Books and Odds and Ends

10th Grade Check-In for May 19th: Recommendation

2011-05-18T10:52:00.000-05:00

Make a recommendation for the book you are currently reading. Tell what you like about the book and why and who would probably enjoy reading it. Also, include a passage/quote from the book that really tells others what it means to read the book. Finally include 2 literary elements (from the list) that help to make the book good. Explain what they are in the book and how they make the book better.

Example: I would recommend the book, Witch and Wizard, by James Patterson to all young adult readers who like conspiracy theories about government and/or who like urban fantasy since it is a combination of both. This book is great because it is not the same old story line for urban fantasy but puts a twist on it by having the characters stand up to a government that basically grabs power, makes everyone act the same or go to jail, and outlaws anything that shows creativity especially by and for teenagers. (why the book is good and who would like it) The main problem or conflict in the book is external because the two main characters, powerful teenagers with the influence and skills to actually defeat the guy in power, are on the run because this government wants to eliminate them as a threat. They are so cool because they try to unify and help other teenagers. The characters are realistic and fresh and the problem is edgy. (2 literary elements and how they make the book better) The passage that stands out for me is the one where the two main characters are forced to run through this line of hungry, insane dogs and back in less than a minute to get their food. I thought this hit home how evil the government really is and what torture they will put the main characters through. I thought it also showed how adults in the book resented the teenagers' ability to be creative and love. (a passage that really spoke to the essence of the book)

9th Grade Academics: Shakespeare Response

2011-05-18T10:34:00.000-05:00

Write an initial response and then a response that discusses with another classmate their perspective. Let's get a conversation going.

Based on Romeo and Juliet, does love in high school unfold in a similar way? Why or why not? Is their love a true love; why or why not? Give examples from the text and from real life to back up your ideas.

10th Grade Check-In for May 12th

2011-05-10T07:26:00.000-05:00

Whose point of view is your book written from (1st or 3rd)? What does it show? What symbolism, metaphors, images, and similes show up in your book? How does this make the book better?

10th Grade Check-In for May 5th

2011-05-03T09:17:00.000-05:00

Talk about some of the important parts of the plot in your book especially introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resoultion. Talk also about what the main problem in your book is about. Finally, categorize this type of problem in man vs. man, man vs. nature, man vs. self, man vs. machine, and/or man vs. society and explain whether this type of problem is external or internal.

Rotation 13 Blog for 9th Grade

2011-05-03T09:11:00.000-05:00

Recommendation Round #3. Recommend a 3rd and different book than the other 2. Talk about how character, theme, setting, main idea, and problem makes the book better. Also, make a good suggestion to those who might especially like the book. Finally, pick a quote (direct copied text) from the book and explain how it really shows how the book is good.

Note: THIS IS A REVIEW THAT YOU WILL CLOSELY SEE ON THE FINAL EXAM!!! TAKE IT SERIOUSLY AND DON'T SKIP PARTS OF THE PROMPT!!!!

10th Grade Check-In for April 28th: Theme

2011-04-26T13:08:00.000-05:00

Talk about the theme of your book. How do the other book parts like character, setting, problem, etc. contribute to the theme? Why is the theme important? How does it make the book better?

Rotation 12 Blog for 9th Grade

2011-04-20T06:48:00.000-05:00

Because last rotation's recommendation went so well and in preparation of your finals, choose another book that you read this year to recommend or not recommend. Why did you like/dislike the book? What made it interesting? How were you able to relate to the characters and the book in general? What really stood out for you in the book? Is there a particular line from the book that struck you? Finally, what people do you think would particularly like the book?

10th Grade Check-In for April 21st: Setting

2011-04-18T10:23:00.000-05:00

What time and place does your book present? How does it make the book better or worse? Is it interesting learning about a new place or time period from the one you live in? How might this help broaden our awareness of others?

10th Grade Check-In for April 12th: Character

2011-04-12T07:49:00.000-05:00

Describe the protagonist in your book. Why does he/she act the way that he/she does? Would you be friends with him/her? Why or why not? Does your protagonist remind you of anybody? How does this particular protagonist make the book better?

