Blog Response #7

Upon completion of reading your novel, share in your blog what you have learned about a different culture or a different historical period of time.  What seems strange or different to you?  What couldn't you believe?  What did you discover?  Take time to give specific examples from your novel that share what you learned about history and/or a different culture.  Share your feelings about what you learned.

Blog Response #6

Imagery is key to capturing the reader's imagination and taking him/her on the adventure within the book.  All 4 authors use several different techniques to paint a picture in your mind of the scenes within the plot of the book.  Share two or three images that have been captured in your mind through the author's word choice.  Why are these images so vivid, and how did the author manage to accomplish this task?  Be sure to include specific details of what you envisioned through the author's words.

Blog Response #5

In all five novels the main character or characters face adversity in one way or another.  Describe how you view the character's challenges in your book, and talk about how your character handles the hardships and struggles.  If you were in your character's shoes, how would you handle yourself?  What would you do?

Blog Response #4

With the introduction of a new novel, share in your blog what attracted you to this novel, based on the biographical information of your author and the review of the book.  After reading the first few pages, what is your initial reaction to the book?  Slow start? Jumps right in?  Share your first impressions of your book.

Blog Response #3

Stotan!, Chinese Handcuffs, Running Loose, and Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes all involve intense topics that add to the plot.  Talk about the point in which you became hooked into your book.  What did Chris Crutcher do to hook you? Describe any moment or moments in the book where you didn't want to put the book down.  What will you always remember about this book?

Blog Response #2

Choose a character from your book.  How do you envision this character?  Use your words to describe how this character looks, acts, and behaves.  Also, discuss the impact this character has had on the story up to this point. Would you be friends with this character, or would you avoid him/her?  Why? (Remember to give specific details and a complete blog entry, and don't forget to comment on two other blog entries!  Happy Blogging!)

Blog Response 1

Now that you have chosen your book and have started to read it, please share the reasons why you chose Running Loose, Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, Stotan! or Chinese Handcuffs.  Please give specific reasons as to why your chose the book you did.  Why was it one of your top three picks?  Are you happy with your choice?  Also, please include your initial thoughts on the book, as you have started to read it.  Are you finding the book enjoyable?  Is the reading interesting?  Are you making connections?

**A Reminder.  Please remember to include your name within your blog, so I can give you a grade. Please respond not only to this blog topic, but also please write a comment or a response to two of your classmates' responses.  Try to respond to those students who are reading the same book as you are, and remember you can respond to students in the other English 4B class.  Blog response is worth 20 points, so please answer accordingly.  Happy Blogging!!