Maira’s Comments (group member since May 21, 2014)

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

I liked this story. I did not like the ending but we can’t always get what we want right? The beginning was a little slow to me but that did not last long. I liked the Tucks very much. I felt sorry for them because they had to live forever. I do not think I would want to live longer than the people I love. The only good part about the Tucks living forever is that it was an entire family. When Miles’ story was told I was very unhappy. I was sad because he was not allowed to see his children. If that ever happened to me I would be devastated. I really wanted Winnie and Jesse to end up together and I was sad when they did not. The story of the Tucks was unbelievable but that doesn't matter it was still good. I can relate to Winnie because growing up my mom was very strict and hardly ever let me do anything. I couldn't help but wonder if Winnie was kept away from others because her family was proud of being the first to settle in the area or because they were just looking out for Winnie. The man in the yellow suit instantly gave me a negative vibe. I knew he was going to cause something negative to happen. I could not believe that it was Mae who killed him but I could see why she did it. The man in the yellow suit was trying to make money from the spring that the Tucks drank from and the Tucks did not wish that on anyone. I could not believe that Winnie’s family just signed over their land to the man in the yellow suit. He didn’t even have proof. He just said he knew where she was. If I was Winnie’s parents I would demand to go with them to get her. Now again I do not know what I would do if I was ever in a situation like that but I am glad that I am not. I am not sure why Winnie decided to pour the water on the toad instead of keeping it and drinking it later. I thought she was going to meet up with Jesse. I would have liked to have found out what happened to Winnie, the Tucks, and Treegap after Mae’s escape. I also would have thought that Winnie would have gotten in more trouble for what she did. I have said this several times but I can’t help it, I really wanted Winnie to go find Jesse. I think I have seen the movie but I can’t remember if the story is the same. I will have to watch it again soon.

Jennifer wrote: "It is sad to think about how animals are taken into captivity. The animals are not always treated well. Stella is an example. The experience she described includes long days of working, doing tricks that are not necessarily natural. Do circus animals like what they do? The chain she wore on her foot caused a long time injury, which eventually led to her death.'

It is sad how animals are taken from their homes and placed in captivity.Stella's death was so sad and it was all because of the work she was forced to do.

Cynthia wrote: "The characters are easy to love and I was quickly drawn into caring about their well-being and their future."

Cynthia, I completely agree. Almost instantly you start feeling empathy towards all the animals at the mall. I liked all the characters that were developed in this book.

Katherine Applegate did an amazing job on The One and Only Ivan. This story is incredible. I am definitely adding this book to my personal library. The story of Ivan is so heartbreaking. The fact that he was captured and witnessed the cruelty done to his family is awful. What is worse is that he had to see his sister die in the cage next to him. The horrible part in all of this is that this type of thing probably happens a lot. I know that the story is made up and so are some of the characters but, Ivan’s story is not. The characters in this story are well developed. I love Julia. I love that Julia understands Ivan because they are both artists. I loved Stella and was sad to see her die. I did not like reading about how she was just thrown away. I felt so bad for all the animals at the mall. I hated that Stella, Ivan, Bob, and Ruby lived in small cages at the mall. I was glad that they all were saved in the end. As I was reading this I was reminded about how I feel anytime that I see animals at the zoo or at the circus. I can’t help but feel sad for them because they are caged. I always feel like they would be better off in their natural habitat. I also know that some animals are better off at the zoo. For example, the animals that are endangered are safer at the zoo away from hunters and poachers. Another thing that this book reminded me about is how we all have sad stories that we keep to ourselves. Sometimes we block out bad memories from ourselves so that they do not hurt us. This book is a little like Because of Winn-Dixie because it teaches the reader that you have to face your demons or your past because it makes you who you are in the future. Ivan said he wasn't good at remembering but that is not true. Once Ivan remembered what happened to him it gave him the courage to keep the promise he made to Stella. One thing I was worried about was that Bob would end up alone and I am glad he didn't. I am glad that Julia convinced her dad to keep Bob. All the characters got a happy ending except for the mall owner. Even though the mall owner was somewhat cruel you couldn't help but feel sorry for him because he ended up alone. I love this book!

