This blog space is designed for MCA students and facutly to share their thoughts on what they are reading. This may be in the form of opionion, critique, reviews, or personal writings that they would like others to comment on. Please join us and share!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Speak Review
This book is about Miranda, a girl who is raped at a party where most of her peers from high school are partying, complete with beer, drugs, the whole nine yards. She tries to call the cops to report the rape, but can’t speak. Because the line was left open, police track it and come to the party, breaking it up and arresting several people for underage drinking. Back at school, she is now ostracized from all the groups she used to hang out with for calling the cops and ending the party. Miranda doesn’t speak when it isn’t absolutely necessary because of trauma from the rape, and still hasn’t confided in anyone the fact that she was raped, not even the police.
I liked the characters in this book. I was able to relate some of them even to people I know. It was fairly easy to identify with Miranda, because, even though hers was much more severe, everyone has felt left out at one time or another. The characters were fairly well developed and you got to know most of them, even if once you got to know them, you were made to hate them.
I would recommend this book to teens age 13 and up. It does deal with a very mature issue, rape, and there are some disturbing parts that might disturb younger readers. In parts of the book, Miranda contemplates suicide, she cuts her wrists, and other things along those lines happen. While younger readers have heard of these, I would not recommend dwelling on them that young.
This book is very similar to Hate List by Jennifer Brown. They are both about high school girls now outcast due to a crime committed that involved them as main characters.
Overall, Speak by Laura Halse Anderson is a good book.
SPIOLER ALERT!!!
While eventually Miranda does stop the boy who raped her from doing it again and finds out many people at her school hate him, she still never really tells the cops or even her parents. The only person she actually says that she was raped to was her art teacher, in the very last line of the book. I think if schools are going to use a book to teach people to speak out about rape and other crimes, they should use a book that has the main character tell the authorities promptly, not wait for nearly a year.
Locomotion Book Review
Elephant Run
Elephant Run by Roland Smith, This book is about a boy that goes to Burma during WWII. Somethings that I liked was that it kept you wondering in some places. I also liked was that most of the characters were around the age of middle schoolers. somethings that I didn't like was that in some places it was it was really slow and boring. Another thing that I did like was that they wold discribe things in deatil to a point where you thought you were in the story itself. Some of the people that I would recomend this book to are people that like history and people that like war and camps of differnt sorts. I would recomend this to someone that likes history is because it has a lot of historicial events that they talk about. The people that like war because of the POW camps. POW camps are camps that they kept people that were captured by the enimy during time of war. I could not relate this book to anything because I personally have not read many history books, or books that have to do with WWII.
*This book is a really good book I would recomend it to anyone that has not read it.*
~Kaitlin=)
Trouble by Gary Schmidt
This was a very good book. I expected I would dislike it because I don’t like the author that much.
The only thing I didn’t like about this book was that it didn’t really talk about the war in Vietnam even though that was the time period and context.
I really can’t compare this book to any other book I’ve read. I haven’t read books in the Vietnam War era.
I’d recommend this to anyone who has enjoyed books by the author, Gary Schmidt.
The Final Touch
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Hate List Review
In the story, Valerie was the victim of a mass shooting carried out by her boyfriend. Nick, the boyfriend, targeted people on the “hate list” of people that annoyed Valerie and him. Valerie has to go back to school and face people who think that the shooting was her fault, deal with her family’s problems, and try to sort out her own feelings about the incident.
I really liked the plot and how the author related to things that are important to teenagers today. The plot moved at a good pace and there were always twists that kept you reading, like when Valerie discovers an art studio or befriends a former enemy. Brown mentions mp3 players and cell phones, things synonymous today with being a teenager. This book is reminiscent of the Columbine shooting, so it is relates to things that really have happened, and to me this makes it a much more interesting read.
I didn’t really like the level at which this book was written. It was a pretty easy read, so even though the topics in the book were fairly profound, I didn’t feel extremely challenged while reading it. The vocabulary was decent in most of the book, but not of the caliber that I think should be expected of young adults.
I would recommend this book to any age teenager. There is some language and under-age drinking, but this is something most teens know about already. The book, I don’t believe, contains anything that teens haven’t heard about before.
This book reminded me a lot of Speak by Laura Halse Anderson. They are both about teenage girls struggling to cope with a traumatic incident that has alienated them from their peers. Both are good reads.
Code Orange
I thought Code Orange was interesting. The plot wasn’t like anything else I’d ever read (although, I don’t read a lot of books about diseases…), but I didn’t like it.
