on multiple sites and see the plethora of perspectives that others have to offer.

Eric H Period 2

9/27/2012 03:22:23 pm

This quote is very prevalent in the current political environmental. It reminds me of the political gridlock that had occurred in the recent past in Washington. But overall, we as a society need to learn to be more tolerant and open minded to other peoples perspectives and stands of sensitive issues. If we all one day learn this vital lesson, then maybe we might live in a world of progression instead of stagnation

Kimble Y., Period 1

9/30/2012 02:32:14 pm

This quote made me want to be a very good child. I think that we should not fight with our mom and dad, when we have a question. We will really need to be nice to our parents. I know that there will be some very good dreams.

Yen T., Period 1

9/25/2012 03:29:45 pm

Suzanne Collins, in THE HUNGER GAMES, wrote, ““I don’t know how to say it exactly. Only…I want to die as myself. Does that make any sense?” he asks. I shake my head. How could he die as anyone but himself? “I don’t want them to change me in there. Turn me into some kind of monster that I’m not.”(2008, p. 141-142).

Say:
This says that Peeta does not want to become a “monster” created by the Capitol in this sick game that he is forced to play. He does not want to be a piece of the game, he wants to remain himself, kill as he must, but he will always remember his heart and soul.

Mean:
When I read this passage and I thought about what Peeta said, it made me think about how every day, people are losing themselves because of the inevitable change that comes with growth. We all encounter change sometime in our lives and it is almost scary—knowing that as time elapses, most of us are not who we used to be. Some people change for the better, but some change for the worse. To me, the best way to change is for you. If you change yourself for anyone else, you won’t even know who you are anymore. There is always that time of “identity crisis”, not knowing who we are; that journey of trying to find ourselves. We will all reach that point, but what truly matters is the decisions we make in the end. After searching far and wide, we will come to the conclusion that the person we are is exactly who we want to be for the rest of our lives.

Matter:
This passage matters because it especially appeals to teenagers in high school. High school is a time that does not only determine our future, but it is also a place of growth—where we can look back and either laugh at ourselves for the stupid mistakes we made or we may regret many poor choices, but we learn from that and we mature through it, to become stronger and wiser. A lot of us desire a sense of belonging and choose to associate ourselves with the wrong people, ultimately leading to conflict within ourselves. When we truly understand who we are is when we can genuinely find happiness. The question, “who am I?” is a lot harder to answer than we think.

Cynthia H.. Period 1

9/26/2012 09:10:58 am

This quote reminds of high school in some way. The friends that we have made before, such as in middle school and elementary, all change. It is as if the element of high school changes them. I see high school as similar to the "Capitol" in the Hunger Games. We all change in some way or another, whether it be today or tomorrow, we all go through changes. And I believe those changes are what makes us who we are, for the worse or for the better.

Christian L., Period 6

9/26/2012 07:40:17 pm

In some ways, change does not always occur even when it does. For example, one can act one way with one group friends to be accepted, and act completely different with another group of friends. This shows split personality; or a teenager desperately trying to discover himself /herself. In today's technologically advanced society, the world is constantly changing. Our current resources provide us with the privilege to communicate to people miles and miles away seemingly instantly; and changing ourselves acts almost as a coping mechanism to adapt to this asset and this shackle. Online communication can be either miraculous or devastating; and to avoid such problems, we change ourselves almost as if to survive in high school. Because high school is high school, and it's filled with hormone-filled, confused, hot-headed teenagers, we all seem to change one of two ways: to conform to the accepted status quo, and to separate from the mainstream. Therefore, our mindsets have never truly changed because our environment has forced us to do so otherwise.

Kristin W., period 1

9/26/2012 02:05:38 pm

I think this is a good quote because it can really relate to us. As high school students we tend to be easily influenced by the people, media, and other things around us. I think it's important that we stay true to who are and not let our world around us change us, especially into a person who we wouldn't be very proud of.

Kristin W., Period 1

9/26/2012 02:55:54 pm

I think this quote is very relevant to us as teenagers. At this age we can be easily influenced by the people, media, and social "norms" around us. I think it's important that we stay who we are and not let the world change us, especially into people we would not be proud of being.

Andy B. Period 1

9/26/2012 03:33:35 pm

This quote reminded me of what an insightful friend of mine told me about personal growth: we don't just change; we become who we are. People change because of certain experiences, and it is experience that then shape our thoughts, actions, and personality.

Gloria M., Period 1

9/25/2012 03:50:39 pm

Jay Asher, in THIRTEEN REASONS WHY, wrote, "Not get over it, Hannah. But sometimes there's nothing left to do but move on" (2007, p. 279).

Say:
This says that when our issues cannot be resolved, we need to move on even if it may affect us. Mr. Porter tells Hannah to move on with her life and that it is useless to dwell on something that you will not act on.

Mean:
This quote means that we should forget about what someone has done to us and move on. It means we should move on with our lives so that that one problem will not hold us back from moving forward.

Matter:
This quote matters because it is hard to move on if we do nothing about it. And if we move on without resolution, it will cause us to make bad decisions. If the problems in our life are unsolved, how are we ever going to change? We move on with our lives everyday, unaware of how we affect people and how people affect us, damaging someone emotionally, mentally, and physically. To me, it is bad advice. You don't tell someone who is bullied to move on, because the hurt and hate just builds inside, and when it bursts, the effects can be catastrophic. If we don't do anything about our present, how can we look forward to the future?

naomy cueva period 6

9/26/2012 05:12:06 am

To some people the issue of letting go off a conflict isn't an easy matter for them. People have an option to do as they want with there life but they shouldn't let the past bother them.

Naomy Cueva period 6

9/26/2012 05:19:12 am

George McGovern in ABRAHAM LINCOLN, wrote "Greater presidents posses, or are possessed by, a vision of an ideal America" (2009 p.xvii)

Says:President are elected by the people.Therefore they should follow the constitution and all of it's amendments.They are not sovereign.

Mean:If they don't posses that virtue then they have a low probability of been elected or chosen by the people.

Matter:We all follow customs and rules that were built or made before we were born.

Thuc T. , Period 6

9/26/2012 03:43:32 pm

To me, moving on really means to heal the pain inside by yourself. There really isn't any absolute procedure that has to be done before you can get over something. I do agree with you that sometimes people hurt other people without knowing but it's good, in a way, because we learn how to become stronger.

Vivian H., Period 2

9/27/2012 01:50:21 pm

I agree that it is hard moving on when someone has done something to harm another person. This reminded me of times when I got bullied. It is hard to move on, but clinging to the past and getting redemption is worse. We should really focus on the present and try to make things better for the future. We should all start by being more aware of others and their feelings.

Man Ieng(Winnie) C., Period 1

9/27/2012 03:05:15 pm

I like how you explain this quote well and show your own opinions at the same time. I agree with you that we don't only leave every problems behind and move on. We cannot change the past but we can face it, learn from it and then do something to make ourselves live a better life.

Tiffany L., Period 2

9/27/2012 04:08:47 pm

Nice interpretation. Sometimes, moving on really is the only thing to do if you don't have any other options. However, if you're already emotionally unstable and someone tells you to move on, it can be a bit overwhelming because the problem will always be there. How can you move on if that emotional scar is already embedded in you? The better thing to do would be to take action and just be a better person all around, that way no one would feel troubled by another individual.

Alex D.

9/30/2012 02:02:56 pm

This quote is very true and can apply to most people because I'm sure it has happened to many people when they regret an action or make a mistake. But know that it is the past and you really can't do anything about it, but try to make the best of it and move on.

An Huang, Period 5

9/25/2012 04:12:52 pm

Ethan Wate, in BEAUTIFUL CREATURES, wrote "You couldn't take two roads. And once you were on one, there was no going back." (2009, p. 137).

Say: The main character here is saying that when there is two choices, and the girl picked one, she could never go back to the other road.

Mean: This quote means when a decision is to be made and there are two or more 'roads' to take, you have to think about the choices carefully before picking one.

Matter: This quote matters because it tells you that once you pick the choice or 'road' you want to take, there is no going back to the origin point. So, in order to not regret the choice you make, you have to think about it carefully and think what you actually want instead of living up to other people's standards.

Jessica Lai, Period 6

9/26/2012 09:51:53 am

This quote is a good reflection of the difficulty we have in making a choice. There are often poems or allusions to this dilemma, where we must make a choice and "once you were on one, there was no going back." The quote urges us to thoroughly think through our decisions, reflecting upon possible consequences before we make decisions.

Erin T., Period 2

9/26/2012 02:26:00 pm

I like this quote because this applies to everybody. Every individual will have to make many choices in life, some easy while others extremely difficult. They determine which path of life they want to travel by making their own decisions. Although many people tend to make mistakes and wish they could go back and change things, they cant. They can only learn from their mistakes and move forward.

DInh T, Period 5

9/28/2012 04:21:40 pm

Your quote reminded me of the book I am reading. In the Last Olympian, Percy Jackson's prophecy says that he will have to make a decision that will either save the world, or destroy it. Percy is still unsure about what decision he has to make, but if he chooses the wrong one, there is no turning back.

Ryan C., Period 1

9/25/2012 04:19:01 pm

In SUPER FREAKONOMICS, Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner wrote, “Such trickle-down effects are nearly endless. Thousands of foreign-born university students and professors were kept out of the United States because of new visa restrictions after the September 11 attacks. At least 140 U.S. corporations exploited the ensuing stock-market decline by illegally backdating stock options. In New York City, so many police resources were shifted to terrorism that other areas were neglected.” (Dubner and Levitt 66).

Say: This quote states that the terrorist attacks on September 11th had additional effects beyond the deaths of civilians. The country essentially went on lockdown in fear of another disaster.

Mean: My interpretation of the quote is that some events can have more than one effect, whether or not people realize it. Sometimes the intended event doesn’t always occur, but instead an even greater effect results. In the case of September 11th, the event had immediate effect of killing hundreds of people. However, it also caused the nation to become more attentive and alert. This in turn also created more havoc because of the tension of the population.

Matter: This passage matters because it makes people more aware of their actions producing undesired effects. This way, people will be less inclined to make bad decisions since they will be more observant of what their actions result in. Sometimes even people with the best intentions can cause problems for others.

Ryan L., Period 1

9/26/2012 12:29:31 pm

This quote made me consider to try to be more aware of my actions so I don't end up with undersired effects. If I were more aware of my actions, I'd make less bad decisions. My bad decisions can cause problems for the people around me, like my mom. I'm going to try to be more observant for now on.

David Dang, Per 2

9/26/2012 03:58:21 pm

I think this quote speaks volumes about the hysteric nature of our society. Although the attacks were unfortunate events, the reaction to it was too extreme. The Patriot Act took away citizens' privacy in the name of protection and led to policies that discriminated against the members of a minority that had nothing to do with these incidents. It shows that America has not learned its own lesson from history (Japanese internment during WWII).

Cynthia C., Period 1

9/26/2012 07:16:45 am

Nic Sheff, in Tweak, wrote, “Here I am, so old and yet so young. Stuck, suspended somewhere in between adulthood and a child’s fantasy. (2009, pg.63)

Say:
This says that Nic, the narrarator, feels like he’s an adult at that time but he’s still young. He wants to be or feel like an adult even if he’s still a child. At times, he wants to be child cause he is a child but around adults, he wants to blend in and be like them.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that as a child, people would try to act like an adult. However, when they become an adult, they would want to be a child again. Nic is a teenager stuck between adulthood and a child but he wants things to go faster so he could finally become an adult and properly be with the woman he wants to be with.

Matter:
This passage matters because this implies to some people. When people are young, they want to feel older to be like the people older to them. Once they get to that age they wanted to be so badly before, they’ll wish to be a kid again.

Albert L. Period1

9/26/2012 01:00:54 pm

This quote reminds me of my life I have today. In my first years of high school I became arrogant and now i would like to time travel to repeat my 9th grade year. In 9th grade I was a child eager to turn into a adult, but since im becoming an adult I having responsibility that I must bear, which i don't.

Tom Huang, Period 6

9/26/2012 07:24:02 am

Christopher Paolini, in ELDEST, wrote, "Wise? No, I simply learned to think."

Say: This quote says that many people do not think critically and simply consider anyone who is able to think as wise. This quote calls others lazy for not being to think and use common sense.

Mean: This quote means that others who simply take their time to think are perceived as wise, while someone who doesn't take their time to think is not considered wise. The quote reminds us that we all need to think in order to make wise decisions and overcome problems.

Matter: This quote stood out to me because a teacher once told me that you must think about a problem before you do it. You can't just dive into a problem and expect to be able to solve it. By spending time in thinking about the problem, you will be able to see what you need to do next and understand why you do it. Thinking about things will help with many things in life and is extremely useful.

Janssen F., period 1

9/26/2012 11:05:35 am

Your comment about how the quote reminds us to think before doing something really spoke to me. A teacher has also told the class I was in that he used to just look at something he couldn't figure out before even touching anything (it was something he had to set up - a sound system). He took the time to think what goes where before he plug things in and he didn't break any of the speakers or any equipments. Therefore, I agree that we should think first and be patient even if we want to just dive in and get things done without thinking ahead of what we even wish to accomplish and how to accomplish it.

Lilian D., Per. 2

9/26/2012 01:58:57 pm

In all honesty, thinking is hard especially when, in this day and age, we are mostly being bombarded by the media that tries to make decisions for us and drown us in useless shows that really just makes us giggle and angst over melodrama. I'm pretty certain that if we keep practicing critical thinking, it'll become easier. But, society isn't crazy about promoting that. AP exams, for example, have become easier and more convenient for students compared to the ones in the late 1900s where rigorous questions needed extremely only well, thought out answers could earn a five.

Jason Tran P.1

9/26/2012 02:45:19 pm

This quote strikes me because it's simply fascinating. People who think are the people who are wise. It reminds me of when someone shows me something so simple, but I thought it was complicated.

Alan V. Period 2

10/2/2012 09:54:01 am

There is a big difference between wisdom and thinking. Many people often confuse the two, but they are very different. Thinking comes with intellect, knowledge, and determination. However, wisdom is obtained throughout experience and aging. Thinking is important because many people often do things nowadays without realize what they are doing. We need to think to be able to do things such as vote, so that we can make good decisions for the future.

Man Ieng(Winnie) C., Period 1

9/26/2012 07:27:46 am

Dave Pelzer, in A Child Called “It”, wrote, “I would have been relieved if she had returned with a knife and ended it all.“ (1993, p. 141)

Say: The little boy, David, said that he would rather like his mother to kill him so that everything would come to an end.

Mean: My interpretation of this passage is that the little boy began to give up on his struggle to live. He hated his mother and, also, his whole life so much that he actually wanted her to kill him immediately. In that way, he would not have to suffer anymore.

Matter: This passage matters because the little boy was giving up eventually. He turned into someone who did not care anything. He was numb with all the tricks his mother did to him. It’s horrible that a child at the age of 10 says something like that. He was so frustrated that he did not even want to live. It shows that he had been bearing a lot of difficulties and miseries.

