Fiction:
The Giver, by Lois Lowry, is about what appears to be a perfect society. The reader follows a 12 year old boy, Jonas, through his discovery of what is really behind this created and faultless community. The community was created to eliminate pain, suffering, discomfort, but also real joy. The elders assign partners, jobs, and children. Jonas is about to receive his assignment as he turns 12. He he assigned the most important job in the community, Receiver of Memory. The job of the Receiver of Memory is to hold on to all memories from the past, including joy, warmth, cold, war, pain, loss, grief, etc. The past Receiver of Memory is now giving all the kept memories to Jonas. When Jonas discovers the length at which the community goes to, to create sameness, to not have pain or sadness, he needs to be brave and do something no Receiver of Memory has ever tried. He must save someone he loves and in turn release all the memories.
I had never read this book in school, so I was excited to find out what the ah-ha moment was. I remember reading the beginning thinking I kind of liked how well-mannered the children were, how everyone took time to listen to one another, and how people tried not to hurt anyone. At what price could this happen? I found out - and I can definitely say that I will gladly take hurt feelings or pain over the alternative that this community created!
This was my first book discussion since undergrad. I was so excited to discuss this book because I had never read it before and I was eager to learn what others experienced when reading this. I wasn't surprised that we all had similar opinions of the text. However, there were some questions that made me think further into the reading - why was it called the giver and not the receiver? Did the father know he was really killing the child? How could he not? Why didn't the giver ever try to escape? I was amazed he didn't try once he saw the truth about the "release" of Rosemary. Was Rosemary his real daughter or just assigned? The one question I would ask of my students if I was leading a book discussion would be: Would you sacrifice not knowing what good memories and feelings are to escape bad memories and sad feelings?
I had never read this book in school, so I was excited to find out what the ah-ha moment was. I remember reading the beginning thinking I kind of liked how well-mannered the children were, how everyone took time to listen to one another, and how people tried not to hurt anyone. At what price could this happen? I found out - and I can definitely say that I will gladly take hurt feelings or pain over the alternative that this community created!
This was my first book discussion since undergrad. I was so excited to discuss this book because I had never read it before and I was eager to learn what others experienced when reading this. I wasn't surprised that we all had similar opinions of the text. However, there were some questions that made me think further into the reading - why was it called the giver and not the receiver? Did the father know he was really killing the child? How could he not? Why didn't the giver ever try to escape? I was amazed he didn't try once he saw the truth about the "release" of Rosemary. Was Rosemary his real daughter or just assigned? The one question I would ask of my students if I was leading a book discussion would be: Would you sacrifice not knowing what good memories and feelings are to escape bad memories and sad feelings?
Shiver takes you into a love story between a girl and a werewolf. Ever since Grace had been dragged off her tire swing by a wolf pack, her life would never be the same. She could have been killed by the wolves, but one wolf with bright yellow eyes saved her. Their eyes met and their lives would be entangled forever. Grace continued to be on the lookout for the wolves, not because she was scared, but because she wanted to see "her" wolf. Once she touches him and takes in his earthy, musty, wolf smell - she is in love.
I loved this book for its descriptions of the developing relationship between Grace and Sam. All their interactions were beautifully written - I could picture them perfectly and it made me so happy for them. I wanted to be Grace - experiencing her first love so intensely and so sweetly.
I loved this book for its descriptions of the developing relationship between Grace and Sam. All their interactions were beautifully written - I could picture them perfectly and it made me so happy for them. I wanted to be Grace - experiencing her first love so intensely and so sweetly.
Finn is a loner and just wants to spend his summer vacation talking to the least amount of people possible. He'll spend time with his dog, buddy Matthew, and a pile of books. But when a new neighbor moves in next door just for the summer, she has different plans for him. Johanna is battling breast cancer, but she does the saving. She encourages Finn to get out of his comfort zone and gain self-confidence along the way.
Notes from the Dog was a fun and heart-warming book. I really liked how the reader could get inside a young teenage boy's mind. With a little encouragement, teenage boys can really surprise you. They may have the stereotype of caring only about themselves, but when given an opportunity and a purpose, we can see that they can be so much more.
Notes from the Dog was a fun and heart-warming book. I really liked how the reader could get inside a young teenage boy's mind. With a little encouragement, teenage boys can really surprise you. They may have the stereotype of caring only about themselves, but when given an opportunity and a purpose, we can see that they can be so much more.
Buck is a large mix-breed dog who enjoys being someone's pet, but unfortunately gets sold into the wrong hands. What follows is a description of Buck's hard life as a sled dog for many different fearsome masters. Buck needs to find a way to make his way to the top of the pack because it is either a kill or be killed environment. Buck harnesses the wild in him and fights to make it. Finding the wild within saves his life and eventually brings him to a kind master, John Thornton. Buck finds a purpose in protecting John Thornton, but the wild still lingers.
