In my coming of age novel, "Looking for Alaska" by John Green. Miles or "Pudge" experiences ignorance to knowledge. With all that's going on in his life such as dealing with the death of his dear Alaska, associating himself with new friends and his new smoking cigarettes and drinking habits.
Miles experiences ignorance to knowledge because when he first arrived at boarding school his parents specifically told him to behave himself and not do anything stupid or anything that they wouldn't do because it would not be a very intelligent choice. Prior to that, plain old innocent Miles obviously experiences peer pressure and the feeling of wanting and urging to fit in so he completely changes himself and his whole outlook on life. This was concidered rather bad because Pudge started associating himself with other people that wasn't the best idea.
Due to Mile's failure to recognize the experience of knowledge that came with very bad outcomes such as doing drugs, bad grades and leading into peer pressure. What Miles fails to acknowledge is that acting out and becoming influenced by his friends such as the Colonel, Alaska prior to her death, Lara, Takumi etc are not acceptable. If I were to dare attempt to do what Miles did my parents would not accept that and I would probably get into loads of trouble. What Miles also fails to understand is that when you step into adulthood it's not acceptable and legal to do drugs etc because he can end up being getting caught and going to prison. Even if Miles hangs around with the "wrong crowd" as an adult he could be accused of things that he didn't do just because of the crowd he's with.
In conclusion, in my COA novel by John Green my MC Miles starts experiencing new things and associates himself with new people and this leads into him being influenced which led onto peer pressure, then he started getting involved in sexual acts because he thought he could maneuver himself into the cool lane. I think that John Green is trying to say that once you introduce yourself with adulthood maturity is going to play a big factor and it may be hard to grow up but you know that you have to grow up even though you feel deep inside the need to be a child.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
Looking for Alaska (COA) by John Green
In my coming of age book, "Looking for Alaska" by John Green. This book relates to coming of age because Miles started out as an innocent, average teenage boy and gradually turned into the exact opposite. Due to the peer pressure and Miles's environment/surrounding this happened. This just goes to show you that apart of coming of age has to do with making your own decisions and learning in life what's wrong and what's right.
After Miles's transition to Culver Creek boarding school he began meeting new people such as his roommate, "the Colonel" formerly known as Chip Martin. The Colonel introduced him to Alaska Young and he also began drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes and participating in drugs. This is where it all went downhill. Miles first time smoking is usually what people refer to as an amateur. He went with Colonel to Alaska's dormitory a couple doors down from there's and asked for a pack of Malbaros. This was 100 percent Colonel's idea and Miles was just feeding into it. Later, when they arrived at their dorm they started smoking and Miles was the only one choking and coughing it up. His mind was tempted to do this stupid thing but his body was telling him otherwise. Basically, when Miles entered boarding school he became oblivious to his surroundings and tried new things because everyone else was doing it. Also, after Alaska's dramatic death, another key part of coming of age occurred to me. Life is short and you only have one to live. In this case, when Alaska died in the car wreck because she forgot the anniversary of her mother's death and she was also intoxicated; not only did she harm herself but others around her. The devastating thing about it is Miles never got to find out her last word and explore her more as a person as he wished.
In conclusion, apart of coming of age consists of many key components. Although, it may be a struggle getting there and doing it the correct way, anyone can make it through. For example, Miles ended up coming to age gradually by the end of the book. He learned from his mistakes and took them as life lessons. My advice to anyone who wants to feed into peer pressure and follow what everyone else does because it makes their image appear a certain way is don't follow along because you will end up learning the hard way.
