Crystal’s Comments (group member since Jan 19, 2010)

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

I would save the sea turtles as well :) I am from the coast so I have seen first hand hatchings, and vandalism to the nests...

Upon reading the question about the most important theme I immediately thought about the family aspect of the book, but I remember when I was in middle school I was more concerned about what my friends thought than my parents, so i differed from Roy a little there. I knew my parents would always forgive me if I did something wrong- they would still love me, but I didn't have that same confidence with my friends. I think that the book did a great job of bringing family life and everyday friendship/school together.

I think my savvy is understanding. I always seems to be able to see both sides of any argument, and understand/empathize with others point of view.

I agree with what Krisin and Beth said. I was amazed at what they had to do and never knew that they had to do so much. I'm pretty much a wimp so I really don't think I would do very well at any of the tests they took!

Like others have said, I am interested in the daemons because I thought that was the most interesting concept of the novel. I agree with Patricia in that I was confused a bit about the time period of the book, there was so much talk about the past (like the dates on the masters tombs) but the technology and all seemed futuristic to me...?

I had heard a lot of controversy about the anti- religion and how bad the book was when they came out with the movie, and I was unsure when I first started reading it...I am curious to hear what everyone has to say!

As I said before in class, when I read a novel I completely immerse myself in the story and really connect myself with the main character and I just cannot do that with these graphic novels. I feel like an outsider looking in on someone else's story. With that being said, like some others have mentioned I really had a hard time concentrating on the pictures and the words. I pretty much agree with absolutely everything Madison said… I just wanted to read the words and skip the pictures, or look at the pictures and not read the captions. I had to make a conscious effort to make myself absorb them together, and it was way more difficult that I expected. I could count the number of comic books I have read on one hand, and perhaps my lack of experience with this type of text was part of the problem. I enjoyed the message and storyline it conveyed, I just did not enjoy the way it was convey… Although I can see how this would be great for some kids, graphic novels are definitely not my thing.

The quiz told me...

Your EAGLE DAEMON represents an unlikely combination of fierce pride and remarkable wisdom. Though widely admired, you can be very distant at times, and like to stay out of people's personal lives.

I think the description is pretty acurate, although that would not have been my pick before I took the quiz. I probably would have said a dog, like a lab or golden retriever.

Witness:

1. Yes I would consider it historical fiction. It was set during a specific historical period, the early twentieth century (1924) when racism and segregation were prevalent. Also, it was published in 2001, clearly more than 20 years after the period.

2. It is soft historical fiction because it centers on fictional characters, but the historical setting and elements are accurate.

3. The book addresses segregation and racism, focusing on both African Americans and Jews, and their treatment from the KKK.

4. The book would be great to look at when studying different forms of literature because it is written as poetry. It could also be used in a social studies lesson when talking about civil rights or other segregation/racism topics, such as Slavery.

The Arrival

1. I do not really think this book is considered historical fiction. I think one could argue it is historical fantasy, but I am not sure I consider that historical fiction because the historical period was not dominant to me. I was more focused on the pictures of the creatures/animals, and they are a little too fantasy for me to consider it historical fiction.

2. Historical fantasy. If the argument was made that it was historical fiction it would be soft because it is centered on imaginary characters, not historical figures.

3. I feel that immigration is the dominant theme in the book, along with the importance of family. It shows that immigration is a hard process and it is often difficult for those who immigrate to be without their loved ones. I feel that it also touches on the idea of perseverance because the protagonist is faced with many hardships.

4. Since immigration is a hot topic in politics right now I feel like this book could be used to talk about the issue and perhaps how immigration has changed over the years—or how it hasn’t. Students could talk about the challenges that face those who move to a new place especially the ones with a language barrier.

When I was in middle school I remember I loved the book, and I enjoyed it just as much this time. When I read it the first time I was slightly more optimistic and I believed they made it to Elsewhere and just assumed they would be fine. It was not evident to me that perhaps Jonas was deteriorating and imagined that he was getting closer to civilization. This time around I suppose I thought about it more critically, but I still would rather believe they made it there safely! :) I have not read the sequels, but they are definitely now on my to-do list!!