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April 29
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Renee
gave
 
to:
American Born Chinese (Paperback)
by Gene Luen Yang
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my rating:
Added to my books!
add my review
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Renee said:
"Title: American Born Chinese
Author: Yang Gene Luen
Publisher:First Second Books
Year:2006
# of pages-240
Genre: Graphic Novel
Interest Level: ages 11 and up
Potential Hot Lava:
stereotypes
General Response:
I liked this book even though ...more
Title: American Born Chinese
Author: Yang Gene Luen
Publisher:First Second Books
Year:2006
# of pages-240
Genre: Graphic Novel
Interest Level: ages 11 and up
Potential Hot Lava:
stereotypes
General Response:
I liked this book even though I didn't think I would. It was a fast and easy read and the pictures really enhanced each story.
Subjects, Themes,and Big Ideas:
finding you own identity, friendship, knowing your roots
Characters:
Monkey King-king of the fruit mountain
Jin Wang- Chinese American who has just moved
Danny-popular boy is high school tormented by cousin
Chin-Kee-tormenting cousin from China
Wei Chin Sun- Jin's friend
Summary:
The first tale is about the Monkey King who goes to a celestial dinner party, but is denied entrance because he is a monkey and does not wear shoes.
The second story then begins with a Chinese American boy, Jin Wang, who has moved to a new home. An old woman tells him he can be anything he wants, if he is willing to forfeit his soul. Jin told her he wanted to be a Transformer. When he goes to school, the teacher mispronounces his name, boys pick on him, and rumors arise that he is betrothed to a Japanese girl named Suzy Nakamura. Two months later, a new student from Taiwan arrives, named Wei Chen Sun. At first Jin wants to beat him up, but later the two become friends, bonding over Wei Chen's Transformer toy.
The third story is about a white boy named Danny, and his Chinese cousin, Chin-Kee. Danny is having a study date with a friend, Melanie. When he is about to ask her out, his parents announce that his cousin, Chin-Kee, has come for his annual visit. Chin-Kee insults Melanie, and causes her to leave in a huff.
The first tale about the Monkey King then resumes. He has decreed that all his subjects wear shoes, then locks himself in his chamber to learn the twelve disciplines of kung fu, when he is summoned to the underwater kingdom to be executed. He goes around causing havoc, until Tze-Yo-Tzuh, his creator stops him. As a result, the Monkey King flees, carving his name into five pillars of gold at the end of his trip, as well as relieving himself on one of the pillars. Afterwards, he again meets his creator, who shows him his fingers, which were in reality the five pillars of gold. Tze-Yo-Tzuh then buries the Monkey King in a mountain of rubble. (This is a famous Chinese historical tale.)
The second tale resumes at this point. In the 7th grade, Jin begins to notice a classmate of his, Amelia Harris, and develops a crush on her. Later on, Wei Chen and Suzy start to date. One day, Wei Chen and Amelia get trapped in a supply closet and Jin comes to their rescue, asking Amelia out, who eagerly accepts.
The third tale resumes. Chin-Kee answers every question the teachers ask, pees in Danny's friend's drink, and even brings a dead cat for lunch.
Many chapters later, it turns out, Chin-Kee is really the Monkey King. Wei-chen is actually the Monkey King's son, and Danny is really Jin Wang. Later, Jin goes to a bakery in Oakland, CA and meets Wei Chen; the two resolve their differences and become friends once more.
Strengths-
good graphics
interesting story line
surprize ending
good messages
Drawbacks-
the end was a little confusing at first, but then when I went back and read it again it all made sense
Teaching Ideas:
Have student design a comic book with one of their writings
Have students choose favorite story and tell why
Have students write a different ending
Have students choose one character they relate to the most and explain why...less
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Renee
gave
to:
Megan Meade's Guide to the McGowan Boys (Paperback)
by Kate Brian
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my rating:
Added to my books!
add my review
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Renee said:
"Title: Megan Meade's Guide to the McGowan Boys
Author: Kate Brian
Year: 2005
Publisher: Simnon Pulse
# of pages: 267
Genre: Non-fiction
Interest Level: ages 11 and up
Potential Hot Lava:
sex, drinking, cursing, vandalism, and fighting
Gen...more
Title: Megan Meade's Guide to the McGowan Boys
Author: Kate Brian
Year: 2005
Publisher: Simnon Pulse
# of pages: 267
Genre: Non-fiction
Interest Level: ages 11 and up
Potential Hot Lava:
sex, drinking, cursing, vandalism, and fighting
General Response:
I generally liked this book. It took me reading about fifty pages before I became interested in the story line, but overall I felt that this book tryly demonstrated how life really is for a sixteen year old girl and her struggles with boys.