After Miles's transition to Culver Creek boarding school he began meeting new people such as his roommate, "the Colonel" formerly known as Chip Martin. The Colonel introduced him to Alaska Young and he also began drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes and participating in drugs. This is where it all went downhill. Miles first time smoking is usually what people refer to as an amateur. He went with Colonel to Alaska's dormitory a couple doors down from there's and asked for a pack of Malbaros. This was 100 percent Colonel's idea and Miles was just feeding into it. Later, when they arrived at their dorm they started smoking and Miles was the only one choking and coughing it up. His mind was tempted to do this stupid thing but his body was telling him otherwise. Basically, when Miles entered boarding school he became oblivious to his surroundings and tried new things because everyone else was doing it. Also, after Alaska's dramatic death, another key part of coming of age occurred to me. Life is short and you only have one to live. In this case, when Alaska died in the car wreck because she forgot the anniversary of her mother's death and she was also intoxicated; not only did she harm herself but others around her. The devastating thing about it is Miles never got to find out her last word and explore her more as a person as he wished.
In conclusion, apart of coming of age consists of many key components. Although, it may be a struggle getting there and doing it the correct way, anyone can make it through. For example, Miles ended up coming to age gradually by the end of the book. He learned from his mistakes and took them as life lessons. My advice to anyone who wants to feed into peer pressure and follow what everyone else does because it makes their image appear a certain way is don't follow along because you will end up learning the hard way.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Test Prep- Blue is for Nightmares
In the book, “Blue is
for Nightmares” by Laurie Faria Stolarz. My main character Stacey has been
having nightmares and this has been causing her to have difficulty sleeping.
Drea, her roommate has been appearing in them constantly. In her most recent
nightmare, Stacey was coming home from her grandmother’s house and she heard
Drea calling her name dramatically while whimpering. As Stacey went looking for
her she fell into sinking mud in the ground and her killers shadow was standing
behind her with lilies. Shortly after this nightmare she had, she woke up and
she wet her pants. Drea had to come to her rescue once again as a good friend
would.
Stacey
has been facing various conflicts so far in this book. She has numerous
nightmares that prevent her from sleeping well and she wets her bed because of
this. Her bed wetting has caused her to pay extra money on incense and cleansers
to fix her problem. She also, has a major crush on Drea’s boyfriend Chad, which
she’s trying to hide because that is her close friend and her roommate. Plus,
it would cause too much conflict if she ever found out. These conflicts have
put a toll on Stacey. She gets fidgety and touchy about certain subjects
involving these and her mindset has changed about many things and people. I
personally think that these nightmares are a symbol of something that’s aching
her deep inside and it could be connected to Drea, since they are about her.
These terrible dreams are occurring almost every night for the past three
years. Now Stacey is currently in her junior year at boarding school. They are
becoming too real to ignore for her. *Hence the title “Blue is for Nightmares”
and based on my reading so far possibly Stacey will need to use a spell. I
think this is a great idea because if she has the ability to vanish all of this
mischief it would be better for her and Drea.
I
can tell that this is a realistic issue that many people have to face. Many
kids have bed wetting problems and don’t stop until a certain age. In this
case, Stacey is seventeen and having bad dreams that become too real for her to
ignore. She even chokes and mumbles to herself depending on how frightening the
nightmare is. She is constantly shouting and Drea is always there to save her.
This is similar to when a younger kid is having a terrible nightmare and he or
she calls out for their parents help and sometimes even asks to check if “monsters”
are in their closet for their safety.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Poetry (Test Prep) #1
In the poem, "Phenomenal Woman," by Maya Angelou is about the many aspects of a phenomenal woman. Angelou, gives many key examples of what can create a phenomenal woman and how that's her. Along with how men perceive her as this beautiful creature and question her beauty. Maya Angelou, describes a phenomenal woman in mainly her features which shows her idea of what a phenomenal woman is.
In stanza one, Angelou gives her reader a brief summary of what her poem is going to be about then she goes on to say, " It's in the reach of my arms/ The span of my hips,/The stride of my step,/The curl of my lips./I'm a woman/Phenomenally./Phenomenal woman,/That's me." This expresses the qualities of a "Phenomenal Woman." Also, In stanza two, she says " I walk into a room/ Just as cool as you please,/And to a man,/The fellows stand or/Fall down on their knees./Then they swarm around me,/A hive of honey bees./I say,/It's the fire in my eyes,/And the flash of my teeth,/The swing in my waist,/And the joy in my feet./I'm a woman/Phenomenally./Phenomenal woman,/That's me." It's clear to me that this phenomenal woman is very beautiful because she has fellows falling down on their knees and swarming around her like bees. She later goes on to say in stanza 3 that, men have wondered what they see in her and they try hard to figure it out but cant. All they know is that she's beautiful.
