Shanay’s Comments (group member since May 22, 2014)

Shanay’s comments from the Reading Rams Summer I, 2014 group.

This story started off sort of slow and boring for me. As I kept reading it I became more engaged. For some reason I believe I have read this story before or something similar. It was hard to picture Jesse Tuck as a seventeen year old boy who had lived for 104 years. I am not sure I would want to live looking the same way forever. The spurt of water in the wood kept my interest I kept wondering if Winnie was going to drink the water and remain 11. I think this story would be good to have a second edition or continuation to it. Winnie should drink the water when she turns seventeen and maybe her and Jesse could have a new life together. This book somewhat reminded me of the book and movie twilight, Bella finally being turned into a vampire who lived forever and remained the same age forever. This would be a great discussion book for upper grades. I probably would not drink from the spurt of water from the wood if I were Winnie . I wouldn't say this was my favorite book but it did however have a good story line. Would you want to live forever?

Rochelle wrote: "I loved how this book was written. I love to read books with small chapters like this as a read aloud. I don't know why but it seems to flow better. It also allows me to do a quick read aloud with ..."

I agree, this book is a very easy read. I think it helps readers who are struggling. It somewhat seemed like we were reading from Ivan's diary or journal. The author did an excellent job at giving Ivan a voice.

Jenna wrote: "This book really did it's best to tug at your heart strings! Anyone else not planning a circus trip for awhile? Applegate did a fantastic job of giving these animals a voice and a raw and realistic..."
I totally agree! am not a circus goer anyway, but I think this book just even made it more permanent...those poor animals. I had no idea that this was based on a true events, then again it isn't surprising. Sad to say the least. I am going to look back at the ebook that I had to see if it had any details. Just read the details from the author. Wow what an awesome story. He was housed in a mall in Washington State. (How strange)
Glad he is with his own kind now.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was an easy read. I loved how K.A. Applegate gave the animal characters real life voices. This story somewhat tugged at my heart. I will never look at animals in a circus or at a zoo the same again. This book gave a human perspective of what these animals are probably thinking. I'm sad for the animals that they are taken from their natural habitats and forced to live in these man made habitats that doesn't give them the sense of security or peace. I loved how Ivan found an escape... a hobby that enable him to feel at peace "quiet" in his words. I was waiting for the paintings to someday save him from his domain and it did. I was sad that Stella didn't have the chance to live with other elephants in a zoo like Ruby did. Ivan "Mud" kept his promise to Stella and saved Ruby from the domain they once resided. This was such a cute story with a happy ending. Although there were some sad parts, however the ending somewhat over shadowed the sad parts. The next time I go to the zoo, I am pretty sure I will be wondering what the gorillas and elephants are thinking inside their domains.
Ivan made much progress, from drawing bananas daily to finally drawing something from his mind which eventually saved everyone.
I found it clever that the author used the perspective of the animals to tell about a boy who fell inside a gorilla's domain. Though it is a fictional story, we usually hear the "human" side of the story. I thought it was interesting how the author had the animals wondering why humans thought the gorilla was going to kill the boy and found it surprising when he did not.
I think this would be a good read for 3rd grade and up. Wonderful story from the perspective of a gorilla!

Lisa wrote: "This book is actually based on the LA riots associated with the Rodney King incident years ago. I too love the illustrations. Very creative. My favorite line is at the end of the book when Danie..."
I thought this may have been about the Riots during the Rodney King incident, but was unsure. Thanks for clarifying!

Jennifer wrote: "I have never read Bunnicula. At first, I was not liking it. Was this going to be about a vampire bunny? But as I got closer to the end, I found myself liking it. I did like the use of the anima..."


Jennifer, I agree. The title had me worried and I just knew this was going to be one of those stories that I wouldn't enjoy reading. I was pleasantly surprised.
As you mentioned Chester was trying to prove to the family that the bunny was a vampire, he ended up just getting himself in trouble. I found this to be the best part of the story. It certainly kept me entertained and I found it funny as well.