Rotation 11 Blog for 9th Grade

2011-04-12T07:47:00.000-05:00

Make a recommendation or tell why you dislike your book. Include reasons and details. What do you love or hate about it? Would you recommend it to anybody specific?

Rotation 10 Blog for 9th and 10th Grade

2011-03-01T10:10:00.001-05:00

Describe the protagonist (main character) of the book. Who does he/she remind you of in real life, movies, another book, etc. What do you like about your character? Why or why not would you be friends with this person in real life? Who is this person's antagonist (person in opposition to the main character) in the book?

Rotation 9 Blog for 9th and 10th Grade

2011-02-10T15:20:00.001-05:00

In 4-8 sentences, talk about the type of problem that your main character experiences in your book. Explain the background. What advice might help your character solve his/her problem?

Rotation 8 Blog for 9th and 10th Grade

2011-01-21T10:51:00.002-05:00

Please do a text-to-self, text-to-text, and text-to-world for your book. This means you make a connection between your book and your life, another book/poem/reading, and something in the real world.

For example, my book Shadowfever reminds me a little of my life because of the character. I love Mac since she has become so singlemindedly focused on what she has to do and has such strength. I don't think that I have the abilities she does, but I would like to think I have a similar core of strength. This book reminds me of a book I read by Holly Black because she also revealed the dark side of the fae world as does Shadowfever. Finally, this book reminds me of the real world because it talks a lot about Ireland and its legends. Not that I think the crazy situations in this book could happen, I do think a lot of legend "can come to life" there since it's so mysterious.

Remember, you must have 2 responses. Also, they must have at least 4 sentences of at least 8 words each. Really, it should be an indepth response.

Rotation 7 Blog for 9th and 10th Grade

2011-01-03T08:30:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!

Tell how your book relates to real life. Tell how your book relates to another book or poem. Tell how your book relates to a certain song and movie. Explain how all of this makes your book more interesting to you.

Remember to write at least 4 sentences, if not more. Also, remember to write a response to someone else; check back through the posts to see if somebody wrote to you earlier.

Rotation 6 Blog for 9th and 10th Grade

2010-12-09T07:31:00.000-05:00

Think of a movie that has a similar main idea to that of your book. How are they similar? What do you like about this topic?

Think of a movie that has a similar theme to that of your book. Give examples. How does the theme make the book and the movie more interesting?

Be sure to write this prompt and your response to someone else with at least 4 sentences for each one.

9th Grade Rotation 5 Guides

2010-11-18T16:08:00.000-05:00

Foundations Homework Link

Academics Homework Link

Helpful Website for Project: Student Speak Video Dramatization

Works Cited Creator: EasyBib

Rotation 5 Blog for 9th and 10th Grade

2010-11-18T15:52:00.001-05:00

If you could rename the title of your book, what would you retitle it to be (please include original book title)? Why? How is this different from the lesson in the book (theme)? How does your theme make the book better?

10th Grade Rotation 4 Homework and Helpful Links

2010-11-09T18:13:00.000-05:00

Homework Information and Helpful Links

Rotation 4 Blog for 9th and 10th Grade

2010-10-28T09:30:00.000-05:00

Why did the author in your book choose a certain symbol when he/she could have chosen any other object? Why does that particular object work? What is the deeper meaning involved? How does it make the book better for including it?

9th and 10th Grade Rotation 3 Homework Blog

2010-10-15T08:11:00.004-05:00

Explain how the setting in your book creates the story--"sets" it up. Do you think the setting makes the book better; why or why not? Would you ever like to visit the time or place in your book; why or why not?

Answer with at least 4 sentences, if not more. Copy and paste into Word to back up that you did the assignment. Respond to the prompt and write back to someone else either from this rotation or the last 2.

9th and 10th Grade Rotation 2 Homework Blog

2010-09-27T06:54:00.000-05:00

In 4-8 sentences, explain whether or not you would be friends with your main character in your book. Why or why not? What would you say to your character if you could?

Make sure you remember to respond to someone else. Ask about their book. Comment on their character. What was interesting about their post? Does it remind you of something in your life or the world? Etc.