Maya Angelou, a brilliant poet has done it again! She has created a beautiful, sophisticated and well-written poem. This one being called, "Phenomenal Woman." "Phenomenal Woman" is full of adventure and I think all women can relate to. All women are phenomenal in their own way and they deserve to know it. Women play a big role in life and they all have flaws but are still human and bring the positivity to life. I can picture this poem being lived out by any woman. It is so fascinating and real. I bet that every woman has felt felt phenomenal, joyous and gracious the way Maya Angelou is explaining in this poem.
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/phenomenal-woman/
In stanza one, Angelou gives her reader a brief summary of what her poem is going to be about then she goes on to say, " It's in the reach of my arms/ The span of my hips,/The stride of my step,/The curl of my lips./I'm a woman/Phenomenally./Phenomenal woman,/That's me." This expresses the qualities of a "Phenomenal Woman." Also, In stanza two, she says " I walk into a room/ Just as cool as you please,/And to a man,/The fellows stand or/Fall down on their knees./Then they swarm around me,/A hive of honey bees./I say,/It's the fire in my eyes,/And the flash of my teeth,/The swing in my waist,/And the joy in my feet./I'm a woman/Phenomenally./Phenomenal woman,/That's me." It's clear to me that this phenomenal woman is very beautiful because she has fellows falling down on their knees and swarming around her like bees. She later goes on to say in stanza 3 that, men have wondered what they see in her and they try hard to figure it out but cant. All they know is that she's beautiful.
Maya Angelou, a brilliant poet has done it again! She has created a beautiful, sophisticated and well-written poem. This one being called, "Phenomenal Woman." "Phenomenal Woman" is full of adventure and I think all women can relate to. All women are phenomenal in their own way and they deserve to know it. Women play a big role in life and they all have flaws but are still human and bring the positivity to life. I can picture this poem being lived out by any woman. It is so fascinating and real. I bet that every woman has felt felt phenomenal, joyous and gracious the way Maya Angelou is explaining in this poem.
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/phenomenal-woman/
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Test Prep #2 Informational/Non-fiction writing
In the article, "America is catching on -- Soda sales drop dramatically as healthier choices continue to grow" by J.D. Heyes is about Americans cleaning up their health act by drinking less soda. Americans have finally seemed to have gotten the message about the consumption of too much soda and it's effects. You may wonder, how much is too much? or is this a healthy decision I am making?
Americans consuming less soda may have not been too much of a surprise after all. According to records, soda sales have been falling for about seven years now but these sales really cut edge when consumers made other choices of beverages to drink in 2011. According to sales data, people chose more coffee, teas, sports and energy drinks and bottled water over these killer soda and fruit juices. One of the reasons why soda sales were down was the cost grew about three percent last year making them difficult to afford. These prices mainly went up because of the sweeteners such as corn syrup and other raw materials contained in the drinks. Bottled water sales raised 4.1 % in 2011, compared to 3.5% in 2010. Of course, as expected there is a downside to consuming these sugary drinks. They include many health risks such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. In fact, a recent study has found that by drinking one soda per day can increase heart risk in men, even if it isn't contributing to weight gain.
All in all, Americans have been improving their diet by drinking healthier beverages. Taking the challenge step by step can help. Especially since sales data results have shown that we've been on the right track consuming so far. I believe that this will be a challenge for some Americans because these sugary drinks are surrounded by us. Everywhere you look, you can find them. For example, at the deli, your local grocery, outside stands, restaurants and more. I think that we can get a little more motivated if we all learn the effects and tolls they can take on our bodies. I doubt anyone would anticipate becoming obese, or being diagnosed with heart disease, diabetes or having a stroke. I am a strong believer of picking up for my own actions. I would cut down drinking soda on behalf of this article. It encouraged me to do so. Before reading this article, I did not know that soda/sugary drinks could cause so much damage to my body. Also, in a way, it's great that these prices for soda have have increased throughout the years. This way, it becomes difficult for people to purchase these unhealthy refreshments. Besides, who needs soda when can enjoy water? Water hydrates, replenishes and gives your body energy. So the next time you think of drinking soda, try something healthier instead! It will benefit you later if not sooner on in life.
