Emily’s Comments (group member since Jun 21, 2012)

Emily’s comments from the Ms. Okes's Classes 2012 group.

Kailee wrote: "This summer I read "The Diary of Anne Frank" and "How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents". Both of these books were recommended to me. I enjoyed "The Diary of Anne Frank". It was interesting to ge..."

Remember, book titles are italicized or underlined.
Some students were confused with the unusual plotline of The Garcia Girls because it was a collection of memories. Did you enjoy that or have trouble with it?

Tori wrote: "I read Bram Stoker's "Dracula" for my summer reading project. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I feel like the book will help me with future reading assignments, because it helped me understand old ..."

Great review!

Sydney wrote: "***** "The Coalwood Way" "The Things They Carried""

Remember, book titles are underlined or italicized, not in quotations.
I haven't read The Things They Carried yet. Do you think that gentlemen would have the same perspective as you?

Courtney wrote: "I chose "A Child Called It" and "A Separate Peace" for my summer reading. I really enjoyed reading A Child Called It because it was a true story. I chose this book because the title caught my att..."

Don't forget, book titles are underlined or italicized.

Jake wrote: "For my summer reading I read A Child Called It and it was a very sad story. A kid in california was beaten and interagated by his mother. He was not fed well and would steel lunches from his scho..."

Watch your spelling, kiddo. Some words like "steel" have two separate spellings for two different meanings.

Sierra wrote: "For my summer reading I read A child called "It" and The Coalwood Way. I read a child called "It" because I had heard alot about it. I think it was one of the most sad and inspiring books I've ever..."

What other books by Homer Hickam have you read? Did you enjoy his presentation at our school?

Adam wrote: "The two books that I read durring the summer was Dracula and 1984. Dracula was a very short and too the pint book explaining throughout the book exactly what needed to be said. The book 1984 was ..."

1984 was written before 1984 occurred. This was not based on true life. It was based on what could happen if government took complete control of society. Farenheit 451 is of a similar vein.

BryAna wrote: "For my summer reading I read Dracula and Their Eyes Were Watching God.

Dracula I did not enjoy. I found it very hard to read. I got confused due to how it was written, and I found it cheesy and ..."

I admit to having trouble with Dracula as well. I found Frankenstein a lot easier to read, though not what I expected based on my movie experiences.

Callan wrote: "For my summer reading project, I chose to read A Child Called "It" and A Separate Peace. I chose to read A Child Called "It" because when I read the summary, it interested me. I thought it was a ..."

I had a similar experience with A Separate Peace. I can see the depth the author portrayed, but I found the characters frustrating enough that I wanted them to move on faster.

Holly wrote: "The two books I read for my summer reading project were A Child Called "It" and The Diary of Anne Frank. Both of these books were recommended to me by fellow students and a previous English teacher..."

I'm certain these were deep, dark books for a summer! I think they are both excellent, though. Remember that book titles are italicized or underlined.

1) What book did you choose for your autobiography or biography assignment? Why did you choose it?

2) Summarize the book in two to three sentences.

3) Did you enjoy the book? Why or why not? Use examples without giving the ending away if you can.

4) Would you recommend it to everyone? Those of a particular age or interest? No one? Why?

1) What book did you choose for your science fiction/fantasy or banned book assignment? Why did you choose it?

2) Summarize the book in two to three sentences.

3A) Did you enjoy the book? Why or why not? Use examples without giving the ending away if you can.

3B) Why was the book banned? Do you feel it was banned appropriately? Why or why not?

4) Would you recommend it to everyone? Those of a particular age or interest? No one? Why?

1) What book did you choose for your nonfiction assignment? Why did you choose it?

2) Summarize the book in two to three sentences.

3) Did you enjoy the book? Why or why not? Use examples without giving the ending away if you can.

4) Would you recommend it to everyone? Those of a particular age or interest? No one? Why?

1) What book did you choose for your poetry or play assignment? Why did you choose it?

2) Summarize the book in two to three sentences.

3) Did you enjoy the book? Why or why not? Use examples without giving the ending away if you can.

4) Would you recommend it to everyone? Those of a particular age or interest? No one? Why?

1) What book did you choose for your class literature assignment? Why did you choose it?

2) Summarize the book in two to three sentences.

3) Did you enjoy the book? Why or why not? Use examples without giving the ending away if you can.

4) Would you recommend it to everyone? Those of a particular age or interest? No one? Why?

One of the books that I chose to read since school started back was Thirteen Reasons Why. This contemporary fiction story was recommended to me by several students last year, and even suggested for the summer reading list.

Clay is a teenager who receives a series of cassette tapes in the mail, the final speech of a fellow student who recently committed suicide. Hannah wanted to explain to the people who had the most impact how they affected her life, in a good or a bad way. As you read, you wonder how Clay was involved in her decision and whether he deserved this mental torture.

I did enjoy this book because it gave me a reminder that even small acts ca have a large impact on the people around me. We need to take care to think of consequences instead of rushing blindly along. However, I did not find the book particularly deep or difficult. Summer reading books should present a challenge in thought or action to keep your brains working when teachers aren't around.

With that being said, I would recommend this book to my students if they are looking for something to read. 13 Reasons is a quick, easy read with characters that can appeal to everyone. The dramatic, contemporary genre is generic enough that it will fit most interests in some way.

For more "reasons why" I like the book, check out my review on my personal bookshelf.

1) What book did you choose for your contemporary fiction assignment? Why did you choose it?

2) Summarize the book in two to three sentences.

3) Did you enjoy the book? Why or why not? Use examples without giving the ending away if you can.

4) Would you recommend it to everyone? Those of a particular age or interest? No one? Why?

What book(s) did you choose for your Summer Reading projects? Why? What did you think of it?

As a teacher I recognize the need to lead by example, so I'm working my way through the Summer Reading lists myself. Some of them I love (and I recommended) and others I was not familiar with (that other teachers recommended).

If you want to see my opinions on the books we're requiring, check out my reviews under the Summer Reading bookshelves.

Some of my favorite books are from when I was growing up. Talking with Dragons is the first in a series I read in elementary school. I practically have the thing memorized. But it's like comfort food for me to go back to whenever I'm feeling sad or jaded.

However, every book has a purpose, even if you don't love it. The Marriage Bureau for Rich People is a good example. This novel interested me because it showcased India's cultural rules about relationships and marriage. It led me to more questions that I wanted answered, and a great chance to research and talk to my Indian friends.