Critical Thinking Question:What really hard things are happening in this text? Are these things happening in the world now? Where?

I am currently reading the heart-wrenching story, A Summer to Die by Lois Lowry. This book is from the perspective of Meg who's telling the story of when her older sister Molly got sick, very sick. Meg looked up to Molly, in her eyes Molly is flawless. Meg, thinks of herself as the opposite of her big sister, ugly. When Meg, Molly and her parents have to move to another house, Meg has trouble fitting in. on the other hand, Molly has two friends, and a week later she has a boyfriend. Later that month, Meg bonds with an elderly man who has the interest of photography, who once had a wife (the love of his life) was named Meg too. One day Molly has a nose bleed, one that's bigger than usual, no one was worried because the doctor said that nose bleeds are common in the winter. Just when Molly thought her nose bleeds were over, she was wrong. Meg woke up one night to see her sister drenched in blood, her white sheets were now red. She ran to go get her parents and Molly ended up saying in the hospital for the next few months. Meg was furious because she thought that it was just a nose bleed, but it was something much more. Symptoms kept arising and the doctors kept Molly in the hospital, Meg was baffled yet mad. Her father soon told meg that her sister has leukemia, and then her hair started to fall out. The story was just beginning...

In this book, Meg is quite young to fully understand her sisters condition. In her mind its all still just a big, stupid nose bleed that everyone is making a huge deal about. Then the news that Meg finally understands changes her life. "I knew then what they hadn't wanted to tell me, and they knew that i knew, that Molly wouldn't be coming home again, that Molly was going to die. Dad sighed. ' It's called Acute Myelogenous leukemia". (lowry,118) In this passage, we now realize what is killing Molly. It's terrible for a family to have to go through this, especially with their daughter, at such a young age. However, they could now put a name to this horrible disease. This was a huge turning point in the book because Meg was no longer Meg, her parents were no longer her parents. They were all different people, trapped in an enviorment enclosed with a wall of fear, their was no escaping the sadness. Towards the end of the book, Molly passes away. Meg's family learns to remember the good times with Molly. This was a really hard time in the book and its shows you how to grieve and the move along, but not forgetting what happened.

A theme that I found that was a major part in this book, was death. This theme is happening in the world everyday, whether its suicidal, accidental, or natural disaster and/or even terrorism. So many people in the world die each day, 151,600. It's tragic and in almost everyone of our lives we experience it. Us as humans must experience this feeling of loss and tragedy and we must learn to cope with it.

All in all, this book taught me to not take things for granted, because they may not be there in the future. I felt a very strong connection and relation to this book, when both of my grandmothers passed away, it was a tough time but it actually just made me stronger. This book also had a few illustrations at the beginning of chapters which made the book. I felt as if I were Meg, the tone of the book was well written and made me think.

Childhood book memory Monday Muses

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

When I was little my mother would read "Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown to my older brother and I. All curled up against the fireplace is where you would find us with reading this book almost every night. My brother and I would always try to be the first to find the little mouse on each page. Whenever the books name comes up, memories blur by in my mind. This was an important time in my childhood because over all of the books read to me I adore this one. To this day I continue to read it, to the children I babysit of course. They find it fascinating somehow, and I remember that's how I felt when my mother read that book to me. My childhood was formed around this book, and when I was a baby my brother and I shared the doll of the bunny. Boy, did we fight over that! 

Why banned books shouldn't be banned

In class we have recently completed discussing and working on whether books should be banned from school libraries or if they shouldn't be banned. I just finished reading,"13 Reasons Why" by Jay Asher which includes various themes that many parents wouldn't allow their children to read. This book talks about death, sex, violence and betrayal. Each of these themes have lessons in the end. Many parents aren't comfortable with allowing their kids to read this content. This book is on the banned book list. Many parents want to ban books like these, because they are "protecting" their children from reality. Parents should not be able to ban books simply because they're not ready or the books contain mature content.

