Zoha

@MarkFahim3 I would definitely say A Long Way Gone is a coming of age novel. Readers can see the damage life as a child soldier caused Ishmael. It was difficult for him to come to terms with his reality and past, but forgiving himself was significant to his healing. #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

A Long Way Gone is a really heart-wrenching novel. The part that touched me the most was reading about Ishmael's life prior to when he became a child soldier. He lived an innocent life one day like other tweens and the next he was matured and executing war duties. #285WLU10

@ilonkam5445 I agree! I wish I read poems like these when I was younger & learning poetry. I always thought poetry required deep/critical thinking, but these poems show how that’s not always true. I also liked how the experiences the protagonists spoke about were realistic/relatable #285WLU9

This novel is a great introductory for tweens into the world of poetry, one that I wish I had at that age. I also enjoyed how so many of the things Jacqueline experiences such as comparing herself to her sister or grief of someone passing can be so relatable for tweens. #285WLU9

The poem “Brown Girl Dreaming” appealed to me the most because of its simplicity and the use of metaphors, which I really like. I was a bit hesitant because it’s poetry and poetry requires deep thinking, but I really liked the overall story from the protagonists POV #285WLU9

@kayrasahin8 Scarlett was an interesting character for sure. I expected to see more of her because her role seemed significant. I agree, I think having Scarlett be a temporary character was Gaiman’s way of demonstrating to tweens how people come and go and moving on is important. #285WLU8

I think Bod’s character is very interesting. He was so close to Scarlett, and was a bit sad when she left. However moved on very quick. Maybe this is because of him being raised in a graveyard, he is aware that nothing or anyone in his life is permanent. #285WLU8

...For instance, Bod learns a lot from several ghosts. They are all loyal to him as some teach him lessons while others look out for his safety, which proves how multiple people with different roles aid in a child’s development. #285WLU8

The Graveyard Book does a great job at demonstrating how the upbringing of a child is not only dependent on biological parents. Teachers, mentors and other outside influences are also important in shaping a child’s character... #285WLU8

@BaverstockJulia Agreed, readers are taken on Bod’s journey from when he is a baby to his adolescence. It’s also interesting how Gaiman portrayed death in the novel and tied it into Bod’s journey. It’s definitely a different take but does a great job at showing Bod’s transformation. #285WLU7

This is the first coming of age story I’ve read in which you get to see the character actually growing up. As Bod ages, the reader can understand and see his character transformation from young boy to young adult #285WLU7

The Graveyard Book addresses the notion of death and similar to previous books we read, Bod is the orphaned protagonist. Although more on the eerie side, it’s fascinating how Gaiman portrayed this rather gory topic in a fun, mysterious and mostly child-friendly way. #285WLU7

@Areejkhalid99 I agree, it’s important for kids to understand that these stars being idolized are mature and in most cases older. Tweens shouldn’t be afraid of being themselves because the tween age is the time for discovering who you are - interests, likes/dislikes, hobbies etc. #285WLU6

...The tween age is the time of self exploration, identity and expression. Instead of focusing on discovering themselves, tweens (especially girls) are more concerned about what’s trending/popular in society and try to live up to those expectations instead. #285WLU6

Linn brings up an interesting point of how “marketing in schools is terribly troubling”. Companies target tweens as they are easily and inevitably influenced by what’s considered trendy. This isn’t always good because nowadays, children don’t really have a childhood... #285WLU6

@norr5690 I agree, I think Ella is a great role model for the young girls reading this book that gender stereotypes do not define a person. I admire how determined and strong-willed she is. #285WLU5

Ellas obedience also reflects the basic stereotype that women should be obedient and submissive. The author does challenge this by giving her free will to break the curse at the end. Showing women don’t always need to be obedient and can have their own mind. #wlu285

I think Ella is a great role model for young girls as she demonstrates that having strong will and a strong sense of self are key in life. Although she has a curse upon her, she finds ways to not accept that curse as her true fate and does not allow it to consume her. #285WLU5

@mansijxswal I agree, I think it’s important for teens to understand where to draw the line when it comes to being told what to do. If this boundary is not created, it’ll be hard later in life to make your own choices confidently when needed. #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

@LaurenMawhEN285 I agree, Justice Strauss is their support system while they are grieving and at the same time adapting to being under count Olaf’s care. One part that stood out to me was when Klaus tried bargaining with Violet to ask Justice Strauss if she can adopt them. #285WLU3

reassurance/advice on how to handle difficult yet inevitable situations in life. For instance, “unless you have been very lucky, you have undoubtedly experienced events in your life that have made you cry.” etc.. #285WLU3

Although this is a book filled with many unfortunate events for the Baudelaire’s, I applaud how the narrator presented these rather dark and appalling events in a humorous manner. I also like how at some points, the reader is directly addressed and even given...

@jennaajackson This is true. It’s necessary for parents to conduct mental health checks on their children, especially when they are continuously skipping school. I think it’s a key indicator that something’s up when a child excessively uses “being sick” as an excuse to skip school. #285WLU2

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