I had never read Jack London's novel, The Call of the Wild; however, I always wanted to. I am glad I did got the chance to read this graphic novel version because it gave me an excuse to finally give it a try. Although I enjoyed the setting of the story, that was probably about it. As I was reading and looking at the graphics, I was cringing the whole time. The story was a bit to violent for me. I would enjoy the adventure of a sled dog adventure story, but this was more about the fierce fighting among the masters and dogs.
I had never read Jack London's novel, The Call of the Wild; however, I always wanted to. I am glad I did got the chance to read this graphic novel version because it gave me an excuse to finally give it a try. Although I enjoyed the setting of the story, that was probably about it. As I was reading and looking at the graphics, I was cringing the whole time. The story was a bit to violent for me. I would enjoy the adventure of a sled dog adventure story, but this was more about the fierce fighting among the masters and dogs.
Anne is an orphan from Nova Scotia sent to live with the Cuthberts on Prince Edward Island. When she arrives at Green Gables, the elderly Cuthberts are stunned to see that a girl has arrived instead of the boy they sent for. Anne should have known it was all too good to be true. Marilla Cuthert and her brother, Matthew Cuthbert, decide to give Anne a trial run at Green Gables. Anne is a skinny, bright red-haired, quick tempered eleven year-old. Can she stay out of trouble long enough to win Marilla and Matthew over? Anne may be a lot to handle for this elderly brother and sister, but Anne’s bright, imaginative, and loving character proves to be just what the Cuthberts need.
Set in the late Victorian era, reading Anne of Green Gables is like taking a step back in time. As I read this book for the second time, I fell in love all over again. I love Anne’s character – so full of life, imagination, and determination. Anne’s love of books is inspiring. Although she’s had a hard life, she is able to escape into the books she reads and finds hope. As the story unfolds and Anne wins over Marilla with her crazy, but loving ways, she becomes Anne of Green Gables.
Set in the late Victorian era, reading Anne of Green Gables is like taking a step back in time. As I read this book for the second time, I fell in love all over again. I love Anne’s character – so full of life, imagination, and determination. Anne’s love of books is inspiring. Although she’s had a hard life, she is able to escape into the books she reads and finds hope. As the story unfolds and Anne wins over Marilla with her crazy, but loving ways, she becomes Anne of Green Gables.
Non-Fiction:
Titanic: Voices from the Disaster allows the reader to be transported to the Titanic's maiden voyage and tragic sinking through eyewitness accounts from the crew and passengers. The reader gets a glimpse into what it may have felt like to be having a most amazing adventure, only to then be cast into twenty-eight degree water and wonder how this could ever have happened? Hopkinson describes Titanic's journey day by day and then minute by minute, all along intertwining descriptions from a handful of survivors. Their photos, letters and interviews after the sinking is what brought this book to life.
I can remember staring at the cover of National Geographic when the discovery of the wreck was found by Dr. Robert Ballard in 1985, and being memorized. I wanted to know all about it and I am still fascinated to this day. I have read many books and watched many documentaries on the sinking and discovery of Titanic. Over the past few years my children have also become enthralled by it. I originally bought this book to share with my son - he's not quite ready for it yet. But after reading this, I did tell him many of the highlights: Did you know that many of the pictures we have of Titanic's maiden voyage are from a passenger who got off in Ireland? I can't believe that the wireless operator of the Californian (the closest ship to Titanic that night) tried to warn the wireless operator of the Titanic, Jack Phillips. Jack Phillips told the operator to shut up several times; the operator signed off and went to bed, never getting the distress calls once the Titanic did hit the iceberg. One of my favorite stories involved Violet Jessop, a stewardess. Violet was a very courageous woman, having survived the sinking of the Titanic and then years later on the Britannic. "She continued at sea until she retired in 1950 (Hopkinson, 208)." The most heart wrenching letter came from Charlotte Collyer, who survived with her daughter, but lost her husband. She wanted to stay with her husband, but they ripped her eight-year-old daughter from her arms and put her in a boat, then threw her in the boat as well. These descriptions really allow the reader to feel connected to the people of the Titanic and continue to be fascinated by the events.