I didn’t think it was realistic in any way. The scabs were a stretch to believe, but when Mitty gets kidnapped, it lost all realism it had. It also lacked depth. I didn’t get to know any of the characters.
I would compare Code Orange to The Rock and the River because I both, the main character does things behind their parents’ backs. In The Rock and the River, Sam helps the Black Panthers without telling his father, while in Code Orange, Mitty doesn’t tell his parents about the scabs until he writes a letter telling them he is contemplating committing suicide then runs away. And, in each, the main character’s crush persuades them to do the right thing.
I would recommend this to anyone who isn’t a big reader but is into science.
The Rock and the River
During the time of Martin Luther King Jr. protests, Sam wants to follow his famous father, Roland Childs, another leader in the peaceful protest world. But, whenever he sees a police officer beating a black person for nothing or other unfair racial treatment, he finds it hard to peacefully protest. When his brother, Stick, joins the Black Panthers, a group that takes action (non-violent and sometimes violent) to help victims of these crimes, Sam feels torn. His brother tells him, “You can’t be the rock and the river,” meaning that you can’t stay still like the rock and move ahead like the river. Will he ever understand what the Black Panthers is about?
I liked this book; it was really well written. I haven’t read something about the Martin Luther King Jr. speeches before. I think it’s a good first-hand look at what it was like during the 1960’s. It shows the two sides of wanting to get somewhere but not knowing how to get there. Although
I could tell the emotion in this book, it didn’t hit me as hard as it could have. But I still didn’t want to put down The Rock and the River, but it also took motivation to pick it back up.
My book comparison might be a bit strange. I think it is like Someone Named Eva because both books are about something that is not often written about. Plus, the main character each don’t know which path to take; for Sam, it’s peaceful or joining the Black Panthers, and for Milada it’s going along with what is happening or fighting back and trying to keep her identity.
I really liked it though. I wanted to urge Sam to do something.
I recommend this to young adults who like to read things about history or that like to read things about indecision and growing up.
Code Orange
I really liked the information in the book. It entertained me and taught me about smallpox. The only thing I didn't like is that it was very easy to read. I would have enjoyed more of a challenge.
I would recommend this book to people who don't usually read. This book would capture all their attention. I would also recommend this book to people like me. Drama with a little bit of romance, but not to crazy.
I would compare Code Orange to the book any book that includes diseases. I personally haven't read a book that I can compare this to.
The Surrender Tree
Molly Fyde
In the book I really hated the first 4 chapters because it was so confusing! I didn't understand it at all! After those chapters i enjoyed how Cole and Molly escaped from the Glemots.
I would recommend this book to people who are sci-fi fans because of the role in space. Also I would recommend this book to young adults over 12 because it has some language.
I haven't read a book like this before so I cant really compare this to anything.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Review on "Elsewhere" ;)
~ Baileyyyyy <3
Paint the Wind (Recommended by Dana :D
Molly Fyde and the Fight for Peace Review
Molly Fyde and the Fight for Peace is another well-written book by Hugh Howey. In this book, Molly and Cole continue to, well, fight for peace. The Bern invasion is coming. Molly and Walter with the people of Lok and Captain Saunders (and his team) plan to fight Bern. Cole, in hyperspace, develops his own plan to conduct with Penny and Mortimor. Anlyn and Edison, who meet up with Molly, have a branch of her plan. Anlyn can’t wait. Together, they will fight the Bern, not knowing exactly who is doing what.
I loved it. Although parts of it were mind-bending and confusing, such as Cole’s plan, when he talks to the Bern Seer, and at the end with the Bern Seer, and how does hyperspace work? I can’t wait to know if there are more Molly Fyde-s!
I recommend it to any young adult who likes science fiction or that has read the three other Molly Fydes and liked the series.
Honestly, the only thing I can kind of compare it to is Artemis Fowl because of the creative made-up worlds along with cool futuristic technology, although it is a stretch. And if I had to choose which one is better, I’d have to say Molly Fyde :)
When you reach me review
I didn’t like how it changed times (that confused me) and I think the author could have made it more interesting and less dry. I liked how it challenged you to think about time travel, it made me sit down for a few minutes and try to understand time travel. I liked how it ended.
I would recommend this book to people who like easy reads, because this book was easy to read most of the time. I think 5th-7th grade would enjoy this book the best, but some adults would probably also enjoy it.
I don’t know of any books to compare it with, because I’ve never read a time travel book before.
Emily
Don’t read if you have not read this book!!!!!
