Evan Hutton

@ryankennedy9480 I fully agree with this. The element of poetry in this novel is crucial to learn for later years when poetry may become more prominent in their studies. Also, for some tweens who are open to different forms of writing, it would be interesting and informative for them. #285WLU9

Although it is difficult for tweens to appreciate poetry, I feel that BGD would serve as a great introduction to the genre for tweens. Once they got used to reading in verse, I think they would able to appreciate its compelling story and find poetry more approachable. #285WLU9

Brown Girl Dreaming ironically depicts the harsh realities of the world through the dramatic use of poetry. The impact on children that read this book is immense due to the connection that can be created between the events and the way they are told. #285WLU9

@Daniellek203 Interesting insight. The fact that this represents Bod’s transition of persona truly depicts how this is a coming of age story with subtle nods to moral development. #285WLU8

In the graveyard Bod is named Nobody and is seen and interacts with those in the graveyard. But, when Bod goes to school he is referred to as somebody and is not noticed. This switch from Nobody to somebody is an interesting way to show a divide between the two worlds #285WLU8

While reading, overall I found it ironic how the novel is truly a children’s story, yet has a dark undertone with themes of death and the supernatural. It is amusing to see how Gaiman creates a work of literature by merging these entirely opposite narratives. #285WLU8

@SpurgeonJoshua1 I totally agree. Bod’s curiosity also contributes to his development of the self and his given personality shapes scenarios in the story into something they would not otherwise be. #285WLU7

#285WLU7 It is interesting that the novel explores the positive and negative ramifications of curiosity and adventure. Bod’s curiosity causes him to forefront a mission for answers while also getting him in trouble due to it. IMO, tweens can use this as a way to think first.

It is interesting How Neil Gaiman thoroughly focuses on growth and development of the self. This novel being a bildungsroman of sorts encapsulates a wide variety of themes that are vastly prevalent in tween literature. #285WLU7

@Setarehkhaniza3 I felt the exact same way while reading the article. The exploitation of children derives from the fact that the marketing of children’s toys, music and other wants is strongly geared towards what they want currently and in the future. #285WLU6

#285WLU6 Reading about how marketing plays such a negative role with children, left me shocked. While reading, Multinational Monitor I did not know the extent of pressure and "fakeness" they make kids act to market products, especially marketing in schools; as it is concerning.

While reading “McLaren’s Children” I found it interesting how songs can easily be assumed as having a sexual association when it reality they are just words. It ultimately depends on how the words are interpreted and who by.#285WLU6

@hyyh285 I understand where you are coming from with this. Most stories include the death of a major character at the climax of the story rather than the exposition in order to create a change in that major characters development. #285WLU5

I think that overall Ella Enchanted utilizes ideas from lots of children’s literature such as Beauty and the Beast, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella. The story seems to incorporate many elements of a classic Disney movie which could be why it appealing to children. #285WLU5

@EN285Japeet I strongly agree with this notion especially the fact that that both Ella and Cinderella have to break a spell in order to achieve the goal of the plot.#285WLU4

I think the fact that Ella’s spell is broken by fighting the will to be obedient to Chars proposal and therefore breaking free of the spell goes to show the true importance of the bond between them and makes for an eventful ending. #285WLU4

@mphelps285 I agree with this notion. Children are looked down upon in this society and in a way prevented from accessing the benefits that adults in this age have. #285WLU3

This book demonstrates that although children deal with many hardships, they're rarely taken as seriously as adults. Despite the Baudelaire's seeking help in difficult situations, they fail to receive any acknowledgement in hopes of getting away from the evil Count Olaf #285WLU3

I think the fact that Violet did not actually sign the marriage document in her own hand in the end generates an idealistic climax to the story which acts as a surprising revelation that leads into the conclusion. #285WLU3

@carter_heer I feel the same as well. Harriet’s disconnection from others after this occurrence is in part captivating as well as peculiar at the same time and therefore thought provoking #285WLU2

#285WLU2 Reading this book made me realize how much of my Tween days I've forgotten. I feel like I should understand Harriet's sudden mean streak after being discovered but I have no idea where it came from. I almost thought she was being built up as a sociopath but no.

I find it fascinating how as a writer and a spy Harriet possesses these dignified traits like honest criticism of a work of literature. She displays this in chapter 5 when she peevishly explains Marion Hawthorne’s piece in the school paper is boring and repetitive. #285WLU2

@kayrasahin8 I also found this part interesting about Harriet in the story. Especially how she decides to study the other characters in the book and collect ideas on the different things that happen to them. Essentially she is trying to learn something new from them. #285WLU1

Harriet is an extremely independent child who feels no way about stating what is on her mind. When she attempts to keep some things to herself, she writes it out which is not normal for a child who is 11. She gives a realistic depiction of a child’s honesty. #285WLU #285WLU1

I find it of interest how Harriet is so interesting in everyone’s lives, analyzing them and collecting information. It shows how she is able to understand them and gain a perspective of what she will eventually amount to. #285WLU1