Harpreet

@mansijxswal I agree it’s great to read about Ishmael’s life before the war, as we get to see how he changes after the war. He struggles to survive and does things that he didn’t think he would do such as, stealing food. #285WLU10

Ishmael’s experience with the war is terrifying. As a tween he separates from his family, has to think about survival, and has frightening dreams. Although, he finds comfort in his childhood memories. For example, the images he sees in the moon builds his imagination. #285WLU10

@JeffEn285 The use of poetry made the book enjoyable. It allows her to talk about the different stages of her life while letting the readers connect to her feelings. I also like how she includes what others say to her, like her father, as it contributes to how she thinks and feels. #285WLU9

(1/2) The use of a verse novel by Jacqueline Woodson for Brown Girl Dreaming is very impactful as it connects the author more closely with her story. In the book, the reader sees that Jackie loves poetry and has even created poetry books about butterflies. #285WLU9

I like how Woodson tells her story through the poems. From the beginning she knows that history will affect her life and she will be treated differently. As her mother constantly reminds her that it can be scary when you walk into a room and there is no one like you. #285WLU9

@ChrisXu_ Nice one! I agree that Mr. and Mrs. Owens do greatly display the role of parents. Even as ghosts they raise Bod to the best of their abilities and give him lessons for life. At the same time, they allow Bod to have his freedom in the graveyard and be independent. #285WLU8

Things that are considered terrifying to tweens are shown in a different way in The Graveyard Book. For example, witches are portrayed as someone scary, but in the book Liza, the witch, is friendly and helpful. It allows tweens to look at things from another perspective. #285WLU8

@AlexiaGalloro The death of parents has been common in the novels we have read. I agree that it really allows tween characters to learn how to be independent and deal with their problems. This is seen in The Graveyard Book as Bod grows up in an unusual setting after the loss of his parents.

Relationships can greatly affect one’s ability to grow and adapt to situations. This is visible in Silas and Bod’s relationship as he helps Bod learn through books. Although when Silas decides to leave, Bod does not want that as he liked Silas as his guardian. #285WLU7

@AlexiaGalloro #285WLU6

@AlexiaGalloro I agree that Widdicombe compares Miley, Britney, and Demi to Taylor to show her in a better limelight. She could’ve talked about Taylor’s positives without comparing to others. Comparing artists to one another is inappropriate as we don’t know what one is experiencing personally.

The impact of Taylor Swift on young listeners is great as she writes so she can relate to the audience. Her relatable music captures the attention of many. It provides a sense of relief for parents as they don’t have to worry “about the words coming out of her mouth.” #285WLU6

@SchwantzBrianna I like how you said that to be in love with Char is simply a bonus! I agree that she deals with her own problems and saves herself. She does not need a Prince Charming to save her as she is determined to save herself from the curse. #285WLU5

Ella Enchanted is different from other stories where princesses must behave properly and are usually saved by a prince. I like how Ella takes charge and tries to solve her problems, rather than depending on someone else to help her. #285WLU5

@mphelps285 I agree that the curse represents the ways adults set rules which are expected to be followed. In Ella’s situation, she must be obedient, yet is rebellious as she tries to find ways around her orders. This is similar to tweens who try to rebel against the rules. #285WLU4

Ella's "gift of obedience" mimics the classic rule of "always do as you are told" by adults. This curse can be related to tweens who feel like they are under a spell in their own lives, doing things they don't want to do yet being too afraid to say otherwise. #285WLU4

When dealing with sadness, tweens try and gain support from their parents. Although, Ella’s father does not provide her with that support after her mother’s death. This shows that Ella cannot talk openly with her father, especially since he doesn’t know about the curse. #285WLU4

@KaitEN285 I also liked the way the narrator talked to the reader to further expand on the children’s emotions. I think the quotes you picked are great as it allows the reader to understand how the children felt in that situation and what lessons can be learned from it. #285WLU3

My favourite part of the book is when the narrator speaks directly to the reader about how the children are feeling and the moral lessons that you can take away. Some of my favourites below! (And many more!) #285WLU3

I liked how the Baudelaire children stood together to escape Count Olaf. They shared their feelings and thoughts, which gave them a sense of comfort. It shows that when children have someone with them, it makes them feel stronger. #285WLU3

@MarkFahim3 I agree that Harriet is very observant, which helps her with her spying. I also agree that Harriet was concerned about Sport and chose to write it in her notebook, rather than asking him about it. This could be because she feels he might not want to share the problem. #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

After Ole Golly leaves, Harriet has to be independent rather than being dependent on what Ole Golly says. If Harriets’ parents spent more time with her and tried to understand her, it would’ve been easier for Harriet to talk to them openly as she did with Ole Golly. #285WLU2

@KaitEN285 I agree with you, Kaitlin. I liked that there was a representation of mental disorders in the book. It was interesting to see how the children perceived it, as they thought her behaviour was different from theirs and others around them. #285WLU1

I was very happy to see the representation of mental disorders so soon within the book from Ole Golly's mother. Harriet and sport's reactions were a clear insight as to how children view people who are different than them. #285WLU1