*******************Spoiler Alert****************************
The short second life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer. This book is about a new born vampire that falls in love and finds out things for herself that she was lied to about. But she dose not stay in love for long due to some tragic events.
I liked the fact that she made the book to clear up the life of Bree Tanner. I also liked the fact that she is able to fine out things for her own and not believe the lie that everyone else believes.
I recommend this book to people from age 11- maybe 40’s. This book is most popular with the teenage. This book can be connected with the teenage groups and maybe with people older. It has to deal a lot with kids 17 and older.
I can compare this book to the ending of Breaking Dawn. It takes place in Bree’s head. Just like at the end of Breading Dawn it takes place in Jacob’s head. These books are kind of a like. The moat difference between these books is that Jacob always thinks about Renesmay and Bella and Bree thinks about Diego all of the time.
Go and Come Back
Go and Come Back
This book was so good. It was mainly about how two old white ladies from New York come to their tribe called Isabo. When everyone comes to greet them except for Alicia. Alicia then starts watching them because they are silly and don’t know how to live in their tribe and Alicia said that someone is going to have to help them out. That someone is Alicia and she helps them learn how to live in the tribe of Isabo. I liked the book but it wasn’t my favorite it was a little confusing on some parts. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes an adventure.
Review on Hate list :)
Hate list is about the perspective from a teenage girl who’s boyfriend was involved with a school shooting, it showed me just because you think someone was a part of something doesn’t mean they were, and people can change from who you thought they were to someone different.
I liked that it was a fast pace book, and I could sort of relate to Valerie the main character because she felt like people thought she was someone that she wasn’t. I didn’t like how sad it was and I didn’t like the ending. (I won’t spoil it!)
I would recommend this book to middle schoolers, high schoolers, and young adults that can handle reading about depression. Also because they could relate to it the most and I think relating to a book is important.
I can't think of a book to compare this wiht because there aren't many books like it that are about high shcool shootings that teach you a lesson.
Emily
Elephant Run
The Giver
I liked this book but I didn't think it was as great as everyone makes it out to be. They're were points in the book I loved and some I didn't like, at all. I especially disliked the ending, because it was a little confuing and seemed forced.
This book didn't have any adult themes but in order to undestand the message I think you need to be a middle schooler, maybe a mature fifth grader. I think adults could enjoy this book too, but they'd view it in an entirely different way then I did.
This book was about the same topic (controling government) as Matched and The Other Side of the Island, but I'd say Matched is more entertaining, and has a better flow then the Giver. I'd say The Other Side of the Island had a better story and flow but didn't deal as much with the topic (other then just the rebellion side of it) then the Giver.
~Dana
Monday, April 25, 2011
Life As We Knew It
This book also made me think of one thing: The end of the world. It made me wonder what the scientists think is actually going to happen on December 21st, 2012. I still don't believe anythings going to actually happen, but still it made me wonder. So, of course, I looked it up. (Who doesn't love Google?) I found out that many people believe it is because of the Mayan calender. The Mayan calender ends on December 21st, 2012. Since everybody believes that the Mayans were extremely advanced in education, everybody believes that they had predicted the end of the world. I couldn't understand what the scientists were talking about when I read what they were thinking. I will say that, yes, I believe in the Bible and a date for the end of the world isn't mentioned in the Bible whatsoever. Besides that, how can a civilization that lived thousands of years ago predict the date of the end of the world? It doesn't matter how smart they were. It isn't possible. (This is my opinion. Please don't take it offensively.)
This is another book I can't compare to anything. I haven't read another book like this ever. Literally never. I have read post-apocalyptic books. It just isn't the same thing. I can relate main characters to each other. I can relate Miranda to Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games. They are both starving most of the time. At one point, Miranda has to take care of her family by herself, where Katniss does that every day. I just can't compare this to another book.
The style of this book is also very different from many books I have read. This book was written in the style of a diary. Basically, it was like I was reading Miranda's diary. Anyone who likes that type of writing style will most likely enjoy reading this book. I also believe anyone who likes Science Fiction would like this book as well, but, just like Hate List, I believe it is your own judgement whether or not you would like this book. ~Ashleigh
Monday, April 18, 2011
Hate List
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Hate List
This book contains some sences with violence, teen derpression, and teen drinking. If you can get over that it's a really really really good book. I think that this book is AMAZING!!! It is a little graphic but not really extremely scary. Overall the most scary thing is that this could happen!!!
This book is definetivly for people who can handle intense scences and depression.