Subjects, themes, and Big Ideas:
Friendship, forgiveness, finding your identity, relationships, and romance
Characters:
Megan Meade-sixteen year old girl who's parents moved to Korea and she is now living with her parents friends and their seven boys
Evan McGowan-one of the seven boys and Megan's crush
Miller McGowan-one of the seven boys who has Asperger's syndrome
Doug McGowan-one of the seven boys ("punk child")
Aimee Farmer- Megan's best friend
Hailey Farmer- Evan's girlfriend, Megan's enemy
Finn McGowan- one of the seven boys that Megan gets along with the best
Summary:
This book is about a sixteen year old girl named Megan Meade. Megan's father was in the military and he was assigned to be stationed in Korea. Megan had moved all of her life and for once she didn't want to move away from the United States. Her parents reasoned with her and said the only way she could stay was if she moved to Massachusetts to live with their close friends, the McGowan's. Once Megan arrived at the McGowan house she saw all seven boys. Megan's world began to be very interesting. From the beginning Megan fell for Evan. He was a senior and he looked like he walked right out of the pages of an Abercrombie magazine. Megan also became close friends with Finn. Megan faced many obstacles once she entered school for the first day of her junior year. Megan found out that Evan had a girlfriend who would become her enemy. Many new events unravel throughout this book causing the reader to like every character and the end becomes a twisitng joy ride.
Strenghths: I felt this book did a good job of allowing us to understand Megan on a deep level and I could gain a good mental image of what she looked like, what her room looked like, and her feelings about the drama unfolding.
Also, the boys had their own destinct characters causing them to be easily identified
Drawbacks: The book was a little unrealistic at time causing me to not like the book as much as I could have
Teaching Ideas:
Study about Asperger's syndrome
have a Friendship unit
Clean up the town or city of vandalism like Megan and her friends did
have the students write a paper about the characters they relate to the most and why...less
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Renee
gave
to:
Speak (Paperback)
by Laurie Halse Anderson
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my rating:
Added to my books!
add my review
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Renee said:
"English 425 Submitter’s name __Renee Hess_____
Book Bank Book Bank subject: ______________________
Reference information:
Title Speak
Author Laurie Halse Anderson
Publisher Penguin group Year 1999
# of pages 198 Genre Ficti...more
English 425 Submitter’s name __Renee Hess_____
Book Bank Book Bank subject: ______________________
Reference information:
Title Speak
Author Laurie Halse Anderson
Publisher Penguin group Year 1999
# of pages 198 Genre Fiction
Reading level Interest level ages 13 and up
Potential hot lava:
Rape, alcohol, and depression
General response/reaction:
I really enjoyed reading this book. I couldn’t put it down; all I wanted to do was finish reading to find out if Melinda ever got the encouragement that she needed. I liked the message that this book sent and I liked feeling the deep troubling problem that Melinda was faced with. I felt that this author did a great job at conveying great emotion in this book. I would definitely recommend this book.