V wrote: "When the preacher tells Opal she should apologize to Stevie for calling him a bald headed baby and he tells her who Carson is, I began to think he was the same type of father as Atticus in To Kill A Mockingbird."

V, I also thought of Atticus from To Kill A Mockingbird. I do think Opal's dad had a similar parenting style. Love this book!

Jennifer wrote: "Students can relate to a story like this. Some know about moving and having to make new friends."

I agree I think many students can relate to this story and for many reasons. As I child I was constantly moving and it was not easy. I like that this book is there for those students. As teachers we could even recommend it to new students.

Because of Winn-Dixie is an amazing book. I loved it. I love that it shows how Opal and Winn-Dixie are great friends. I also love how Winn-Dixie helps Opal make friends in her new home. I have never read this book before but I have heard about it. The fourth grade class that I tutor was reading it about two months ago and they liked the story. At the begging of the story I feel bad for Opal because of how lonely she feels. The fact that her father is a preacher alienates her from other kids. I can see how other kids would think that she would tell her father everything just because she was the preacher’s daughter. The saddest part of the story is finding out that Opal’s mother left her. I can’t imagine a mother leaving her child but I do know that it happens. It just breaks my heart to think about it. The fact that Opal is ten before her father tells her anything about her mother also makes me feel bad for her. I love how Winn-Dixie helped Opal be brave enough to ask her dad about her mother. I am glad that Opal found Winn-Dixie at the grocery store and they became friends instantly. Winn- Dixie is good a picking kind people for Opal to be friends with. I know that people always say a dog is a man’s best friend and with this book I see that. I was worried when Winn-Dixie was freaking out because of the thunder and I was glad that she calmed down after the storm. I have been thinking about getting my son a dog and I just may. Winn-Dixie helps Opal make new friends and feel good in her new hometown. I love this book I will definitely add this book to my classroom list of books to have. I didn't know there was a movie but I will check it out to see what the differences are from the book.

Shanay wrote: "I was waiting for Chester to actually "prove" that Bunnicula was a vampire."

I was also waiting for Chester to be right and prove that Bunnicula was a vampire. The story leaves the reader wondering if Chester was right or wrong. The book can lead to great discussions in the classroom.

V wrote: "I really believe that Chester’s heart was in the right place and that he was trying to protect the family."

I agree Chester's heart was in the right place and he was just looking out for the family he loved. This is one story where reading too much can get you in trouble. Even though I do not believe you can ever read too much.

Bunnicula was a good book. At first glance I thought it was going to be a scary story about a bunny. I was afraid to read it. I do not read to many horror stories. I am a big chicken when it comes to things like that. After reading it I liked it. I think it is a great book to start students of on if they are ready to move up to chapter books. I loved Chester and his love of reading. His imagination was fueled by all the reading he did. I liked that Howe used Harold as the narrator and he was easily likable. I also liked that the family treated their pets with respect. I love animals and I hate when they are treated badly. This is another book that I will recommend to my son.

Marshall wrote: "The circumstantial pettiness is so true of kids that age. I think that kids reading the book can identify with that, and laugh about it, despite what others have said about the book being outdated. "

I agree that kids can identify with Freckle Juice because they have all been in Andrew's shoes and wanted something that they did not have.

Shanay wrote: "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. "

I loved the way Miss Kelly handled both situations. I will read this book to my students also.

I liked Freckle Juice but I thought the story was short. Freckle Juice would probably appeal more to boys than girls. I liked the message that the book gives to the readers. I agree that we should all be comfortable in our own skin. This book reminds me of how we all want what we don’t have. Women with straight hair want curly hair and vice versa. Even though Freckle Juice would probably appeal more to boys I think everyone can learn the same lesson that Andrew had to learn in this book. I did not like that the character being mean was a girl and that she got away with what she did. She was even about to do it to another student. I loved that the teacher helped Andrew solve his problem without embarrassing him more than he already was. I have heard of Judy Blume but I do not think I have read a book by her before Freckle Juice. Andrew reminds me of my son and two nephews. Andrew didn’t like getting clean and the same goes for my son and two nephews. I have to fight with them on a daily basis just to get them in the shower. The freckle juice that Andrew made and drank sounded disgusting and dangerous. I am glad that his mom made it home in time to make him feel better. Kids are so gullible it’s a miracle more emergencies don’t occur. I think I am going to have my son read this book and see what he thinks about it.