I can remember staring at the cover of National Geographic when the discovery of the wreck was found by Dr. Robert Ballard in 1985, and being memorized. I wanted to know all about it and I am still fascinated to this day. I have read many books and watched many documentaries on the sinking and discovery of Titanic. Over the past few years my children have also become enthralled by it. I originally bought this book to share with my son - he's not quite ready for it yet. But after reading this, I did tell him many of the highlights: Did you know that many of the pictures we have of Titanic's maiden voyage are from a passenger who got off in Ireland? I can't believe that the wireless operator of the Californian (the closest ship to Titanic that night) tried to warn the wireless operator of the Titanic, Jack Phillips. Jack Phillips told the operator to shut up several times; the operator signed off and went to bed, never getting the distress calls once the Titanic did hit the iceberg. One of my favorite stories involved Violet Jessop, a stewardess. Violet was a very courageous woman, having survived the sinking of the Titanic and then years later on the Britannic. "She continued at sea until she retired in 1950 (Hopkinson, 208)." The most heart wrenching letter came from Charlotte Collyer, who survived with her daughter, but lost her husband. She wanted to stay with her husband, but they ripped her eight-year-old daughter from her arms and put her in a boat, then threw her in the boat as well. These descriptions really allow the reader to feel connected to the people of the Titanic and continue to be fascinated by the events.
Porcellino's graphics accompany Thoreau's words to give the reader a simplistic view of what Thoreau's two years at Walden Pond was all about. The reader can see how Thoreau treasured the time he took to slow down and to listen and observe nature. Experiencing the gentle rain, the growing of his beans, hearing the hooting owl were all gifts he received while at Walden Pond.
This graphic novel brought me back to the shores of Walden Pond. I have been there twice and have felt such peace standing at the location of his house and walking the trails nearby. I can't say I would ever be able to leave the fine comforts of modern life behind like Thoreau did, but I certainly have romanticized about it. Porcellino's graphic novel allowed me to experience Walden again in easily digestible pages. I can envision students reading this and wanting more, possibly then reading Thoreau's Walden itself.
This graphic novel brought me back to the shores of Walden Pond. I have been there twice and have felt such peace standing at the location of his house and walking the trails nearby. I can't say I would ever be able to leave the fine comforts of modern life behind like Thoreau did, but I certainly have romanticized about it. Porcellino's graphic novel allowed me to experience Walden again in easily digestible pages. I can envision students reading this and wanting more, possibly then reading Thoreau's Walden itself.
Zoos and Animal Welfare is a great pro and con assessment of zoos. The reader can gather the facts in each chapter described for abolishing zoos and then switch gears in the following chapter and gather the facts for why zoos are key. For example, the first chapter describes how animals suffer in captivity and then the second chapter describes how animals do not suffer. Each chapter contains facts and figures from organizations such as The Philadelphia Zoo, The Association of Zoos and Aquariums, The Wildlife Conservation Society, The Captive Animals' Protection Society, In Defense of Animals, and others. It is up to the reader to then take the information they have learned and form their own opinion. There are also several resources at the back of the book to help the reader learn more about this controversy and how to do their own research and possibly take action.
Visiting zoos has always been a favorite activity for me and I thoroughly enjoy passing my love for the animals onto my children. However, I have always wondered if that cage is just too small for these "wild" animals? Do people really need to SEE a wild animal to develop enough feelings to then take action to save its species? I always thought so, but maybe I am not so sure anymore. This book really got me agreeing more towards the idea of abolishing zoos. Or at least the idea of changing many of their policies. Further investigation would definitely be interesting.
Visiting zoos has always been a favorite activity for me and I thoroughly enjoy passing my love for the animals onto my children. However, I have always wondered if that cage is just too small for these "wild" animals? Do people really need to SEE a wild animal to develop enough feelings to then take action to save its species? I always thought so, but maybe I am not so sure anymore. This book really got me agreeing more towards the idea of abolishing zoos. Or at least the idea of changing many of their policies. Further investigation would definitely be interesting.
Tomboy is a graphic novel that describes how Liz Prince fought against gender bias and discovered who she really was. Growing up as an adolescent is hard for most - trying to discover who they are. What if you don't fit into society's mold? Liz doesn't feel like she fits in. Liz struggles with how society views boys and girls: "A boy can be celebrated because of his personality and talents, regardless of how he looks. But a girl is usually only popular if she looks good. I wanted to be celebrated for being funny and a good artist." She isn't a girly girl, but she isn't a boy either. She just wants to be friends with people who are like her - girls or boys.
I can't completely identify with how Liz felt growing up, but I certainly had some similar feelings. I wasn't really a tomboy or the cheerleader type, but maybe more in the middle. I love the outdoors, so that put me in a slightly different mold than most of my girl friends, but I was lucky to have friends that understood and supported me. I even taught a few of my friends to climb trees to the top! Luckily Liz found supportive friends as well, that allowed her to be Liz Prince.
****************************Book Discussion Take-away****************************************
In our book discussion of TomBoy, we mostly agreed that we preferred this graphic novel over Honor Girl (the other graphic novel we read as a group). It wasn’t necessarily due to the graphics, but more because of the content. TomBoy was a humorous, yet thought provoking account of a girl growing up that doesn’t quite fit in. I think we can all relate to the idea of “not fitting in” at some point in our adolescence. But how does Liz stay true to herself and not cave into peer pressure? That was my biggest question for the group. What made Liz so strong? She had a great family that supported her and did meet some great friends along the way. Thank goodness she did have a great family, who didn’t try to change her. Teenagers need to be surrounded by family and friends that support them no matter what they are like – tomboy, equivalent for feminine boy, transgender, lesbian, gay, purple, or polka-dot!