Subjects, Themes, and Big Ideas:
Feeling alone, power of silence, not having anyone to trust, hurt, finding trust, finding oneself
Characters:
Melinda—the main character that called the cops at a party and now she has no friends
Heather- Melinda’s only friend in high school who ends up dumping her to be a part of a group call the Martha’s
Rachel—Melinda’s ex. Best friend that finally realizes the truth
Mr. Freeman—the art teacher that seems to connect to Melinda
Plot summary:
When recently graduated 8th grader Melinda goes to an end of the year party she is raped by an older boy named Andy Evans. Melinda doesn’t know what to do so she calls the cops. When the police show up everyone gets mad at Melinda and doesn’t have anything to do with her. She was scared and didn’t tell anyone about what happened and is left all alone to fend for herself in high school. Melinda stops speaking to everyone, even her parents. Desperate to find a friend Melinda takes up with the new girl named Heather. They didn’t really have a close relationship, but anything would work for Melinda. As the school year goes underway Melinda’s grades drop and she even makes an old janitor closet her new hideaway. Farther through the year her only friend Heather joins a group called the Martha’s. Heather ends up dropping Melinda because she is afraid that her reputation will be the same as Melinda’s, weird lonely girl. Towards the end of the year Melinda’s old friend Ivy starts talking to her again. Melinda finally gets enough courage around the end of the year to tell her old friend Rachel what really happened at the party and why she called the cops. Rachel doesn’t believe Melinda when she tells her that Andy raped her because Rachel is dating Andy. Then it’s time for prom. Rachel finally realizes that Melinda was right about Andy and leaves him at prom by himself. Finally, towards the end of the school year Melinda is cleaning her janitor closet out when Andy barges in and locks her in the closet with him. He is mad that rumors are now spreading through the school. Andy tries to hold Melinda down, but she breaks a mirror and tries to cut Andy with a piece of broken glass. As Melinda screams the whole Lacrosse team was waiting outside the door to save Melinda. Finally, the truth was out. Melinda was able to be set free. On the last day of school Melinda was sitting in art class when Mr. Freeman says that she must have gone through a lot. Melinda tells him that she is ready to speak and tell him all about it.
Strengths (including reviews and awards):
Michael L. Printz award
A National Book Award finalist
SCBWI Golden Kite Award
(Winner of eight state book awards—and a finalist for eleven)
This book had great flow which allowed me to breeze through the book
I like the emotion that Melinda express through her thoughts
Drawbacks or other cautions:
I felt that a lot of the text was repetitive at times. I felt like I had read five pages and not get anywhere.
Teaching ideas:
Have students draw a picture that best explains themselves
Have a lesson on what to do when somebody tries to take advantage of you
Hold a lesson the power of silence and explore the emotions that go along with it
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Renee
gave
to:
October Sky (Paperback)
by Homer H. Hickam Jr.
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my rating:
Added to my books!
add my review
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Renee said:
"Title: October Sky
Author: Homer H. Hickam Jr.
Publisher: Rocket Boys
# of pages- 421
Year 1999
Genre: Non fiction
Interest Level: ages 11 and up
Potential Hot Lava: alcohol references
General Response:
Well written book that any young adu...more
Title: October Sky
Author: Homer H. Hickam Jr.
Publisher: Rocket Boys
# of pages- 421
Year 1999
Genre: Non fiction
Interest Level: ages 11 and up
Potential Hot Lava: alcohol references
General Response:
Well written book that any young adult with hopes and dreams could be drawn to and take away a positive outlook
Subject, Themes, and Big Ideas:
Science, peer pressure, perseverance
Characters:
Homer Hickam Jr., Jimmy O'Dell, Sherman Siers, Jim Hickam, Roy Lee Cooke, Quentin Wilson, Miss Frieda Riley, Elsie and Homer Hickam Sr.
Plot Summary:
When Sonny first witnesses Sputnik, the first salellite launched into space by the Soviet Union, streak through the Coalwood, West Virginia sky from his front yard it kindles an interest into rocketry and space travel. His first attempt at building a rocket failed miserably and caused him to immediately draw the ire of many of the citizens of Coalwood. After many more failed attempts he and his friends, who call themselves The Big Creek Missile Agency, begin studying and analyzing different concoctions for their rocket fuel and nozzle designs, often enlisting the help of people who work for his father, who adamantly protests what their research, at the local mine in the machine shop.
Once Sonny gains the support of the town, and learns to draw inspiration from those who comdemn him for not feeding the stereotype of the "typical" Coalwood boy by working in the mines once out of school, he and the others are able to conquer their dreams and win the National Science Fair, and escape the life of a miner that so many Coalwood men had succumb to because it opened up new windows of hope for furthering their education and leading the lives they had always hoped for.