Cynthia H., Period 1

9/26/2012 09:07:24 am

Nic Scheff, in TWEAK, wrote, "I press my hand against her back and sing -- softly, almost whipsering the words. And then there are the hot, salty tears streaming down" (2008, p. 166).

SAY:

A few lines before the quote, he was singing a song by John Lennon to a little girl, a friend's daughter. The quote says that he is singing the song and is crying, either from the lyrics or from the thoughts that he is having while singing the song.

MEAN:

My interpretation of this passage is that no matter what goes on in peoples' lives, they tend to look back on the bad memories and good memories. In Nic's case, he is looking back on the good memories that he and his dad used to have. Memories of him and his dad going to concerts, museums, playing sports, singing, etc. And those memories are all before he started using meth, heroine, etc. Those memories are what he holds dear to himself and wishes for that to return one day once that he is all better.

MATTER:

This passage matters because without those memories, whether they are good or bad; those memories are what made us who we are in the present. In Nic's case he has chose the wrong path many times and always chose it one after another. However, he has now made the right choice of going through the Twelve Steps program to stop himself from using ever again.

Yang Y., Per 2

9/26/2012 01:11:28 pm

This makes me think about the good times and bad times in my past, all the friends I used to hangout with and play with, it was some good memories that I have had in the past, but there are also bad memories in which I have had fights and problems with my friends.

Gloria M., Period 1

9/26/2012 01:36:59 pm

This quote reminds me of a book I read, called Searching for David's Heart (a really good book!). Darcy goes to find her brother-David's heart. She feels guilty because she thinks she killed him. She finds the person who has her brother's heart and has an emotional breakdown when they meet. She is comforted by the recipient and his family telling her that it was an accident and she is reminded of how many good memories and how much love her brother had for her.

Lim, Marisa Period 6

9/26/2012 03:35:59 pm

I agree with Cynthia when she says that memories make us who we are. I think memories are the experience of our past experiences. We have already done good or bad once and we will make sure to learn from that and carry on. It makes us who we are. Each memory changes out lives whether we know it or not because we learn from them.

Judy L., Period 1

9/26/2012 05:42:52 pm

Your post reminds me of the book, "The Giver." The book is about a community living without memory of any kind. Jonas, the main character, is assigned to be the Receiver. His job was to receiving the memories from the previous Receiver. After Jonas received those memories, he realized what his community doing was morally wrong. Therefore, like what you have said, without memories, we are not who we are right now.

Jiaxin(Janet) W., Period 1

9/27/2012 03:51:00 pm

Your quote made me consider how things sometimes bring back valuable memories to people. In this case, the song that the man is singing reminds him of all of the unforgettable memories in his life. Although these memories might not be the most wonderful ones, they are still the factors which shape up every person as an individual.

Robert Carrasco Per 5

9/26/2012 09:18:38 am

quote: David Klein, in Rookie the world of NBA, "The physical stuff worked all too well. Lew was hitting the floor with all the regularity of a punchy prize fighter. He was shoved and stepped on. He took a finger in the eye or a forearm across the throat. He was kicked and scratched , harassed far beyond what is allowed under the game. But he still scored and rebounded, and continued to play excellent defense.

Say: David is explaining even tho Lew was getting punched and kicked etc he still never gave up and would take the pressure. He would still score and win for his team.

Mean: To me this means that Lew never lost his cool he didn't want to make a seen and get kicked out of the game. I know for sure he wanted to do something back but, he did not want lose his cool.

Matter: This matters because, Lew never lost his cool and would just play the game. He would do his job that he needed to do and not fight back. He didn't want to get in trouble and get kicked out or suspended from the game

Nguyen, Minh period:6

9/26/2012 09:40:56 am

Today, I post the my reading name is "gary soto". That was author name of this book, on his story said when he's seventeen, in junior college he moved out by live by himself. And on his family only had his mom and his stepfather. His father was died out and his mom geting mary this guys after but he don't like this guy to be his father.

Jacqueline (Jackie) T. Per. 2

9/26/2012 09:41:24 am

S.L. Naeole, in FALLING FROM GRACE, wrote "She helped me as I tried to sit down, and then sat on the coffee table. A very un-Korean thing to do, that's for sure." ( 2009, pg. 341)

Say:
The reason Grace was being helped into her chair was because she just got back from the hospital. She had a cast on her arm and leg and couldn't really move, even though under the casts she was completely healed, thanks to Robert. Stacy came to visit Grace since it was her first day back and was getting helping Grace sit down. Once Grace was settled, Stacy, being Korean, sits on the coffee table instead of a chair which amuses Grace.

Mean:
I personally found this quote to be amusing because Grace has it in her mind that all Koreans or Asians mind their manners and would never do something like this. However, from what Stacy's character is like, it is obvious that she isn't what most people would think a "Korean" should act.

Matter:
To me, the reason this quote matters because it's kind of a stereotypical thought. Grace didn't mean anything bad by it, but it kind of touches on stereotyping the races. Asian are supposed to be good at math and African Americans are uneducated, that kind of thing. The author touches the subject of being stereotypical while adding some humor to it.

Elaine T., Per. 2

9/26/2012 09:57:26 am

I find this quote very interesting because it is true that many people who stereotype in our culture. Stereotypical attitudes can be found everywhere, especially in our community. We are expected to act and be a certain way because we are Asian. The truth is that people are different due to their personality and they do not have to conform to stereotypical ideals.

Itto Akiyama

9/26/2012 04:43:30 pm

Ian Christe, in EVERYBODY WANTS SOME THE VAN HALEN SAGA, wrote, "Like Hendrix before him, Eddie was a technical innovator who reconfigured the instrument to suit his needs. Unsatisfied with stock instruments, he essentially invented the modern shredder guitar by taping together various parts to create a lightweight, high-output weapon suitable for his soon-to-be trademark attack. (Pg 29)

SAY: This quote means that Van Halen was unsatisfied with his equipment and wanted to make it suitable for himself to his liking.

MEAN: My interpretation of this passage of is that Eddie Van Halen was more of an innovator rather than a musician before becoming famous. Worried that others will steal his idea and trademark it as their own, he took certain steps to create his own "rock machine" that nobody else will copy and claim for themselves.

MATTER: This passage matters because it can show the reader of how a person may be with their ideas and how it matters to them. People tend to steal other's ideas and try to claim it for themselves because of the notoriety of the item.

Lesley T, Period 2

9/27/2012 12:59:03 am

Your post reminded me of many Asian cultures. There is a certain way to act and if you do not act that certain way, you may be scolded or worse. Stereotypes are always going to affect the way people see different cultures and although some are true, I think they hurt rather then help everyone.

Dawson W., Period 5

9/27/2012 01:29:14 pm

I agree with you people these days and there stereotypes about how asians have to have manner or that we follow a special way of doing things. When asain people go out people think were all polite and well manner and sometime thats not true so yeah.

Nguyen, Minh (Period 6) september,26,2012

9/26/2012 09:45:47 am

Today, I post the my reading name is "gary soto". That was author name of this book, on his story said when he's seventeen, in junior college he moved out by live by himself. And on his family only had his mom and his stepfather. His father was died out and his mom mary this guys after but him don't like this guy to be his father.

Jessica L. Period 6

9/26/2012 09:49:43 am

Orson Scott Card in ENDER'S GAME wrote "...What am I doing? My first practice session, and I'm already bullying people the way Bonzo did. And Peter. Shoving people around. Picking on some poor little kid so the others'll have somebody they all hate. Sickening. Everything I hated in a commander, and I'm doing it.
"Is it some law of human nature that you inevitably become whatever your first commander was?" (2002, p. 166)

Say: Ender is lamenting his actions toward one of his soldiers under his command. He is isolating the boy like the teachers had him, and treating the boy like his past commanders had treated Ender. Ender also believes he is becoming a bully, treating the boy harshly, both physically and psychologically.

Mean: Ender is starting to believe that he has become a bully. I think that Ender is using his own experiences from armies he was a part of in order to run his new army, the Dragon army. He believes that it is the most effective way, but this way goes against his conscience. Therefore, he is in a dilemma between being a good commander and being a good kid that others can befriend.

Significance: This is a good reflection of how people learn from past experiences and apply them to current situations. It also may explain why sometimes the bullied become the bully. To protect themselves, people may mimic the way others have treated them. This passage illustrates the goodness in Ender, since we can see that he regrets his actions and is fully aware of them.

Tara K., Per. 6

9/28/2012 01:06:36 pm

I find this quote to be quite interesting. It's funny how people seem to emulate the mannerisms/actions of people they dislike. This quote is also like a reminder; it reminds us to be more understanding of people who do things we may not support. We might do the same in their position if we had went through what they did.

Elaine T., Per. 2

9/26/2012 09:49:58 am

Sarah Weeks, in SO B. IT, wrote, “‘Leave the quilt here, Heidi. It’s covered with hair,” Ruby said. “No sense dragging it through the house. I’ll sweep up in here later.’ Reluctantly I shed the quilt, and Ruby led me back into the bathroom, where she stood behind me, fluffing my hair with her fingertips while I was looked at myself in the mirror. I wasn’t me anymore. I was some other girl. Some girl with short brown curly hair. Some girl with a new haircut and no mama.”(2004, p.233)

Say:
Since Heidi’s mother is mentally-ill, Heidi knew nothing about her past. Heidi went from Reno to New York to figure out who her mother is. When Heidi finally finds out about her mother and why she was born, Bernadette, Heidi’s neighbor and caretaker, calls Heidi and tells her that her mother has just passed away. Heidi becomes really sad and does not know how to cope with the sadness and Roxy, a lady who is taking care of Heidi in New York, offers Heidi a haircut because Heidi has to speak at her mother’s funeral service. After Heidi gets her new haircut, she feels like a new person.

Mean:
This passage shows that people cannot forgive themselves when they are overwhelmed with guilt. Heidi feels really guilty about caring so much about her mother’s past life that she never got to say bye to her mother one last time before her mother passed. It was very hard for Heidi to move on with her life. After she got the haircut, Heidi felt like a new person and all the burden about her mother lifted off her shoulder. She realized that she needed to move on with her life. This shows that people need to find a way to cope and move on with their life. This is because your deceased love one would probably not want you dwell about the past, but life the rest of your life to the fullest. The haircut made Heidi a stronger person as a whole and it revitalized her.

Matter:
This matters because many people tend to dwell on the past when they feel guilty. Although it may be hard to let go of the past, it is better to move on with your life because living a miserable life is not worth it. Like Heidi, people need to find a way to lift their guilt of their shoulder and by doing this, they can forgive themselves.

lina H.

9/26/2012 09:56:50 am

Walter Dean Meyers, Monster had written “In a way he was right, at least about me. I want to look like a good person. I want to feel like I’m a good person because I believe I am. But being in here with these guys makes it hard to think about yourself as being different.”

Say: This quote says that even though you have done mistakes in your life, you’re still a good person, and even though it ends up you being in jail, as a person you still feel like deep down you are a good person. Then when you look at reality and what you see what’s in front of you, you feel like you’re different than the world.

Mean: The meaning of this quote is that when you see yourself in jail you see yourself different than those who are not. When you’re in jail you’re the bad person and the “monster” that everybody claims to call you. When you see yourself in that way you put yourself in a position to where you’re a different kind. Deep down inside you‘re a good person who had done regretful mistakes.

Matter: This matters because he expresses himself when he had written that. The way he expressed himself was real because he had written this in jail and he wrote what he feels and what is goes through his mind. This quote really expresses how he feels because he is a good kid, he didn’t do anything wrong but was at the crime scene, and now he’s in jail and feels like his world had changed that he had become a monster that everybody dislikes.

Mark C., Period 6

9/26/2012 10:01:57 am

Orson Scott Card, in ENDER'S GAME, wrote" He noticed how Graff and the other officers were watching them. Analyzing. Everything we do meant something."

Say: This quote is saying that Ender, when boarding the spaceship was noticing that the officers were not just preparing and supervising the kids as they got on the ship, but was also trying to learn about how the attiudes and personalities of kids by seeing what they do.

Mean: This quote means that even when no one tells someone what they want to see or set rules for that person, it doesn't mean that what you do does not matter. Whatever one does always has some value either to the person or to the people that observe the action.

Matter: This quote matters beause if this actually applied in reality people would think before they act. When people think before they act then there would be less crime and chaos and the world would be a much more prosperous place.

Benjamin Lin Period 6

9/28/2012 10:17:16 am

I agree to this quote because we are always being watched and judged. Everything we do is analyzed and categorized by others into whether it is good or bad. However the real question is who is right to be able to make a judgement on what is right and what is wrong?

Janssen F., period 1

9/26/2012 10:42:27 am

Nic Sheff, in TWEAK, wrote, “I respected her and, well, I’ve always wanted her respect, you know, just so badly. I’ve always wanted her to like me, mostly because I like her so much. But how can Karen respect me now? I am ashamed of myself and, for a moment, I can’t even remember why I’m doing this. What is the point? I guess it’s crystal meth. I mean, that’s always the bottom line, isn’t it? That’s the ultimate trump card for me. It is more powerful than anything” (2008, p. 34).

Say:
This says that even drug addicts also want to get respect. He’s saying he’s aware of how horrible his behavior is but he still craves the same treatment normal, healthy people receive.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that Nic sometimes comes to his senses and realizes the distance and pain his actions create to the people he cares about. However, he also seems to give an excuse for his behavior and how this hurts others by saying “it’s crystal meth.” It’s as if he blames crystal meth for messing up his life when in turn he can commit to getting clean in order to stop hurting the ones he loves.

Matter:
This passage matters because it suggests to us to treat addicts better. It might be that they really got hooked to the drug and are feeling helpless about quitting. We, the clean people, can try to be the bigger person and treat them with respect and maybe – just maybe – we can even get them to try being sober if we treated them nicely despite the things they have done.

Kimble Y., Period 1

9/27/2012 02:03:12 pm

This quote made me think about some people can be very hard to beat. There are really a lot of different movies that have a lot of cool things. Having the strength to be able to exercise will really help a person.

Aron I. Period 5

9/26/2012 11:49:25 am

In SUNRISE OVER FALLUJAH, Walter Dean Myers wrote "The only problems is that its hard to know who the bad guys really are or if there really any bad guys." (2009, pg. 85)

Say:
This says that sometimes when you are fighting, you may not even know who the real enemies are.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that when you are fighting for a group, you may be so uninformed that you don't know what you may be really fighting for, why the enemy fights back, or who the real enemy is.

Matter:
This passage matters because it explains why some soldiers quit fighting. They don't feel that they are fighting for a good cause or they are too confused about the reason to fight anymore.

Aren Lim period 5

9/26/2012 12:03:38 pm

My quote is from the book "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho: "The crystal merchant awoke with the day, and felt the same anxiety that he felt every morning. He had been in the same place for 30 years: a shop at the top of a hilly street where few customers passed."

say: the crystal merchant was very exhausted from living in the same place for so long, but he knew it was the lifestyle he was accustomed to, so he went on with the day accepting it.

mean: The crystal merchant has been living in the same place for so many years. He is not bothered by it that he still lives there, but at the same time, a part of him still wants to escape.

matter: The story "The Alchemist" is about a boy trying to help others set themselves free. The crystal merchant has always wanted to go traveling, but he always had a shop that he had to take care of. Now that the the boy was helping him run it, he can finally do what he always desired. Even though he has the opportunity to go do what he dreamed of, he still chooses to look after the shop, because it is the thing he cares about the most.