I can't completely identify with how Liz felt growing up, but I certainly had some similar feelings. I wasn't really a tomboy or the cheerleader type, but maybe more in the middle. I love the outdoors, so that put me in a slightly different mold than most of my girl friends, but I was lucky to have friends that understood and supported me. I even taught a few of my friends to climb trees to the top! Luckily Liz found supportive friends as well, that allowed her to be Liz Prince.
****************************Book Discussion Take-away****************************************
In our book discussion of TomBoy, we mostly agreed that we preferred this graphic novel over Honor Girl (the other graphic novel we read as a group). It wasn’t necessarily due to the graphics, but more because of the content. TomBoy was a humorous, yet thought provoking account of a girl growing up that doesn’t quite fit in. I think we can all relate to the idea of “not fitting in” at some point in our adolescence. But how does Liz stay true to herself and not cave into peer pressure? That was my biggest question for the group. What made Liz so strong? She had a great family that supported her and did meet some great friends along the way. Thank goodness she did have a great family, who didn’t try to change her. Teenagers need to be surrounded by family and friends that support them no matter what they are like – tomboy, equivalent for feminine boy, transgender, lesbian, gay, purple, or polka-dot!
Poetry/Books in Verse:
Nature Poetry: "Make Me a Picture of the Sun" is a collection of poetry written by eight different poets around the Romantic era. Each chapter focuses on either a British or American poet, and one of their nature poems. LLanas gives a brief summary of each poet at the beginning of each chapter, allows the reader to go through the poem, and then offers a summary of the piece, explication, information on: style, technique, and poetic devices used; thematic relevance, and further study questions. This collection covers: Charlotte Turner Smith, William Wadsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, John Clare, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, and Paul Laurence Dunbar.
Reading poetry is definitely not my go to for literature choice, so I thought I would try to mix in something I did like - nature. Although I did try to enjoy these poems about nature, they were just too far removed for me. Possibly because these poems were written so long ago, or maybe because I am not used to reading poetry and listening for the poetic devices. I will definitely not make my mind up on nature poetry until I try some more out, possibly from more current authors.
Reading poetry is definitely not my go to for literature choice, so I thought I would try to mix in something I did like - nature. Although I did try to enjoy these poems about nature, they were just too far removed for me. Possibly because these poems were written so long ago, or maybe because I am not used to reading poetry and listening for the poetic devices. I will definitely not make my mind up on nature poetry until I try some more out, possibly from more current authors.
There is a boy
who doesn't like to write poetry
but then tries it
and discovers something cool.
He can write poetry
and is really good at it!
This was such a fun way to be introduced to verse poetry. I began smiling as soon as I started reading. I didn't want to put it down, feeling so excited to watch Jack's development as a poet. I was proud of him, as though I was his teacher or mom. I look forward to reading many more of Sharon Creech's books - Hate that Cat is next for me!
who doesn't like to write poetry
but then tries it
and discovers something cool.
He can write poetry
and is really good at it!
This was such a fun way to be introduced to verse poetry. I began smiling as soon as I started reading. I didn't want to put it down, feeling so excited to watch Jack's development as a poet. I was proud of him, as though I was his teacher or mom. I look forward to reading many more of Sharon Creech's books - Hate that Cat is next for me!
Challenged/Banned:
Junior is a young man growing up on the Spokane Indian reservation where his future looks pretty dismal. Even after getting past some medical problems, he faces an uphill battle against poverty, violence, and substance abuse surrounding him. He makes a decision to fight for a better life and transfers to the neighboring all-white school - Reardan. He struggles to fit in, but also struggles at home feeling like he abandoned his race - becoming a part-time Indian. Junior (Arnold) finds the strength to pursue his dreams amongst many tragedies along the way.
This novel is eye-opening to the real situations Native Americans face on reservations today. The poverty, violence, and substance abuse that occurs is heart-breaking. I just wish more young people would get the opportunities that Arnold did by going to an average (white) school. Or even better - to have the reseservation schools be just as good as a school off the reservation. I found myself wanting to understand more about this story and researched the author, Sherman Alexie. This story is more like an autobiography than fiction. Sherman shares his real-life experiences in his book, but does it in a humorous and sentimental way to evoke all emotions a reader would want to experience.