Strenghts
A very well written book with true feelings of inspiration (this book can make anyone feel like they can overcome anything standing in their way to reaching their goal)
Drawbacks:
N/A
Teaching Ideas:
Have the class test fly rockets
Have a unit on rockets
Have the students choose their favorite charater and write why
Have the students write an alternate ending
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April 03
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Renee
gave
to:
Downriver (Mass Market Paperback)
by Will Hobbs
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my rating:
Added to my books!
add my review
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Renee said:
"English 425 Submitter’s name: Renee Hess
Book Bank Book Bank subject: Novel Approach
Reference information:
Title: Downriver
Author: Will Hobbs
Publisher: Dell Laurel-leaf Year: 1996
# of pages: 204 Genre: Fiction
Reading level...more
English 425 Submitter’s name: Renee Hess
Book Bank Book Bank subject: Novel Approach
Reference information:
Title: Downriver
Author: Will Hobbs
Publisher: Dell Laurel-leaf Year: 1996
# of pages: 204 Genre: Fiction
Reading level Interest level: ages 11 and up
Potential hot lava:
A few curse words, drinking, running away, and stealing
General response/reaction:
I truly liked this book. It was full of excitement and it kept my interest throughout. It was also a very easy read, which I liked.
Subjects, Themes, and Big Ideas:
Finding oneself
Characters:
Jessie, Freddy, Star, Troy, Rita, Adam, Pug, Heather, Al, Madeline, and Jessie’s father
Plot summary:
Jessie was facing a lot of problems once her father met a new woman. She was hanging out with “bad company” and getting into trouble. Her father sent her to Discovery Unlimited to give her a chance to find herself. The Discovery Unlimited program was to help troubled teens find better ways to deal with their problems by hiking, mountain climbing, and white water rafting. Jessie meets a lot of new people with troubled pasts and they all try to do what was asked of them. One day Troy had the idea to steal Al’s (the leader) van full of equipment and go white water rafting through the Grand Canyon’s rapids. These teens make it out okay and hit up the rapids. For days they were on their own battling the water and watching out for one another. On the sixth day they were surprised by the appearance of Al. He showed up and told them that if he could join along then they would not get into trouble. The next day, Al led the teen’s right into the arms of the rangers and police. They all worked together to get away and continued to battle the water. Throughout the next few day’s things kept getting worse and the group started to realize what a jerk Troy was. Adam dislocated his arm and managed to gash his foot open, while Troy and Pug put a scorpion in Freddy’s sleeping bag where he was stung twice in the spine. Jessie, Freddy, Rita, Star, and Adam fled from Troy and Pug only to later be caught by the police and rangers. They gave up quickly because Adam and Freddy both needed to get to a hospital. Later on in the story Jessie returns back home only to be comforted by Madeline and her father. Star ended up living with Jessie and her family. Adam ended up becoming an employee for Hoods in the Woods (Discovery Unlimited) and Rita went back to New York. Freddy was in Colorado to get rehabilitated and then he was shooting for a position for the Forest Service Hot Shots. Troy ended up not getting picked up by the rangers and the police because he ran, but he was then later found and picked up in LA.
Strengths (including reviews and awards):
Winner of California Young Reader Medal
This book provided great detail and excitement that made it interesting. Once I got started with the book I couldn’t put it down.
Drawbacks or other cautions:
The book seemed like it ended without a proper let down. I felt that I was caught up in the excitement of the river and then they were back home. I felt like the ending should have been planned out better.
Teaching ideas:
I feel that before reading this book, teachers could do a unit on the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River so the students reading the book can have a good idea of what to imagine while reading. Also, a lesson on making right decisions could be added in after reading this book.
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Renee
gave
to:
The First Part Last (Mass Market Paperback)
by Angela Johnson
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my rating:
Added to my books!
add my review
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| |
Renee said:
"English 425 Submitter’s name ___Renee Hess_____
Book Bank Book Bank subject: __Classics and
Complemen...more
English 425 Submitter’s name ___Renee Hess_____
Book Bank Book Bank subject: __Classics and
Complements__
Reference information:
Title The First Part Last
Author Angela Johnson
Publisher Simon and Schuster Year 2003
# of pages 131 Genre Fiction
Reading level ages 12 and up Interest level ages 13 and up
Potential hot lava:
Cursing and talk of sex (teenage pregnancy)
General response/reaction:
When I first started this book I wasn’t that much into it. I mean it was a fast and easy read, but nothing jumped out at me that made me think it was something special. It was around the last thirty pages that grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let me go. Overall, I liked this book. I felt that the beginning was leading me nowhere, but after I finished I was touched by the whole story. I would recommend this book to be read, I feel it’s worth it.