http://www.naturalnews.com/035359_soda_sales_plummet.html
Americans consuming less soda may have not been too much of a surprise after all. According to records, soda sales have been falling for about seven years now but these sales really cut edge when consumers made other choices of beverages to drink in 2011. According to sales data, people chose more coffee, teas, sports and energy drinks and bottled water over these killer soda and fruit juices. One of the reasons why soda sales were down was the cost grew about three percent last year making them difficult to afford. These prices mainly went up because of the sweeteners such as corn syrup and other raw materials contained in the drinks. Bottled water sales raised 4.1 % in 2011, compared to 3.5% in 2010. Of course, as expected there is a downside to consuming these sugary drinks. They include many health risks such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. In fact, a recent study has found that by drinking one soda per day can increase heart risk in men, even if it isn't contributing to weight gain.
All in all, Americans have been improving their diet by drinking healthier beverages. Taking the challenge step by step can help. Especially since sales data results have shown that we've been on the right track consuming so far. I believe that this will be a challenge for some Americans because these sugary drinks are surrounded by us. Everywhere you look, you can find them. For example, at the deli, your local grocery, outside stands, restaurants and more. I think that we can get a little more motivated if we all learn the effects and tolls they can take on our bodies. I doubt anyone would anticipate becoming obese, or being diagnosed with heart disease, diabetes or having a stroke. I am a strong believer of picking up for my own actions. I would cut down drinking soda on behalf of this article. It encouraged me to do so. Before reading this article, I did not know that soda/sugary drinks could cause so much damage to my body. Also, in a way, it's great that these prices for soda have have increased throughout the years. This way, it becomes difficult for people to purchase these unhealthy refreshments. Besides, who needs soda when can enjoy water? Water hydrates, replenishes and gives your body energy. So the next time you think of drinking soda, try something healthier instead! It will benefit you later if not sooner on in life.
http://www.naturalnews.com/035359_soda_sales_plummet.html
Monday, March 26, 2012
Test Prep #1 Informational/Non-fiction writing
In the article, "Sugary drink ads target black and Latino children and teens" by Tara Green is about many of our everyday ads that we may see online, on television, electronically or outside targeting mostly black and Latino children/teens. A report released by the Yale Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity finds that soft drink companies target teens of these two races with ads for sugary drinks.
Tara Green is trying to convey a message that the black and Latino children/teens in particular are being targeted for these sugary drink ads. For example, studies have shown that black and Latino kids have viewed eighty to ninety percent more soft drink ads compared with white adolescents. Also, between 2008 and 2010, the report states that Hispanic children saw forty-nine percent more ads and teens saw ninety-nine percent more ads on Spanish language networks for sugar and energy drinks. On the other hand, black children and teens were aimed with advertisements featuring black musicians, athletes and other celebrities. For example, in a commercial for Vitamin Water, rapper 50 cent teased of becoming "stankin rich" after creating his own flavor of the drink. Also, thirty-eight percent of Gatorade TV ads had only famous black athletes. According to the Rudd Center, some brands disproportionately aim black teens. Black teens view two and a half more ads as their white peers for Vitamin Water, Sprite, 5-hour energy and Mountain Dew. Many of these sugar filled drinks say things like "real fruit" and have pictures of the fruit on the bottle but this may be misleading. Really and truly these drinks contain no more than five percent real fruit juice. Many parents become attracted to these drinks for their children because of this. Childhood obesity can be a result of drinking an ample amount of soft drinks. These drinks have also been proven to cause many health problems such as tooth decay, pancreatic cancer and gout.