Remember to copy and paste it into Word before you post to back up your text.

10th Grade After Pre-Reading Survey

2010-09-20T06:58:00.001-05:00

10th Grade After Pre-Reading Survey

10th Grade Warm-Up Practice Blog 9/20

2010-09-20T06:24:00.001-05:00

Please remember to put your name at the top of your post. Also, remember to copy and paste your response into word to make sure you can back it up that you completed the assignment.

Explain how your book relates to something in your life whether it be a quality of your character that reminds you of someone you know, a relationship, an issue, ect. Write about it. How does it help with reading the book. You need to have 4-8 sentences.

After I tell you that you have successfully posted, you should read over someone else's response and write back to them. Put your name at the top of the post again (in the comment box at the bottom of the page) and write in response to so and so, then post 4-8 sentences that responds, reflects, and adds to what they say.

Rotation #1 Practice Blog

2010-09-07T04:47:00.001-05:00

In 4-8 sentences tell us what you think of your new reading book so far. Does it remind you of anything from your life, a movie that you once saw, a friendship issue in the past, etc.? How is the book affecting you, surprising you, frustrating you... Simply talk about your book.

Summer Reading Part III

2010-06-11T03:13:00.004-05:00

Check out our own Olivia Weight's Blog on a short playlist for Nico in The Percy Jackson Series. See blogroll right.

The way she presents this part makes me want to pick up the book STAT!

Summer Reading Part II

2010-06-11T03:12:00.001-05:00

Adios, Nirvana by Conrad Wesselhoeft

a book review by Steph Bowe

Summer Reading Recommendation for Supe Junkies

2010-06-11T02:51:00.003-05:00

Egmont USA writes: "Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes, fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it. That doesn't mean that she's averse to breaking a rule or two.

But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian's basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents' murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs.

But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she's shaped?"

Final Essay Prompt for the Three Body Paragraphs

2010-05-17T07:03:00.005-05:00

Write a recommendation for your current book that you are reading. Include 2 passages that you particularly like. You do not need to quote the book but you do need to provide background info and/or explanation of the passages. You also need to say why you liked (or disliked) the book. Finally, you need to identify and discuss examples of 5 literary elements and/or poetic devices in the book and how they make the book better. Be sure to be descriptive.

Literary Elements/Poetic Devices to Use:

characterization, protagonist, antagonist, setting, theme, plot, conflict, turning point, climax, resolution, point-of-view, symbol, tone, mood, personification, imagery, language/slang choice, alliteration, assonance, form, meter, rhyme, rhythm, metaphor, simile, onomotopoeia

Style and Poetic Devices

2010-05-06T11:22:00.004-05:00

Please list any poetic devices and style choices that the author uses in your book. Provide an example from the book. Then explain how this shapes the book and whether or not it makes a better book for you because of it. Why?

Please respond with 8 sentences. Then you need to read another student's post and respond to him/her.

Conflict Blog for 3/30

2010-03-30T06:23:00.004-05:00

Describe the conflict in your book. Explain whether it is internal or external. How does it affect your book/characters?

Example:
In my book, Once Dead Twice Shy by Kim Harrison, one of the conflicts in the book that Madison faces is that she is partly dead, and the reaper (which actually turns out to be a timekeeper) that killed her is super-powerful is searching for her because she took his amulet allowing her to keep the essence of a life/body. Well, I'm not that far in the book, but I am predicting that the actual problem is that she is supposed to be the dark's timekeeper which is why the guy tried to kill her in the first place, so it is going to basically drive the plot. I figure that Madison will have to find a way to stay alive, learn the timekeeper ropes quickly, and eventually take down the last timekeeper.

10th Grade Playlist

2010-03-29T06:42:00.003-05:00

Put your playlist here under comments.

10th Grade Bullying Project

2010-03-15T11:16:00.002-05:00

Bullying Project Guide

Homework, Due Dates and Assignments

2010-03-11T12:33:00.003-05:00

Rotation 11 Homework Overview

Fix the Problems 2 Homework

Works Cited Example

Note Sheet One Guide and Sheet

Note Sheet Two Guide and Sheet

Note Sheet Three Guide and Sheet

Outline for Research Paper

9th Grade Blog for Rotation 11

2010-03-09T09:28:00.004-05:00

Make a 5 song playlist for one of the characters in your book. Write the song, singer, and why you chose the song. You will not get credit for one of the blogs if you do not do this post.