Subjects, Themes, and Big Ideas:
Responsibility, growing up, facing hardships, love, friendship, importance of family
Characters:
Bobby—a sixteen year old boy who gets his girlfriend pregnant and ends up raising the baby on his own
Feather—Bobby’s baby
J.L.—Bobby’s friend who stands by his side
K-BOY—Bobby’s friend who stands by his side
Nia---Bobby’s girlfriend who got pregnant
Plot summary:
This story was about a sixteen year old boy named Bobby. The story takes us through Bobby’s story as he and his girlfriend Nia find out they are pregnant. Once they first found out about the baby neither one of them felt that they were ready to be a parent. They discussed adoption and other strategies. Time continued on and finally it was time for the baby to come. Only something went horribly wrong. Nia received brain damage while delivering Feather which caused her to go into a state of vegetation. They were told that Nia would never walk or talk again. Bobby was heartbroken, but he knew that he had to take care of the baby as best as he could for Nia. From that day on Bobby took all responsibility for Feather and formed a deep love for that little girl. He felt as though she was his happiness and he was grateful for her. Bobby ends up moving away to a place called Heaven, Ohio to be close to his brother and to be able to provide a nice quiet country for Feather to grow up so he can provide her with the best.
Strengths (including reviews and awards):
Coretta Scott King Award
Michael Printz Award
I really liked the characters in this book---they made you feel that you had known them for years
I liked how the book was a very fast and easy read
I like how the chapters were split into “Now” and “Then”
The ending made the story very emotional which enhanced the story line
Drawbacks or other cautions:
The only thing I didn’t like was that for the first half or more of the book seemed as though I was getting nowhere. I felt as though I could have read the first twenty pages, skipped about eighty pages and be in the same place.
Teaching ideas:
This book would be a good one to read for a planned parenting course
Study what it’s like to be in a coma so that the students can relate to Nia’s condition
Bobby’s mother was a photographer---maybe take the students around the community to take pictures of things that makes their town or city special
Have the students write a story of how they would handle the situation that Bobby has been placed in
Have the students decide who their favorite character from the book is and write about why they chose this character
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March 28
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Renee
gave
to:
Baby Girl (Paperback)
by Lenora Adams
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my rating:
Added to my books!
add my review
|
| |
Renee said:
"English 425 Submitter’s name _______________________ Renee Hess
Book Bank Book Bank subject:
_______________ Reluctant Reader
Reference informa...more
English 425 Submitter’s name _______________________ Renee Hess
Book Bank Book Bank subject:
_______________ Reluctant Reader
Reference information:
Title Baby Girl
Author Lenora Adams
Publisher Simon Pulse Year 2007
# of pages 234 Genre Fiction
Reading level Interest level for ages 14 and up
Potential hot lava:
Drugs, sex, alcohol, molestation, and cursing
General response/reaction:
I enjoyed this book. It was a fast and easy read that kept my attention throughout. I thought that the style of the book was unusual. Instead of having chapters the book is written of three long letters. Overall, I found this book to be very inspiring and something that every teenage girl should read.