Cynthia wrote: "Surprisingly, I adored this book. It was a surprise to me that I liked this book because I was initially reluctant to read it. I must admit that I have never read this book, or any other Kate DiC..."

Cynthia, That quote "you can't always judge people by the things they done..." I wrote that down. I absolutely loved that quote and I meant to speak on that in my initial post, I guess it slipped my mind. This spoke to me as well. As people, we are quick to label and judge people by their past doings, experiences, mistakes etc. However, we could be missing the true beauty of the new person that has become by dwelling on who they used to be. The true beauty of the story was that it was more than a story about a girl and her dog. It was a story that taught life lessons and inspires.

I bought "Because of Winn-Dixie" last year because I wanted to read it to my 5th grade class. After being reassigned as a primary grade teacher I somewhat forgot about reading the book. I never read it before however I believe there was a movie about it that I saw a long time ago.(although I have a vague memory of it) I enjoyed reading "Because of Winn-Dixie". While reading it I kept thinking Winn Dixie was going to be like Airbud and play basketball or something, but Winn-Dixie was far more special than that and he did far more extraordinary things. I found this story to be a true eye opener. One being that you never know what anyone else has gone through to make them seem, mean, sad, rude, different, shy, weird etc. I found that the message of the story was a very good one. Winn-Dixie was the cause of bringing all of these various people together who may not have otherwise talked to each other or given each other the chance to get to know one another. Opal got to know all of the people who she had pre-judged. Opal at first had a hard time making friends and meeting people until she met a stray dog while shopping for produce for her father. I think it would have been a good addition if the store manager (who started crying after Winn-Dixie knocked him over)could've been apart of the new group of friends. India "Opal" was desperately missing her mom and found some motherly type figures, Ms.Dump and Ms.Franny that she could talk to and confide in. I wish the story would have went into depth on who exactly was Gertrude. I know she was the store owner who had given Otis a job, however we hear Gertrude's name being called throughout the story. (by the parrot) Oddly, I didn't feel as emotionally attached to this book as I have other books. I was hoping Opal would find Winn-Dixie but honestly I was holding on to the hope that Opal's mom would come running back to her family. (That of course made me sad) I am glad Opal had the Ms.Dump and Ms.Franny to fill those voids in her life, but also to encourage her to make friends with the boys who she called ball headed babies. (can't remember their names.)
From what I know students absolutely love this story and now I want to watch the movie to see if it is just as good.
So far there isn't a book I haven't liked!
I enjoyed reading this book.

V. wrote: "I read Sarah, Plain and Tall many years ago and remember watching the movie. I recall Sarah running through a field of hay billowing in the wind. The hay reminded her of ocean waves and home. I..."
Valerie,
I loved that line when she stated that she will always miss her home but she will miss them more, meaning they have filled a void that can not be replaced. This of course meant she was in it for the long haul. I believe today's time and technology makes it way too easy for families to be broken up and divorces to occur. Yes, Valerie now with social sites like eHarmony etc. it makes it easier for a husband or wife to cheat and move on. I guess eHarmony is the equivalent to the newspaper ads.

Cynthia wrote: "I have not read Bunnicula in years, and I had forgotten how great it is. As a child, I was a huge fan of mysteries, and this is definitely a mystery novel. I love how the authors created the stor..."

I agree Cynthia this book could definitely lead to a discussion of homophones. Steak and Stake... Chester had the idea correct but the wrong item. This also reminded me of Amelia Badelia, who also took things literally and most of the words she thought were the homophones of the correct word.
I found that part to be hilarious. Also, a cat wearing garlic... cute!

