Mark Fahim

@KaitEN285 It also provides us with a perspective of problems children face in countries riddled with War in comparison that children in our society face. Ishmael for instance had experienced things that no child should ever face, it is shocking when we are met with this reality. #285WLU10

Ishmael faced the loss of his childhood really early on, forced to grow up in a way of solitude as a child. One aspect that has had a large affect on him, as it would any child, is the loss of his brother, not to death, but to the world they had been subjected to. #285WLU10

A long way gone can be depicted as a “come of age” story where we originally see Ishmael as a young innocent boy and how the acts of war turns him into a murder. He learns to forgive himself and eventually share his story and how the war has affected children. #285WLU10

@classtweets285 I agree, but also as we shift focus towards the manner of which she was racially classified on her birth certificate, it highlights the troubles people of color will face far after the end of the African American civil rights movement even at a young age. #285WLU9

I think it was really interesting that the poem about her birth started with the history of the civil rights movement, that she wasn't just born with her racial identity but this civic history as well #285WLU9

Woodson connects the early moments of Jacqueline’s life with the racial conditions of America. This implicitly shows the reader the struggles Jacqueline will face before her life begins. This shows how race affects the lives of African Americans, long after slavery. #285WLU9

@AlexandraGeitz Also, a common occurrence within these books and films is the attachment to a specific character within this “new home”. We can see Bod’s attachment with Silas, Lucy’s attachment with Mr Thomas and even Harry’s attachment with Hagrid and his friends Ronald and Hermione. #285WLU8

Kids of Kabul was an interesting read, I took an interest in the excerpt from Faranouz. I see a more hopeful, optimistic and developing young women who given the constraints on women in her country managed to be of the 13% of Afghan Women who became literate. #285WLU8

@AlexandraGeitz I think it’s a bit of both the story finds a resolution and gives the reader the notion of “what’s next”? Bod was surrounded by people who had all lived their lives but he had yet to fully live his. The end of his childhood signaled the start of his “next” life. #285WLU7

I noticed how as Bod grew older over time, Silas gradually grew more distant from him. It’s almost as if he realized that he had done his job as his guardian and this signaled the end of Bod’s graveyard life and the start of his physical and normal life. #285WLU7

@lauryn_reibling This is a great point, they try to target a wider audience by changing the title of their brand without considering the implications on what they produce and how it can have a lasting impact on a child’a lifestyle. #285WLU6

Susan Linn did not seem opposed to the idea of un-monitored screen time, however Susan believed that most of the popular video games are violent which can change the behavior of a developing child. Parents should pay attention to the type of play rather than play in general.

@Courtney_D_Reid I agree, Ella’s father displays no regard for her daughter, it also shows how cruel the real world can be. An innocent young women such as Ella, is exposed to bad parenting and disregard for her freedom and right of choice. #285WLU5

Ella’s Enchanted displayed various forms of feminist themes and associations. One of the more notable ones it that oppression is not always visible. Due to the curse, Ella is placed in a vulnerable position as she is constantly being controlled. #285WLU5

@ZohaHaiderEN285 I agree, sometimes a favorable trait that is sought after by a parent can be incredibly challenging on a child during their developing years. Having a parent become more understanding of this can go a long way. #285WLU4

Ella Enchanted shows tweens the importance of making your own decisions in life. The ‘gift’ of obedience is actually a curse and it demonstrates how adults forcing children to act/behave a certain way can have a negative impact on their mental health. #285WLU4

Ella path to self-discovery is quite inspiring as it teaches us the importance of freedom and understanding one’s self as well as developing as a character on her journey. #285WLU4

@En285Gtobe Great observation, I agree, the contrast that the author gives enables the reader to picture the ominous reality of the adult world. This can definitely come off as a scary moment for children who read the book!

The detailed descriptions of Olaf’s long disgusting fingers stroking Violet’s face made me recoil even though I knew it was coming.Lemony does a great job of creating a child’s worst nightmare; both in appearance and motives.Did the book scare you when you were younger? #285WLU3

One can view Count Olaf’s character as an example of a sharp contrast between the sinister themes of the adult world (greed, selfishness & frustration) and the intangibles we see in Klaus, Violet and Sunny (Innocence, hope & love).

@jennaajackson I fully agree with this statement, parents can be quick to dismiss children’s concerns and actions as “being a child”, however these children are also young humans who experience the same emotions as adults, just in their own way. #EN285WLU2

I found it interesting that Harriet would pretend to be sick so she did not have to go to school. I think this is really common for students who are being bullied or who are anxious about something. Parents should watch out for this in their own children! #285WLU2

For the young and reckless 6th grader character that Harriet depicts, she is remarkably observant and caring. This is seen when she sees sport on the first morning of school, Harriet believes that sport was up all night and she worries for him. #EN285WLU2