Cergio A. Period 5

9/27/2012 02:37:40 pm

Your quote reminds me of some movies of explaining the main characters or other characters life. Of how they live there or a kind of business they run which connects to the whole point of the movie or even book.

Derek Ing (period 2)

9/26/2012 12:18:11 pm

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, “it always hurts more to have and lose than to not have in the first place.” (page 281)

Say: This quote is referring to the feeling you have of knowing and then loosing. Khaled Hosseini wrote that it hurts more to have something then loosing it, as compared to never having something in the first place. This is because he explains that the feeling you have intimately with something or someone makes you cherish it, and when you loose it, you feel less complete, less whole. As compared to not knowing the feeling of the compassion that you could of had.

Mean: I personally found this quote meaningful because it showed a different view point when it came to love. For example the quote, "its better to have loved than loss, then never to have loved at all." It shows a different view point of how Khaled Hosseini wanted to create the book.

Matter: This quote matters because it showed how Ammir thought of his friendship he had with Hassan. This showed that to have a friend then loose him, is worse then to have never had that friend at all.

Jennifer P., Period 2

9/27/2012 02:20:57 pm

It hurts more to have it and lose it because we experienced it. Each moment holds a special meaning in our hearts. We're just left with all the memories, good or bad.

An H., Period 5

9/27/2012 04:17:23 pm

There are a lot of version to this quote, but mostly the main message is that to not take anything for guarantee or you might end up losing them and regret it. It tells us to appreciate the things we have and keep a close eye on it, so you could treasure that feeling.

Ryan L., Period 1

9/26/2012 12:23:14 pm

Sue Monk Kidd, in THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES, wrote, " Dear T. Ray, Don't bother looking for me. Lily. P.S. People whol tell lies like you should rot in hell." (Pg. 42)

Say: Before Lily wrote the note to T. Ray. He was harrassing her and abusing about how her mother never loved her. The quote says she is running away and doesn't want him to find her.

Mean: My interpretation is that she hates T. Ray and is sick of living with him. She wants him to die and rot in hell. She's going to run away from him and never see him again if possible.

Matter: This matters because I think people who abuse their kids and make them feel so bad that they want to run away should go to hell. I think parents should never do that to their children. I also thinks thats a problem that is happening across the world.

Cindy T., Period 1

9/27/2012 05:30:17 pm

Your post reminded me of all the issues that the world suffers today, one is them being abuse. Your quote focuses on child abuse, which is a problem that is happening across the world. Your post really reminds everyone of what someone may be suffering through on a daily basis and that it is necessary to get awareness about this issue out to the public for prevention.

Yang Y., Per 2

9/26/2012 12:24:20 pm

David Michaels, in END WAR, wrote, "the cross-com was still unable to ID friend or foe and superimpose a targeting reticle over the person" (2011, p, 92).

Say:
This says that it's difficult to make a choice when you don't know if the person is your friend, or your enemy. Just like real life, you don't know who to trust because you don't know if he/she is really your friend.

Mean:
I personally found this quote very realistic, because in this society, you don't really know who is your friend and who to trust. Even in my friends, I don't know who I could really trust and tell my secrets to, it's too hard to know if he/she is your real friend.

Matter:
This matters to me because many things revolve around the word trust, like in the book, Brent could trust his teammates to cover his back, but when you meet someone you don't know you would not trust them because you don't know if he/she will stab you in the back.

Alvin O. period 5

9/26/2012 12:31:44 pm

Bilbo said to Frodo, "...Don't adventures ever have an end? I suppose not. Someone else always has to carry on the story." (1954, p. 260)

say: Bilbo was explaining to Frodo that the ring was very important, and that since he's no longer respoelligiblensible for it, Frodo is the heir.

Mean: This means that when someone can no longer carry the burden of taking responsibility of something, it must be passed on to someone else who is eligible.

Matter: I believe this concept is very important because, for example, when the responsibility of becoming president is being passed down, someone eligible must carry the burden of overseeing the laws of the U.S. and take care of many other important occupations that will greatly affect this and other nations.

Andrew L. , Period 5

9/26/2012 12:32:12 pm

Ingrid Tomey, in NOBODY ELSE NEEDS TO KNOW, wrote "Americans are the most wasteful people in the world. They throw away enough aluminum every three months to rebuild our entire commercial air fleet. Most Americans" (1999, pg. 129)

Say: Americans that live in the society as we do now, waste natural resources and resources that are recyclable. Many Americans throw away resources that may also be vital to something else on the planet.The waste of the resources make humans the ones who waste the most.

Mean: This wasting away of natural resources or recyclables generally is destroying the earth rapidly. The state of being wasteful lead the humans to continue to do so and waste because they are unaware of the endangerment the Earth is going into. The lack of resources may leave humans with nothing that they have taken granted for.

Matter: With this wasting, the resources may soon be depleted and the humans will soon have nothing to use and make a living with nothing. This shows that humans waste and sometimes when they waste it, they do not consider its alternative uses it can provide.

Maldonado, George, Period 2

9/26/2012 12:33:52 pm

Disclosure, " It's insulting to everybody in the divsion. I have no idea why she got this position. I don't know what her qualifications could be for a job like this, and..."

Say: The character is trying to say, that the woman who his getting the job to manage the division isn't deserving of the position. He along with most workers have no idea who this woman is and don't understand why she was chosen to run the division.

Mean: To me this means that it will be difficult for the workers to listen to their new manager. Although they will still show respect.

Matter: This matters from the way it shows that the workers want their new business to be stable and run correctly. Also this quote shows how much the workers weren't informed on their new boss of the divsion. That it can be difficult for some workers.

Tracy O., Period 2

9/26/2012 12:34:20 pm

Jason Myers, in EXIT HERE., wrote, “Everything I tried to put back together. Everything I tried to build back up. All of it begins to break apart. Just like that. It cracks and it falls and it shreds into a million fucking pieces and when I open my eyes, it's just me.” (2007, p.267)

Say:
This says that sometimes even when you are trying really hard to fix everything, it can come crashing down. The main character Travis is dealing with his world collapsing around him and it seems like he is alone while the whole thing is happening.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that it means that when you are trying to fix what you have done wrong in the past, and something causes that to break apart, you may feel like you are the only one and that you are alone. In this case Travis’s whole world seems to fall apart because of what others do to him and in the end he feels betrayed and like he cannot trust anyone.

Matter:
This passage matters because it shows how someone may feel alone after something bad happens to them. It may show some of them that everyone has a moment in which they feel alone in the world.

Tara D., Per. 5

9/26/2012 12:35:33 pm

Dave Pelzer in A CHILD CALLED IT wrote,"No David, you have nothing to wory about. You're free."

Say:
This quote talks about how when the main character finally is free from his mothers abuse and that now he has nothing to worry about because nobody can hurt him.

Mean:
David has been a victim of his mothers abuse for some time now even though he is still very young. His own father couldn't even do anything about it. When people asked him at school about his bruises he would often lie just so that he doesn't get his mother introuble because he stilll loved her no matter how bad the abuse was. He was always just wanted to get out of the house and be set free because he doesn't want to worry about his mother ever laying a finger on his ever again.

Matter:
This quote matters because it shows how his freedom away from his abusive mother changed his life. A lot of kids probably go through the same abuse from the parents and it matters because they shouldn't have to deal with it without saying anything.They should tell adults at school ask for help because knowing that you have nothing to worry about and knowing that you are free is one of the best feelings ever.

Dominic Per. 5

9/27/2012 10:48:59 am

There are many kids that get abused from family and some get free, and the rest there just still getting abused. I want to know is everyone really free even though there abused or not.

Albert L. Period1

9/26/2012 12:56:47 pm

Sue Monk Kidd, in The Secret Life of Bees, wrote “People who think dying is the worst thing don’t know a thing about life.” (2003,pg.2)

Say: Lily says this in the beginning of the novel during the exposition. She thinks that if you spend time thinking of yourself dieing then you won't know the meaning of dieing anymore.

Mean:. This is an important quote because Lily’s life has been profoundly affected by her mother’s death. This statement suggests that living with someone else’s death can be more painful that dying.

Matter: This quote matters because there are many children that have lost their loved ones. To them loosing someone they care is more painful then dieing. A good example are the orphans that have lost their loved ones

Bryan Luong Per. 6

9/28/2012 12:30:04 pm

I do believe that having lost a loved one is worse than dying because no one can tell their experience of death because after they die, well they can't come back to tell that moment of death. However, a person who is living and lost a loved one can feel pain and emotions which is a very difficult struggle.

William L., Period 6

9/26/2012 01:06:01 pm

Sue Monk Kidd, in THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES, wrote, "I had the same birthday as the country, which made it even harder to get noticed. When I was little, I thought people were sending up rockets and cherry bombs because of me- hurray, Lily was born! Then reality set in, like it always did" (2002, P. 21).

Say: This quote is talking about how Lily expected everyone to celebrate her birthday, but in actuality, not even her father paid much attention to her during this special day.

Mean: This quote is a good example demonstrating that reality will not always match up to one's expectations. I feel most people can relate to Lily's situation because there must be some time in life when people highly anticipate something, but their anticipation is crushed moments later. In this case, Lily expected this birthday to be the birthday her father finally buys her a present, but every year she is disappointed because no one even makes an attempt at a celebration.

Matter: This quote matters because it shows us that reality does not function the way we want it to. In life, our every wish do not always come true, and we have to understand that fact.

Jose Franco P.6

9/26/2012 01:21:50 pm

Ellen Kushner, in "The Fall of The Kings", wrote "The past is never dead, Theron. It lives on in the present, in our laws and our customs,
even in the way we think and speak." (2002,pg. 47)

Say:
Basil, a scholar is telling a student by the name of Theron about how his history influences his and everyone else's lives. Because of this, Basil insists on teaching Theron everything possible of his heritage and where he came from.

Mean:
I personally found this to mean that the past still exists very much in the present. Even though the times may change, the people still act very much in the ways how they used to act. This influences many parts of our lives, from the ways that we talk and walk to the ways that we choose to clothe ourselves. Each element represents something of the past that was adapted to the present. This is why Basil insisted on saying that the past is never dead.

Matter:
This is a key element to the story since history plays a very large role in determining one's fate in this book, countless hours have been spent trying to study and decipher every mystery that one may find however, the clues may be more obvious than one thinks. The story slowly progresses due to the fact that many of the characters that this story narrates has their lives changed in some way due to their past.

William L., Period 6

9/28/2012 04:52:54 pm

I agree with this quote because people always recall their past experiences and relate those experiences to what is happening right now. The past will never go away because it affects the present as well as the future. For instance, people often learn from their mistakes in the past, so they will not make the same mistake twice.

Benny C., Period 2

9/26/2012 01:22:31 pm

Alyson Noel, in SHADOWLAND, wrote, “But you can’t escape karma, Ever. It is what it is, It doesn’t judge, it’s neither good nor bad like most people think. It’s the result of all actions, positive and negative – a constant balancing of events – cause and effect – tit for tat – reaping and sowing – what goes around come around” (2009, p11).

Say:

This says what karma means and this is the words from a character, Damen, explaining to the main character, Ever, what karma means.

Mean:

My interpretation of this quote is that if you done something bad, bad things will happen to you. In the opposite side, if you done something good, good things will happen to you.

Matter:

This quote matters because Damen is under a curse and he blame it no his karma that he had accumulated in his six centuries of immortal life. In this quote he explained to Ever karma and wanted to save Ever from doing the same thing.

Jodi A., Period 1

9/26/2012 01:25:26 pm

Sue Monk Kidd in THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES says, "You gotta imagine what's never been." (2002, pg. 121)

Say: The main character Lily is talking to her Negro friend Zach about their futures. Zach wants to be a lawyer, but since he's African American, many people discourage him and believe "his kind" will only succeed in sports. Lily told Zach that she'd never heard of a Negro lawyer and "You've got to hear about these things before you can imagine them." Zach disagrees with her opinion.

Mean: This passage means that we can't just imagine what we already know, but new and original ideas. We shouldn't limit ourselves and our imaginations to things that have already been achieved.

Matter: This passage matters because it shows how much freedom we have to dream and imagine "what's never been." Because of this freedom and our ability to imagine the impossible, people have discovered new land, walked on the moon, and developed so much advanced technology. We would never have had a lot of materials and freedoms we have today if we only imagined what was already here.

Kimble Y., Period 1

9/26/2012 01:31:07 pm

Suzanne Collins, in The Hunger Games, wrote, "One last thing. In public, I want you by each other's side every minute." (2008, pg. 92)

Say:
This says that when there is something that a person cannot complete, then that person might need someone to be together. Being together will be a good choice. There will be a lot of surprises.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that a person will want to be with another person that will be very kind. This will really change the feeling of a person. When the person is with that person, then that person cannot walk away.

Matter:
This passage matters because a person can see the things that are happening. The person will want to have a lot of true answers. There should be some happy thoughts that will be coming.

Courtney T, period 5

9/26/2012 01:37:47 pm

Grayson, in THE DARK HILLS DIVIDE, wrote "a single rose can be my garden a single friend my world "(2006 pg. 231)

Say: It is saying you only need one friend to be happy.

Mean: This quote means that you may have only one friend, but that one friend may make your day. Having a lot of friends doesn't mean anything, you may have 100 friends that make you feel bad.

Matter: This quote matters because some people make fun of kids who only has one friend, while they have a ton. Having one friend doesn'y mean anything at all, all you need is a friend who is there for you and will make you feel great.

Lilian D., Per. 2

9/26/2012 01:51:36 pm

In THE HELP, Kathryn Stockett wrote, "'Prayer? You mean y'all just gonna sit around and pray about it?'...'Y'all think prayer's going to keep white people from killing us?'" (2009, pg 209)

Say: This quote simply shows the incredulity a character in the book has regarding the passive action that is being employed towards a despairing situation, namely praying for a miracle.

Mean: It is common for people to fall into prayer towards a higher power for help during seemingly helpless situations. The reason for this is that people feel that these situations are completely out of their control, that they are outnumbered by the world. At times like these, people pray for miracles sent to them by their God(s) because no one can go above God.

Matter: I never saw miracles as acts by God because I'm an atheist, though I do not discriminate those that do. I've recently believed that miracles are simply outcomes that result from people who take intiative because they are confident in a humane progress of the human race. Therefore, I don't agree with this passive action of just sitting down and praying to a higher being for some sort of silver lining. I think that this silver lining is something that people have to grasp for and work for themselves. To get out desperate situations and sorrow, people have to act themselves instead of waiting for something or someone else to happen along and bring about change because sometimes that doesn't happen for decades.

Garrett P., Period 1

9/26/2012 02:00:33 pm

David Pelzer, in THE LOST BOY, wrote, "Once my superhero and known for his courageous efforts in rescuing children from burning buildings, Father is now a beaten man" (1970, p.7).

