Katie’s Comments (group member since Jan 18, 2010)

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

My favorite quote is located on page 164. "To save Sal. That's why you stood on our corner day after day. That's why you were always doing those kicks into the street- you were practicing. It was all to save Sal. Because, somehow, you knew." I love this quote because it clearly explains the crazy man's actions. Suddenly, he wasn't "crazy" anymore. The sacrifices Marcus will eventually make show just how dedicated he is to prevent Sal's death, even though he will cause his own. This kind of bravery is incredibly rare and makes Marcus's journey that much more poignant.

As someone how loved A Knight's Tale, I was shocked when Heath Ledger died. Rather than an older celebrity, Heath was not that much older them me when he accidentally overdosed. I can't say that I was terribly shaken, but it did force me to realize that life really is precious.

My favorite quote from the novel is on page 78. "...I felt whole-like my two selves had come together- finally meeting for the first time. I closed my eyes and hugged myself harder. I wanted to hold on to this feeling. For always."

One of my favorite quotes is by Eleanor Roosevelt and was wonderfully reenacted in Kung Foo Panda. "Today is a gift. That's why they call it the present."

Lenny:

Searching for knowledge
to discover his true self
but where to start?

Even when you fall, always stand back up. Don't forget to thank those who helped you gain your footing.

She had a very distinctive voice- her range was impressive! Even though music has changed immensely I think most people would appreciate her talent in those videos. I liked how even though she was initially uncomfortable being a symbol for civil rights, she embraced her power and sang at the Lincoln Memorial. I do agree that she helped pave the way for other black musicians to be accepted in American society. However, I wish she had been born slightly later so she could have enjoyed more success and less racism in her life.

I completely agree! The daemons interested me more than any other part of the novel. While I disagree when schools ban books with controversial material, I can understand why this book is so frequently banned. The portrayal of the Church as manipulative and deceptive would not go over so well in many schools. I also want to talk about the ending of the novel. I thought it was a great book until the last few chapters. While willing suspension of disbelief is important, I thought the ending was very bizarre. I can't wait till next week when we discuss what happened!

I was very surprised that I enjoyed reading American Born Chinese! When I checked it out I thought I would hate it- it was a graphic novel, seemed marketed to males, and looked terrible. I found it to be a very easy and quick read. Since it was a graphic novel, I found that pictures allowed me to skim the text. I thought it was challenging to read at first because my eyes couldn't decide what order to look at the text and pictures. After a few minutes it became second-nature. American Born Chinese seemed like movie stills, detailing the major plot points from a film. Universal themes of inclusion, growing up, and accepting yourself are applicable to all readers. I liked the different stories mentioned, but I do wish the ending had been stronger. Overall, I thought it was a great book!

I thought I would have been a hare daemon, but apparently I'm a monkey.

"Your MONKEY DAEMON represents a nature that is admired, detail-oriented, and full of curiosity. Some people might call you self-absorbed. You like to plan ahead, and hone your various talents to perfection."

I don't know about the self-absorbed part but hey, monkeys are fun. :)

What was your favorite quote from Ender's Game? Briefly list why this quote is important to the novel and why you find it interesting.

The power that one simple action can wield is very impressive. In The House of the Scorpion, if Matt and his friends had failed to impress the other boys at the orphan camp, the Keepers would have never been punished. The boys would not have united against the Keepers and blockaded their building with salt. Their use of corporal punishment against the children and use of laudanum would also have been kept a secret. This allows Matt and his friends to make it to the convent.

Witness:
1. I think that Witness would be considered historical fiction because historical details play a crucial part in the story. The history of the KKK and overt racism in 1920s America is featured, making it fall under this category. Being published in 2001, Witness was published much more than twenty years prior. This story meets both definitions of historical fiction.
2. Witness would be considered soft historical fiction because the story centers around the characters. While the historical elements are important and are present, it is ultimately the story of the characters struggles that drive the piece.
3. This book could be used to address themes of racism, courage, insecurity, and inclusion. Detailing the struggles of African American Leanora Sutter and Jewish Esther Hirsh in a tiny racist town, Witness shows how prejudice can affect a community. The desire to fit in and be part of a group is explored, explaining why many chose to become part of groups like the KKK.
4. A teacher could use this book during February to demonstrate the advancements made by the Civil Rights Movement. Witness could help students understand the history of racism in America by providing a protagonist who is relatable to middle school students. It could, of course, address the themes mentioned earlier.
The Arrival:
1. Published in 2006, this book would be considered historical fiction according to the 1987 definition. To me, however, it doesn’t seem like true historical fiction. Even though there is a subtype of historical fantasy, I don’t consider that to be truly historical. The elements of fantasy and odd creatures seem too strange to be considered historical fiction. The pictures of the city and strange machines make it hard for me to place it in that category.
2. If this book were to be considered historical fiction, it would fall into the historical fantasy category. Abstract drawings and fantastical creatures are prevalent throughout the story. The two giant humans in the harbor of the city would be an example.
3. This book could show the themes of fear, determination, and the struggle of the immigrant. For students struggling to fit in with their new surroundings, The Arrival could show these students that even someone as isolated as an immigrant can be successful and happy. Despite the protagonist’s struggles to find shelter and food, he ultimately prevails.
4. A teacher could use this book to teach about the history of immigration in America. This book is unclear as to the origin of the immigrant, so he could be from any country. This story could also explain why America is considered a “melting pot” and yield discussions on the contributions made by immigrants.

I believe it is Sal's way of saying "don't judge a book by its cover." Instead of using the usual phrase, Sal emphasizes her "Indian" roots through the use of "moccasins." In the novel, Miss Cadaver appears to be a murderer, Phoebe an ungrateful brat, and the random boy a "lunatic." However, after Sal becomes more familiar with these characters, she realizes that her first impressions were incorrect. She judged all these characters before she understood their backgrounds, or "walked two moons in [their:] moccasins."

For some reason or another, I did not read The Giver in Middle School. I knew many of my friends enjoyed the book but were not happy with the ending. I find myself agreeing with their thoughts. I thought most of the novel was really interesting and I especially liked the vivid description of memories. However, I felt the ending was rushed. I wish the book had spent more time discussing Jonas and Gabe's journey in greater detail, in addition to providing a conclusive ending. I want to be optimistic and believe they succeeded, but it seems more likely that Jonas did not make it to "Elsewhere." I wish Lowry had put more time into character development as well. Then again, maybe the characters seemed flat because they couldn't feel true emotion. Overall, I enjoyed reading The Giver. However, I think it could go from a good book to a great one if it was expanded. I would love to read the sequels to find out what happens next.