Subjects, Themes, and Big Ideas:
Coming of age, finding your identity, friendship, love, gaining respect, and responsibility
Characters:
Sherre—main character who finds herself struggling by having to deal with a young mother, no father figure, a demanding boyfriend, and the reality of being pregnant
Damon—Sherre’s boyfriend and the father of her baby
Stacy (Moms)—Sherre’s mother that was fifteen when she had Sherre and is still stuck on acting like a teenager
Roc---Sherre’s father that has been absent all of her life until she gets pregnant then he works hard to be in her life
Angela---Sherre’s best friend who doesn’t judge her or her obstacles she has had to overcome
Plot summary:
This book was about a seventeen year old girl named Sherre. Sherre’s mother gave birth to her when she was only fifteen. Sherre’s father never had anything to do with her and her mother was always at Regal’s, the local bar, and smoking marijuana. Sherre’s mother had always had different men coming and going, some who oversteped their welcome by making advances to Sherre. At times Sherre felt that her house was not a home, but a sleeping place. Sherre has a boyfriend named Damon who is twenty-two and hustles drugs. Damon is also quit a lady’s man and works his way around the streets. Damon convinces Sherre she is his number one girl and she falls under his spell doing whatever it is that he says to do. Eventually Sherre runs away from home to live at the Milagro House, a women’s shelter. She writes her mother a letter explaining how her home life was not the best and that she was two months pregnant. Sherre stays at the Milagro House for a few weeks before returning home. Her mother promises that things will be different and that they will make a real home for the baby. Roc, Sherre’s father, also starts coming around more acting like a true father to Sherre. Although things were changing in Sherre’s house Damon was not. He finally got to the point where he didn’t want to have anything to do with Sherre or her soon to be baby. On February 6th Sherre gave birth to a six pound seventeen inch baby boy. After the birth of Beauford, Sherre realized that she was to love and take care of the baby and that she was going to do whatever possible. Sherre went on to graduating high school and is going to make a career with landscaping. She also went on to love her baby with all of her being and is determined to give him a better life than she had.
Strengths (including reviews and awards):
This book was really good at drawing in imagery, allowing me to be fully aware of what Sherre’s life was really like. I also felt that the author gave the story a very real feeling. I know there are girls just like Sherre facing the same situations in life and I felt as though Sherre’s story was very realistic.
Drawbacks or other cautions:
The only drawback that I feel hurts the book is the repetitiveness of Sherre’s thoughts. As Sherre thinks about Damon all of her thoughts are pretty much the same throughout. I felt as though I was reading the same thing over and over.
Teaching ideas:
This book would not be suitable to read in a classroom. I feel that there are too many hot lava topics to be considered an appropriate book to have a class read. There aren’t really a lot of teaching topics either, but here are a few:
For a planned parenting or sex education class this book could be discussed in order to help young people the effects and responsibilities of parenthood.
Have a unit on making right decisions and the consequences that follow.
Have students write a paper on their family. What they would change and what they feel is the best thing about their family or family member.
Have students that don’t know anything about the street life watch documents on what it is like to live on the streets.
Have the students write a paper about a time when they felt completely alone.
Have students visit a Milagro House and interview some of the women their and hear their stories. Also, find out what work and effort goes in to maintaining a place like the Milagro House. Maybe, even have students volunteer there.
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Renee
gave
to:
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1)
by J.K. Rowling
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my rating:
Added to my books!
add my review
|
| |
Renee said:
"English 425 Submitter’s name __Renee Hess______
Book Bank Book Bank subject: ______________________
Reference information:
Title Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Author J. K. Rowling
Publisher Christopher Little Agency Year...more
English 425 Submitter’s name __Renee Hess______
Book Bank Book Bank subject: ______________________
Reference information:
Title Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Author J. K. Rowling
Publisher Christopher Little Agency Year 1999
# of pages 422 Genre Fantasy
Reading level Interest level ages 11 and up
Potential hot lava:
Witchcraft
General response/reaction:
I generally loved this book. It seemed as though once I picked the book up I couldn’t put it down. I found myself liking all of the characters and I felt that everything was explained in a detailed manner. Overall, I truly enjoyed this book and would recommend everyone to read it.
