Book Blog #4

Book # 7

Out of my mind

By Sharon M. Draper

Reflection

This book was another one of Sharon M. Draper great books. It turned out nothing like I thought it would. The book puts the reader in the shoes of the narrator, who happens to be suffering from a severe case of cerebral palsy. It puts the reader into a different perceptive of a person who is different in a way but also, not so different from me and you. This book is very informative for those who are "ignorant" about people who have disabilities. They eat, breathe, and think just like we do, whether it's differently or not. I would recommend this book to others, even though I would admit that it is an easy-read book. I wouldn't recommend this book to those who like complex-vocabulary-filled books because the Accelerated Reading Level is fairly low. However, no matter who decides to read it, I'm pretty sure they will enjoy this book.

What was unique about the setting and how did it enhance or take away from the story?

Well, the narration was very different for me because I had no idea the character had cerebral palsy...at first. As I continued to read on, Melody, the narrator, was saying how difficult her life was with the disability and how she was dealing with it at just the age of eleven! Her situation really added anticipation from me, the reader, because I always wanted to know what was going to happen next. It really enhanced the story because not only was her situation difficult to deal with but she found ways to deal with it that amazed me. Also, Sharon M. Draper added drama to the story that made it even more interesting to read. I really like books of drama and conflict genres. In the story, she showed a character with a disability who was teased by classmates but at the end well loved by many because of her strive to try to be normal and not giving up. That is what I liked most about the book: no matter what you have or how different you may be, there is no excuse to not try (with the exception of being in a terrible situation and in a vegetation state).

In what ways does the events in the book reveal evidence of the author's world view?

As I read the book, I noticed a few points that the author made in the book. Well, the first, obviously, she believes that even people with disabilities are just the same as anyone else. They are just a bit different, as we all are from one another. She really emphasizes that everyone is different in their own little way, whether it's their appearance, their personality or a disability that separates them from others. Also, she displays that making fun of someone who is not of the norm is not acceptable. It is very disrespectful and immoral, no matter what you believe in. The

book had a very good message because not only was it a good book, but it also taught me something about how people with disabilities live and what they think about. It also shows that they have feelings, too and they can have just as much in common as your best friend.

Word Count: 509

Book #8

Oliver Twist

By Charles Dickens

Reflection

The book, Oliver Twist, was definitely different from anything I

have ever read before. The book was fairly odd to me. It was kind of dark and mysterious but I enjoyed that part of it. It had my anticipation during the whole book. I mean, it's not a book that I would want to read again because it was just "that good" but I'll give it about a B+. The reason is because the story kind of dragged along with a dark and bland setting in the very beginning. I feel that the beginning is the most important part because that is what catches the reader's attention. However, I would recommend this book to anyone because there are different versions of it and it really is a good book. There are a lot of surprising "Twists" in this book and a shocking ending.

What is unique about the setting of the book and how did it enhance or take away from the story?

At first, I didn't really know where the author was going with the story until after the first 50 pages. When I started to get into it, I was thinking that author put a lot of thought into this book like he was actually there. He gave specific details about what the characters wore, how they looked, and what they were doing at that time in the story. The story took place in London so I imagined all the characters speaking an English accent, which was exciting. The story was about a boy named Oliver Twist who is forced to be moved around from shelter to shelter because he was an orphan due to his mother's death giving birth to him. He is treated horribly and runs away, finding himself the troubles of London streets. He met a man; a very bad man who wanted to get him involved in crime so that they came make some money. However, the ending brings a shock to the reader. Read it to find out yourself!!

How do characters change or evolve throughout the course of the story? What events trigger such changes?

In the beginning, Oliver was a timid shy little boy who just lived with other orphans and enjoyed their company. As the story on and he was captured by a criminal, he became more defensive and aware that he needed to take care of himself while in the streets because they were not a safe place to be. He also developed trust issues during the story because he was traumatized by the capture. He knew, then, who to trust and who not to trust.

Word Count: 448

Book Blog #3

Book #5

Finding Me

By: Darnella Ford

Reflection:

The book "Finding Me" was very... uh... different than anything I have ever read before. Honestly, I didn't really like the book. I mean, it was interesting but the author seemed to put much more details into the more... uh... inappropriate parts of the story. The book was very surprising but disgusting and highly inappropriate for anyone who is not mature enough to mention the word "SEX" or accept the word "HOMOSEXUALITY".