In conclusion, in the article, "Sugary drink ads target black and Latino children and teens" by Tara Green is a perfect example of what health risks involving adolescents has come to in our society. Now a days, many adolescents have been diagnosed with all of these harmful disorders and diseases which they shouldn't have to suffer through. I believe that it's unfair. Especially, when these sugary drink ads are targeting two specific races, being black and Latino. Why would this be? I personally think that it's racist because there are more races in the world besides these two. These ads are being discriminative towards them. Even though the public media know how to "target" their audience per say doesn't mean they cant be open and have a variety of public ads on display for everyone. Even if their "in it to win it" or for the money. Although, I do have to agree with the fact that many parents should be more adhere to what their children are consuming. Everyone should be aware and cautious of what they are consuming and how much of it. Taking care of our bodies are essential in life, especially for children. As they say, "children are the future."
http://www.naturalnews.com/034505_sugary_drinks_Latino_children.html
Tara Green is trying to convey a message that the black and Latino children/teens in particular are being targeted for these sugary drink ads. For example, studies have shown that black and Latino kids have viewed eighty to ninety percent more soft drink ads compared with white adolescents. Also, between 2008 and 2010, the report states that Hispanic children saw forty-nine percent more ads and teens saw ninety-nine percent more ads on Spanish language networks for sugar and energy drinks. On the other hand, black children and teens were aimed with advertisements featuring black musicians, athletes and other celebrities. For example, in a commercial for Vitamin Water, rapper 50 cent teased of becoming "stankin rich" after creating his own flavor of the drink. Also, thirty-eight percent of Gatorade TV ads had only famous black athletes. According to the Rudd Center, some brands disproportionately aim black teens. Black teens view two and a half more ads as their white peers for Vitamin Water, Sprite, 5-hour energy and Mountain Dew. Many of these sugar filled drinks say things like "real fruit" and have pictures of the fruit on the bottle but this may be misleading. Really and truly these drinks contain no more than five percent real fruit juice. Many parents become attracted to these drinks for their children because of this. Childhood obesity can be a result of drinking an ample amount of soft drinks. These drinks have also been proven to cause many health problems such as tooth decay, pancreatic cancer and gout.
In conclusion, in the article, "Sugary drink ads target black and Latino children and teens" by Tara Green is a perfect example of what health risks involving adolescents has come to in our society. Now a days, many adolescents have been diagnosed with all of these harmful disorders and diseases which they shouldn't have to suffer through. I believe that it's unfair. Especially, when these sugary drink ads are targeting two specific races, being black and Latino. Why would this be? I personally think that it's racist because there are more races in the world besides these two. These ads are being discriminative towards them. Even though the public media know how to "target" their audience per say doesn't mean they cant be open and have a variety of public ads on display for everyone. Even if their "in it to win it" or for the money. Although, I do have to agree with the fact that many parents should be more adhere to what their children are consuming. Everyone should be aware and cautious of what they are consuming and how much of it. Taking care of our bodies are essential in life, especially for children. As they say, "children are the future."
http://www.naturalnews.com/034505_sugary_drinks_Latino_children.html
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
**Twilight**
I decided to take a step back in time and re-read one of my many favorite fifth grade books. This one being, Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. Now that I have gotten older I view this book in a different way that I did three years ago. I am also willing to dissect a problem that I think most people ignore because they just dont think it's important. At the beginning of this book, has anyone ever noticed Isabella's and her fathers relationship? Well, I have! So far, Isabella Swan is the new girl after moving from Phoenix, her hometown to Forks where her father currently resides. May I just add that before her mother let her live with her father she solemnly said to her, "You don't have to do this." But in her own free will, Bella replied lying straight through her teeth "I want to go." I believe that she feels awkward and uncomfortable living with her father by her attitude and body language towards him being that it's been a couple of years since she last visited him. I believe that Bella, deep inside still has feelings for her dad emotionally but is hiding from it.
