Lizzy’s Comments (group member since Jan 16, 2010)

Lizzy’s comments from the UNC Middle School Lit group.

"But sometimes our veils are pushed away for a few moments, like there's a wind blowing it from our faces. And when the veil lifts, we can see the world as it really is, just for those few seconds before it settles down again. We see all the beauty, and cruelty, and sadness, and love. But mostly we are happy not to. Some people learn to lift the veil themselves. Then they don't have to depend on the wind anymore."

I think this is beautifully written and there is so much truth in this. The way she speaks is so poetic and she is able to slip in bold statements about life without the reader even realizing.

In the later years of my life, I vividly remember hearing Ronald Reagan had died. Although he died in 2004, he had been suffering from Alzheimer's disease for years. I loved President Reagan as a child and tried to learn everything about him. When he died I remembering being upset and hurting for his family. I connected with the death because as a young girl, my grandfather suffered from this disease, later dying from it.

My favorite quote was "You're a part of me. You're in my heart. Forever and always, all right? pg. 150.
So sweet!!

My savvy is working with the elderly. Many don't like spending time with them because they may walk slower, repeat stories, or be grumpy at times... but I have always enjoyed being in their company and I think they enjoy having me around too. I love helping them in any way... they've done some much for the world for years... its our turn to do something for them.

What is one rule you think is necessary for everyone to know? Be creative!

Before we read this, I knew nothing about this book and was wondering why I never read this... now I know...I went to Catholic school. I can definitely see why this book is banned, but I am interested to hear more about everyone else's opinions. I don't know if I would allow this in my classroom, but maybe I would give it to certain children.

Overall, I really liked the book. I, too, found the daemons fascinating. I often spent a lot of time wanting to understand them better and know more about them.

I am intrigued to find out what type of students y'all think this book is best for.

In the beginning, I found American Born Chinese difficult to read because I was getting frustrated by how long it was taking me to focus in on the text due to all the images. As I read on, I began to like it and get used to the way it was set up. I really found it hilarious, specifically the drawings. I really enjoyed the side comments on the pictures and the fine details ... for example, text written on the characters' shirts. I also really enjoyed some real life jokes thrown in... for example, the teacher mispronouncing his name. I thought that through humor and exciting pictures[ that were not always realistic, but definitely entertaining:], this book was able to create a wonderful theme of appreciating who you are and where you come from. I think both children and adults would love this book.

Well, I somewhat disagree with the quiz... but, it says mine would be a tiger. I was thinking something a little less ferocious, more like a house cat or something... but maybe a tiger would be cool?

I found the daemon's so interesting, love this topic.

Witness:
1. Yes, I think this book could be considered historical fiction. The story is based on the issues surrounding segregation, which took place over two decades ago.
2. I think it would be considered a "soft" historical fiction. This is due to the fact that characters don't exactly match up with exact events (there aren't any historical figures in this book).
3. This book would help youth understand segregation and the affects of it on others. Often times kids think that segregation/racism is something of the past, but I think this book will help kids see that racism still occurs today/
4. I think it would be a great class read that would allow students to read a book written in a different form than most.

The Arrival:
1. No, I don't think this could be considered a historical fiction because although some pieces of history are included, it is not the main focus.
2. Well since its not a historical fiction, I would just consider it fiction.
3. This book would be great for discussing immigration (or just moving)and fitting in, which is a major struggle for many middle schoolers.
4. I think this would be great to tie into a social studies lesson on immigration and Ellis Island. I know when I was in fifth grade, we read some historical fiction books to tie into our immigration lesson, as well as did activities such as filling out forms to come into the "United States" etc. I think making a whole unit out of it would be great.

I really liked the final ending. I think it was an open-ended book and really allows the reader to think deeply about who he is and even who they are. In that aspect, this is a great book for middle school age. I also really enjoyed the detailed descriptions from Steve in jail, although I think if I would have read this in middle school I would have been a little uneasy ... (but maybe that is her goal: to shock). Overall I thought it was a great book to open a reader's eyes to a world that is so foreign to many.

I read The Giver in middle school and loved it, which was rare because I wasn't much of a reader in middle school. I remember being bummed at the end of the story and thinking it was symbolic but I just did not understand it. When I finished the book this time around, I was still a little bummed, wanting to know more about Jonas and the community. Only this time, I was able to be a little more satisfied with the vague ending. I think it allows for more interpretation, which I have come to enjoy.