Literature Circle Assignment: 7th Graders

I am so impressed with everyone's hard work with literature circles! I am extremely proud of how hard all of you have worked to do your readings on time and be prepared for your literature circle roles each class. I hope you enjoyed the experience and liked your book!

Here is one more assignment:

Please post a comment about the book you read for class. Post a minimum of 35 words about what you liked about the book or didn't like. Be specific. Did you like the main character, did you like the conflict he had to deal with, did you like the style of how the book was written? Be sure to explain why. If you didn't like something about the book, please explain that too. Don't give away the entire plot of the story or too many secrets, but tell enough so that it will inspire someone else to pick up this book or not.

8th Graders, If You Liked Lord of the Flies...

"If Stephen King had written Lord of the Flies, it might have looked like this." Voices of Young Adults Book Review

Gone is the story (okay warning a rather long story-over 500 pages) of an average kid on an average day where both turn out to be not so average. The very first page had me hooked. Sam is sitting in another boring class of his freshman year and suddenly the teacher "poofs" actually "poofs" as in disappears. You come to discover that everyone over the age of 14 disappears from their town. Besides adults disappearing, they also lose internet, phones and any connection outside of their town. "Maybe it's only us..." (sound familiar?) A major power struggle ensues between the town kids and the local boarding school prep kids which is extremely simliar to Ralph's and Jack's tribe. Okay, now comes the Stephen King-like portion of the book. Their town is near a nuclear power plant which may or may not have caused the disappearances. To add to the issues, some of the teens develop super-human powers and animals begin mutating- including talking wolves! The final issue of suspense is what happens when one of the teens turns 15? Will they disappear too or is the "poofing" over? I was very hesitant to pick up this book, the cover was a complete turn off for me, but once I started I couldn't stop reading. I love the main character, so much more than I ever liked Ralph from Lord of the Flies.

If you are interested in reading this book, leave a comment here or come and see me. I have four copies and I will lottery them off to see who can borrow them first.

BATTLE IT OUT, BOYS!

Which book was better? Tell the readers why.

The Outsiders

vs.

That was Then, This is Now

BATTLE IT OUT, BOYS!

Which book was better? Tell the readers why.

Hunger Games vs. its sequel Catching Fire?

Celebrate October with Edgar Allan Poe

Extra Credit Options for Ms. Guiney's 7th and 8th grade English classes:
Choose to read one of the following short stories or poems by Edgar Allan Poe and write a minimum of 25 words in response to it. You can write a brief summary, explain what you liked about it or disliked about it, ask questions about what you found confusing, or compare it to other horror stories and movies. Your response should include specifics on what you read and you will be graded on the quality of your comment. Your response is worth 25 points and will be added in my grade book as an extra credit quiz. You may do as many as two different readings. If I feel you can add more to a comment, I will reply asking for more detail. Get reading get blogging!
It's October ; so what better way to celebrate Halloween than by reading from the father of the horror story. Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston in 1809, which is why most literary critics (especially those from Boston) like to consider him a New England poet. But he really spent most of his time living in Baltimore, Maryland. Poe's life was filled with the loss of loved ones: his parents, his adopted mother, and his beloved wife, which most likely influenced much of his dark style of writing. His words provide both the dark side of human actions and an intimate look at haunting grief. Here are a few of my favorite Edgar Allan Poe stories and poems that I think you will enjoy.

"The Masque of the Red Death"- a short story about a silly prince who invites the richest and most powerful people in his kingdom to hide from a horrible plague called "red death". While the rest of his kingdom suffers from this horrible and fatal disease, the prince and his friends throw a costume party and dance the night away until an univited guest appears at the stroke of midnight.

"The Black Cat"- a short story about a man who loves animals until a flaw in his personality begins to take shape and he turns abusive on his once beloved pets. One pet, the black cat, returns to haunt the man and to ultimately "call him out" on his wicked deeds.

"The Tell- Tale Heart- a short story where the narrator warns you in the first sentence that he wasn't mad (crazy). That is never a good sign! This is one that 8th grade teachers will be reading next week to celebrate Halloween and Alex Santos's book club with librarian Ms. Esposito will also be reading this particular Poe. See Alex to find out which morning the book club will be meeting! I think he mentioned something about munchkins...

"The Raven"- probably Poe's most famous poem written about a lost women named "Lenore". The narrator is mourning this loss when he is visited (or haunted) by a black bird who repeats the word "nevermore" much to the narrator's displeasure.

"Annabelle Lee" the final published poem by Edgar Allan Poe. It is hauntingly beautiful verse about being left behind by a lost love.

You can find any of these stories and poems in one of my Edgar Allan Poe collections in class. You can also borrow a copy from the library or search the web. It will be worth the hunt to read any of his short stories or poems. Post here if you find one you really like or if you have questions about ones you have read. Don't get overwhelmed by the vocabulary; keep reading and follow context clues to decipher the meanings. Good luck and good reading!

Hunger Games Sequel

If you would like to borrow one of my two copies of this book, post a comment here explaining why you likedHunger Games and/or what you think will happen in Catching Fire. The first two students to post a comment should come see me to claim a book to borrow!

Were you anxiously awaiting the sequel to Hunger Games, but lost track of its release date? Or did you somehow not realize there was a sequel? Well if you answered yes to either of those questions, then I'm guessing you haven't read Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins yet.