From the look on the cover, the book seems to be very innocent, as if it was just a chic-book. However, when you read in the book, it is a big surprise waiting for you inside. I would not recommend this book to anyone who doesn't like disturbing surprises. Like the old cliche says, "Don't judge a book by its cover".

How do characters change or evolve throughout the course of the story?

An eleven-year-old girl by the name of Blaze James was a curious little girl, as many young girls are at that age. After an explosion killed her father and scarred her twin sister, she was forced to live with their beloved neighbor, Miss Felicity Hardaway. Miss Hardaway was down to earth and seemed to know everything that Blaze was thinking. Blaze admired everything about her until one night, she witnessed Miss Felicity doing something that she had never seen in her young life. When she finally moved away and continued her life elsewhere, years passed and Blaze's lifestyle had changed. She was GAY and sure of it, even at the young age of 18!!

What events triggered such changes?

The night Blaze saw Miss Felicity doing something unusual, she had witnessed two women having sexual intercourse: Miss Felicity and her friend. Blaze was disgusted but amazed at what she had seen and wondered if it was normal. So, she ventured out into her own adventures and she discovered something that she never would have thought would happen; she liked it!!

Did certain parts of the book make you uncomfortable? If so, why did you feel that way?

Honestly, the whole book made me feel very uncomfortable. The fact that the book was nothing like I thought it would be was a big disappointment. Also, the story in itself was disturbing. Reading a book about homosexuality is just not my "cup of tea". Like I said in the beginning, it seemed as if Ford put more detail into the sexual inappropriate parts, making them longer than necessary. While reading the book, I was saying to myself "I think the reader get the point".

Did this lead to a new understanding or awareness of some aspect in your life you might not have thought of before?

Actually, it did. It taught me that homosexuality is a learned behavior. Also, in the future, as I start my family, I will be sure that whenever I leave my child(ren) with someone other than myself, my child is in the hands of a responsible person who sets great examples and is cautious about what she or he does around my child(ren).

Word Count: 519

Book #6

Just Another Hero

By: Sharon M. Draper

Reflection:

I love all of Miss Sharon Draper's books!! I was very excited to read "Just Another Hero" because I have already read the first two books of the trilogy. I truly enjoy reading her books and the stories that unfold in them. The novel was filled with high school excitement and drama as always. I really enjoy her stories because I can honestly relate to most of the characters in the books. I can honestly say that she is my favorite author so far.

I would recommend any high school student to read this book when they have the chance because it is age appropriate and it can actually teach you some things about your school and yourself.

What specific themes did the author emphasize in

BOOK BLOG #2

Book #3

The King Nobody Wanted

By Norman F. Langford

Reflection:

What did you like about the book?

Honestly, the book was actually very interesting. The story seemed to be accurate from what I have heard and well illustrated pictures were included when necessary. The book is a very old book but the use of the words in this piece of literature was quite easy to understand.I really admire the fact that even though I knew what was going to happen at the end of the book, the author still kept me interested and engaged into the biblical story.

What did you dislike about the book?

The only thing I really disliked while I was reading this book was that I didn't know my biblical stories. I say that because different people interpret the stories into what they think it means. Since the author is a human being as we all are, his prespective of the bible can be completely different from yours and mine. I'm am not saying that the book was not good. I am just penalizing myself for not doing what I should be doing and that's reading the bible as we all should be doing daily, unless Christianity is not your primary religion.

Would you recommend this book to someone else?

I would definitely recommend this book to someone else and many others. The book tells the life of the great Saviour Jesus. I would even recommend this to those who are of another religion or even atheist. The story will explain how Jesus spread the word of God and heal others. The book really inspired me to do better in my life and I hope after reading this book, it will inspire you, too.

What did you find surprising about the facts intoduced in this story?

What really surprised me in this book was that even though Jesus was the Messiah and was there to spread the word, he also punished those who were wrongdoing. In one part of the story, it said that he carried a whip around with him. When he had seen the Roman tax collectors, he slashed his whip across the table and had scared the men away. Then later the men would have to deal with GOD about their sins.

How has the book increased your interests in the subject matter?

The book has really opened up my eyes on the Christian religion. I am starting to study the religion and its cultures of living life. I really want to be more like Jesus, here to spread the word and help those who are unfortunate and ill. However, I have sinned just as everyone on earth has done but it is never too late to start your life over and allow GOD to come into your life with open arms. GOD LOVES US ALL AND WILL FORGIVE US FOR OUR SIN BUT ONLY IF YOU ACCEPT HIM AND JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOUR IN TO YOUR LIFE.