I mean come on! First, she secretly calls her father by his first name "Charlie" in her head but denies it and refuses to do so to his face, why may this be? This made me wonder what kind of father-daughter relationship they really have? Most teenagers don't really think about what name they should call their dad. I also know that it would be considered rude now a days if you called a parent by their first name, aside from joking. Then, as a gift for moving in with her father he surprised her with a red Chevy truck, which I find very exciting. Now, I am not trying to just blame this on Bella, Charlie contributes as a factor to their awkward relationship also. Bella even stated that her father was not comfortable with expressing his emotions out loud and that she possibly inherited this trait from him. I find it odd. Could it just be that they are not used to seeing each other a lot so there just going through an awkward stage? I sure hope so because this is not how a father-daughter relationship should work. Even if it is awkward at first, they should learn to get over it and get pass that.
Also, I find it intriguing how Bella says that one of the best things about Charlie was that he doesn't like to hover over her like her mom does. For example, as she was unpacking her clothes and getting settled into her new room, Charlie did not come in and interrogate as she would expect her mom to do. This could mean one of many things. Maybe, she doesn't want her father's guidance or him up in her personal life. Either way, it shows the lack of confidence and parent to child love in their relationship. This made it clear to me that she was not expecting any "love" or "affection" from Charlie. Is that a good or bad sign/thing? Where could their relationship really be headed?
In conclusion, I anticipate to see massive improvements in Bella's and Charlie's father-daughter relationship. I will continue to track and observe their relationship and stay updated.
I mean come on! First, she secretly calls her father by his first name "Charlie" in her head but denies it and refuses to do so to his face, why may this be? This made me wonder what kind of father-daughter relationship they really have? Most teenagers don't really think about what name they should call their dad. I also know that it would be considered rude now a days if you called a parent by their first name, aside from joking. Then, as a gift for moving in with her father he surprised her with a red Chevy truck, which I find very exciting. Now, I am not trying to just blame this on Bella, Charlie contributes as a factor to their awkward relationship also. Bella even stated that her father was not comfortable with expressing his emotions out loud and that she possibly inherited this trait from him. I find it odd. Could it just be that they are not used to seeing each other a lot so there just going through an awkward stage? I sure hope so because this is not how a father-daughter relationship should work. Even if it is awkward at first, they should learn to get over it and get pass that.
Also, I find it intriguing how Bella says that one of the best things about Charlie was that he doesn't like to hover over her like her mom does. For example, as she was unpacking her clothes and getting settled into her new room, Charlie did not come in and interrogate as she would expect her mom to do. This could mean one of many things. Maybe, she doesn't want her father's guidance or him up in her personal life. Either way, it shows the lack of confidence and parent to child love in their relationship. This made it clear to me that she was not expecting any "love" or "affection" from Charlie. Is that a good or bad sign/thing? Where could their relationship really be headed?
In conclusion, I anticipate to see massive improvements in Bella's and Charlie's father-daughter relationship. I will continue to track and observe their relationship and stay updated.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
The Girl Who Fell From The Sky!
I am currently reading "The Girl Who Fell From The Sky" by Heidi W. Durrow. This novel has been breathtaking for me so far. My (MC) Rachel just moved in with her grandmother. She is of mixed descent and as others would call it "different." In the new school that she attends the kids make fun of her a lot because they don't see her as their own kind. The kids say that she is light-skinned-ed, talks white, has ashy knees and thinks that she's full of herself because of the texture of her hair. Basically, they agree that she's different! Hence the title "The Girl Who Fell From The Sky" With all of the emotions that arise from her she places it in an imaginary bottle that she keeps in her stomach and she adds her feelings when necessary instead of exploding.
Rachel is truly a strong, confident and prestigious character. If this was me I would have exploded already. It amazes me how she can just hide all of her emotions in a blue bottle and seals it with a cork stopper. After the terrible accident that occurred back in Chicago in her previous home with Rachel's mother, brother and sister all dying from jumping off the top of their apartment building, things have not been the same. Out of curiosity, maybe shes learning to cope with her feelings in different ways than usual by placing them in a bottle? During class, Anthony Miller kicks the back of her chair repeatedly making a "bump" sound. Another boy named Antoine mocks her in a baby voice when she answers the questions right and all of the girls ENVY her. Despite all of these events, she still keeps going. I feel inspired and motivated by her to keep pushing if I was ever in a situation like this. I think people like Rachel are very rare to find in the world.