The release date was September 1, 2009, and I practically ran to the bookstore to get it. I have to admit I was a little disappointed with this second part of what I think will be a trilogy of books. It started out almost immediately in the place we left Katniss and Peeta, and things get complicated quickly. Those of you who are worried there won't be any action in this one shouldn't worry, but the action comes a little slower than in the first book. I assumed that this book would make Katniss and Peeta mentors to the children of their village chosen in the reaping. I WAS WRONG- SO WRONG! There are also a lot of new characters in this book that I think as a reader, I am supposed to care about, but for the most part I didn't. My real problem with this book was the ending. It was about 100 pages shorter than the first book and it felt it. I feel like the author purposely shut the book down almost mid-story so that she could sell another book in the series. Or maybe I'm just bitter because I really want to know what will happen with these characters. The one thing I have really enjoyed about both Hunger Games and Catching Fire is that when reading them I am completely under Suzanne Collins's spell. I have no idea how I think these books will end or even how I want them to end. I only know that I will read it through to see how she will wrap up this story.

Looking for a good read?

Haven't read Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins yet? What are you waiting for? Read my review below to find out why this is a must read!

I have two copies of this book that I am more than willing to lend out, just be the first two students to post a comment here. Tell me why you want to read this book and then come see me to claim a book.

Looking for a good book?

If you would like to borrow a copy of That was Then, This is Now, be one of the first to post a comment here explaining why you want to read this book. If you post a comment, please sign your name. I will lend out my copies to the first three students to blog with me!

I have 3 copies of That was Then, This is Now by S.E. Hinton. If you liked The Outsiders, then chances are you will love this book. It is not a sequel to The Outsiders, but does make some references to Ponyboy and his friends. This story is about two best friends that are more like brothers, until one of them makes some drastic choices that the other one can't forgive or forget. I have always liked this book, but not as much as my students.

Almost every student I have ever had who has proclaimed The Outsiders to be their favorite book and then picked up That was Then, This is Now in hopes it will be similar, are always happy they did. Everyone student who has picked up this book has told me they liked it more than The Outsiders. I don't know if I can give higher praise to a book!

8th Graders:

If I didn't add your book, please leave a comment telling me why it was your favorite!

7th Graders:

If I didn't add a book you read, please leave a comment telling me why it was your favorite choice.

Life Goes On After Summer Reading...Don't mind reading at 2:00 am? Then This is the Book for You!

I'm a little blurry eyed as I write this review because I stayed up last night until 2:00 am reading until I had to put this book down and go to bed. I just picked it up again tonight to finish the last 1oo pages... I don't think I have finished a book that quickly since the Harry Potter series ended! This new book that has me so enthralled is Hunger Games by Suzzane Collins.

The story is set in the future of a destroyed North America where there are only 12 districts and a Capitol left. These 12 districts are completely at the mercy of the Capitol. One way the Capitol ensures its power is to preside over the Hunger Games which takes 2 contestants from each district and creates scenarios where they must fight to the death, while the world watches it all on TV. The winner of the Hunger Games brings honor, riches, and the necessary food back to their hungry district- besides the added bonus that he or she simply gets to live. However, not sure how much of a life you can expect to live after having to witness or be party to the deaths of 23 other people to ensure your own survival.

The main character of this book is sixteen year old Katniss who volunteers to take her younger sister's place in the Hunger Games. It is her struggle to survive that kept me turning the page late into the night. There are other characters too as we get to know the other 23 contestants of the Hunger Games, some who try to kill Katniss and others who fight to save her. Be forewarned that this book is not for the faint of heart; there is murder, deceit, suffering and loss. And while I am not a fan of any of those things, this book was still a hit for me, I think because while much of the book dealt with the darkness of humanity, there are also beautifully written moments of hope, love and sacrifice.

I love to read books that make me question what will happen- well I questioned throughout this book! I had no idea how it would all end or even how I wanted it to end? I will tell you I was not disappointed at the final pages... but still eagerly waiting for the sequel.

Last Words of Hunger Games: "dreading the moment when I will finally have to let go."

Last Word on Hunger Games: Once you start reading you won't be able to stop.

Top Summer Choices: Jeremy Fink and Guys Write

Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life is on my short list of favorites this summer! I assigned this to our summer reading list, but wasn't sure if it was too young for 7th and 8th grade  boys. I was even more concerned when I found it in the younger section of most book stores.  But I stand by my choice and hope some of the boys chose to read this and liked it. It's the story of a boy about to turn 13 and he has just received a locked box from his dead father...  Jeremy and his best friend go on a search for the keys that will open this box and end up finding some answers to life's biggest questions. 

    I loved this book, but it was slow at times and definitely doesn't have the action or suspense that a lot of boys enjoy most in books. Even though it was sentimental and sometimes a little too sweet, even for me, I hope some of you read this for your summer reading free choice. 

Last Words of Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life:  "...In my head I'm dancing."

Last Words about Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life: Give it a chance!

   While Jeremy Fink and The Meaning of Life was heartfelt and sentimental, Guys Write for Guys Read was gross, disturbing, nail biting and side holding hilarious in many places and I loved every minute of reading it! Author Jon Scieszka compiled famous young adult "guy" authors to write short stories (many only a page or two) about guy things. There are stories about puking, punching, peeing,  camping, catapulting, loving and learning.  

   Although it kills me to say it, my nephews do not enjoy reading, but I'm a teacher which means I don't give up so easily. My nephews ages: 16, 15, 13, and 10, spent a weekend with me down the Cape and I just happened to bring this book along in our beach bag. Throughout the weekend all four of them found something they liked in this book. They especially liked the chapter entitled Brothers- beware it does involve puke! If my nephews found something in this book then I  know you all will too. I definitely recommend everyone buy a copy to keep around for a rainy day or whenever you need to kill a few minutes. If you read this book for your summer reading, I would love to know which was your favorite story. 

Last Words in Guys Write for Guys Read:  "...As a ten year old I was as silly as that."

Last Words about Guys Write for Guys Read: This is a must- have on your reading shelf. All of the members of your family can and will find something they like in this collection of short stories.