Word count: 497

Book #4

Fire From The Rock

By Sharon M. Draper

Reflection:

What did you like about the book?

I really liked the theme of the story. The theme was that no matter how much hatred there is in this world, keep striving to be successful and prove those who are hateful toward you of their wrongdoing. The story is about an ordinary girl in the late 1960's who is selected to be one of the first African Americans to attend an all-white school. Her brother was angry of all the racism and their mother would always recite quotes or bible scriptures that always had a valuable meaning to them. That's another thing I liked about this story; the fact that this African American family was so strong and supportive back in that time period. Nowaday in modern times, you barely see that trait in household families.

What did you dislike about this book?

I really didn't have any problems while reading this book. I was never bored of the story and every character in the book was clear to understand. So..I didn't have any dislikes. Well, I think I would've liked to see a sequel to this book.

Would you recommend this book to someone else?

I would recommend this book to someone else. It is a fictional book written about an actual event. I have seen a movie about it but it is nothing like reading a good detailed book about something. The story jusst unfolds right there in front of your eyes. This story has some very dramatic events so for those who like history and drama this book is definitely for you.

What unique about the setting and how did it enhance or take away from the story?

The setting was unique from what I usually read. I usually read fairytale or chick-flick kind of books. However, this book was really good even though it was out of my comfort zone. It was very dramatic and serious. The fact that the book is based off of true events made it even better.

How the characters change and what event trigger such change?

Her brother became very furious after the constant threats upon him and his family.

Word Count: 359

BOOK BLOGS

Book #1
Battle of Jericho
By Sharon M. Draper

Reflection:

This book is very interesting. The fact that the story was based on high school students really caught my attention being that I am a high school student also. Even though it is fiction, the story is so surreal and very much realistic. I would recommend that people of any age read this book.

I liked the fact that the book's setting was placed in a modern-day high school and I was able to relate to many of the things that were mentioned in the book. Most high school students want to be popular, get in the best school clubs, and date the hottest girl/guy.

In the book, Jericho and his cousin wanted it all and risked their lives to do so. They joined a group called "Warriors of Distinction" and were hazed and forced to do ridiculous things to be accepted into the club. This was a perfect example of the many things that happen in school that teachers and administrators don't know or realize.

Sharon M. Draper made it clear that she knows exactly what goes on in public schools. The characters in the story were predominantly African Americans but hazing happens to all students of all ages and race. In the author's note in the back of the book, Draper stated that she had witnessed hazing at her high school back in her days. It is terrible how long this act of cruelty has been going on.

The part of the book that made me most uncomfortable was the activities the pledges attended in while being hazed. They had to dig through the garbage in the rain to look a gun. I was on the edge of my seat hoping and wishing no one was going to get hurt or killed. Then, unfortunately, the worst came about at the end of the book but that's for the reader to found out. Anyways, I just didn't think that high school hazing could go so far and outrageous.

Draper also wrote a sequel to the book called "November Blues" which I would also recommend reading because the series is very good and very realistic.


Book #2
Gamer Girl
By Mari Mancusi

Reflection:

This book was nothing like I thought it would be. The book was actually pretty good and it kept me interested the whole time. I thought it was going to be a corny story about some weird girl who watched cartoons about nothing from the way the cover looked. You know what they say though...you can never judge a book by its cover!!

What I liked about the book was that it showed that just by taking a chance with things and just being yourself can help you make new friends but stand out as an individual. I don't think there was anything about the story that I disliked, other than the fact that there was no sequel to the book to tell the reader what happened after the ending.

The setting of the book wasn't unique but the storyline was different. The story was about a girl who moved to New Hampshire after her parents separated and was forced by her mother to go to a new school. She felt uncomfortable, as many new students do, and found comfort in a virtual video game. There, she met this guy, with the username of SirLeo, and they began sharing their current discomforts. At the end, she finds out that SirLeo was actually a boy that went her new school who she had a crush on. I knew that was going to happen but I was still pleased with the ending.

The characters evolved and changed throughout the story when they realized that they were talking to each other over the virtual game. Their feelings for each other started to show but they didn't want their friends to notice because they wanted to stick with the status quo.

The characters do seem to be quite real and believeable because I could see myself in the same situation as they are. Mandy, the main character, moved from her home and had to attend a new school and so did I. However, I was excited and happy that we moved.

There needs to be a sequel to this story...