Reply to anybody on any of the posts.

Be sure to put your name, book, and author at the top of each post.

Example:
Mrs. McKeever-Fix, Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen for the main character Auden

Wilco-"California Stars:" This song is all about spending time under the stars with the person you love. "So I'd give this world/Just to dream a dream with you /On our bed of California stars." Well, this reminds me of the main character because she never sleeps at night since her parents' divorce when they used to fight all the time; therefore, she meets and ends up hanging out with a guy who can't sleep since the accident/death of his best friend. "Under the stars," they find someone else who they can relate to.

Beatles--"Revolution:" This song talks about wanting to start a revolution and Auden is on her own revolution. She is reclaiming her childhood when she felt that she had to be "seen not heard" around her parents, and she felt that she always had to be a grown-up for them to notice her. During the summer (of this book), she breaks out of her shell and lives a little. She also stops talking to both her parents for a little until they realize their mistakes towards their family members.

Jimmy Clif--"The Harder They Come, The Harder They Fall:" This song sort of has the same type of meaning for Auden. Well, it is a reggae song that has to do with people that stereotype people will one day get what is coming to them when they misjudge or are rude to people. This fits Auden's situation with her family. Her parents deserve to "fall" a little (and she has a right to ignore them temporarily) until they realize their past mistakes and come to their senses which they slowly do by the end of the novel--as does Auden realize that maybe her mom does love her just in her own way.

Carolina Chocolate Drops--"Kissin and Cussin:" Auden finally has a summer where she lets go (like if you cuss all the time). Though she doesn't go around cursing, she does have all kinds of new (and sometimes wild in her terms) experiences like learning to ride a bike like a maniac and has her first kiss that means anything to her and a relationship with a neat guy who actually thinks and feels more than surface-level.

Blue Oyster Cult--"Don't Fear the Reaper:" Auden must learn not to fear communication, closeness, and relationships because of how her family keeps messing this stuff up. She must confront her problems.

Song List Recap
"Don't Fear the Reaper" by Blue Oyster Cult
"Kissin and Cussin" by Carolina Chocolate Drops
"The Harder They Come, The Harder They Fall" by Jimmy Clif
"Revolution" by The Beatles
"California Stars" by Wilco

Rotation 10 9th Grade Blog

2010-03-01T08:47:00.005-05:00

Make an acrostic poem.

Using the title of your book, create the poem. Write the title of the poem down the left side of the page and that letter becomes the first letter of that line in the poem. If your book has less than 6 letters in it, please write the word title after it to make it longer.

The first line must be the title of your book; and somewhere in the rest of the poem, you must include character, setting, conflict, and opinion/recommendation information.

Example:
Black Magic Sanction by Kim Harrison
Like Rachel, the main character, needs a new man in her life
A fight with the witch's coven means everyone's under fire
Can I call you Al? (yeah that's the demon, Al)
Knock-off titles from Clint Eastwood movies

Magic by the spoonful anyone? Rachel rocks!
Al is being weirdly nice to Rachel...oooh I think he l-i-k-e-s her.
Gee, come to think of it, Rachel is kind of tough like Clint.
Ivy vamps out too many times as Rachel gets in more trouble.
Can't do it without your friends.

Summon a demon to get Rachel in attempt to jail her.
Al, can you just help me without stealing people for familiars?
Nick, Nick, Nicky--you back stabbing thief.
Cincy, Interlander central, the coven comes--game on!
Trent/Rachel--truce or will he hunt her down next book?
Inderlander society gets soo interesting; best book of the series.
On every page, seems like Rache must deal with some escapade.
Not everyone likes urban fiction, but this book was hot!

Warm Up for 2/23/10: Acrostic Poem

2010-02-23T07:41:00.005-05:00

Write an acrostic poem using your title as the downward words and fill in the rest of the line with "stuff" from your book.

