Ilonka Mason

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@MelanieEN285 It is important to introduce these terms such as war &what it means into tweens lives so they have a deeper understanding of the world.Especially in a multicultural country like Canada where there can be immigrated families coming into this country who have children who know war.

It was powerful to read about Ishmeal’s life before the war because it puts into perspective of how normal his life was and how everything was taken away. For a tween, I believe, this would make an impact because this boy was as normal as them before he lost everything #285WLU10

@engundercover21 I also agree! I think it’s great that Jacqueline Woodson used this novel to make it clear that tweens can always go to their grandparents if they need someone to talk to especially because, as we’ve seen in this class, parents may not always be a good outlet for tweens to talk to

#285WLU9 I have such a deep appreciation for how the book, brown girl dreaming portrayed the importance of a grandparent role in a young adolescent’s life. The words and wisdom that come from those who have been here longer than us adds value to the kids

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

@emmadav78039083 I really like the way you analyzed this section of the novel. I never thought of seeing it this way. Although this makes perfect sense! Using this as an example to explain it makes it more comfortable for tweens and gives it a less uncomfortable image when thinking about it.

The dance with the living and dead could serve as a symbol for the area of life between childhood and adulthood. No one wants to talk about it or explain it (like the awkward conversation of puberty). Or the way tweens have to figure out how to grow up on their own. #285WLU8

I like that Jack was disguised as Mr.Frost as an example for tweens to not trust everything they see or everyone they meet because in this age group tweens can be very impressionable. This shows a good example of just how dangerous strangers can be, especially for Bod. #285WLU8

@Daniellek203 I agree!! Wanting to know why Jack wants to kill a baby has me not wanting to put the book down. I’m also getting a really weird vibe from Miss Lupescu, even if she’s trying to help Bod. And what’s with the grey dog?? So many questions that I can’t wait to find the answers to!

The Graveyard Book is filled with ambiguous information that we must try to figure out with clues we are given. Like, what is Silas? or Why is Jack so bent on killing Bod and his family? These mysteries are an interesting aspect that holds the engagement of the reader. #285WLU7

It’s interesting how Gaiman writes Bod & Scarlett so maturely although they are so young. Bod himself understands a very complex part of life (death), which most people struggle to accept. This understanding helps him when encountering the “indigo man” and having no fear #285WLU7

@MaiaWLU It’s ironic for people to use this phrase when we are forcing them to grow up with marketing. It’s also ironic that then in turn we hear adults either saying “slow down,you’re growing up too fast” or “you’re not a kid anymore,grow up”. How are kids supposed to know what’s right?

#285WLU6 The phrase "kids are getting older younger" only seems to become truer every year. As social media becomes more accessible to children, they are engaging in content that they are not emotionally mature enough to understand. While many of us grew up with anonymous...

2/2 I like that Linn says parents cant stop children from being over-commercialized alone. Linn states that its everyone’s responsibility. She also stressed the need for safe outdoor spaces free of screens and stop forcing marketing on kids in general so they can be kids #285WLU6

1/2 In Linn’s article I was shocked to learn that $17 billion was being spent advertising to children in 2008. I wonder how much it has increased to today,over 10 years later considering TV is getting less popular and social media is increasing in popularity for children #285WLU6

@Courtney_D_Reid When I read this part it really made me angry. She’s just a child and her father is supposed to protect her. Unfortunately, there are many parents, especially throughout history that have done this to their children.Fortunately it doesn’t happen as much now but it is still common

I love how strong willed Ella is and that she’s such a powerful female. Her actions definitely shouted feminism which I loved. Ella worked through challenges of the curse on her own & made choices for herself. Yes she fell in love with Char but it was on her own terms #285WLU5

@ChrisXu_ I absolutely agree. Although tweens do need direction and some rules to know right from wrong, they also need plenty of freedom to discover who they are and make their own mistakes. I find parents can often miss this out of the concern for their child’s safety and well-being.

I think Ellas character can be found really relatable to many tweens because of her skill to find ways around rules she is given. Just like Ella tweens can find it hard to find who they are when surrounded by many strict rules that they must follow. They need freedom too #285WLU4

@BlazeWelling I agree Blaze, it is interesting how a text can change so much through interpretation from a tween to an adult. Klaus’s love of reading reminded me of me when I was younger and my love for books. I personally loved these books and this reread just rekindled my love for them.

Since rereading Lemony Snicket’s text, it makes me think about my tween-aged self and how these books were so fascinating to me. It’s interesting to read a book and see how different you interpret it at various stages of your life. Did anyone else read these books? #285WLU3

I loved how Snicket addresses the reader. Speaking to them directly,providing definitions of words and telling the reader the hard truth that sometimes happy endings don’t work out. This allows tweens to feel mature reading this book while still using their imagination. #285WLU3

@Colinwyatt00 I agree, Harriets parents handled her better than one would expect. This of course is better than giving up. However, Harriet is old enough that she will always remember needing a therapist instead of being able to talk to her own parents because they were absent for too long.

You know what. Shout out to Harriet's parents for getting her to see a therapist as a way to express her thoughts in a healthier matter. They may not be perfect but they did better with her after Ole Golly than I expected, breaking the "rich parent" stereotype. #285WLU2

It was smart of Fitzhugh to have Ole Golly leave. The only person other than Harriets friends who knew her, was gone. Once she left, Harriets parents were finally forced to parent her and were at a loss. The irony is, they should have been doing this from the beginning. #285WLU2