This was my first time reading Bunnicula. The title of the story and the book cover had me worried. I thought "oh goodness here's a story about a vampire bunny." As I began reading it, it seemed more like a normal story. Besides the fact the dog is the one who is writing the story. I kept forgetting that Harold was actually a dog speaking and not a person until I got midway about chapter 4 or 5. I loved how the story gave us a background insight on Chester the cat, how his imagination was so vivid and how he enjoyed reading Mystery stories and tales of horror. This bit of information leads the reader to formulate their own opinions one way or another. I am somewhat stuck in the middle. I kind of believe Chester, maybe Bunnicula was a vampire bunny. After all, he was found in a Dracula movie sitting and the vegetables kept turning white for a reason. I found this story more entertaining than I initially realized. I thought it was going to be some bunny going around biting people. This wasn't too bad of a story. Also it had much suspense I kept turning the pages wanting to know what will happen next. I was waiting for Chester to actually "prove" that Bunnicula was a vampire. Only Chester was the one acting strange and seeming like he could have been the vampire. I loved how Harold started actually liking Bunnicula, once him and Chester stopped talking. He became a little more concerned about Bunnicula's well being and noticed when he was sick. This was a sad part of the story I was hoping that the Monroe's would figure out that Bunnicula wasn't feeling well. (as they did) Overall this was a cute story from the perspective of a dog and I love how it leaves the reader wondering 'I wonder if Chester was right.'

Cynthia wrote: "I have never read Sarah, Plain, and Tall, but have heard so much about it. However, I was expecting something more. The story itself was slightly problematic, but the sentence structure is the ma..."

You are correct, the book is very simple with little to no vocabulary. I do believe it will be an easy read for struggling readers or a younger age group. Keep in mind, Sarah hadn't been outside of Maine so that's all she knew. I find adults today doing that. I totally understand how she feels and I agree with you she should've just enjoyed the time with the kids and not dwell so much on Main. (but then there would be no suspicion that maybe she's going to leave and move back) I believe that part of the story was to have the reader wonder if Sarah would stay or not.

Cynthia wrote: "I have mixed feelings about this story. I have enjoyed other Judy Blume books in the past, but had never read Freckle Juice. The first thing that struck me was how outdated it was. Freckle Juice..."

I will have to agree with you on the character Sharon, she was such a mean girl. I do wish they each could've learned a lesson and bettered theirselves as well, however I think the underlining message was of being who you are was sufficient. I believe students may be able to connect with it, yes money value has gone up and fifty cents may not seem like a big deal now, however there are plenty of Sharon's in schools today and kids can relate to that.

This book is always a good read. I enjoyed it that much better this time around. I still find it funny that Papa put an ad in the paper for a wife and to have someone respond is bizarre. Then again, I remember back in the 90s there were similar ads then as well. (I always thought it was bizarre then too)
Sarah wrote a letter to each of them and that made things more hopeful for a happy ending.
Sarah just seemed like that missing piece of Papa, Caleb and Anna's family. She was the perfect addition to their family. She cooked, cleaned, farmed and she sung... not to mention she was a carpenter so she was able to be a "helpmate" to papa when he fixed the roof before the storm. Even though I knew how the story ended I kept thinking, I hope Sarah doesn't leave and go back home. I hope she stays and make them her family. Sarah was amazing, she wanted to learn everything she needed to know to make a life with Papa, Caleb and Anna. Caleb often asked about his mom and he truly missed what he was needing "a mother". Sarah filled in the gap for what the family needed.
Everytime I read this story I enjoy it. Some of the language is funny, he went to go "fetch" Sarah. Student's will not understand that terminology, especially those from the city. I wish that Sarah could have taken her new family back to Maine so that the kids could enjoy the sea. I loved how Sarah explained herself as plain and tall with a yellow bonnet.
Imagine how far we have come, we don't have to ride in wagons and horses now and I am pretty sure now with technology Sarah would be able to have the sea at her house. (digitally) :)
Always a good read.

V. wrote: "Judy Blume exposes several fallacies of the human race in her story for second graders, Freckle Juice. First of all, human beings always seem to desire what we can’t have. It wasn’t in Andrew’s ge..."