Say:
In this passage, young Dave Pelzer expresses his disappointment and sadness in his father. His mother beats him, and his father never helps David. Once his superhero, David's father is now a disappointingand embarassing figure to him.

Mean:

My interpretation of this passage is that those who don't speak up to defend others, are just as bad as the abuser themselves. Although David is only a young boy, he understands that his father is a coward and doesn't speak up for his son because of selfishness. He was once was a hero to David, but he let David's mother abuse and beat David. As a result, David lost all trust and faith in his once-admired father.

Matter:

This passage matters because we are often times in David's father's position. There are times when we witness the defenseless being attacked, and it is up to us to speak up and take action. By allowing things like this to happen, we become part of the problem, and are equally responsible.

Erin T., Period 2

9/26/2012 02:10:36 pm

Anne Lamott, in CROOKED LITTLE HEART, wrote, "She had drunk whiskey every night until she was able to sleep, and so was hung over most mornings when she went to get Rosie up for school. She had driven a thousand times under the influence, putting strangers and even Rosie at risk, as well as Sharon, Simone, and children of names she no longer remembered...” (1997, p. 39).   

Say: This quote is saying that Elizabeth is a very irresponsible adult. She always drinks way too much, and puts the lives of Rosie and other children in danger by driving under the influence.

Mean: This means that consuming a great amount of alcohol is very bad because people will commit actions that they may regret later. For example, Elizabeth doesn’t even remember some of the children’s name because she is hung over all the time. Not only is she setting a bad example for her daughter and the other children, but she is also putting their lives in danger by driving under the influence.

Matter: This quote matters because many people should realize what a negative impact alcohol could have on somebody. Many people do things they will regret, especially since they do not realize what they are doing when they are drunk. One of the worst consequences can happen by driving under the influence. Not only is it against the law, but it also puts the driver’s life, as well as the passengers’ lives at risk. People should realize the dangers and consequences of consuming great amounts of alcohol, and learn to drink responsibly.

Kevin T., Period 1

9/26/2012 02:13:25 pm

Suzanne Collins, in MOCKINGJAY, wrote "Fire is catching! And if we burn, you burn with us!" (2010, pg. 106).

Say:
This quote says that if we're going down, then we're taking you down with us. It's basically all or nothing.

Mean:
This quote means, make the best of the chance you have and don't go down with a fight. Katniss, which is the mockingjay for district 13 to fight against the government says this line with courage to show that she is not afraid of the capital.

Matter:
This quote matters because Katniss is the idol of the rebellion, and if she shows courage and strength, then people will follow her. She threatens the capital and makes them fear her, and she believes that she can take them down. She shows the capital the burning fire and points to it telling them that they're going to get burned!

Jenny Y, Period 2

9/26/2012 02:18:20 pm

Lesley Kagen, in WHISTLING IN THE DARK, wrote, "Yeah, she'll be fine, I said over my shoulder, but wondered what would happen if she wasn't there."(2007, pg 38)

Say: This quote is saying that Sally was just making a comment that everything will be fine when she doesn't really know what is going on. Troo is a type of person who never shows fear so Sally just says that she is fine.

Meaning: This means that no matter how shattered Troo might feel, she would never show her real personality. She would always hide her feelings and never let people be able to read her. Sally usually covers up for Troo to avoid any complications. Troo was just like her mother and how Sally says they are two peas in a pod. This shows that their mother is also the type of person who would not reveal their true feelings.

Matter: This quote matters because this describes the characters more in depth on how they would react to certain things. It shows what type of person they are and how they interact with others.
Reply

Jiaxin(Janet) W., Period 1

9/26/2012 02:19:24 pm

Tatiana De Rosnay, in SARAH’S KEY, wrote, “It made her feel sick to think he probably thought she’d forgotten him. That’s what he believed, locked up in the dark cupboard. He thought she had abandoned him, that she didn’t care, that she didn’t love him. He had no water, no light, and he was afraid. She had let him down” (2007, p. 64).

Say:

This says that the Sarah can hardly forgive herself because she is still holding the key for the cupboard where her little brother is hiding. Although it is not her fault to be not able to return home and release her little brother, she still believes that she should take full responsibility. She wants to save her brother, and she wants to go back home.

Mean:

My interpretation of this passage is that it means during the Second World War, in face of the situation which Sarah is overcoming, people tend to develop an upset and sad attitude towards every hardship. In this case, Sarah and her parents have no choice except for locking Sarah’s little brother in the cupboard, so he might get a chance to survive without being caught by the French polices. However, Sarah cannot accept the fact that she is not able to return home and release her brother. This indicates that Sarah is also unable to accept the fact that her parents and she are captured by the French polices and then sent to the concentration camp.

Matter:

This passage matters because it offers a realistic scene of how a war being able to destroy a person’s faith, belief, and courage within a short amount of time. In this story, the main character, Sarah, has only been captured by the French polices for approximately one week. However, in face of such a horrible situation where all Jews are receiving cruel treatments, she begins to develop a despairing feeling towards the unknown future. Therefore, she begins to blame herself for being unable to save her brother. She also blames the world for letting such horrible things to happen.

Benjamin Lin Period 6

9/26/2012 02:23:28 pm

Orson Scott Card said in Ender's Game " Thats right sir. I'll follow all the orders that you're authorized to give. But free play is free. No assignments can be given by anyone.

Say:

This quotes states that during a promised period of free time, no assignments can be assigned under any circumstances. This quote also implies that the charecter is having a conversation with someone that is trying to restict his free time.

Mean:

This quote means that promises are meant to be kept. A promise of free time to a child is the eqivalent of internet access for adolencents. This quote implies that is is wrong to go back on a promise and that often times people of higher authority forget their promises. However the question arises is it in their right to cancel promises that they made? After all, they are in a higher position then we are.

Matter:

In many situations, my parents would promise one thing, but often times do another. Although it would make me mad, there really isn't anything that I can do. Is it wrong to promise something then go back on it? It may be disturbing, but there is definitely nothing wrong with it. Our society is based of this idea, exactly why there exist fine print.

Wenda (Michael). Z

9/26/2012 02:26:19 pm

Lynne Griffin, in Life Without Summer, wrote, "Ian's mute with Alden. This night was no exception. He didn't throw out an angry remark, or cast a hateful look in his direction. Instead, he simply pretended Alden didn't exist."

Say:
This quote is describing Ian's visit to Tessa's house. Alden, Tessa's husband, and Ian are mad at each other because they had an argument over Abby's situation. The quote says that Ian would normally argue with Alden, but on that visit he simply ignored the Alden and didn't even waste energy to give his distasteful looks.

Mean:
This quote means that Ian and Alden are reaching an unbearable point in their hatred towards each other. Ian does not bother to even acknowledge Alden's presence. To me this quote shows how ignoring someone can be even stronger than fighting back.

Matter:
This quote matters because it shows that ignoring someone can do the same, if not more, harm to others. As humans we all strive to receive attention from others in order to analyze ourselves, receive feedback, and confirm our doubts. When a person is being ignored, they feel less connected to the people around them, and this lack of connection hurts.

Wenda (Michael). Z Period 2

9/26/2012 02:27:25 pm

Dinh Thai, Period 5

9/26/2012 02:28:35 pm

Rick Riordan in THE LAST OLYMPIAN, wrote,"I'd first been here when I was twelve, and only Annabeth and Grover's company had given me the courage to keep going."(2009, p. 117).

Say:

This says that Percy was able to gain courage with the help of his friends. He probably would have hesitated to go to the underworld if he was alone.

Mean:

This means that people have the ability to gain courage when they are with their companions. Many people don't like being alone because when there is no one to support you, you feel afraid. This also means that everyone needs someone to support them once in a while.

Matter:

This matters because if Percy didn't have his friends with him, he might not have went to the underworld and he might not have proved himself innocent for being the lightning thief. Also, this would cause a change in the events.

Tara Kwan Per. 6

9/26/2012 02:29:55 pm

Lauren Oliver, IN BEFORE I FALL, wrote, "Isn't it kind of weird how that stuff happens? Ally says in this shy voice she gets when she's trying to say something serious. "How everything spirals out from everything else?" (2012, pg 42)
Say:
This quote says that everything is connected in some way. In this context, Ally is talking about what happened earlier that day. If her friend Lindsay hadn't parked in that last spot in the parking lot, then Sarah Grundel wouldn't have gotten detention. And if Sarah hadn't gotten detention, the she wouldn't be unable to swim in the quarter finals.
Mean:
My interpretation of this quote is that everything is interrelated in some way-it could be closely related or distantly related. Basically, everything has some sort of connection.
Matter:
This quote matters because it reminds everyone that everything has a connection. There's a cause and effect. This scenario is commonly seen; for example, people cutting down trees which hurts the environment that endangers some animal. Everything has a place and a relationship in this world. This quote also reminds us to be more mindful of our actions because we don't know what impact our actions will have.

James E., Period 1

9/26/2012 02:33:29 pm

Pittacus Lore, in THE POWER OF SIX, wrote "The key to change is letting go of the fear."

Say: If you face your fears, you're able to do more things in life. You are more open to different obstacles and challenges that you come across. Fear will always come in your path, but if you defeat it, you will acheive!

Mean: My interpretation of this quote is that to be able to move forward and try new things, you need to be able to let go of your fears and face them. Fear always hold you back from exploring new things and doing new stuff. If you face them, you can do anything!

Matter: This quote matters as a whole because in the real world, many people, including I, have faced this tough challenge, to accept fear. Probably 10 out of 10 people have faced fear and turned the other direction. Its a good example of what people should do in this world, to face their fears.

Kristen W. Period 1

9/27/2012 03:16:31 pm

You must move on with your life, but the thing that is holding you back is your fear. Fear is restricting you from moving forward and changing. You need to know that the real world is constantly moving and changing at a fast pace and yes it may be scary but you must adapt to it and move on with your life. You can not let fear pull you back.

Bryan Luong Per. 6

9/26/2012 02:42:04 pm

Suzanne Collins, in MOCKINGJAY, wrote "That's great," I say. Prim a doctor. She couldn't even dream of it in 12. Something small and quiet, like a match being struck, lights up the gloom inside me. This is the sort of future a rebellion could bring" (2006, pg 143).

Say:
This quote is saying that even though the situation that they are in is a struggle, everyone who is part of the rebellion has hope in making a better future for themselves to live a better life.

Mean:
This quote means that even though people can be put into rough times, they should think positively and see what they could bring for a better future, and put it in action.

Matter:
This quote matters because it is important to think positively, not negatively. Being optimistic is helpful in keeping society running because no one will give up, but see the good things in life.

Jason Tran P.1

9/26/2012 02:42:28 pm

In Ray Bradbury's book, Fahrenheit 451, Bradbury writes, "We have everything we need to be happy, but we aren't happy. Something's missing. I looked around. The only thing I positively knew was gone was the books I'd burned in ten or twelve years. So I thought books might help." (1951, pg. 82)

Say: The quote is saying that people had everything they need to be happy in that world, aside from books, so he believes that books are helpful to being happy.
Mean: The quote means that books are an essential part of being happy. Books give us knowledge and we use that knowledge to pursuit happiness.
Matter: This quote matters because in the novel's society, people just spend their time wasting away their days, they do not care for anything and are not truly happy.

David L., Period 1

9/26/2012 02:49:18 pm

Dave Peltzer, in A CHILD CALLED IT, writes, “I wanted to lie down and just quit, but the promise I made years ago kept me going. I wanted to show The B**** that she could beat me only if I died, and I was determined not to give in, even to death.

Say: This quote says that Dave compares his mother’s abuse on him like a game. Although she wins this “game” most of the time, he is still going to strive to defeat his mother by trying to get around the abuse that is given to him. In this quote Dave shows much perseverance and since he’s already to the point where he can’t do very much, he’s still going to give it all he has to show his mother that he isn’t a bad kid.

Mean: This quote means that even though you feel like quitting, you shouldn’t and you try to keep going until you can’t go any further. Many times we may feel like we can’t do it anymore, but we should look on the positive side and strive for the better.

Matter: This quote matters because in all things that we do, we should try to get to the goal where we want to be. If things get in the way of what we want to do, we should not just quit, but try to figure out a solution so that we can meet the goal that we desire. There may be times where there’s not much to do, so we should try to do whatever we can to make things better and to not give up.

Kaycel Carlem., Period 6

9/26/2012 02:58:20 pm

E L James, in FIFTY SHADES OF GREY, wrote, "I have fallen for someone who's so emotionally shut down, I will only get hurt--deep down I know this--someone who by his own admission is completely messed up." (2011,p.285)

Say:
That Ana knows that her relationship with Christian would never work and that the ultimate ending is that she will be the one left heartbroken. But she knows that she is facing her own internal conflicting emotions whether to stay with him or not, even though he has already warned her of his problems.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that she is so blinded by her love with Christian. That she fails to see the future with him. How he, himself has admitted that their relationship may not work in the long run because he is not ready for that kind of commitment. But Ana still stays because she has already been emotionally attached to him.

Matter:
This passage matters because it reflects on how many people feel about their relationship with people they may potentially be with in the future. They know that it is better if they move on to someone who fits their needs, but instead stays because the person they are with are the one they have become accustomed to. They are in a bind whether or not they should try to find something better or take a risk and try to make their relationship work. But risk someone getting hurt along the process.

Angelo Shimada

9/27/2012 03:05:46 pm

I believe this quote just shows how emotionally insecure people can be, especially about things they care about very much.

Joe Arguijo Period 2

9/26/2012 03:16:48 pm

Markus Zusak, in THE BOOK THIEF wrote, "A small fact: You are going to die....does this worry you" (2005, pg.7).

Say:
This quote is basically saying that sooner or later we as humans will die. The reason why this was said in the story is because death himself, who is the narrator, makes this remark towards the people in the novel. Although this is a rather disturbing thing to say to someone, unfortunately it is simply the truth. Some of us may worry about death, while others who are confident about their afterlife may not be concerned.
Mean:
This statement reminds us that we are mortal under any circumstances. Many of us never really think about the end of our pathway because it simply would not bring us any satisfaction. For this reason, when death seems to be near most of us have an automatic fearsome reaction. Many may not fear death itself, but rather fear the way death will consume us when the time comes.
Matter:
Death should be something that all of us should be reminded of, especially when some people feel the world revolves around them. The fact that death is inevitable can make us become more productive in life before the time is up. So in some ways death could be a benefit to us all when it comes to making us do the best of what we have before the clock stops ticking.

Zerlinda L., Period 5

9/26/2012 03:20:39 pm

Marilyn Reynold, in NO MORE SAD GOODBYES, wrote, "No matter how hard I wish my dad and Grams were still alive, or I hadn't done with Jason, or I weren't pregnant, I can't make those wishes come true." (p.50)

SAY: What this says is that no matter what you did wrong, no matter how big the mistake you've made, sometimes there's no way out of it and there's no way to fix it.