****************************Book Discussion Take-away****************************************
I enjoyed discussing this book with my group because it shed light on some questions I had and brought up great questions I hadn't thought of. One important topic to discuss was why this book would be challenged or banned and how to handle this. The sexual language in the text would be something hard to ignore for young teens; therefore, we felt this book is better suited to high school students. We also discussed how to handle recommending this book to a class - whether permission slips would need to be signed by parents. This could open a can of worms that could backfire; however, I feel strongly that parents need to know about mature content and not be surprised about it once they find out - because they will. I am interested to learn the steps and processes involved for librarians when wanting to include a challenged or banned book in their collection.
A lovely theme that someone brought up in the discussion was the idea that with happiness comes sadness and vice-versa. We discussed different moments in the book where this was true. I also liked discussing how Arnold's friendships with Rowdy and Gordy were different. How Junior's friendship with Rowdy was more because of location; whereas, Arnold's friendship with Gordy was based more on choice and of commonality.
Lastly, I liked finding a similarity to how Arnold may have felt as an Indian boy compared to a white boy: "good for an Indian" and how girls feel compared to boys: "throw good for a girl". As a young girl I always struggled with the fact that girls could be compared to other girls and find their ranking, but girls couldn't compete with boys - especially in sports. Boys would always be stronger and faster I felt. I wonder if Arnold felt something similar - white boys would always be smarter and privileged.
This novel is eye-opening to the real situations Native Americans face on reservations today. The poverty, violence, and substance abuse that occurs is heart-breaking. I just wish more young people would get the opportunities that Arnold did by going to an average (white) school. Or even better - to have the reseservation schools be just as good as a school off the reservation. I found myself wanting to understand more about this story and researched the author, Sherman Alexie. This story is more like an autobiography than fiction. Sherman shares his real-life experiences in his book, but does it in a humorous and sentimental way to evoke all emotions a reader would want to experience.
****************************Book Discussion Take-away****************************************
I enjoyed discussing this book with my group because it shed light on some questions I had and brought up great questions I hadn't thought of. One important topic to discuss was why this book would be challenged or banned and how to handle this. The sexual language in the text would be something hard to ignore for young teens; therefore, we felt this book is better suited to high school students. We also discussed how to handle recommending this book to a class - whether permission slips would need to be signed by parents. This could open a can of worms that could backfire; however, I feel strongly that parents need to know about mature content and not be surprised about it once they find out - because they will. I am interested to learn the steps and processes involved for librarians when wanting to include a challenged or banned book in their collection.
A lovely theme that someone brought up in the discussion was the idea that with happiness comes sadness and vice-versa. We discussed different moments in the book where this was true. I also liked discussing how Arnold's friendships with Rowdy and Gordy were different. How Junior's friendship with Rowdy was more because of location; whereas, Arnold's friendship with Gordy was based more on choice and of commonality.
Lastly, I liked finding a similarity to how Arnold may have felt as an Indian boy compared to a white boy: "good for an Indian" and how girls feel compared to boys: "throw good for a girl". As a young girl I always struggled with the fact that girls could be compared to other girls and find their ranking, but girls couldn't compete with boys - especially in sports. Boys would always be stronger and faster I felt. I wonder if Arnold felt something similar - white boys would always be smarter and privileged.
Virginia Shreves is a fifteen year-old high school student struggling with her self-worth. Her best friend has moved away for the year, her older sister in is the Peace Corps, her older brother is perfect, and her parents don’t understand her. Her family is perfect without her in it. Virginia doubts herself in every way – she thinks she isn’t worthy to be in her own family, not special enough to be someone’s girlfriend, not important enough to remain a best friend. She struggles with her weight and tries to make her mom proud by dieting, but something gets in her way – her brother. Her perfect brother, Byron, does something shocking that will turn the family inside out. Between a supportive teacher, Ms. Crowley, her best friend, and boyfriend, Virginia starts to realize she can believe in herself.
I loved watching Virginia’s transformation from a sad, eager to please, self-deprecating teen to a powerful, sure of herself, strong woman. Many teens go through self-doubt, but don’t ever find the strength to overcome their struggle. Beng surrounded by positive role models makes all the difference. Luckily for Virginia, she found those positive rays of light to follow and listen to.
I loved watching Virginia’s transformation from a sad, eager to please, self-deprecating teen to a powerful, sure of herself, strong woman. Many teens go through self-doubt, but don’t ever find the strength to overcome their struggle. Beng surrounded by positive role models makes all the difference. Luckily for Virginia, she found those positive rays of light to follow and listen to.
Diversity:
Liza, a high school senior in a small private NYC school meets Annie at a NYC museum and everything changes. Liza and Annie quickly become friends and fall in love. Liza had never fallen in love before - with a girl or a boy. Could she really be gay? She was in love, but how could this all work? She doesn't want to bring shame to her parents, brother, or school administration, which is struggling to stay afloat. She loves Annie, but doesn't want her love to hurt anyone.