I loved that his teacher gave him the "secret recipe" for freckle remover! I found that teacher to be awesome. I also had the feeling that Nicky would ask for the freckle remover too! (as he did) You are very right Valerie, as humans we always want what's not for us or what we can't have and sometimes those who have it want what we have and not what they have. ((very true)
That's amazing that you all made a replica of freckle juice. What a cute and neat Idea.

Freckle Juice was such a cute book. It reminded me of a time when I wanted freckles as a child and hair passed my behind. I would pray every night that God would give me long hair and freckles!
I didn't go to the extreme that Andrew went. Isn't it funny that others can appreciate the beauty of what we have and sometimes we can't? Andrew thought Nicky's freckles were beautiful and he wanted some just the same. The irony of the story was when it was found that Nicky didn't like his freckles and he wanted to remove them. Miss. Kelly did a good job of telling and showing the two boys that the way they are made is perfect for them. I believe second grade students will enjoy this book. I am going to read it to my class next year. Sharon looked for many ways to make 50 cents, it would be cute if Andrew and Nicky could each charge her 50 cents for a recipe for something that she wants.
I just knew that after Andrew mixed all of the ingredients up in the kitchen that he would immediately "throw up". This book was interesting, I kept wanting to know what would happen next. In the back of my head I also wondered if he would wake up with what "looked" like freckles but maybe chicken pox or something else similar.
Two thumbs up for Freckle Juice, now I've found a way to get the freckles I've always wanted... a blue marker!

Love this story!

Valerie,

The part you mentioned were the lack of weapons Pink and his unit had was a reminder of history for me. The African American soldiers were somewhat forced in some instances to fight in wars but weren't given the proper tools to fight because they weren't trusted with weapons such as guns ect. The part where Pink says "could you imagine not being trusted with a fight that is your own." I believe they had the resources and weapons for the war however, African American soldiers weren't trusted to have real guns.
I loved how you connected that to today's classroom, you are so right, there is a lack of working technology and equipment in a world that is technology driven. With a country so rich I'd wish each school, district and student had the same available resources. Loved your post!

Cynthia wrote: "Smoky Night has such a great voice! I love how the author uses the voice of a child. This makes the story more accessible to children. She has included such amazing description as well. Each pa..." Cynthia, I love the way you put that "The author doesn't hit you over the head... just leads you" I agree. She leads the reader the ability to infer. (fill in the gaps/unsaid)

V. wrote: "The background to the text in Smoky Night is full of texture and color which could be a visual representation of the chaos created by riots. Using matches as part of the texture before the story b..."
Valerie, The riot also reminded me of the Rodney King ordeal as well. I believe the reader can infer that the riot has something to do with culture differences.
Also, you made a good point, I am sure it was definitely difficult to sleep or try to sleep when there wasn't an ounce of peace outside.

My students read this book...well I read to them this semester and they enjoyed it. I just reread to refresh my memory and I found it to be a little more interesting than I thought before. I remember reading this back in grade school. For whatever reason I now realize the underlining message in the story. The two cats depict how if you do not fully know someone, how easy it is to just not like them, be mean and not get along. A fire somewhat forces them to rely on each other for some sort of "Cat comfort", this definitely sends a message to Daniel's mother Gena, and Ms.Kim.
They have decided to put their differences aside so that they are able to get to know each other. Daniel's innocence is what makes the story so much more better. He doesn't like Ms.Kim's cat and calls the cat fat and mean. I can't help but to wonder why the townspeople were unhappy, why were they rioting and burning down the place. I wish the book gave more detail and explanation as to why the things were going on. Why were the people so unhappy. I'd like to know what the author's inspiration for smoky night. I'm sure it must have been a real event that occurred but I can only speculate.
I like the illustrations, however they could be a little more colorful. But then again it wasn't a colorful time. More like dark and gloomy and smoky. I believe this book is also made from clay? (Not sure if I am accurate or not). I enjoy hearing the voice of the character through the pages. I feel very sad and scared for Daniel that he has to witness rioters terrorizing the city. This is a good read for 5th grade and up. (Possibly 3rd grade)