MEAN: What this means is that you should be careful with what you're doing because there's no turning back. Once the mistake has been made, it can't be reverse or fixed. There has to be caution with the things you do and you should be careful with your actions.

MATTER: This matters because mistakes can make a permanent mark on people's lives and it could make a big impact on how they deal with the situation and have trouble in their life. People will regret the mistake they've done, and they can't fix it so they have to be cautious.

Andy B. Period 1

9/26/2012 03:23:17 pm

Patricia McCormick, in SOLD, wrote, "I have been beaten here, locked away, violated a hundred times more. I have been starved and cheated, ticked and disgraced. How odd it is that I am undone by the simple kindness of a small boy with a yellow pencil." (2006, pg. 182)

Say:
Lakshmi, a little girl sold into sexual slavery, is beaten and abused in a brothel. She suffers the hardships and cruelty a thousand times over as her innocence was tragically taken away from her. Even though she remained strong through all these painful experiences, a simple act of genuine kindness was enough to reduce her to an emotional state.

Mean:
This quote shows how every person has their sentimental soft spot. More importantly, it demonstrates how kindness has more of an impact than cruelty. When we experience harsh and spiteful things everyday, and surround ourselves with an atmosphere of negativity, we grow numb to what is being done. This makes a simple act of kindness more apparent.

Matter:
If we want to make a significant difference in the world, then we should act with more altruism and understanding, rather than following the idea of an eye for an eye.

Kenny V., Period 2

9/28/2012 04:10:22 pm

I really this quote, it shows that everyone even with a mean attitude can have a soft spot. We should careful with what we do to other people because people can have hidden emotion inside of them. Doing something so simple can affect someone greatly in the inside.

Evy Z, Per 6

9/26/2012 03:28:21 pm

Jay Asher author of 13 REASONS WHY, wrote “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.”-Hannah Baker

Say:

This quote was quoted by a dead girl Hannah Baker that has committed suicide in my book 13 Reasons Why. In this story she has tapes recorded for people that were a reason for her death. For this quote above she tries to explain that anyone can cause an positive or negative affect on someones life without even knowing at times. In other words your actions towards others affects their whole life.

Mean:

I personally believe this quote is true for everyone. We all have affected someones entire life not one part but their whole life. Every action causes an reaction. You may think what you think of someone doesn't matter but in the long run it does. We are all insecure at times. We care what people say about us. You may think you know someone but in reality you just really know your true self because that's the only person you cant lie to. Say you flip a coin for a decision, by the time its in the air you already know what you want the coin to land on. Your mind instantly knows what you want the outcome to be just naturally.

Matter:

It matters because people need to know that they don't just change peoples minds and opinions. We change lives for the better or worse. The fact that people don't know the power they have on each others lives is harmful. Bullying for example, isn't just a part of your life it's the person's entire life you are messing with. To think its only another stage of their life is wrong. I'm sure no one ever forgets the past. We hold grudges cause we're stubborn or we want to be reminded not to make the same mistake. Remember you don't mess with one part of a person's life, you mess with their entire life.

Maggie W. Period 2

9/27/2012 12:50:08 pm

I find this quote to ring true in many situations. Words that have been carelessly thrown out, misunderstandings, and other actions all have an affect on people's lives. The quote reminded me of one time I saw a mother, clearly tired from the day, taking out her frustrations on her child. Her child, in turn, walked demurely on the side of the mother. Even though, I know the mother didn't mean to speak or act harshly, the fact is that she did. In addition, the child may not understand that he did nothing wrong.

Jennifer P., Period 2

9/26/2012 03:29:12 pm

Kathryn Stockett, in THE HELP, wrote, “I told her, let the regular old history books tell it. White people been representing colored opinions since the beginning a time.” (2009, p.128).

Say:
This quote says that throughout history, White people have been voicing out their opinions, representing other races.

Mean:
Minny tells Aibileen that she is crazy for agreeing to be interviewed in Skeeter’s book, something that has never been written before in this time period. A book about how colored maids feel about raising and working for white families.

Matter:
This quote matters because it represents how history is told. It shows how people can evolve with time. In the old days, most White people felt superior to any other race. If they didn’t like something, they can just voice out their opinions. If you weren’t White, you were probably raised in their shadow, raised to feel inferior. Like a colored person sitting down on the bus and not getting up for another White person to sit. As time goes by, people grow and evolve. What seemed like a death wish then is now a normal everyday occurrence.

Kristin W., Period 1

9/26/2012 03:32:01 pm

Greg Laurie, in RUN TO WIN, wrote, "Let's say that you and I went out for a ride. You were in the front, pedaling away. I was in the back, hitting the brakes. Is that going to help you? No, it's going to slow you down and impede your performance. We need to ride in tandem. We need to ride with the same rhythm and pacing so we can make progress. The two of us can go even faster than one can." (2011, pg. 52)

Say:
The quote says that we have to be friends and work with people who will support and encourage us in the things we want to do and the goals we want to accomplish. We shouldn't let people who are going to slow us down be really close to us.

Means:
This means that our closest friends should just want to help and support us in any way they can. Our friends should want to push us forward in the direction you want to go. People who would tear you down or tell you what you want is unrealistic are not your friends. You don't want to keep those who will slow you down around.

Matter:
A quote like this matters because we really do have to be smart about who our true friends are. Sometimes we don't have friends for the right reasons and the ones who really care are the ones to keep around. It may be hard to do, but it wouldn't help you to keep people who discourage you as friends. We all need people who will build us up and encourage us to pursue what really want. We need the people who will help us reach our goals.

Cally M., Period 5

9/26/2012 03:32:44 pm

Sarah Weeks, in SO B. IT, wrote, "If someone wants to know badly enough, they'll find a way to figure it out."

Say: This quote describes how effort and dedication is needed to accomplish certain things.

Mean: I think this quote explains that if you truly want to know something, it might not come easy, and it will require a lot of work. However, if you are determined to figure it out , you can do it.

Matter: This quote matters because it gives hope to people as it suggests that everything is attainable as long as you perform what is necessary in order to achieve it. The quote also encourages people to work hard and be proactive.

Chelsea A., Per. 1

9/27/2012 01:20:42 pm

I agree with this comment because i believe that people should work hard for what they want. They cannot just expect to have it come their way and expect it to be easy, as well. If people work hard, it will definitely pay off.

Alex D. Period 5

9/26/2012 03:33:29 pm

Suzanne Collins, in the HUNGER GAMES, wrote, "Destroying things is much easier than making them.” (2008, pg 198).

Say:
This says exactly what it says. It is a lot easier and faster to destroy something than to create and make it.

Mean:
Making things such as computers, buildings, and anything takes a certain amount of time and work. But when destroying something, it only takes a few seconds to use a bat and smash it.

Matters:
This quote matters because I'm sure a lot of peope can relate. When youwork really really hard on something and it turns out great, but then an accident happens and youre sad that what took you hours to make is gone. I wonder if there's a way to prevent that fro happening.

James Zhijie R., Period 5

9/27/2012 05:59:55 pm

I think this quote matters to me in a way that always makes me think of this process. When I'm trying to accomplish something, I always make sure I give out one-hundred percent of my effort towards succeeding. After doing so, I always have the sense to protect my hard work because I acknowledge how easily it can be for it to roll down to the bottom the hill.

Lim, Marisa Period 6

9/26/2012 03:33:40 pm

Misty May-Treanor in DIGGING DEEP IN VOLLEYBALL AND LIFE, wrote, "What my Olympic experience taught me, firsthand, was that time waits for no one. You must identify your passion and follow your heart. You must never back down form challenges. You must never, ever give up. You must do everything possible to see out, embrace, and savor the special moments in life. You must cherish family and friends. You must always go for the gold. Because you never know what tomorrow may bring."

Say:
This is saying that you must live out life to the fullest, experiencing experiences that would make life enjoyable and fun. It is also saying that you must take life day by day and accomplish what you want to accomplish for that day because you never know what is going to happen tomorrow.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that we should live life to the fullest. We must make sure that we find our passion and pursue it, never backing down until we reach our goal, gold. I think it means that we should cherish every moment in life like it is out last, because we never know what is going to happen tomorrow. We should be able to live life with no regrets.

Matter:
This passage matters because I think people in today's world tend to take life for granted. We tend to give up easily because it is too hard or we do not have enough time. We tend to easily overlook the special little things in life and focus on the big materialistic things. We do not cherish our family enough and show them that we love them. We always put off things because we know that there is always going to be a tomorrow. I think this society should really take a look at their lives and not take it for granted. I think that they should live life to the fullest and make sure that they are making everyday count.

Kaylin T. Period 6

9/27/2012 04:40:59 pm

I think your quote really inspires me. Always follow your dreams and fight for what you want. Your interpretation of living life to its fullest really means a lot to me, meaning take chances while you have that opportunity to do it.

Thuc T. , Period 6

9/26/2012 03:34:32 pm

Tatiana de Rosnay, in SARAH'S KEY, wrote, " When those children arrived in Auschwitz, there was no 'selection' for them. No lining up with the men and women. No checking to see who was strong, who was sick, who could work, who could not. They were sent directly to the gas chamber." "By the French government, on French buses, on French trains." I added. " (2007, p. 95).

Say:
This quote is saying that when the French Jewish children are sent to Auschwitz, they are sent directly to the gas chamber, to death. The most heartbreaking part is that the deed is done by no other than the French government.

Mean:
The emphasizing point in this quote is how the French government would send their own people to death without any mercy. It is understandable that the Vichy government at that time is just a puppet. However, the brutality that the French policemen impose on the Jewish families reflects what really lies in the conscience of the French people at that time. The novel tells that there are people who try to help the Jews but the majority is simply apathetic to what is going on. If even the French people ignore the fact that their own people are being sent to living hell, how many people in this world actually care? I think the point of this is not to blame the nation itself but rather to represent a bigger picture that there are people in the world who do not care that people are being killed like ants.

Matter:
It matters to me because the idea really scares me. Are people really that apathetic? That ignorant? I don't think we can blame anyone for not helping because at that time, the situation was really beyond their reach. However, their attitudes are something to think about. What makes me think about the most is that if I were in that situation, what would I do? Because the world that I've been living in is a place where there is no war, no injustice. I can't give an absolute answer to that question. And that's why I'm scared. I fear that uncertainty.

Kevin W., Period 6

9/26/2012 03:46:55 pm

Tatiana de Rosnay, in SARAH'S KEY, wrote "I wanted to cry, but the tears did not come." (2007 pg 64)

Say:
The little 10 years old French girl and her family were sended to the concentration camp by the French Police because they are Jews, but not all her family member was caught and sent, she does not know where she was going and she tought that she would come back soon, so she hide her little brother, only 4 years old in their secret place and lock it up. she promise him that she would comeback soon. But later on she notice that she is not getting out of there, no one will.

Mean
I believe that when Sarah, the 10 years old French girl was send to the camp and watching people in there die everyday, and starring at her key imagining her brother is running out of supply in there. She feel hopeless and helpless, she wants to cry but she can't.

Matter
The quote, actually reflected the feeling of when we feel sad and helpless, one always want to find a place or a person cry to or express the feeling. but in some situation, he or she just can't.

Benjamin L,. Period 5

9/26/2012 03:47:05 pm

John F. Grabowski, in Los Angeles Dodgers, wrote "There will always be some new kids in the wings, so dont take anything for granted." ( 2003, pg.43)

Says: It personally demostatrated to one of this person named Drysdale. He would never forget those words. Cause those words would change him and other veteran ball players.

Mean: To Drysdale, it would currently means that through life young players or students would soon learn the game and would soon take thier jobs. But, also is that young ball players will rise up to their potential but it all depends on hard work.

Matter: It matter is that not only u could try to do better and work hard in sport, but u could work hard in anything such as: lawyers, business men,etc. Also, that their will always br ready people who is going to step up for the job and work very hard.

Maggie W. Period 2

9/26/2012 03:47:50 pm

Monica Sone, in NISEI DAUGHTER, wrote, "Japanese getas are wooden platform shoes. When I first saw an old bachelor wearing a homemade pair, his brown horny feet exposed to the world, I was shocked with his daring...My gay red getas were wonderful. They served as shower clogs, and their three-inch lifts kept me out of the mud." (1953, p. 181)

Say:
Monica sees one of her neighbors in the camp wearing Japanese style shoes. She has been trying to find new shoes to battle the harsh conditions of the muddy camp. As she observed the old man, she realizes that the shoes are very helpful and also gets them, improving her mood in the camp at the same time.

Mean:
This quote illustrates the conditions of the camp and the day to day worries of its inhabitants after they get settled in. The Japanese shoes also symbolize that the culture that would be left behind as they leave there home and Japanese possessions is still evident.

Matter:
This passage matters to the book because it describes the conditions of the camp and Monica's experience through it. As she gets settled into the camp and adjusts, troubles like the muddy ground that ruins her shoes and nylons come up. In the preceding passages, she talks a lot about how she asks her friend for shoes and her friend responded by giving her rubber boots. Monica, then, proceeded to describe the geta craze and how it came about. It is understandable as the getas solve many problems that the people faced in the camps.

Eric Lo, Period 5

9/26/2012 03:50:34 pm

Craig Lesley, in STORM RIDERS,wrote," He closed his eyes but the images of the suffering children remained indelible." (146, 2001)

Say: He couldn't bare seeing kids being tortured and being made to dug holes for other peoples suffering.

Mean: I have a feeling that is is happening in our world too. People are being tortured and hurt for no apparent reason. They just do it because they don't the people being tortured to have hope of freedom. I know that it seems cruel but people did it in the old days. When slaves were a natural part of life.

Matter: To me, personally i have been my own slave in a way. I tried so hard to get something done it was hurting myself in the long run. I didn't that i could get dehydrated from not taking breaks in between the exercises i did. I know that that may have not been the best idea but i did what i had to do to get it done.

David Dang, Per 2

9/26/2012 03:51:31 pm

Boris Pasternak, in DOCTOR ZHIVAGO, wrote, “”Wait, I’ll tell you what I think myself. I think that if the beast dormant in man could be stopped by the threat of, whatever, the lockup or requital beyond the grave, the highest emblem of mankind would be a lion tamer with his whip, and not the preacher that sacrifices himself. But the point is precisely this, that for centuries man has been raised above animals and borne aloft not by the rod, but by music: the irresistibility of the unarmed truth, the attraction of its example.” (1957, p. 48).
Say: Nikolai and Vyvolochnov are members of a society that aims to create revolutionary change in Russia. However, they argue about how they are going to accomplish this task. Nikolai advocates for a peaceful approach against an a tenacious Vyvolochnov who is adamant on a violent approach to solving Russia’s social and political problems.
Mean: The essential debate that appears in this passage is whether to solve issues through force or through peaceful means. The author seems to be favoring peaceful through the use of his comparisons. Force is associated with brutes and animals while a diplomatic approach is considered more sophisticated and popular. A diplomatic approach has always been the preferred by history, as indicated by humanity’s highest emblem, the son of God, who is a symbol of sacrifice for the greater good. It is this concept of diplomatic approach rather than force that puts humans above beasts.
Matter: This passage matters because it promotes the usage of peaceful means to solve problems, rather than brute force. It can be seen as a criticism of the needless violence that will occur in the book (since the book is about the Russian Revolution). This passage can also be connected to comtemporary society. In the midst of growing violence around the world at this time, this passage can be seen as a message to stop the violence, condemning it as primitive and animal-like and telling us instead to seek a more peaceful way to solve problems.