Example on the board for Black Magic Sanction by Kim Harrison.

Research Information for 10th Grade

2010-02-19T14:05:00.003-05:00

This guides, worksheets, examples, and websites are here for you to use to help you get your work finished by Monday so that you have time to work on the project. Remember the project is due on Day 11.

Works Cited Example (Know that Web Page Titles Get Italics But Program Wouldn't Let Me and It Looks Like It Messed Up the Indents Too but Content is Correct)
Works Cited Page Guideline Example
EasyBib Website

Note Sheet #1 Directions and Notes
Note Sheet #2 Directions and Notes
Note Sheet #3 Directions and Notes
Note Sheet #4 Directions and Notes

Websites for Research:
ANCOMM Website for articles: “Talk About It Is the Solution,” “The Code of Silence,” “The Prevalence of Cyber-Bullying,” and “What is Online Messaging."

YouTube Video of Megan Meier Case

"Social and Emotional Learning and Bullying Prevention" Article

"Dealing With Bullying" Article from TeenHealth.com

Warm-Up for 2/18/10

2010-02-18T07:16:00.004-05:00

Give a recommendation for your book. If you can't make a recommendation, get a new book! Make sure that you name your book, author, and come up with at least 4 sentences.

The Lightning Thief Sound-Off Board

2010-02-17T08:07:00.006-05:00

So what did you think of the book?

Oh, and if you're interested or need or want any of the following...

Percy Jackson Project
Percy Jackson Trailer #1
Percy Jackson Trailer #2
Percy Jackson Trailer #3
Percy Jackson Trailer #4
Actor Comments on Percy Jackson
Rick Riordan's (Lightning Thief Author) Official Website
Rick Riordan's Blog
Percy Jackson and The Olympians Official Website: Demi-Gods Universal
Rick Riordan Interview

Rotation 9 Grade 9 Blog

2010-02-12T12:37:00.002-05:00

Describe one setting in your book in 2 or more sentences. Explain why the setting is so important. You may wish to copy and paste your response into Microsoft Word in case it is lost when posting.

***Know that setting is not someone's life or emotions; it is a place or a time.

Then if you want to talk about your book a little more go ahead and do so. Give us a recommendation or an I wish for your book or whatever.

10th Grade Rotation 8 Homework and Classwork

2010-02-05T14:15:00.003-05:00

Homework Sheets

***Be sure to check out the helpful links on the worksheet pages if you are having trouble.

Warm-Up for 2/5

2010-02-05T07:18:00.003-05:00

Describe one setting in your book in 2 or more sentences. Explain why the setting is so important. You may wish to copy and paste your warm-up into Microsoft Word in case it is lost when posting.

***Know that setting is not someone's life or emotions; it is a place or a time.

For example, one setting in my book is in the car after school. My main character Annabelle in Just Listen needed a ride because her sister was going to be late. Therefore another outcast picks her up, and it is here that she learns the value of being honest with herself in addition to developing a friendship with what will be one of the most thoughtful, influential people in her life.

Survey

2010-01-29T03:00:00.005-05:00

Please follow this link to complete a survey for this class. You will get credit for this as a class assignment.

10th Grade January Survey: Half-Year Review

Day 8 Warm-Up: 1/29/10

2010-01-29T01:43:00.004-05:00

Explain why your book interests you. Give at least 3 examples from your text.

Please write your response in word first and copy and paste it into the comments section. Write your name at the top of your response.
Create an English folder (if you haven't done so already) under your name in the H Drive. Within that folder create another one specifically for warm-ups and save these by date so that you have a record that you did the work.
When completing your explanation, please remember to write the prompt in your answer. For example, My book, ___________, by ______________ is interesting to me because...
Then you must give 3 CONCRETE, REAL examples. Skip the vague stuff.

Rotation 8 (1/20-2/8) Homework and Class Work

2010-01-22T08:49:00.010-05:00

Homework
9th Grade Rotation 8 Homework Sheet
Theme Sheet Variation

Classwork/Homework
9th Grade Interactive Notebook

Rotation 8 Blog for 9th and 10th Grade: Text-to-Self

2010-01-20T14:14:00.004-05:00

Text-to-Self

In what way does your book remind of your own life? Does a character remind you of someone you've met or known? Have you ever gone on a trip to a place in the book or like a place in the book? Has anyone you've known experienced a similar problem, etc.?