Annie on My Mind is a beautiful love story. The playfulness the two girls have for each other is adorable. The love they have for one another is intoxicating. I had a fear that the strict school administration Liza had to deal with would put an end to Liza and Annie's love. However, the girls prove that love can conquer all!
Annie on My Mind is a beautiful love story. The playfulness the two girls have for each other is adorable. The love they have for one another is intoxicating. I had a fear that the strict school administration Liza had to deal with would put an end to Liza and Annie's love. However, the girls prove that love can conquer all!
Maggie is fifteen and has spent every summer at an all-girl Christian summer camp. This summer she is surprised by how she feels when she is innocently touched by someone - a girl counselor. This one touch sends Maggie into a tailspin about what it all means. She uses the firing range at camp to try and empty her mind, but it is only temporary. Maggie's thoughts are only on Erin. They find time to sneak out and be together only briefly, but Maggie has been changed forever.
Reading this memoir in a graphic format was interesting, but not my favorite. I have trouble getting emotionally invested in graphic novels. It always feels like too much is missing and not enough feelings are described. Especially with the context of what this book is trying to convey - a first love, realization of being gay, how these new found feelings will define the rest of my life....I wanted more text vs. graphics. I look forward to discussing this book with my group next week, maybe someone will have found some greatness in this book that I did not.
****************************Book Discussion Take-away****************************************
In our book discussion, most people felt this book was missing something, as I did. Although the graphics were in color, they didn't convey enough emotion for me. Some participants in the book discussion group did enjoy the color graphics and story, but most did not. We discussed if Maggie's relationship would have lasted outside of camp if it was with someone closer to her age, if it was with someone that lived closer, or if other circumstances were different. We didn't think so. We also talked about the shooting range scenes and how they seemed out of place and not too realistic. I thought it was strange that Maggie wasn't great at shooting and then miraculously after realizing she was in love with Erin, she had focus and was the best shooter in the camp. The ending was another place of disappointment for many of us. It was abrupt and without resolution. Did Maggie continue as a lesbian? Did she forget about Erin? Was this experience a life changer? We just don't know.
Reading this memoir in a graphic format was interesting, but not my favorite. I have trouble getting emotionally invested in graphic novels. It always feels like too much is missing and not enough feelings are described. Especially with the context of what this book is trying to convey - a first love, realization of being gay, how these new found feelings will define the rest of my life....I wanted more text vs. graphics. I look forward to discussing this book with my group next week, maybe someone will have found some greatness in this book that I did not.
****************************Book Discussion Take-away****************************************
In our book discussion, most people felt this book was missing something, as I did. Although the graphics were in color, they didn't convey enough emotion for me. Some participants in the book discussion group did enjoy the color graphics and story, but most did not. We discussed if Maggie's relationship would have lasted outside of camp if it was with someone closer to her age, if it was with someone that lived closer, or if other circumstances were different. We didn't think so. We also talked about the shooting range scenes and how they seemed out of place and not too realistic. I thought it was strange that Maggie wasn't great at shooting and then miraculously after realizing she was in love with Erin, she had focus and was the best shooter in the camp. The ending was another place of disappointment for many of us. It was abrupt and without resolution. Did Maggie continue as a lesbian? Did she forget about Erin? Was this experience a life changer? We just don't know.
Audio Book:
Seventeen year-old Mia has just been in a car accident with her family. She isn't dead, but she isn't quite alive either. She is stuck in between. Should she stay alive - follow her dreams of becoming an amazing cellist at Julliard, stay with her amazing boyfriend, Adam? Or should she go - be with her parents and little brother?
Gail Forman's writing pulls the reader into a world I always wondered about? Can people on the brink of death contemplate staying or going? What makes them decide? It isn't an easy decision. In Mia's flashbacks throughout the story, we get an idea of who she is, what her family is like, and the dreams she may have for the future. If I were in her shoes, I am not sure what I would have done either.
This is my first audio book, after a failed attempt with another. I have found that the narrator makes all the difference. If I Stay is narrated by Kirsten Potter. Kirsten narrates this book as though she is all the characters - changing her voice and essentially acting out the book. I would have loved this book if I had read it myself, but listening to Kirsten narrate it gives the book an added dimension I am so happy I got to experience.
Gail Forman's writing pulls the reader into a world I always wondered about? Can people on the brink of death contemplate staying or going? What makes them decide? It isn't an easy decision. In Mia's flashbacks throughout the story, we get an idea of who she is, what her family is like, and the dreams she may have for the future. If I were in her shoes, I am not sure what I would have done either.
This is my first audio book, after a failed attempt with another. I have found that the narrator makes all the difference. If I Stay is narrated by Kirsten Potter. Kirsten narrates this book as though she is all the characters - changing her voice and essentially acting out the book. I would have loved this book if I had read it myself, but listening to Kirsten narrate it gives the book an added dimension I am so happy I got to experience.