~Dana
Molly Fyde and the Blood of Billions
This book was seen from the point of view of three different characters, Molly, Cole and Anylyn. In Molly's chapters, you followed what Molly did on Lok. In Cole's chapters, you followed what Cole did in Hyperspace. In Anylyn's chapters, honestly, I was too confused by Anylyn's chapters to know what was going on. I really liked the chapters with Cole and Molly, but the Anylyn chapters could have been left out.
If I had to recommend this book to anybody, I would recommend it to people who:
A) Like science-fiction.
and
B) Are in at least middle school. (This is because the book uses cuss words. It also uses a lot of big words you don't learn until 6th grade.)
Anyway, the book is kind of good, except for the Anylyn chapters. Those chapters are bad.
~Ashleigh
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
All Broken Pieces
When You Reach Me
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Molly Fyde and the Land of Light- “I need you to help me rescue your father.” This one statement hurtles Molly into an adventure to save her father. It takes her to the planets of Lok and to Dakura. Also the one place she never dreamed of being, Drenard. On her way to Dakura she finds out the real reason behind her going there, she must kill her own mother.
One thing that I liked was the suspense and action in the book. Like when Molly was told that when she got to Dakura that she would have to kill her mom. Also I liked the Wadi Thooo in the book because it sounded cute. Now I want tame one.
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes science fiction and lots of action. Even those that don’t like science fiction might like this because I don’t really like sci-fi and I loved this book. Also I would recommend this to a middle-schooler because younger people might not like it or e able to relate to it, which you should be able to do in a good book.
This book reminds me of The Mazerunner because of the suspense. At the end of almost every single chapter there is a single phrase that puts you on the edge of your seat until the next chapter, where it happens again.
-Serena
Blood of the Billions Review:
The House on Mango Street
Monday, April 11, 2011
Half Way Home
The Little Stranger
Paths of Glory
Hunger Games
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS A PLOT SUMMARY OF THE HUNGER GAMES. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!!!!
This review talks about why the Hunger Games is a controversial book, and why you should still let your children read it anyway. The Hunger Games is a highly enjoyable and wonderful book that begins an immensely interesting trilogy. This book deals with primal human nature, romance, death, and love for those important to us. Due to the heavy subject addressed by the book, blood and gore are present for a great deal of the book. Therefore, this can be a bit of a drawback for younger readers, and I would not recommend the book to anyone younger that ten. Even so, it is very worthy of being read. The main character, Katniss Evergreen, lives in a war torn world. Her country, Panem, is in the same general area that the United States used to occupy. Katniss lives in District 12, which produces coal. She has to hunt for food to supply her family and ensure that they survive. I personally think that providing for her family has made Katniss a stronger person. She has a strong connection to her mother and sister, as well as her best friend and hunting partner, Gale. The two of them are the main providers in their households, even though they are both very young. This seems like a parallel to the way some children live in developing countries. I believe that presenting the issue in a fictional book is an easier way to show children that there really are such things in the world, even today. In a classroom setting, this could be used to open children's minds to the fact that the world is not pastel. There are some very violent colors out there, and we cannot hide this from them forever. Katniss's sister, Primrose is picked to be in a contest, engineered to keep the “districts” (colonies) in line and ensure that they do not try to throw off the oppressive government of the Capital, the head district. Katniss takes her sisters place as a tribute, because she loves her very much and knows that Prim would not be able to survive. I think that this is actually a good message to children. It suggests that family is extremely important, and that one should look out for their family no matter the situation. It also brings to mind the saying “blood runs thicker than water”. Katniss and the other tribute, Peeta Mellark, are sent off to the Capitol, where they are trained and paraded about to increase their support (and funding) from the citizens of the Capitol. They become crowd favorites for their innovative, custom outfits and Peeta's fake crush on Katniss. The Capitol and it's citizens represent everything that is wrong with today's society, such as vanity, stupidity, and greed. They have many body modifications that far surpass those common today, such as dyed green skin and and facial tattoos. Katniss describes them as “big, bright birds” that strut around in their colorful and impractical clothing. All of the tributes are taken to the arena, and given seconds to run for their lives. Katniss barely escapes, and heads for the cover of the forest. She learns later that night that Peeta has teamed up with the Careers, tributes from larger Districts that actually want to be in the Game. The Careers corner Katniss in a tree. They shoot arrows at her, and she cannot defend herself because she has no weapon. There is a Tracker Jacker nest beside her. Tracker Jackers are a type of genetically engineered wasps. They are very dangerous, seeing as just a few stings can kill a adult. Using the nest to her advantage, Katniss drops it on the Careers. Not only do some of them leave, one