Be sure to write 4-8 sentences!
Be sure to write 2 posts!
Try to have a conversation with someone else.

10th Grade Rotation 7

2010-01-14T14:14:00.003-05:00

Rotation Homework Sheet

Rotation Class Work Sheet

Rotation 7 Blog for 9th and 10th Grade

2010-01-04T09:42:00.003-05:00

Golden Lines

Ok, so far in your book, what part did you read that really struck you--it really meant something to you? Copy the sentence down here, explain its meaning particular to your book, and why you liked it so much.

***Remember to write at least 4 sentences and try for deeper thoughts.

***Remember to go back to other rotations and postings to see if anybody wrote to you and write back.

Oh, and GO EAGLES!

Rotation 6 Blog for 9th and 10th Grade

2009-12-08T07:20:00.002-05:00

Describe some of the best settings in your book and explain whether this makes your book more exciting or not and why.

Happy Holiday Season!

Rotation 5 Blog for 9th and 10th Grade: Themes

2009-11-18T07:55:00.003-05:00

Theme is what the author is saying about the ideas presented in the book. What themes are in your book? Does theme help you like the book even more or hate it? Why?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Rotation 4 Blog for 9th and 10th Grade

2009-10-29T08:37:00.002-05:00

Very simple, what do you like and/or dislike about your book? Who else might like to read your book?

Please respond with 4-8 substantial sentences (around 75 words).
Your second response may be to any other person from any other rotation.
Check and see if someone wrote to you previously and write back.

Rotation 3 9th and 10th Grade Blog Response

2009-10-12T06:23:00.003-05:00

Remember you are expected to have 2 posts this rotation: 1 response to this prompt and 1 response to a classmate to this blog or last rotation's blog. Please remember to write your name and your book on the first and second lines of your post.

Further Character Connection

Would you be friends with the protagonist (main character) in your book, why or why not? Analyze his or her choices that they make. Are they good choices or bad choices? Does this add or contribute to the main problem in the book; be sure to be clear about what the main problem is. Lastly, what would you tell your character?

Rotation 2, 10th Grade Blog Text-To-Self

2009-09-25T13:04:00.003-05:00

Yes, 10th grade, we are going to start with the same prompt as the 9th graders because it is an easy one to start with; however, I wanted you to have your spot to keep everything separate.

Does anything in the book you are reading relate to your life?
Does any of the characters remind you of you or your friends or your family?
How about the problem in the book; have you ever experienced anything like it in your life or has anyone you know?

9th Grade Rotation 2 Blog: Text-to-Self

2009-09-24T04:49:00.004-05:00

Does anything in the book you are reading relate to your life?
Do any of the characters remind you of you or your friends or your family?
How about the problem in the book; have you ever experienced anything like it in your life or has anyone you've known?

Welcome 9th Grade Students

2009-09-24T04:30:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone!

This is the post that you are going to check in. Put your name in the first sentence of your reply (and this goes for every time) and write a little message to us whether hi or something along those lines.

I hope everyone did your best on the 4-Sights yesterday. Good luck this school year! Remember, unlike the lies they tell you in the high school in Speak, we need to know when you need help from us because we truly are here to help!

See You,
Mrs. Fix

Missing Cobbler Tom

2009-09-09T16:41:00.003-05:00

inside every book woman is a crazy cat lady. i love cats even when they make me insane (which is often when you have 8). yesterday one of my love bugs passed away, and it has been lonely without her to curl up next to my feet or head whichever she may choose for the night or ignore me completely and look out the window. she was one of the greatest treasures; she would purr, kiss, and lick you one second and then without warning give you an angsty, "maa," and bite you on the hand or head depending on her nasty mood. she used to watch over my daughter when she was a baby and has always been a trooper through multiple moves. basically she was like a good book on a cold, fall day--necessary to my life. here's to missing you cobbler tom.