I believe Rachel is a strong person within because after the tragic event of her family and having to adjust into living with her grandmother was not an easy thing to do. On top of that, when she attends school people try to bring her ego down with their negative vibe and slurs. The theme of this book is that you should overcome obstacles in life, no matter how hard they may be and you should ignore those in life that wont benefit you in any way. Rachel is an amazing character and I would love to play her role any day!
Rachel is truly a strong, confident and prestigious character. If this was me I would have exploded already. It amazes me how she can just hide all of her emotions in a blue bottle and seals it with a cork stopper. After the terrible accident that occurred back in Chicago in her previous home with Rachel's mother, brother and sister all dying from jumping off the top of their apartment building, things have not been the same. Out of curiosity, maybe shes learning to cope with her feelings in different ways than usual by placing them in a bottle? During class, Anthony Miller kicks the back of her chair repeatedly making a "bump" sound. Another boy named Antoine mocks her in a baby voice when she answers the questions right and all of the girls ENVY her. Despite all of these events, she still keeps going. I feel inspired and motivated by her to keep pushing if I was ever in a situation like this. I think people like Rachel are very rare to find in the world.
I believe Rachel is a strong person within because after the tragic event of her family and having to adjust into living with her grandmother was not an easy thing to do. On top of that, when she attends school people try to bring her ego down with their negative vibe and slurs. The theme of this book is that you should overcome obstacles in life, no matter how hard they may be and you should ignore those in life that wont benefit you in any way. Rachel is an amazing character and I would love to play her role any day!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
The Little Deer by Frida Kahlo (My Art Inspiration)
This portrait is worth more than just an animal in the deep woods. I believe this picture entails loneliness. Just by looking into the eyes I can see that this woman is trying to communicate with the world that she feels lonely. The arrows injected into her body might indicate misery, pain, sorrow and possibly difficulty that she has or will be preparing to go through. The trees that are surrounding her give the impression that she somehow is trapped and cannot escape. I observed this image even deeper and noticed that she doesn't seem phased by the arrows in her body by her facial expression and the bad weather in the background. This made me think that this image is describing strength and courage to withstand all of this that's occurring. This also makes me wonder if she's saying that even though times can get rough, she's ready for the challenge and can handle anything.
Frida Kahlo did a great job with this picture. This simple picture, can mean so much more than it looks. This can relate to humanity because everyone as an individual has strength and courage but it's whether you decide to use it or not that's the important thing. Ms. Kahlo expresses these two items in an artistic way. I think that this picture is also asking a question. Can you withstand anything that will come along your way, no matter how challenging it may be?
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
The Nominee for "All Star Mentor" goes to:
Gabi Casagrande! http://myclubhouseforbooks.blogspot.com/ Gabi exemplifies an "All Star Mentor" because it shows throughout her work. She always follows all of the instructions for the structure, contributes many examples and details to her posts and uses correct grammar and punctuation. In this post especially, called When is the final goodbye? she introduced it very nicely and it showed that she put effort and time to create it. All of Gabi's posts are thought provoking and really makes you wonder; which I think is a great asset to have as a reader and a writer. She tends to do this by making her readers think about what they have read by putting question marks. I think this is great idea and it's a great way to start and end posts. She is always on topic and even gives page numbers, quotes and dialogue translations to help a reader get a vigil image of whatever her topic is about. When I read other blog posts, most of the time I did not see this. The same with mine, I think that I could improve on giving my posts a little more structure and specification. Overall, Gabi did an excellent job with her posts and she is a great example of what posts should look like.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
TTYL
"TTYL" by Lauren Myracle is quite intriguing. Since Angela, Maddie and Zoe started the tenth grade, they had a lot of ups and downs. On the first day of school, they promised each other that they would be best friends to the end and that high school problems wouldn't split them apart. Who would have known they had another thing coming?