Educational/Interactive Website:
Adobe Spark is a website that allows the creator to use graphics, photos, text, music, and voice recordings to share their ideas. Adobe Spark is broken down into three choices:
1) Spark Post - use photos, graphics, and text to create an announcement, and invitation, or inspire with a meaningful quote on one page.
2) Spark Page - use photos, graphics, and text on multiple pages that flow from one to the next, called a "glideshow". Spark Page is useful for a portfolio, photo journal, book reviews, a catalog, or an event summary.
3) Spark Video - use photos, graphics, text, music, and voice recordings to create an animated video. Spark videos would be great for sharing a lesson, presentation, or even a book trailer! I used Adobe Spark video to create two book trailers and hope to use this format for my LPLE project.
Within each choice, the graphics are amazing and plentiful. You can select from thousands of images on the web or select your own to incorporate. What I found to be great about selecting an image from their search box is that the image is cited automatically at the end of the project. Within Spark Video, there are great choices for music or you can add your own music file. The only negative I found is that you can't set different music choices within one project; therefore, only one music choice is played throughout. Also within Spark Video, you can record sound to play for each page. I recorded my voice for several projects I worked on and found it very easy to record and then re-record because of how many times I made mistakes.
All three choices also allow you to begin with a template, organized by what your goals might be (i.e. presenting a lesson or family invitation). Starting from scratch is also an option, and then you can add in different backgrounds, colors, graphics, etc. that work well for you.
Lastly, when you are finished, the project can be shared instantly. A URL link is created that can be copied, in addition, facebook, twitter, and email icons are available to click as well. These projects may also be synced between your computer and iOS device with the download of the Adobe Spark apps. Adobe Spark has definitely been my go to media creator because it is so easy to use and offers so many great graphics and images instantly, with eye-catching animation capabilities.
1) Spark Post - use photos, graphics, and text to create an announcement, and invitation, or inspire with a meaningful quote on one page.
2) Spark Page - use photos, graphics, and text on multiple pages that flow from one to the next, called a "glideshow". Spark Page is useful for a portfolio, photo journal, book reviews, a catalog, or an event summary.
3) Spark Video - use photos, graphics, text, music, and voice recordings to create an animated video. Spark videos would be great for sharing a lesson, presentation, or even a book trailer! I used Adobe Spark video to create two book trailers and hope to use this format for my LPLE project.
Within each choice, the graphics are amazing and plentiful. You can select from thousands of images on the web or select your own to incorporate. What I found to be great about selecting an image from their search box is that the image is cited automatically at the end of the project. Within Spark Video, there are great choices for music or you can add your own music file. The only negative I found is that you can't set different music choices within one project; therefore, only one music choice is played throughout. Also within Spark Video, you can record sound to play for each page. I recorded my voice for several projects I worked on and found it very easy to record and then re-record because of how many times I made mistakes.
All three choices also allow you to begin with a template, organized by what your goals might be (i.e. presenting a lesson or family invitation). Starting from scratch is also an option, and then you can add in different backgrounds, colors, graphics, etc. that work well for you.
Lastly, when you are finished, the project can be shared instantly. A URL link is created that can be copied, in addition, facebook, twitter, and email icons are available to click as well. These projects may also be synced between your computer and iOS device with the download of the Adobe Spark apps. Adobe Spark has definitely been my go to media creator because it is so easy to use and offers so many great graphics and images instantly, with eye-catching animation capabilities.
Scratch is a programming language accessed through the scratch website: https://scratch.mit.edu/. A user can design animations, stories, music, art, and games using the scratch programming language made up of pre-defined and customizable scripts. The script blocks allow easy building and customizing of a scratch project. These projects can be shared online or downloaded to your computer. Scratch is developed by the Lifelong Kindergarten research group at the MIT Media Lab (http://llk.media.mit.edu).
The website is incredible with guides, video tutorials, and scratch cards. There are also sections on the website for parents and for educators. Teachers can create a teacher account and manage groups of students and their projects. Harvard Graduate School of Education developed and maintains ScratchEd – an online community for Scratch educators.
Scratch is a completely free program and geared for ages 8-16; however, all ages would enjoy this creative and rewarding website for learning to code. Learning to code allows for creative thinking and logical reasoning, and with Scratch, it is really easy and fun.
The website is incredible with guides, video tutorials, and scratch cards. There are also sections on the website for parents and for educators. Teachers can create a teacher account and manage groups of students and their projects. Harvard Graduate School of Education developed and maintains ScratchEd – an online community for Scratch educators.