Many parents want to ban books because of the content that are displayed in them. What parents don't realize is that almost every book has a lesson and they teach us very important things. For example in the article "The Banned Books We Have Loved" by Jen Doll she states that books have taught us crucial lessons that we must know in life. "From Bridge to Teribithia, we learned the importance of friendships and being open to those that might not seem 'appropriate.' We learned that death can be sudden and unexpected, and terribly tragic-but that we owe it to ourselves, and those we've loved, to go on." Some books may contain mature themes that shouldn't be read by children, but why ban it for the rest of the world? Another example of books containing lessons is from Jen Doll too, "From Go Ask Alice, we learned that a life can go off rails all too quickly; that drugs should be considered with caution; that a diary can be an important record of our time." I believe that parents shouldn't be able to ban books because every child should read about these themes. They are simply reading about it not doing these actions.

Many parents aren't comfortable with their children reading books that have mature writing and have themes like drugs, sex, violence and abuse. Most people are more likely to read the book if it's on the banned books list. In the article "The Banned Books We've Loved" by Jen Doll, "It is a badge of honor to have people try to ban your books from schools and school libraries, only because it means your books have become popular and are being noticed." The ban books list with attract people to read the list and eventually read the books. I feel that parents are only looking at the fact that the books have those themes in them but they tell the readers that doing those things are awful and don't end well. For example, in the book I currently finished reading , "13 Reasons Why" by Jay Asher its talks about betrayal and friendship. "Betrayal. It's one of the worst feelings." (3.63) Hannah, the main character, announces this theme early in the novel. The author is saying that betrayal and leaving your friends isn't the right thing to do. Another example of this theme is, "Hannah takes Justin's betrayal so seriously because it affects her life in real ways." This quote shows that when you spread rumors it hurts others and it really affects that person. These themes have various lessons that teach children about how to react to different problems in life. If kids didn't read these in books how else would they learn about them? Parents are too protective of what their children are going to learn about in books, but in the end they have to learn/know about it someday.

All in all, many parents aren't comfortable with allowing their kids to read books that have themes like sex, violence and drugs, but why ban it for everyone else in the world? Parents should be aware that their kids may or may not be ready to read about such mature themes, but parents shouldn't ban books just because their kids aren't ready, other children are and they would want to read the books. Parents should know if their children are ready or not to read a type of book.

Monday Muses

What comes to mind when I envision my childhood...

"An Endless Book"

Never too many toys,

never too much noise,

always a fuss, 

cause there's never enough`

bubble baths,

homework is math,

playing in the dirt,

getting hurt,

mommy's love

fixes all,

when I fall

Not wanting to get clean,

Jack is so mean

stuffed animals,

little snacks,

kissies and hugs

Pretzels and Cookies were a favorite,

such a supply,

I didn't have to savor it

"Oh! Have you grown!"

Have I known, 

I would have treasured

the moments like those

"Mommy I want to go to bed"

she was too busy 

"Mommy can you tuck me in?"

she was on the phone

"Please?"

I toddled away 

and tucked myself in

we gave my turtle away,

bye bye 

we gave my guinea pig to the big guy in the sky,

goodbye 

"Jack hit me first!"

"It's not fair!" 

"I don't care"

"Let's play"

This is what I said.

Trips to the park,

laying in the grass,

pretending,

dreaming,

wishing

I'm a princess today

throw all my cares away,

just me and mommy

and we're here to stay,

singing songs,

chasing butterflies,

tea parties,

playing along,

play dates,

school,

coloring,

giggles,

crayons,

bows,

dresses,

trips to Grandma's,

it's all over now

take a bow

I cry,

I sigh,

I fly,

I fall,

I laugh,

I sing,

I dream,

But I know that you'll always be there for me

// my child hood felt like it would never end //

I am currently reading, "Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher. This novel is part of the banning books list and is ranked a #1 New York Times best seller and internationally. The main character in this book is Clay Jensen, a boy who, like no other, one day is received a shoe box full of tapes. In the package, there are a total of seven cassette tapes and thirteen stories. On the first tape, Hannah tells her listeners that she holds each of them responsible in some way for her death, and that the tapes will explain why. After listening, each person must give the tapes to the next person on the list. She says that if anybody fails to pass them along, a copy of the recordings will be made public. The tapes also come with a map that listeners are meant to physically follow as they listen to her story.What Clay Jensen finds out changes his life for ever.