dies and Katniss can steal her bow and arrows. This part of the book is one of the more gory and violent. I feel that this was necessary to let the reader know just how serious the Games are. It is not an enjoyable experience to be cast in to a situation that jeopardizes your personal safety. I believe that this discourages children from choosing things that will cause them harm, like joining gangs or doing drugs. Both of these things can cause them to feel “hunted”, much like Katniss. After this, Katniss teams up with a small girl from District 9 named Rue. The two of them destroy the Career's food supplies. This infuriates their leader, Cato. Peeta seems to have deserted the Careers, which worries Katniss. She hopes that he is still alive and well. The enraged Careers track Rue and Katniss down. They plan on killing them both to exact their vengeance. One of them spears Rue with his weapon. Katniss hears her screaming and comes swiftly to her rescue. She kills the Career and and tries desperately to save Rue, but she is too late and Rue dies. Katniss mourns her death and covers her body with flowers. This is most definitely one of the saddest parts of the Hunger Games. You can just feel the grief that Katniss feels as she looks over Rue's dead body. In my opinion, this part of the book shows children that it is normal to be sad when people die, and that we need to express our feelings, not keep them bottled up inside. After Rue's death, it is announced that the tributes from the same District can now win. Katniss begins looking for Peeta, and finds him lying wounded and covered in mud. He had camouflaged himself so he would be safe. Katniss and Peeta fake a romance to get helpful things sent to them by their sponsors. The sponsors send them aid, and Katniss nurses Peeta back to health. Soon, the only tributes left are Katniss, Peeta, and Cato. The three of them face off and Cato is killed. It looks like Peeta and Katniss will be going home together, but there is an announcement; only one tribute can win. Peeta and Katniss refuse to kill one another, so they both make a deal to eat poison berries and die together. They put the berries in their mouths, but before they can swallow, the announcement is taken back. The two of them are taken away from the arena. The scene with the berries shows that friendship and love are more important than being the winner. It is better to have loving friends and family and be poor than to be rich and have no family or friends. It also shows that we should trust one another. If one of them had stabbed the other in the back, that would defeat the whole purpose of their friendship. Katniss and Peeta keep up the star-crossed lovers routine for the post-games reunion and interview, knowing that this is the only way to keep from being punished by the Capitol for the rebellious trick with the poisonous berries. Eventually, Katniss figures out that Peeta really is in love with her, and he figures out that she wasn't ever in love with him. As the train pulls into District 12, they put on a happy face for the camera, take each-other's hands and step onto the platform. So, parents, I would still consider letting your children read the books. It will teach them to consider things that they find are unfair, but feel cannot be changed. The Hunger Games will also show them ways to change these things. It will teach them of the value of human life and of love for one's family. It shows children that one tiny decision can cause a landslide of consequences. The lessons held in this fairly short book are immense and life altering. I hope that you will agree, maybe reading the book and letting your children read it as well.Saving Zasha Review
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Jellicoe Road
This book is defientively for more mature readers who are willing for a challenge. I really enjoyed it both times I've read it but I know for a fact others strongly disagree.
~Dana
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Saving Zasha
This book is awesome!!!! It is about how a big war started and everyone didn’t like German Shepherds. So they killed them. Only a few survived. When this old man has been cut really bad and can’t take care of his German shepherd named Zasha. After the man dies that owned the German Shepard Mikhail and his family has to take care of it. They keep it hidden at the end of the farm. This is a big struggle because they to train the dog to not bark. If they don’t they could get taken to jail. This is a big struggle because the war is going on. It is a very touching book and sad but I am not going to give away the ending for you. This book is kind of like Cracker. I encourage you to read it .
Review of Fly Girl by Sheri L. Smith
Review of Flygirl
I found Flygirl to be terrible I just hated it. I found it to be boring, and dry at some places. Not to mention it skipped around too much so I never connected with a character, and it was occasionally confusing. Finally it had a terrible ending which is something I just can't stand. Although Abby who I read this with would disagree.
I would recommed Flygirl to......well nobody!!!! No one deserves to have to read this terrible book, but if you want read it go ahead you might find it great.
Yes I know I said terrible a lot but that's how I felt about this book.
~Dana
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
This book was about a rape victim, Melinda, who everyone hated because she called the police at a party in 8th grade. Everyone assumed that it was because the party got wild.
They were wrong.
Melinda was raped. This book tells how she gets her story out in the end.
I really liked this book because it was so real. It could happen to anyone of us!
I havent read a book like this before because I've never been exposed to like this till now.
I would recommend this book to people who are at least in 8th grade and can handle a controverisal topic.