V wrote: " Even though one month is a relatively short time to base a life decision on, traveling so far away from your home in that day and age was a very brave thing to do. As a single woman, Sarah was used to being independent. "

V, I agree that Sarah had to be very brave to do what she did. I do not think I would do the same if I was in her shoes. I would definitely need more time and information.

Shanay wrote: "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."

I have read the book before also but I found myself doing the same thing. I kept hoping Sarah would stay with the family.

Sarah, Plain and Tall is a good book. I had totally forgotten about this book. I liked it when I was younger, but I forgot what it was about. I like Sarah more than I remember, since I think originally I was mostly focused on Anna. It is hard for me to accept the whole mail order bride thing but I do understand why Sarah left Maine. Sarah did not want to bother her brother and his new wife. Sometimes I wish all family members thought like Sarah did.  I do not think that she had to leave her house in Maine just because her brother was getting married. I guess she left because this book takes place in a different time period. I would find it very hard to move to the middle of nowhere, not know anyone, and live there with an unknown family. My heart hurts for Caleb and Anna. It is so sad that Caleb never met his mother and doesn’t know how she was or what she sounded like. I do not know what is harder never meeting your mother or meeting her and losing her. I think Anna is a great sister. She loves Caleb and does not blame him for her mother’s death. I am glad the book takes a positive turn with their dad also loving Caleb. Some fathers can blame the child after losing a significant other and those cases are the saddest. I am glad that Sarah decides to stay and the four characters form a new family. Every time the book mentions Sarah missing the sea I wondered if she would leave. Kids are naturally curious and it is easy to see why they were so worried Sarah would leave.

Marshall wrote: "Also I like how this Civil War story was not about white people liberating African Americans from slavery. It was about an African American saving a white person and leading him back to the good and noble path."

I also loved this book because of the different story line and the great role model Pink was to Say. I am glad that he leads Say to the noble path.

Rochelle wrote:"I really enjoyed reading this book. The Civil War is one of my favorite time periods to learn about. I really loved how this story portrayed different elements of the The Civil War that students don't often know about."

I enjoyed this book also. I love learning about history and this book did portray different elements of the Civil War that students wouldn't know much about.

Pink and Say was an incredible read. This book would be perfect when studying the Civil War. I love that Pink and Say form a strong friendship. This story is a perfect example of humanity at its best even though it takes place during one of the darkest times in the United States. I love that it teaches readers that it is okay to be scared and that you have to face your fears. There were so many parts in the story that were sad. For example, Say goes out of consciousness and dreams about being at home with his mother. This part of the story makes me sad because Say was just a boy when he was sent to fight in the war. Another part of the story that makes me sad is when Pink’s mother is killed by marauders. Both Pink and Say were sad and I was also. They both felt guilty for putting her life in danger by staying with her while Say heeled. I liked that Pink knew how to read and that he said no one could own him after being able to do so. In this story Pink and Say are forced to make decisions based on strong ethics. Say abandoned his group in the army and he would have consequences to face for his actions Pink and his mom gave him the strength to not be sacred and go back to face the consequences. Pink has always made good choices but Say has not. Pink’s influence on Say is a positive one that changes Say forever. I love how this story is passed down from past generations. I have not read many books from this author but I plan on doing so after this read. Pink and Say can teach students about having good ethics and making good decisions even when they are not easy or after making a bad choice.

Cathy wrote: " I also think it is a good book to use to show children how they can misjudge or prejudge their neighbors without getting to know them."

Cathy, the lesson that Smoky Night presents to the readers is a great one and I agree that the children can learn not to judge a book by the cover