Gaia Girls Unite

2009-06-25T16:58:00.001-05:00

so, i bought the first gaia (mother earth in her most elemental, whole form) girl book about 2 years ago. it is about a girl who has to save all the local, organic farms from a commercial farming organization set on buying up all the land and basically destroying it. for whatever reason, i have not decided to pick it up and read it despite my environmental love of mother earth. well, i picked up the second one about the sea, and it was great. it is a read for 10-14 year olds, but i really enjoyed it. the main character is a 10 year old girl who loses her parents to the sea of which they are all connected. she is forced to move to japan from where her mother came. she must help her uncle find himself, learn to speak to the ocean beings (dolphins and whales), while learning lessons of understanding from her gaia sensei (teacher) and brush sensei on land. this is a powerful book that will touch your heart. i hope i can find the first one; i just gave the second one to my mom who i know will love it for its inherent message and strong character.

Marked Series--Second Installment

2009-06-25T15:34:00.002-05:00

ok, so eve of destruction, the second installment of the marked series--NOT P.C. AND KRISTIN CAST'S BOOKS WHICH I THINK LACK, LACK, LACK THE ENERGY OF OTHER YOUNG ADULT VAMPIRE NOVELS--was just as good as the first. Again, I have to warn my students that they need to be EXTREMELY MATURE to handle these books, but for others who love the urban fantasy genre, these books rock!!!! eve is such an introspective, take the bad with the good character that i just think she is awesome! I have to confess the love triangle between her and the biblical brothers Cain and Abel took a surprising turn in this book. Yes, Cain finally is done being punished for killing his brother (after, um, eons) and gains archangel status but loses his grasp on real human emotion. Hence, he cares about eve because she is his woman but only so. with arch-angel powers, he is now above mortal passion and feelings. very sad since i like him more than abel, but i recognize that abel is the one that needs to grow and evolve of which his relationship with eve will do so.

eve again kicks lots of demon butt; however, the guy that i thought was the bad guy is literally in the grips of hell and could be easily maneuvered. go eve in eve of chaos out next week!!!! i can't wait! i'm seriously wondering how the triangle finishes out; it can't be good for eve. i got the sense that this book will be over with this third (hey, this is a series i can really delve into--one out in three months and done--none of that wait a year until the next one like my some of my other favs in my southern vamp series and the hollows). i'll keep you posted...

Newest Book Obsession: Marked Series

2009-06-10T10:52:00.000-05:00

Warning; if any of my students are checking this out; I do not think it is teen appropriate! Or at least you need to be very mature and check with your parents first!

over the weekend, i had the privilege of beginning a new series; i have been searching for a fresh series as I devour the latest installment of my favorites and then impatiently wait for the next. i haven't been satisfied by a new series in awhile, though. discovering patricia briggs' mercy thompson novels had been the last one about 2-3 months ago or the young adult urban fantasy series, vampire academy at the same time (i was sick and needed something to read while stuck in bed).

see, i'm pretty picky about my urban fantasy series (even though it is practically the only genre that i read now). i have to have a good identifiable character with spunk, some love conflict, kick butt action (let's face it; my fav movies are asian fighting movies so that's a must), humor (preferably dry), and a slice of reality. some books are just too wishy-washy for me, but the new marked series starring eve by SJ Day are awesome! eve of darkness was a fantastic book with a little religious/bible twist only touched upon by la banks. the cain and abel storyline is intriguing, and i'm curious to who our heroine evangeline will choose. SJ Day seems to have a pretty cool website if you want to learn more.

Posting Poems

2009-06-01T09:09:00.000-05:00

Folks,

Since this is my first attempt at this; there is, of course, glitches. Please post under my account. Click on comments and then add a comment. View others' poems and comment on them. Then put your poem in (please make sure to add your name to all posts).

Thanks,
Mrs. Fix

Poetry Sharing

2009-05-12T07:02:00.000-05:00

Hey Folks,

Many of you have created some awesome poems! Please share them here! Or share your word/phrase lists! Offer ideas and encouragement! You will receive participation points for sharing and commenting!

Thanks,

Mrs. Fix