Scratch is a completely free program and geared for ages 8-16; however, all ages would enjoy this creative and rewarding website for learning to code. Learning to code allows for creative thinking and logical reasoning, and with Scratch, it is really easy and fun.
eBook:
Let it Snow contains three stories all intertwined, written by three different authors - John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle. The first story, The Jubilee Express, is about a teenage girl who is looking forward to spending Christmas Eve with her perfect boyfriend, Noah, when plans drastically change. Her parents are brought to jail after a ceramic village sale goes crazy. Jubilee is sent to her grandparents by train. However, because of a huge snowstorm, her train never makes it. She escapes to the Waffle House, meets a boy, and finds love.
A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle, by John Green, brings the reader back to the Waffle House to find out how the cheerleaders and waffle house workers, who we briefly met in The Jubilee Express, take part in another teenage romance. This is a funny adventure of a few close friends trying to get to the Waffle house to see fourteen cheerleaders stuck there in a snowstorm. What could be better for teenage boys? After many failures to get there, they finally make it. But getting to meet fourteen cheerleaders isn't the prize at the end - falling in love with your best friend is the reward!
Lastly, The Patron Saint of Pigs, by Lauren Myracle, introduces us to Addie. Addie is in love with Jeb, but made a mistake she regrets completely, and lost him. Addie needs to hear the hard truth about herself before she can win him back. It isn't easy to hear about your flaws from your best friends, but sometimes it is badly needed and necessary. Addie & Jeb, Stuart & Jubilee, Angie & Tobin - all together, and in love!
I picked this as my first eBook because I like the author, Lauren Myracle. I had never rented an eBook, but found it to be a great method for reading. I loved laying in bed, using my phone to read at night. It was easy to hold, place flags on the important pages, and to flip back to reread any section I needed to. I will definitely try renting more eBooks in the future!
A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle, by John Green, brings the reader back to the Waffle House to find out how the cheerleaders and waffle house workers, who we briefly met in The Jubilee Express, take part in another teenage romance. This is a funny adventure of a few close friends trying to get to the Waffle house to see fourteen cheerleaders stuck there in a snowstorm. What could be better for teenage boys? After many failures to get there, they finally make it. But getting to meet fourteen cheerleaders isn't the prize at the end - falling in love with your best friend is the reward!
Lastly, The Patron Saint of Pigs, by Lauren Myracle, introduces us to Addie. Addie is in love with Jeb, but made a mistake she regrets completely, and lost him. Addie needs to hear the hard truth about herself before she can win him back. It isn't easy to hear about your flaws from your best friends, but sometimes it is badly needed and necessary. Addie & Jeb, Stuart & Jubilee, Angie & Tobin - all together, and in love!
I picked this as my first eBook because I like the author, Lauren Myracle. I had never rented an eBook, but found it to be a great method for reading. I loved laying in bed, using my phone to read at night. It was easy to hold, place flags on the important pages, and to flip back to reread any section I needed to. I will definitely try renting more eBooks in the future!
App:
IMAG-N-O-TRON is an app that brings the book, The Fantastic Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, to life. The app costs $0.99, but also requires the user to purchase the book (around $14). Once the app is activated on your device, you can point it to a page of the hard copy book and it will begin reading, playing music, and floating objects around on the screen. In addition, some pages will ask the reader to touch something on the page or tilt the device around the room to see objects from the book floating in augmented reality. It is an amazing experience and certainly adds excitement to reading a book. Although this app was created in 2012, this is my first experience with an augmented reality (AR) book. It makes me curious about others that may have been created by different companies and how they might compare. I had a few glitches occur while using the app, but overall found it to be fascinating.
Game:
Crossy Road is an arcade style game that can be played as an app on phones and tablets, or in a browser at: http://crossy-roadgame.com/. This game is so simple, but highly addictive (in a good way). You simply tap the screen to move a character forward across the screen, while trying to avoid hazards such as traffic, trains and water hazards. There are many characters to choose from, such as, a chicken, zebra, pig, dog, Frankenstein, food items, etc. As you play, you earn coins towards unlocking new characters. The goal is to beat your last number of steps without being run over or falling into water hazards. Each character adds something unique to playing the game. For example, the dragon breaths fire and burns passing cars, the ghost crosses roads at night in the dark, and the arctic fox crosses snowy roads.
In addition to the regular Crossy Road game, there is also a Disney Crossy Road, where you can play as Disney characters organized by their popular movies or rides at the theme parks. As the user switches between characters, so do the obstacles and backgrounds of the game. New sets of characters are constantly being added to the game, which then can be individually won by collecting enough coins. This game is great for all ages and offers a little fun to a stressful day.
In addition to the regular Crossy Road game, there is also a Disney Crossy Road, where you can play as Disney characters organized by their popular movies or rides at the theme parks. As the user switches between characters, so do the obstacles and backgrounds of the game. New sets of characters are constantly being added to the game, which then can be individually won by collecting enough coins. This game is great for all ages and offers a little fun to a stressful day.