Subjects, Themes, and Big Ideas:
Friendship, rebellion, dangers of desire, finding ones identity
Characters:
Harry Potter—the main character who finds out he is a wizard
Hermione—a female that Harry meets at Hogwart’s and becomes friends with
Ron—a male friend Harry meets at Hogwart’s and becomes friends with
Hagrid—a giant who works as a ground keeper at Hogwart’s
Dumbledore—head of Hogwart’s
Voldemont—a wise wizard gone bad who killed Harry’s parents
Plot summary:
Harry’s parents were killed by a man named Voldemont when he was a baby. Voldemort tried to kill Harry but he was unsuccessful at this task only leaving Harry with a lighting bolt scare on his forehead. Harry was then left in the hands of the Dursley’s. Ten years later on the eve of Harry’s eleventh birthday at midnight, they hear a large bang on the door and Hagrid enters. Hagrid hands Harry an admissions letter to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry learns that the Dursleys have tried to deny Harry’s wizardry all these years. A month later, Harry goes to the train station and catches his train to Hogwarts on track nine and three quarters. On the train, Harry makes friends with other first-year students like Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. At school, the first-years take turns putting on the “Sorting Hat” to find out in which residential house they will live. Harry, Ron, and Hermione end up in the Gryffindor house. As school gets underway Harry accidentally discovers a fierce three-headed dog guarding a trapdoor in the forbidden third-floor corridor. For Christmas, Harry receives his father’s invisibility cloak, and he explores the school, unseen, late at night. He discovers the mirror of Erised, which displays the deepest desire of whoever looks in it. Harry looks in it and sees his parents alive. After Christmas, Harry, Ron, and Hermione begin to unravel the mysterious connection between a break-in at Gringotts and the three-headed guard dog. They learn that the dog is guarding the Sorcerer’s Stone, which is capable of providing eternal life and unlimited wealth to its owner and belongs to Dumbledore’s old partner. Harry, Ron, and Hermione get in trouble one day and part of their punishment is to go into the enchanted forest with Hagrid to find out who has been killing unicorns recently. In the forest, Harry comes upon a hooded man drinking unicorn blood. The man tries to attack Harry, but Harry is rescued and is told that his assailant was Voldemort. Harry also learns that it is Voldemort who has been trying to steal the Sorcerer’s Stone. Harry decides that he must find the stone before Voldemort does. He, Ron, and Hermione sneak off that night to the forbidden third-floor corridor. They get past the guard dog and perform many impressive feats as they get closer and closer to the stone. Harry ultimately finds himself face to face with Quirrell who announces that Harry must die. Knowing that Harry desires to find the stone, Quirrell puts Harry in front of the Mirror of Erised and makes him state what he sees. Harry sees himself with the stone in his pocket, and at that same moment he actually feels it in his pocket. Quirrell removes his turban and reveals Voldemort’s face on the back of his head. Voldemort, who is inhabiting Quirrell’s body, instructs Quirrell to kill Harry, but Quirrell is burned by contact with the boy. A struggle ensues and Harry passes out. When Harry regains consciousness, he is in the hospital with Dumbledore. Dumbledore explains that he saved Harry from Quirrell just in time. He adds that he and Flamel have decided to destroy the stone.
Strengths (including reviews and awards):
The imagination you gain from reading this book is wonderful
The book flows very well leaving you to want to keep reading
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March 21
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Renee
gave
to:
The Blue Sword (Paperback)
by Robin McKinley
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my rating:
Added to my books!
add my review
|
| |
Renee said:
"English 425 Submitter’s name
_____________________ Renee Hess
Book Bank Book Bank subject: ______________________ Power Player
Reference information:
Title The Blue Sword
...more
English 425 Submitter’s name
_____________________ Renee Hess
Book Bank Book Bank subject: ______________________ Power Player
Reference information:
Title The Blue Sword
Author Robin McKinley
Publisher Greenwillow Books, New York Year 1982
# of pages 272 Genre Fantasy
Reading level Interest level any ages 11 and up
Potential hot lava:
N/A (few curse words; not many)
General response/reaction:
I found myself enjoying the book more than I thought I would. I found myself being captivated by the heroine figure (Harry) and I was pulling for her throughout the whole book.