Kaylin T. Period 6

9/26/2012 03:57:02 pm

Nicholas Sparks, in A Walk to Remember wrote "I breathe deeply, taking in the fresh spring air. Though Beaufort has changed and I have changed, the air itself has not. It's still the air of my childhood, the air of my seventeenth year, and when i finally exhale, I'm fifty-seven once more. But this is okay. I smile slightly, looking toward the sky, knowing there's one thing I still haven't told you: I now believe, by the way, that miracles can happen." (2000, pg. 240)

Say: This quote says that since things has changed and now that Landon's girlfriend is gone forever she still remains with him and it brings back many memories. Jamie made Landon believe that miracles can happen.

Mean: To me this quote means to keep striving for your goals. Always be ambitious and keep your mind to achieve your obstacles. Sometimes miracles can happen if you can believe in yourself.

Matter: This quote matters because, Landon never lost faith and never gave up. He kept striving for what he wanted and everything fell into place right where he wanted it to be. Jamie taught him a great lesson in life and that somehow miracles can happen.

Vivian H., Period 2

9/26/2012 03:59:34 pm

Judy Goldman, in THE SLOW WAY BACK, wrote, "In one night, Reid said, they'd gone from being a family -- even if they weren't an especially close family -- to being just two guys, a father and his son" (1999, p. 180).

Say:

This explains the husband of the main character's opinion and reaction to losing his mother. It also explains the impact of his mother's death on his family.

Mean:

This quote means that family and close loved ones can easily be lost. Death in a family is inevitable. It also means that even though a family may not be close, it will still have a big impact on the family as a whole. It's sad when one loses a family member. It's like a part of them is missing, even if they weren't close.

Matter:

This quote matters because it's relatable. People lose family members during the most unexpected times. It matters because the passed still matters to the living even if they didn't have close ties. The person that passed is still family, and it'll leave lingering effects on a person, such as sadness or loneliness.

Adam K., Period 2

9/27/2012 04:34:06 pm

This quote is a quote which I can relate to on a personal level. I felt exactly the same way the character described in this quote did when one of my immediate family member had passed away suddenly one summer night. I continue to feel the effects of that family member's death everyday I live, and it feels like an empty hole in my life that can never be replaced by anyone in this world. The emotional pain is indescribable and unending, but I am not alone in feeling like this. It is with my other family members that I find joy and comfort in, to know that we are able to go on knowing that my father did not pass away in vain.

Anna Van Period 6

9/26/2012 04:02:01 pm

In ENDER'S GAME, Orson Scott Card wrote, "Elder had always gone over the bridge to the castle of the Queen of Hearts, where there were games enough for him; but none of those appealed to him now" (71).

Say: After showing his worthiness by conquering the Giant, Ender is promoted to join the higher ranks. However, he must be removed from his current living situation in order to train for his new position. Although this promotion is an honor, Ender fails to feel honored due to his newfound friendship with other children at his current training school. Immediately after he discovers trust and friendship in his group, Ender is forced to leave everything behind. Although the playground equipment normally brings joy to him, Ender discovers them to be unappealing now that he must detach from his friends.

Mean: The hollow feeling within Ender was finally relieved by his new friends. However, this hollowness resumes once more when Ender receives the news that he is promoted and must attend school elsewhere. Even if Ender has all the toys in the world before him, he would not be able to feel happy because physical materials cannot replace friendship and love. Ender first experienced loss when he was removed from his family and now he must endure the pain once more by leaving his friends. Materialistic items will never be able to replace the feelings aroused by true connection.

Matter: This quote matters because Ender's actions are related to his emotions. If he feels empty and alone, Ender will reflect more aggressive actions and more negative emotions. This single event can trigger Ender to behave differently. Additionally, this quote applies in real life. Whenever people feel unhappy, they retort to buying things to satisfy their negative emotions. They believe these things will bring them happiness once more, but, as Ender exemplifies here, there is a certain extent to which materialistic things can satisfy you.

Kenny Van Per 6

9/28/2012 04:04:19 pm

I agree, when people feel down or unhappy they tend to find a way to comfort themselves. Giving themselves more of anything makes them feel better. More food, more luxuries, or even more freedom. However there is a point when too much of anything can be harmful which brings us to the point that materialistic things cannot satisfy one forever. There are unlimited want and limited pleasures.

Adam K., Period 2

9/26/2012 04:05:13 pm

Dan Brown, in The Da Vinci Code, quoted, "Blinding ignorance does mislead us. O! Wretched mortals, open your eyes!" -Leonardo Da Vinci (2003, p. 231)

Say:
This quote says that being ignorant to others will mislead us in life and trusting in our opinions might deceive us more than anything else.

Mean:
My interpretation of this quote is that as humans we tend to only follow what we think is right and think that those who try to offer advice are wrong. This fallacy is what leads us to falter in life, and sometimes we must admit that our own sense of judgment is wrong. Ignorance may be bliss, but admission to our faults is what defines and shapes us as human beings.

Matter:
This quote matters because, as hard as we may try, we are imperfect as humans. All humans regardless must learn not to trust on intuition and self-opinion alone. We stumble along in life, and we need the help of others to pick us up and going again. Decisions we might make ourselves might be considered wrong by others around us, and we need those people to straighten us out and guide us in the right direction in life again.

Joanne W., Period 6

9/26/2012 04:06:19 pm

Lisa Klein, in LADY MACBETH'S DAUGHTERS, wrote "I would while it was smiling in my face, have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums and dashed the brains out, had I sworn as you have done this!” (2010, p.16)

Say:

This says that the lady would willingly throw her baby to a wall to dash its brains out, expressing her fiend-like nature in a ruthless way. Lady Macbeth shows no type of affection to the baby and she has no maternal love.

Mean:

My interpretation of this passage is that it means she is becoming possessed and not a nurturing woman anymore and she even changes her nature character.

Matter:

This passage matters because the lady would willing to have a boy because that's the only way she can do to make her husband happy.If she has a girl, the king might kick the baby out of the kingdom because according to the king, girl isn't worth to be kept. This matters because this quote has a very strong connection to this scene. I want to tell the readers that no matter the baby is a girl or a boy, they are the same what separated them are gender.

Wei L. Period 5

9/26/2012 04:19:40 pm

Alan Lawrence Sitomer, in Homeboyz, wrote "The fall of Troy was assured when Odysseus realized that the Trojan Horse city could be taken down by cunning instead of force. (pg. 97)

Say:
Teddy is giving an example of himself as Odysseus trying to win against his enemy.

Mean:
To me, this quote means that you can always fool your enemy with your tricks.

Matter:
This matters because it has been done somewhere in your past and you feel embarrassed.

Aron I. Period 5

9/28/2012 08:13:49 am

This reminds me of the those people that outsmart others with their tricks.

Andy T. Period 5

10/1/2012 12:38:45 pm

This reminds me of people battling it out in a stealthy scenario, like guerrilla warfare in the American Revolution.

Zhicheng(James) W., Period 2

9/26/2012 04:30:39 pm

J.K Rowling, in HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS wrote, "Scared?" muttered Malfoy, so that Lockhart couldn’t hear him. "You wish," said Harry out of the corner of his mouth. (1998, pg.145)

Say: This quote was when Harry and Malfoy where dueling in the Defense against the Dark Arts class. Harry couldn't wait and defeat Malfoy in a duel and show that Gryffindor is better then Slytherin. However, as the duel progresses, Malfoy casts a spell to bring out a deadly snake which uncovers Harry's secret for bring Parsletounge, meaning he can talk to snakes.

Mean: This means that at times when the situation is horrible, you will bring out the best in you in order to stop the situation. Learning how to react under pressure helps massively keeps the body calm. I find this quote to be inspirational because it describes a rivalry that'll never stop till the end of the world.

Matter: This quote matters because it shows what fear can do to a person. Fear can control a person or it can bring out the person's full potential like what Harry did. If one does not overcome his or her fear, then there are limitless ways to use his or hers fear against them.

Cassidy A. Period 1

9/26/2012 04:42:23 pm

John Irving, in A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY, wrote, "My mother hated darkness. There could never be enough light to suit her. I saw the dummy as a kind of accomplice to my mother in her war against the night" (Irving 95).

Say: In this passage, Johnny is discussing his mother's feelings towards the darkness. In her rooms at all times was a dress form that she used to make her clothes with. This dummy was her way of dealing with her fear of darkness. The dummy was what got her through the night.

Mean:

Kenny V., Period 2

9/26/2012 04:47:34 pm

Will Hobbs, in Downriver, wrote, “The reflections, the subtle lapping of the calm water against the margins of the river the crystalline quality of the light in the pure, dry air – all of it was expressed in that falling stream of droplets that was the canyon wren’s song. Whatever happens downstream, I thought, this beauty right here, right now, makes it all worthwhile.” (1992, p. 93).

Say:
This says that there are moments in life where everything feels calm and relaxing. Even when you know something bad is going to happen you will find that it still worth it.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that it means that even though there are stressful or bad times there can be some good in it. When you do find it, you should try to enjoy it as much as you can. There are few moments where you feel this way so try not to let your problems interfere.

Matter:
This passage matters because it there are times where everything feels relaxing and calm and it makes you feel good inside. It makes you notice the small things that you normally wouldn’t notice. There are times where I would notice this and it feels like all your worry are temporary washed away.

Kevin T., Period 1

9/29/2012 06:17:54 pm

Your quote reminds me of the time I had a really bad day and I thought that things see just going to get worse. But then in the end when I got to see the singer Younha, I thought that it was worth it because you get caught up in the moment. After that, you think that nothing else that happened today mattered, because in the end I was really happy.

Cassidy A. Period 1

9/26/2012 04:47:39 pm

Mean (con't): My interpretation of this passage is that she needed something to keep her sane during the night. Because Johnny's mothers personality was so kind and gentle, she needed the light in her life. She used the dummy as a way to deal with her greatest fear.

Matter: This quote matters because it shows how Johnny's mother was able to face her fears, with a little help. She hated the darkness, but since there is no light during the night, she had no choice but to find a way to deal with dark. Her dummy provided her with the strength she needed to overcome her fear, and I think that its important that we all find something or someone that can help us overcome our own deepest fears.

Lisa Z., Period 2

9/26/2012 04:56:59 pm

Judy Goldman, in THE SLOW WAY BACK, wrote, “She wanted her mother to ask again. He wanted to tell her what a huge mistake she was making. She wanted her mother to be the type of mother who could sense what was going on with her daughter. But her mother was so caught up in making plan and operating at such a high pitch, he wouldn’t possibly focus on something that would bring it all down” (page172).

SAY: This says that when her mother was getting married, she was not always sure of the decisions that she made. This can reveal a lot about what her mother doesn’t tell her. This also says that there was a strong bond between mother and daughter because the mother wanted the wedding to be great and the daughter didn’t want to let her mother down.

MEAN: This means that she I really having second thought about the wedding but he doesn’t have the courage to say anything about it, she I always waiting for her mother to do something about it. This also shows how much her mother cares for her because he I really trying to make everything perfect for her.

MATTER: This matters because this can reveal more about her mother’s past. Because she is always so curious and after having the letter translated, he is even more curious because there are something’s that she just can’t understand. There are missing parts that she wants to know more about.

Matthew I. Period 1

9/26/2012 05:03:42 pm

H.G. Bissinger , in Friday Night Lights, wrote, "Being perfect is not about that scoreboard out there. It's not about winning. It's about you and your relationship with yourself, your family and your friends. Being perfect is about being able to look your friends in the eye and know that you didnt let them down because you told them the truth. And that truth is you did everything you could. There wasnt one more thing you could've done. Can you live in that moment as best you can, with clear eyes, and love in your heart, with joy in your heart? If you can do that gentleman - you're perfect! "

Say:
Coach Gary Gaines was trying to pump up his football team to get ready for the game. they were all scared of losing and this quote just gave them confidence to work hard and play hard.

Mean:
I personally found this quote to be touching. This quote means a lot to people who are in need of help. Its says that family and friends come first for excellence.

Matter:
To me, the reason this quote matters because it gives everyone confidence to to not scared. it says to tell the truth and not be afraid of the outcome. You did what you did so you have to man up to it

Kenny V. Per 6

9/26/2012 05:28:11 pm

Boris Pasternak, in Doctor Zhivago, wrote, "A single thread is like a spider web, pull and it's gone, but try to free yourself and you get even more entangled. And the base and weak rule over the strong." (1957, pg. 55).

Say: This quote refers to a girl, Lara, who is subordinate to her "master" Komarovsky, however she is superior to him in the sense that she has nothing to be afraid of, her conscience is clear and that Komarovsky is the one who should be ashamed and frightened if she exposes him.
Mean: Lara not being "base" enough makes her easy to control which essentially means, she's not morally low enough to exploit and gain leverage against the Komarovsky's vulnerability. If she did however, she, the weak, would rule over Komarovsky, the strong.
Matter: This quote applies to everything we do in life. Such as someone attacking you, they may be stronger than you are physically but afterward the one who is attacked will end up being the stronger one seeing how their conscience will be clear and have the power to expose the attacker to authority which in turn will cause the attacker to be ashamed and frightened.

Anna V., Period 6

9/28/2012 03:40:33 pm

Hi Kenny!

Your interpretation takes a very unique perspective on the quote. Victims can develop emotionally through these attacks, especially insults. Although the attacker may be stronger physically, say can do 20 pull ups, the victim will one day realize these insults are meaningless and merely a waste of time. The satisfaction obtained through disrespectful treatment to others can only be experienced by the feeble individuals, who know they can only feel better by putting others down. Indeed, the attacker will feel "ashamed and frightened" one day. This common dilemma does not merely occur within politics, but can be observed even in a school setting.
Thank you for sharing this insightful observation.

Judy L., Period 1

9/26/2012 05:34:51 pm

Tatiana De Rosnay, in SARAH’S KEY, wrote, “How long had they been here? The girl could not remember…The only thing she had in mind was her brother. She could not stop thinking about him. She would take the key from her pocket and kiss it feverishly, as if kissing his plump little cheeks, his curly hair.” (2006, p.83)

SAY:
This passage describes that Sarah’s worry for her brother while she is at the concentration camp. The key she is kissing is the key which used to open the cupboard where Sarah hided her brother, Michael.

MEAN:
My interpretation of this passage is that Sarah really loves her brother. Even though she and her parents are in the danger themselves, the only thing Sarah could only think of is her brother waiting for her at the cupboard. Sarah would probably regret the fact that she left her brother hiding in the cupboard. As her father had told Sarah, it is better to endure together than suffer separate. The key, mentioned in this passage, is also a very important symbol. It symbolizes Sarah’s hope of the future, the hope of which her brother is still alive.