A theme in this book is that I found is how do these tapes change Clay Jensen mentally? In the beginning of the book, when Clay receives the box with the tapes inside, he's unsure and inquiring to find out what secrets lay in these tapes. Clay only knew what happened from his perspective and other rumors, but when the real truth hits him,he realizes it was a whole other world for Hannah. Hannah Baker had to deal with all of the whispers and fibs that were being told. The narrative moves back and forth between Hannah's and Clay's thoughts and actions. This is hard to portray in a short summary, Clay's thoughts are always mixed in with Hannah's stories. While identifying all of this information and processing it, their are still missing pieces and questions to be answered. "And what about me? What did I do? How will Hannah say that I scarred her? Because I have no idea. And after people hearing about it, what are they going to think when they see me? Some of them, at least two of them, already know why I'm on here. Do they see me differently now? No. They can't. Because my name doesn't belong with theirs. I should not be on this list I'm sure of it. I did nothing wrong!" This quote shows that Clay keeps telling himself he did nothing at fault, even though deep down inside of him, he knows he has something do with her death.

In the middle of the book, I begin to realize that there is another big theme, guilt and blame. The tapes are a huge guilt trip for Hannah. She wants her listeners to feel bad about the way they treated her and to treat people better in the future. But as much as she makes other people feel guilty, she also feels plenty of it herself. She feels responsible for Jessica's rape, and for the boy who's killed after Jenny runs down a stop sign. She doesn't trust herself to do the right thing any more than she trusts the people on the tapes. Her guilt over her role in these crimes seems to drive Hannah over the edge. Another important theme I discovered is respect and partially reputation. This theme points to a controversial issue in the novel: Hannah, a clear victim of rumors, leaves behind even more rumors in her tapes. The book is filtered through Clay and Hannah, both unreliable narrators. "I hope you're ready, because I'm about to tell you the story of my life. More specifically, why my life ended. And if you're listening to these tapes, you're one of the reasons why. 'What? No!'..".Hannah's story begins with this harsh accusation. It really does a number on Clay, who is sure he did nothing about which he should feel guilty. 

In conclusion, I found their to be various themes in this book and I can't wait to complete this book and find out more! I really adore reading this novel, because I can't put it down. All the themes collected in this book were death, guilt, blame, choices and love. A question I wonder is if the tapes will stay between the twelve people or will they spill...

SPOLIER ALERT


I just completed the fascinating book called, "Stolen Girl" by April Henry. The main character's name is Cheyenne Wilder who is kidnapped in a car parking lot in a mall. Her mother insisted on Cheyenne going into the mall with her to pick up the prescription for Cheyenne, but she refused and prefered to stay in the back of the car and lay down under a blanket because she was so cold. Cheyenne asked her mother to leave the keys in ignition in case she wanted to turn the heat on, and so her mother did. As, she was laying down in the back seat, she heard the car door open, someone come in, and then heard the door close. The sound and the movement of the person coming in wasn't her mother, it was as if the person were in a rush. Then she realized it really wasn't her mother! SHE WAS BEING KIDNAPPED. As the car began to move she screamed, "Who are you?!" the tires screeched and the car came to a halt and the person screamed too. Apparently the "kidnapper" didn't know there was a sixteen year old girl laying in the back seat! Was he going to release her? No he wasn't going to because he thought it was too late, the girl already saw his face and knows who he is and turn him into the cops. Little did he know, Cheyenne Wilder was blind.