Subjects, Themes, and Big Ideas:
Heroine saving the day
Characters:
Harry Crewe, Richard Crewe, Jack Dedham, Sir Charles, Lady Amelia, Corlath, Mathin, Narknon, and Sungold
Plot summary:
A young girl named Harry Crewe found a new home with Sir Charles and Lady Amelia once both of her parents die. She moves to Istan and finds herself really liking her new home. A few months after she moves to her new home Sir Charles and Jack (Colonel) Dedham received a visit from the Hill King, Corlath. He wanted to discuss the issue of a possible war with the Northerners in the near future. Will he was there he saw Harry and saw something in her that surprised him. He came back a few nights later and kidnapped Harry from the Residency because he felt that she had the kelar power. The kelar power is a special gift that few people have and Corlath felt her power could be used to help them defeat the Northerners. Harry was treated that an honored guest. That night they had a big feast and after they ate the Hill people sent around a flask. Harry took a drink and saw unexplainable scenes. She saw herself in battle. The flask contained something that the Hill people call “Water of Sight”. Corlath new that he needed to train Harry for battle so he sent her off for six weeks with one of his King’s Riders, Mathin. Mathin and Harry built a strong friendship through these weeks and Harry learned to master her horse and sword like a proper Hillwoman. She was then sent to trials where she came out first and gained the honor to be called lady hero. She gained the honor of carrying Lady Aerin’s blue sword. Lady Aerin was Queen of her time and a skilled dragon killer. Only the one with the highest power was to use Lady Aerin’s sword. Shortly after the trails Harry found a need to go back to the Residency and seek help from Jack Dedham because war was to start soon with the Northerners. Jack wanted to come back with Harry and help the Hill people defeat the Northerners. On the way back to her new village they were met by the Northerners. The fought for a while until the Northerners turned back. Harry went on top of the mountain side and saw the hundreds of Northerners stomping below. She held up her sword and asked for the help of Lady Aerin and Corlath. At that time the whole mountain side came falling down on the Northerners defeating them all. Harry went back to her village to meet back with Corlath. She was afraid to go back because she had left against Corlath’s wishes. Once she got back the Hill people were pleased to see her and to hear of her defeat. Corlath then declares his love for Harry and they eventually get married and start a royal family.
Strengths (including reviews and awards):
Newberry Honor Award
Drawbacks or other cautions:
N/A
Teaching ideas:
I found this book to be ideal when teaching about diversity. The cultures that the Hill people have is something very different from what Harry was used to, but managed to accept them as her own people and gained the knowledge of both worlds.
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Renee
gave
to:
Step from Heaven (School & Library Binding)
by A. Na
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my rating:
Added to my books!
add my review
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Renee said:
"English 425 Submitter’s name _______________________ Renee Hess
Book Bank Book Bank subject: ______________________ Multicultural Book 1
Reference information:
Title A Step f...more
English 425 Submitter’s name _______________________ Renee Hess
Book Bank Book Bank subject: ______________________ Multicultural Book 1
Reference information:
Title A Step from Heaven
Author An Na
Publisher Front Street Year 2001
# of pages 156 Genre Fiction
Reading level Interest level Ages 11 and up
Potential hot lava:
Drinking, battery, and a few curse words
General response/reaction:
It took me a while to understand what was going on, but once I figured out what certain words meant I fell in love with the story.
Subjects, Themes, and Big Ideas:
Rising above, Building a future, and Finding oneself
Characters:
Young Ju—young Korean girl who struggles to be a perfect daughter
Joon- a young Korean boy struggling with family problems
Apa- the father working many jobs to provide a better life for his family that turns out to be a drunken abusive father and husband
Uhmma- a hard working mother trying to keep her family together
Plot summary:
A Step from Heaven is a book about a young girl named Young Ju. She and her family moved to America from Korea. Young Ju’s family struggles to provide a better life for her and her brother. The book takes us through events in Young Ju’s childhood that has affected her and caused her to become a strong woman. She struggled with a mother who worked more than she slept, a brother she had to take care of, an alcoholic abusive father, and the pressure to make something of herself.
Strengths (including reviews and awards):
Michael L. Printz Award
National Book Award finalist
New York Times book review Notable Book
This book has many strengths such as: the format of the short stories made it easy to read, the realistic feel, and the struggle that Young Ju and her family faced gave me hope
Drawbacks or other cautions:
The only draw back was that I didn’t know what certain words meant causing it to be difficult to understand.
Teaching ideas:
Have the students write about an event that they struggled through and how it made them stronger.
Provide some background knowledge about the Korean culture.
Have the student’s find a pen pal from Korea so that they can learn about their culture.
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