MATTER:
This passage matters because it shows the strong relationship between siblings, either in sisterhood, brotherhood, or both. In a difficult time, most people tend to care for themselves or their children more than anyone else. However, in this world, there are people who view their parents’ and siblings’ lives more important than the lives of themselves. They are willing to sacrifice everything even their lives to save or to give the best to the ones they love. Sometimes, it is the another person’s happiness that make one other happy.

Berlin T, Period 2

9/27/2012 01:34:01 pm

The passage does infact show a strong relationship between siblings its very important to have a relationship with siblings because they will always be there for you through all your ups and downs.

Ryan Hong, Period 2

9/26/2012 06:17:08 pm

Walter Dean Myers, in MALCOLM X BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY, wrote "If a person has a dirty glass of water and thinks it's good,the best way to convince him to get rid of that water is to show him a clean glass of water."(1993, page 86-86)

Say:

This quote means that when someone lives and is used to an unhealthy lifestyle that person will not know they will not notice a better life until they see it.

Mean:

As an African-American Malcolm was not given much of a choice and was limited. When he joined the Nation of Islam Elijah Muhammad gave something he never had before which was opportunity.

Matter:

Malcolm would be judged by the best of his abilities and talents instead of his appearance. He will be helping the betterment of this people.

Lika m. period 5

9/28/2012 12:19:12 pm

Your quote made me consider that people can change. If someone is doing bad in life, they wouldn't think their lives need to change until they see that they can have a way better life. Letting them see that there are so many opportunities out there to get their lives straight encourages to get one. This can pertain to school. By seeing other students succeed in school, might inspire "slackers" to get rid of their dirty glass of water. This quote is very meaningful!

Jose Franco, Period 6

9/28/2012 04:35:22 pm

I do believe in what you are saying, however I see it more as a circumstance on how the "Grass is always greener on the other side". Since this dirty water is an analogy for the way people live it would only be natural to assume this is showing an idea of how different their lives are from the norm

Mark C. Period 6

10/1/2012 01:31:56 pm

Your quote to me says that if there is a problem then the best solution for people is for them to see that the problem is fixed, but that does not mean it is. It only means that people are satisfied if they do not see that the problem is present.

Christian L., Period 6

9/26/2012 07:21:38 pm

Jeff Olson, in THE SLIGHT EDGE, writes, "You take two seemingly similar people and give them both the exact same opportunity. One takes it and has remarkable success, the other doesn't. One wins, the other does not... Why? It's not a matter of luck. Nor is it timing, nor fate. It's not a matter of intelligence, skill or talent, either. During these same years, I've gone to the very top with many different companies, with different product lines, in different countries and different languages... In every case, I did the exact same thing every time, using ridiculously simple strategies made up of ridiculously simple lists of ridiculously simple actions... I could show you exactly what I did to create four different, separate, independent, multimillion-dollar organizations --- and teach you how to do the exact same thing. In twenty minutes. And chances are, it wouldn't work for you. Why not? Because HOW to do it is not the issue." (2005, p. 18).

Say:

Olson brings up a very controversial topic; achieving greatness. In doing so, Olson tells about his own personal life and his personal achievements in an attempt to bring readers to the realization that "HOW" to achieve greatness will not equate any significant impact on one's life.

Mean:

Jeff Olson, a top network marketing author and trainer in industry, seems almost as if to boast about his achievements. However, in doing so, Olson proposes a significant point that most people tend to forget. "HOW" to achieve something is the answer to a question. However, it does not guarantee said achievement. Doing, performing, and applying, the "HOW" can achieve greatness, solve equations, create logic, explain phenomenon, and much, much more. Today, we see a lot of how-to books/online articles teaching readers how to achieve something. However, only a selected few actually apply what advice is given to them --- those who understand time and pressure; the key ingredients towards achieving a goal.

Matter:

This topic, despite whomever may challenge it, brings up a very strong message; a message that can be applied to today's society. Because we as a whole have passed into the digital revolution, a time of leisure and technological advancements, we have gotten used to the seemingly abundant resources --- despite of the current economic crisis. Our growing apathy and dilatory nature has caused many of us to erupt with certain dilemmas. Because our answers to these dilemmas can be found in the oasis of knowledge, the internet, discovering "HOW" to solve a problem is easily done. However, because we have grown apathetic, our mindset is focused on something applying the answer to our lives instead of ourselves; a problem we face today.

Lesley T, Period 2

9/27/2012 12:55:53 am

Sue Monk Kidd, in THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES, wrote "Her name, Rosaleen Daise, was written twenty-five times at least down the page in large, careful cursive, like the first paper you turn in when school starts."This is my practice sheet,"she said. "For the forth of July they're holding a voters' rally at the colored church. I'm registering myself to vote." ( 2002, pg. 27)

Say:
The caretaker of Lily, a black woman named Rosaleen, is trying to register to vote. This was back when black and whites were even more segregated and so they had to be able to write in order to vote.

Mean:
This book took place in South Carolina in the year of 1964. I think this quote shows how much people had to try in order to simply vote. Rosaleen was so excited and determined to vote and I think that in America, since many people are immigrants, this quote would mean something to them as well.

Matter:
This quote matters because it is a part of American history. There are many African Americans that have been excluded and mistreated and it was a learning experience for America. Not only has this happened to the African Americans but it also happened to the Japanese. I think that equality is a universal issue.

Lika M. Period 5

9/27/2012 04:45:28 am

Anne Scharff, in the SHADOWS OF GUILT, wrote, "'well Sereeta has been acting weird lately. She's not herself. The stuff going on at home, she feels like she doesn't belong anymore. I think she needs to be reminded how much she matters to her friends. I heard somebody say once that friends are the family you choose when your real family doesn't come through,' Alonee asserted."

Say: This passage is saying that Alonee was dissapointed that Sereeta has been different lately. She isn't usually sad and adament to hang out with her friends. So she uses a very famous saying, that shows that friends should be treated like family because in a way they are.

Mean: this passage means that Alonee values the meaning of friendship. She says that friends are people who are your family when your real family isn't there for you. Alonee is dissapointed that Sereeta doesn't see that friends are important in her life also, not just as people you talk to every day. Alonee knows that it is not often that Sereeta is not willing to talk to her friends.

Matter: This passage matters because in life friendship is important and they might understand you when your real family might not. When we don't have our family members to talk to, our friends are always there for us. Friendship is valuable. Friends play a big role in one's life. They can affect who you are as a person. They can influence you with all sorts of things. The type of friends we have can show the type of person we are and will be. I agree with this passage. Friends are people we indeed need in our lives because they are our "second family".

Aren Lim period 5

9/27/2012 01:46:57 pm

Your quote was very deep. It made me feel how sad it is for orphans or other lonely children out there feel, and how they struggle to be a part of something. It is not always easy to fell like you belong.

Jeffery W., Period 5

9/27/2012 09:50:40 am

Walter Dean Myers, in MONSTER wrote "-believed you were guilty the moment they laid eyes on you. You're young, you're Black, and you're on trial. What else do they need to know?"

Say: This says that the moment the jury saw him, they thought he was guilty and he can't escape the trial. Even though he didn't do it, he was forced to go to jail.

Mean: This means that because of who he is, they think he is guilty of the crime. People are always criticizing people for who they are, even if they don't do such things.

Matter: This matters because he is innocent even though he was put guilty of killing someone. Just because he is young and Black, they think he should be sentenced to death.

Brandon Yip Period 5

9/27/2012 12:40:21 pm

Your quote reminds me of this movie that I watched and people criticize this man by the way he looks. So I'm basically saying that a person can't be bad by their appearance or style of dress. Some of my friends look very intimidating but they're really nice.

Dominic Garcia Per. 5

9/27/2012 10:34:18 am

They sent forth men to battle, But no such men return; And home, to claim their welcome, Come ashes in an urn.

Say: This says that no matter ho strong,brave, or even there leadership these men were they would never see there families again at all.

Mean: This means that alot of warriors have fought in many battles and not being able to know or even see how there children will become, not holding there wives and live until they die.

Matter: This quote matters because it explains how that many people can be gone in a matter of seconds just by going to war. You can't be as big,tough,confident, to live.

Aldo haro p.5

9/27/2012 12:03:16 pm

i agree with this. No matter what happens you will die.

Aldo Haro p.6

9/27/2012 12:00:21 pm

"They bury their dead with their heads directly downwards, because they hold an opinion that in eleven thousand moons they are all to rise again, in which period the earth (which they conceive to be flat) will turn upside down, and by this means they shall, at their resurrection, be found ready standing on their feet. The learned among them confess the absurdity of this doctrine, but the practice still continues, in compliance to the vulgar."p.94

Say:this says that people like hope for the best even with the dead./

mean:this means that the people on this islanf aren't so bad. they have heart.

matter:this quote matters because it shows that people are always optimistic.

Brandon Yip Period 5

9/27/2012 01:07:36 pm

A paragraph from Shutter Island said, "Teddy turned from the books, watched Naehring glance at his glasses, a silkworm of a smile twitching his soft mouth. "Excellent, Marshal. You possess outstanding defense mechanisms. I assume you're quite adapt at interrogation."

Say: This shows how cautious and prepared Teddy is when searching for the "escaped" prisoner.

Mean: This means that whenever you are in an area that is possibly or always dangerous, you should come prepared for what might happen later on.

Matter: This matters because if you don't come prepared in a dangerous area, you might get killed or injured. So it is best to come with something to protect yourself.

Pinwen Coco L., period 1

9/27/2012 01:08:08 pm

Tatiana de Rosnay, in SARAH'S KEY, wrote, “The girl wondered: These policemen... didn't they have families, too? Didn't they have children? Children they went home to? How could they treat children this way? Were they told to do so, or did they act this way naturally? Were they in fact machines, not human beings? She looked closely at them. They seemed of flesh and bone. They were men. She couldn't understand.” (2008, p. 47)

Say:On July 16 and 17, 1942,Jews were arrested in Paris and the suburbs, deported and assassinated at Auschwitz. Amount all the Jews that had been arrested, 4,115 of them are children. In this quote we can see that the main character was wondering, how can these French policeman treated children so cruelly and brutal? Do they do the same thing to their children? It was so unfair that these children in the Vélodrome d' Hiver.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that it means that when you are doing something unfair to others, why don't you think of if it happen on you? The girl was treated unfair because she is a Jew, the policeman maltreat the children, to a point that is not even understandable. So the character was wondering how can they do that.

Matter:
This passage matters because later on there will be more cruel treatment, and this passage made us think that how can this happen? The children are innocent, they didn't do anything wrong, why should they get this kind of crucify just because they are Jews? This apply to so many thing that happen nowadays, which is unfair and cruel, how can we still let this happen?

Kevin W., Period 6

10/7/2012 03:55:48 pm

I am currently reading this book too.., And the quote you have mentioned is the main point of this book. Those French police do have families and children, but they can't do anything. But they are forced to do so.

Chelsea A., Per.1

9/27/2012 01:17:50 pm

Jane Hamilton, in MAP OF THE WORLD, wrote" have since wondered if a person can know how deep a thing goes without getting outside of it, without taking it apart, without, in fact, ruining it.' (1994, p 116)

Say:
The narrator explains that people can be pushed so far and will eventually breakdown. She portrays limits in the quote and that people are humans and are not perfect.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that people, humans, are not perfect. We can be pushed so far, and once we are pushed over that edge, consequences appear. For example, parents expect a lot from their children, but children can only take so much. Therefore, they act out or rebel against authority.

Matter:
This quote matters because us humans need to understand that we have our limits and can only handle so much. When we are pushed towards our limit, we eventually breakdown or rage. People need to learn how to understand where we are coming from and how difficult it can be.

Dawson W., Period 5

9/27/2012 01:24:15 pm

Chanda Hanh, in UNECHANTED wrote "his head look like a pendulum as it began to swing back and forth, trying to get a head count." (2010, pg. 60)

Say: Wheb people tend to get off track off something its hard form to bounce back, what the teacher here did wad he went off track off his mind during a feild trip and a boy almoste died. He was scambling to find all the students and account for them.

Mean: What it means is that when you tend to fall off track you lose control of whats around you, then you start to feel like theres something missing or something bad is about to happen.

Matter: It matters to a lot of people because when you lose track of what your doing then you seem like something is wrong. When you finally get everything back to the way it is yoi start to scramble trying to find your place or just getting everything back in order.

Berlin , Period 2

9/27/2012 01:30:55 pm

In Take me there by Susane Colasanti "I sort of lean back into him. Like I'm melting into him. And in that instant, I finally know what it feels like to be whole"

Say: this quote means that one person can change you in a way that can make you feel like someone new.

Mean: what this quote means to me is that one person can make you feel like someone that you never thought you could be because you dont feel accepted. this quote tells us all that we can always feel like a whole when you always feel like half of a whole.

Matter: this wuote matters because it really teaches what people can do for you, you can suddenly feel a great change that will change your life forever

Jinoto Cheam Period 6

9/27/2012 01:33:36 pm

“Bravery is not the absence of fear but the forging ahead despite being afraid”

Say:
To me this quote says that fear is something you can overcome through confidence. It says you can be afraid but with a strong mind you can get past it.

Mean:
This means that every human alive can be afraid but there will always be ways to overcome it. It's by this that makes you strong and confident as a human being.

Matter:
I believe this quote matters because it shows a pathway that can help many people in our society we live in today. Many people are afraid to do things that makes them happy, and it blocks the way for goals you want to achieve in life. Also this quote makes a good example of how bravery doesn't come from sheer power but by being afraid it makes you brave by overcoming it.

Kimble Y., Period 1

9/27/2012 01:42:32 pm

Suzanne Collins, in The Hunger Games, wrote, "One last thing. In public, I want you by each other's side every minute." (2008, pg. 92)

Say:
This says that being together is a very good choice to make. This will really do a lot of different things. A person will be able to think more and write more. There will be a lot of surprises.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that it means that helping one another can really change a lot. Not everybody in the world will want to feel very sad. A lot of the people will want to keep on going.

Matter:
This passage matters because it will person think that everything in life are easy to complete. Almost everyday, people will want to do the best they can. A person can see a difference and compare.

Andy T. Period 5

9/27/2012 01:49:35 pm

Orson Smith wrote, "I can play this game too, you cant figure it out without what I know either - i'll withhold any files from you too!"

Say

This passage says how Novhina will not get any more information about the pequeninos if she does not tell the truth.

Mean

It means that Novinha cannot continue her research.

Matter

It matters since it is crucial to the story that all the speakers share information with each other. If they do not, their research is slowed and can result in the death of more humans.

Jeremy Chan Per.6

9/27/2012 02:53:48 pm

"I told a lie, I hit my brother. I took a penny from my mother's purse. I said a curse."

Say: This quote shows the innocence of a child in a religious environment. Frank's initial response to the confession stance depicts the innocence in a child's actions.

Mean: This quote means that compared to an adult's actions, a child is very pure in the beginning. As he/she grows up, society corrupts the child by showing he/she the cruelty of humanity.

Matter: This quote matters because it shows how corrupt humanity is. The actions of this child is very benign compared to the savagery of human beings.