They enjoy school life and become supportive of each other. Angela has her eye on a boy who quickly becomes her new boyfriend. Maddie counts on her friends to help her through the conflict with Jana, the popular girl at school. And good girl Zoe gets involved with a teacher - claiming that it is no big deal. Then things start to change. Angela gets jealous when her boyfriend becomes friendly with another girl. Maddie suddenly becomes friends with Jana and joins the in crowd she hated so much in the past. Zoe finds herself confused when her flirty teacher makes a move on her, and then she isn't so sure whether or not she likes his action.
Then everything starts to fall apart. Angela is dumped by her jerky boyfriend and puts herself into denial. Maddie makes a huge mistake that has the whole school talking; she then starts ignoring her two best friends because she learns that they were also talking. Zoe's teacher is obviously into her, and she finally realizes the seriousness of the situation. This soon continues with something bigger than she ever wanted it to be. Now Zoe is in trouble, and she and Angela don't know what to do. Although Maddie is the only one who can give them immediate help, she still won't talk to them.
The big question is will she own up to herself and get passed her pain to help her real friends or will she allow all of their drama to break them apart? I really love this book, especially because of the way it was written in. Almost every teen can relate to IM. (Instant Messaging.) via text or internet. I really loved the humor the three girls show, It shows how real friendships should be between friends.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Fat Chance- (One of my childhood favorites.) By Leslea Newman
I decided to read this book again. It was one of my favorite books in elementary school. Now that I am older, I decided to read this book with a closer eye and pay attention to more details. Still, I think that Leslea Newman did an excellent job creating such a magnificent character. I love Judi Liebowitz. She really speaks her mind and has her mindset on one goal which is to loose weight. Which nowadays, America has alot of contriversy about this topic. From eating disorders to suicidal kids, this is a serious topic!
Again, with the "image" epidemic, Judi believes if only she had those creamy thighs and perfect cheekbones she would be the happiest person on earth. Can you blame her? Aren't most girls insecure at Judi's age about them-self. This is all she knows and her environment, she's surrounded by "beauty". That everything evolves around looks. Judi Liebowitz has two goals:to be the thinnest girl in her school and to be the future Mrs. Weiss (her secret crush).When Judy stumbles into Nancy Pratt's "beauty secret" she realizes just how dangerous looking thin can be. She goes through many obstacles to achieve this as well. One being that she is bulimic. Not a soul knows that she has this eating disorder but Nancy Pratt. One of the thinnest girls in school and also an advice giver to Judi. Once Nancy ended up in the hospital, guess who came to support her? Judi, of course! She even snuck her laxatives to her room like she asked so that she could keep her weight off.
I believe that this book is setting an example for all girls and they should learn from it. If you were in Judi's position, you can only imagine how right she thought she was.I know that in reality, this is false and this is not good. Everyone in general should learn a life lesson from this. You should always have confidence in yourself.
Again, with the "image" epidemic, Judi believes if only she had those creamy thighs and perfect cheekbones she would be the happiest person on earth. Can you blame her? Aren't most girls insecure at Judi's age about them-self. This is all she knows and her environment, she's surrounded by "beauty". That everything evolves around looks. Judi Liebowitz has two goals:to be the thinnest girl in her school and to be the future Mrs. Weiss (her secret crush).When Judy stumbles into Nancy Pratt's "beauty secret" she realizes just how dangerous looking thin can be. She goes through many obstacles to achieve this as well. One being that she is bulimic. Not a soul knows that she has this eating disorder but Nancy Pratt. One of the thinnest girls in school and also an advice giver to Judi. Once Nancy ended up in the hospital, guess who came to support her? Judi, of course! She even snuck her laxatives to her room like she asked so that she could keep her weight off.
I believe that this book is setting an example for all girls and they should learn from it. If you were in Judi's position, you can only imagine how right she thought she was.I know that in reality, this is false and this is not good. Everyone in general should learn a life lesson from this. You should always have confidence in yourself.
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