In the beginning of the book, there are various difficuluties/problems that the characters deal with mentally and physically. For example, the main character, Cheyenne has a humungous problem because she's blind and that makes everything ten times harder for her. Cheyenne asked him to let her go but he knew she would run and go tell the policemen and officers. Another difficulty is that the "kidnapper" doesn't know Cheyenne's blind. "Please, please, just let me go, I won't tell anyone!" Cheyenne pleaded. "I'm sorry, but do you really think I believe that? By the end of the day, my description would be handed out to every radio station in town." the anonymous man said. This quote from the book shows that he must be really stubborn to not notice that she's blind and has a walking stick right next to her. My first impressions of this man were that he was a doltish man, but  my impressions changed, because i realized that he did have some good in him.

In the middle of the book, there were multiple problems/difficulties.For instance, Cheyenne never got her medication and perscription and she was severly sick. If her medicine doesn't get delivered as soon as possible into her system she could possibly die. When Griffin's (the kidnapper) father sees that he kidnapped a child he is livid, but when Cheyenne's famous father offers a reward, he is attentive. Griffin promised Cheyenne he'd let her go, but she now knows his name. Griffin knows this was the biggest mistake of his life and wants to let her go but his father disagree's and wants the money. Cheyenne tried to escape twice but she didn't go far because she couldn't see where she was going. My impressions of Griffin alternated again because he actually wanted to help Cheyenne.

In the end of the book, Griffin finally makes a run with Cheyenne in the freezing cold, he ends up twisting his ankle and not being able to guide Cheyenne to save her so she must continue herself. Cheyenne returns safely home without Griffin getting in trouble and arrested because Cheyenne made up a story. Cheyenne made up a  story because she knew that griffin wasn't a bad person and he helped her escape from his father. A difficultly in the end was if Cheyenne should turn in Griffin or not, andshe didn't. Her mother and father were ecstatic to see Cheyenne.

 Years later Griffin calls Cheyenne... What does he say? Where is he? How's Cheyenne? Well, you must read it to find out!!!

Summer Reading Essay

I recently finished reading a true and fascinating story called, "The Lost Boy" by Dave Pelzer. This is the second book of "A Child Called It". David is the main character who runs away from his alcoholic and physically abusive mother. As the story evolves he is placed in an orphanage temporarily then placed in a foster home. Each foster home has it's own history and secrets behind it. With one foster parent David finally feels like a child with a mother who loves and cares for him; unfortunately problems start to arise and David must switch to another home. Throughout the book he is placed in numerous foster homes. Through his travels from each foster home, old torn clothes in a ripped paper bag are his only belongings. His world consists of pure isolation and fear. He has never had a place to call home. Prior to being placed in foster care his father and brothers had ignored the abuse he withstood.

My first impression of David was of a sweet and innocent boy whose inhuman treatment is incomprehensible. Throughout the book I am uncertain as to whether he will live or die. His will to live surpasses all relevant matters. In the book it says, "I receive beatings or play another one of mothers 'games' perform afternoon chores. Then, and only if have completed all of my chores on time and I have not committed any 'crimes' I may be fed a morsel of food." This quote from the book shows a glimmer of who David is, does he cry? No because he refuses to be mentally weak.

In the middle of the story my initial impressions altered. David transposed from being admirable and innocent to someone who constructs dilemma. One example is when David says, "The smell of papers burning filled the hallway. I broke into a run as I followed the smoke... I scooped up pebbles of gravel and threw them into the fire. John was my friend I had to help him." This quote shows that David would assist his "friend" who started the fire in the school, with the intentions of burning it down. David was part of the original plan to burn down the classroom. Secondly, my thoughts were leading to believe he was a bad boy.The first time I formed this opinion he steals food even though there is food at home. As the story unfolds, he befriends kids who take dangerous risks. In one instance he steals a big toy from a store to impress the kids but his "plan" collapses. As David is sneaking out of the store with the toy under his arm, he is caught by the manager and the police are brought into the picture. 

At the end of the book David deviates once again but this time in a positive way. In the beginning he is a troublesome child who is neglected. He is taught to understand that being affiliated with children who steal will never work in his best interests and realizes his foster family's love for him is the strength he's always needed.