Cergio A. Period 5

9/27/2012 02:55:50 pm

The book Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift wrote a quote saying-"I lay all this while, as the reader may believe, in great uneasiness: at length, struggling to get loose, I had the fortune to break the strings, and wrench out the pegs that fastened my left arm to the ground; for, by lifting it up to my face, I discovered the methods they had taken to bind me."

say: This says that he was trying to get out of a tight situation. Where he is strapped tight on the floor and can't get out. Which small people did to him.

mean: This means that while the little people were talking he was trying to figure his way out with all of his body parts and hair strapped to the sand ground.

matter: This matters because he is trying to escape from the little vicious blood thirsty people that he is exclaimed to say. And he says that he knows how they bind them and he is figuring them out. Also who knows what can happen to him once he starts to break lose when stranded on an island he doesn't know

Angelo Shimada

9/27/2012 02:59:04 pm

“Indifference and neglect often do much more damage than outright dislike.” pg 704

Say: This quote says that it is not only hate that causes emotional scars, but also neglect. This shows that people are easily affected by those who are treating them badly.

Mean: This quote means that people should not show neglect or indifference to another, for it will cause severe emotional pains.

Matter: This quote matters because it shows that people should treat each other more kindly.

Kristen W. Period 1

9/27/2012 03:11:58 pm

“Look. I have a strategy. Why expect anything? If you don’t expect anything, you don’t get disappointed.” Sold by Patricia McCormick pg. 68

Say:
This quote says if you don't expect anything from someone or something, then that person or thing can never disappoint you.

Mean:
This quote means that if you do not have expectations for someone or something, then you will never get disappointed because you had no hope for it in the first place. For example, you have expectations that your dog will not chew up your sock today, but he does end up chewing it up. Then you will get frustrated and disappointed in your dog. However, if you never had any expectations for you dog; he may or may not chew up the sock, you will not be disappointed.

Matter:
This quote matters because sometimes in life you can't expect people to do what you want. You cannot have expectations of someone because that person can let you down. It's better not to expect something from that someone so in the end, you will not be disappointed.

Tom Huang, Period 6

9/29/2012 02:35:29 pm

This quote stood out to me because I have been told this before. Many people get disappointed because they are expecting something amazing to happen, but get let down because it didn't meet their expectations. Also, by not expecting anything you get more surprised easier and won't be disappointed by what happened, but rather excited.

Eric H. Period 2

9/27/2012 03:13:22 pm

Nic Sheff, in TWEAK: GROWING UP ON METHAMPHETAMINES, wrote,"It's like It's like there are seven candles lit in my stomach. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven. Seven candles burning and smoking - lit - seven flames of doubt, fear, sorrow, pain, waste, hopelessness, despair. They turn my insides black with soot and ash. There is something at the back of my eyes- a pressure building, building, building - hot like the flames of seven candles, which no amount of breath can extinguish."

Says: Nic feels helpless, acknowledging the fact that his actions and relapse into addiction is rotting his conscience and soul.

Means: He is trying to express the way he feels in his situations with buying, selling, and using drugs. Nic is trapped within a paradigm of self pity and a need to numb his guilt that he ensues on others. Through the progression of the book, we see that he is getting less and less concerned with other people, but whenever there is an opportunity to "hook up" others he takes it. In short bursts he is trying to express affection and common ground with anyone that crosses his path. Throughout these instances, we can truly understand what Nic is feeling and going through

Matter: This quote matters because he is the main character and he needs to be accounted for in this book. Also, is feelings are important to track to gauge the difference in his personality in the beginning and the end of the book

Jasmine Li, period 1

9/27/2012 03:26:19 pm

Meg Cabot, in AIRHEAD, wrote " they can't turn around and blame those of us who take proper care of our bodies for being sexist or holding them to impossible standards of beauty...especially when so many of us are living proof that those standards aren't impossible at all" (2007, pg7).

Say:This quote is kind of sarcastic, she's saying that she's sexy if she believe she is. Even if there's a standard to beauty it's possible that she's up to standard. She doesn't care what others say about her body, she is comfortable with herself.
Mean: this quote means that not all girls feel insecure about their body, like this character Em thinks that as long as she takes proper care of her body then she don't have to care about the "standards of beauty".
Matter: This quote matters because more and more girls today are becoming obsessed with their bodies, like they'll come up with new diet plans every month. Isn't it more important to think about what's healthy to our body instead of diet tea. We should be more like Em how she doesn't care what others think and be happy with their body.

Brilliant H., Period 2

9/29/2012 01:35:41 pm

I was a bit confused at your dissection of this quote. I remember reading AIRHEAD by Meg Cabot a few years ago. This quote was not sarcastic, nor was it from the character Em. I agree with how you say that many people should not be obsessed with their bodies, but I believe your interpretation of this quote may be wrong. This quote was said by a very shallow, image obsessed girl who believed herself to be beautiful, but in the ugliest way possible. The protagonist, Em, did supposedly look down upon the models of society, with their size 0 jeans and perfect faces, but underlying her nonchalant attitude was a deep desire to be as beautiful and perfect as the "airhead" model, Nikki.

Tiffany L., Period 2

9/27/2012 04:15:00 pm

Randy Pausch, in THE LAST LECTURE, wrote, “If I could only give three words of advice, they would be ‘tell the truth.’ If I got three more words, I’d add: ‘all the time.’ My parents taught me that ‘you’re only as good as your own word,’ and there’s no better way to say it.” (2008, P. 162).

Say: This quote means that despite all situations, one should always stay honest and true to your his or her words.

Mean: My interpretation is that sometimes, people are tempted to tell small, white lies in order to avoid getting into sticky situations. However, no matter how small that lie may be, it can only help you out so much for a certain amount of time. Once a lie is told, the trail of lies will always be there to follow you around. You are only as good as the words you stick by.

Matter: Many people lie because they find that it relieves problems, however, they fail to realize that it is of temporary relief. When you think you have gotten away with something, you really haven’t because the traces of lies will always be trailing behind. The best thing to do would be to just say everything as it is, that way you can save yourself from trouble. Honesty is morally acceptable and it will also save you from a lot of trouble in the long run.

Johanna Fong Period 1

9/27/2012 05:23:46 pm

The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins
"“Pity does not get you aid. Admiration at your refusal to give in does.”

Say: This quote means that people wont feel sorry for you so you wont get any help. Others will admire you for not giving up

Mean: Haymitch gives her this advice so she can win over sponsors

Matter: People dont always feel sorry for you, you just have to learn how to be strong.

Jinoto Cheam Period 6

10/1/2012 12:23:15 am

This quote seems quite appealing to me considering that, many times people dont admire when your a quitter they rather admire people who keep trying and never give up. People in our society today still would admire people who never give up over people who give up so easily.

Cindy T., Period 1

9/27/2012 05:24:37 pm

Suzanne Collins, in THE HUNGER GAMES, wrote, "’All right, enough,’ he says. ‘We’ve got to find another angle. Not only are you hostile, I don’t know anything about you. I’ve asked you fifty questions and still have no sense of your life, your family, what you care about. They want to know about you Katniss.’ ‘But I don’t want them to! They’re already taking my future! They can’t have the things that mattered to me in the past!’ I say" (2010, p. 117).

Say:

This says that other peoples’ opinions matter and that carrying the burden that you must be appealing to others is difficult.

Mean:

My interpretation of this passage is that in certain situations, you may often care about what another thinks of you. In Katniss’ circumstances, she has to win over the people of Panem for future benefits, however she feels anger and frustrated, because of the games. It is easy to say that you do not care what others’ think of you, but sometimes you may wonder. It is difficult to appeal to others and impress them, but it is necessary and a very important skill to me. For example, for a job interview, you would most definitely want to have your interviewer enjoy your company and presence to get hired.

Matter:

This passage matters because it displays the frustration of another’s opinion. For example, in today’s society, many people often change their looks to impress others. In the quote, Haymitch stresses to Katniss that the opinions of the people of Panem play a crucial role in the games, because their support is what will help her last till the end. It seems today that nothing is ever good enough, someone out there would also dislike a flaw they have, but society would be so much better off if it could learn to accept that everyone is beautifully different.

James Zhijie R., Period 5

9/27/2012 05:42:27 pm

J. D. Salinger in THE CATCHER IN THE RYE, wrote, “She was a pretty spooky kid. Even with that little bitty voice she had, she could sort of scare you a little bit. If she'd been a big old prostitute, with a lot of makeup on her face and all, she wouldn't have been half as spooky." (1951, p.98)

Say:
This says that no matter how nice someone appears to be, they will still be judged by their word and actions.

Mean:
My interpretation of the passage is that words and actions are the factors really matters coming from another person. Even if they stand out in some parts of their character, or even if they are lacking in characteristics, people will be judged by these two basic factors.

Matter:
This passage matters because if offers a real life scenario where a person thoughts are going towards the other’s spooky personality. The person tends not to judge the other by the other by their outer-traits but instead tends to look deep into what they’re really made of.

Randall C., Period 6

9/27/2012 05:58:39 pm

Jess Lair wrote, in I AIN'T WELL-BUT I SURE AM BETTER, "I now see that communication is everything about me : my cloths, my facial expressions, body movements, touching."

Say: This quote is saying that you communicate not only through speaking but all of your actions.

Mean: To my this quote is helping explain body language. If someone talks to another person hunched over and moving abnormally it may tell the other person that he/she is nervous. Showing confidence or which ever emotion is proper at the time is a key part in communicating effectively.

Matter: This quote is important to the story because of his lack of communication. Thinking that only the way he spoke dictated his communication skills made it so that his appearance was inadequate.

Jacelyn K., Period 6

9/27/2012 09:39:59 pm

JK Rowlings, in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, once said "It takes a great deal of courage to stand up to your enemies, but even more to stand up to your friends."

Say: To stand up to enemies requires courage and strength, but easy enough if one wanted to do it. But standing up to friends require something more than the regular courage. It takes a deep friendship and wanting the best for your friend.

Mean: When knowing something is wrong, stand up to the person who thinks it's right. If it's an enemy, it takes you the courage and lack of fear to do it. If it's a friend, many worry about their friendship and feel the need to stay silent. A real friend, however, will have the courage to speak up and want the best for you.

Matter: This quote matters because it shows that courage can be shown in many different way. It can be shown through a facedown with your enemy, or it can be between friends when something goes wrong.

Luke Qian

9/27/2012 11:18:13 pm

"The greatest stage magician ever was Harry Houdini. He was a master escapologist. He could cheat any trap known to man. But there was one thing he couldn't escape, no matter how hard he tried, and it caught him eventually" P.204

Say: This says that no matter how hard man kind tries they are not able to escape from the Grim Reaper. One may be able to cheat death for a couple of days, months, or years but it will eventually catch up and take you.

Mean:This means that no matter how hard someone tries to escape death it is not possible even with all the benefits and the health care now. Many stage magicians make it seem like they can cheat death by putting on shows where they are surrounded by people and just simply disappear and reappear at a safer location.

Matter: This matters because many wish to live for a long time until they are in their 100s. Many may cheat death a little by getting medical help but eventually time will catch up.

Randall C., Period 6

9/29/2012 06:04:55 pm

This quote relates to me because of all of the possible ways one could die in a day. It only takes a second and our life could be taken, but we still waste our time away not trying to be the best we can. In the movie FIGHT CLUB, a man had a gun to his head and was told "From this day on, everyday is a blessing. Become who you want to be." That advice gave the man the initiative to fulfill his life's dreams.

Zishan (Angela) T., Period 2

9/28/2012 12:40:47 pm

Suzanne Collins, in THE HUNGER GAMES, wrote,"Stupid people are dangerous." (2008 pg. 159).

Say:
This quote says that Katniss is in the Games and is sitting in a tree watching her opponent light a fire attracting their enemies. She is smart and thinks through before doing anything because any small decision she makes may be the difference between life and death in the Games.

Mean:
This quote means that everyone should think before you do something. Our actions may cause bad things to happen and when you only get one shot, like in the Hunger Games to live, it would be better to think before you actually do something.

Matter:
This quote matters to me because it shows that there are smart people in the world and there are some not as smart. People may be affected by one another and be influenced to do the same, but that person can fail to do so. However, people always choose to do the right things.

Kimble Y., Period 1

9/30/2012 01:54:25 pm

Suzanne Collins, in The Hunger Games, wrote "One last thing. In public, I want you by each other's side every minute." (2008, pg. 92)

Say:
This says that being together is really a good choice. A person will be able to help the other person. Being together will really change a person from feeling hurt. Nobody will want to be stupid.

Mean:
My interpretation of this passage is that everybody will have to be very smart at a lot of different subjects. When you have a person that can teach you, then you will be very surprised that you can try your best. A lot of the people will see the chances.

Matter:
This passage matters because it gives a student the time to think about making the other student be at a difficult level. In school, every student will want to pass every class. There are really a lot of students that will be able to do a lot of things.

Jeanette F. Period 5

10/1/2012 10:53:24 am

In the book POEMS BEWITCHED AND HAUNTED, Adelaide Crapsey wrote,
"When I was girl by Nilus stream
I watched the dessert stars arise;
My lover, he who dreamed the Sphinx,
Learned all his dreaming from my eyes."

Say:
This stanza of the poem, "The witch", says that there is a witch that found love. She is being herself and her lover follows by her side. He starts to "dream". She says that he opened up to her and her only.

Mean:
This means that relationships can change a person and how they see the world. They may dream of greater things, or even have a need to be around that special person.

Matter:
This matters because it shows how true love can be found anywhere. All you have to do to find it is be yourself. And you can tell if it's true love by the way the person changes for you. They may open up. They might even start to "dream of the sphynx".

Eric Lo, Period 5

10/3/2012 01:52:21 pm

In the book STORM RIDERS, Craig Lesley wrote, "Wade touched his penis."Nobody's cutting my hose. That would hurt like hell."

Say: This quote just made me laugh because if i lost my hose i would be the same.

Mean: If you care for something dearly, you would want to lose it. You would treasure it with your life and want to keep it in good shape.

Matter: When you love something so much, you don't want to let it go. I know because i have Yu-Gi-Oh cards from the seconds grade that i can't throw away. It reminds me too much of my childhood and the good old days. I just miss how i could relax and do whatever i pleased when i got home.

Kevin W., Period 6

10/7/2012 03:51:51 pm

Tatiana de Rosnay, in SARAH'S KEY, wroted
“You get attached to places, you know. Like people, I suppose.”
(2002 pg 156)

Say: this quote appear when Sarah is got in to the concentration camp.

Mean: Sarah is a little French girl that got in to the camp and seperated with her parent, she lock her little brother and promise she would come back for him, now she is in the camp and start to get use to the life, well, she have to, she can't escape from it.

Matter: No one wants the life in the camp, a suiciding camp. but one have to do so.

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DEAR reader response #5

Authors
We are students in Ms. Sutton's Classes at Mark Keppel High School!

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DEAR reader response #5

AuthorsWe are students in Ms. Sutton's Classes at Mark Keppel High School!

Archives

Categories

Authors
We are students in Ms. Sutton's Classes at Mark Keppel High School!