What Am I?.... Dice

As I'm tossed across the soft felt all I hear are people yelling and screaming. They all want me to land on my six side but that's the side the hurts the most, maybe they won't mind if I land on my five side. But if I land on my one side then the room goes quite. People come to my table to win but most of the time not everyone is a winner. I'm usually the most common played game which means I get touched a lot by everyone's disgusting hands. The game is played with me and a deck of cards. Sometimes depending on the type of game I even get to play with a friend too, then I don’t feel so alone when everyone's eyes are on me seeing which side I land on. Most of the time people get so mad at me when I land on one or two that they walk away from the game yelling about how cheep this game is, but I don't care because what else would I want to be rather than a game playing dice. It's like a dream I get all the attention everyday and all night long too.

“The Lottery” Theme

Author’s Note: This piece of writing is a short response about the main themes of the short story “The Lottery”.

What would you do if you won the lottery? Well in the story “The Lottery” Mrs.Dekkacroy’s husband was the lucky one who won but he actually wasn’t that lucky. This lottery is one that you don’t want to win. Once your name is called there is no turning back. If you win you get to stand in a circle and have the entire village threw stones at you, until you die. It’s pretty much a life or death situation.

After reading this story there were several themes but the main one was the rocks. The little boys playing with the rocks were actually collecting them to use during the lottery. This is a main theme because the rocks are a common topic throughout the book. In the end of the story the winner of the lottery was stoned to their death, with the rocks that the little boys were playing with in the beginning.

Even though the lottery happened every year in this village the people who lived there still weren’t used to the idea. The lottery was one of the main ideas in this story. But not only because the story was written around the idea of the lottery. It’s because the lottery is a tradition and once a year some is killed by their own friends and family. It’s better to be killed right away with one big stone than a thousand little ones that take forever to kill you.

Left all Alone

Dear Owner,
You have left me here, just sitting on the bedside. All alone the entire day. How could you do this to me? I am your favorite pair of hoop earrings. We do everything together, go on walks, go to work, and even sleep. But for some reason you took me out last night. And when morning came, you forgot to put me back in. So, here I am sitting all alone can't move and I'm stuck looking at the same things in this bedroom all day. I am feeling down since no one told me they liked me. When you got home I looked and saw that your ears weren't empty. They were simply filled with diamonds. It's good to know that I've been replaced. It would be a nice favor from you if you just put me away so I didn't have to see those nice shiny filled ears.
Nice knowing you,
Your used to be favorite hoop earrings

Main Idea and Theme of Take me There

Author’s Note: This piece of writing is for my quarter 4 goals. I am trying to score a 10 on this piece for writing and note: this piece might give away hints and clues of the ending of the book!

Have you ever felt like you can’t be yourself around your peers at school? Well in the book Waitng for You, by Susane Colasanti Marisa the main character has this problem. Marisa doesn’t have the courage, strength, and bravery so show everyone who she really is. The main theme of the overall book is bravery. Without bravery you wouldn’t be able to take the challenges that you make every day, but sometimes you need more bravery to accomplish your biggest fears.

First, Marisa has the bravery to wake up every morning and go to school but she goes for different reasons than the normal kid would. Marisa goes to learn eat lunch and learn some more but “normal” kids go to learn, take a break, eat lunch, take another break, and then talk with friends and end up having a lot of homework. But since Marisa doesn’t have a lot of bravery she also doesn’t have a lot of friends. She ever finds the courage inside to talk to different people beside her two best friends, Nash and Nicole.

Just like many girls in high school Marisa wanted to be in a relationship too. But once again never found the bravery until one day in science the seating chart was changed. Marisa was no longer sitting by her best friend. Marisa became completely out of her comfort zone. She was now sitting by her crush, Derek. Would she find the courage to talk to him if he said hey? Or would she chicken out and run away like usual?

Once Marisa started getting used to the seating chart she became more comfortable sitting by Derek and they would have normal conversations every day. But it became more awkward once they started dating. Marisa never thought that this would happen because she is such a shy girl and didn’t think Derek liked girls like that. But when they were dating, Marisa was trying to be someone that she’s not. She was scared to show her real self infront of Derek because she thought he would break up with her. And sure enough he did.

Although Marisa didn’t have bravery in the beginning it’s grown over time. Even though she was dumped because she showed her true side of herself it made her stronger, stronger to say the word yes to her new boyfriend Nash. In front of Nash Marisa doesn’t have to hide who she really is. They have known each other since they were five and if she acted differently Nash wouldn’t like her. She has finally over time grown her bravery and shows her true side and isn’t afraid to show it to anyone.

This book reminds me of both the movie and book Speak. The main character went through a low time in her life and everyone knew about it. After what happened Melienda she was scared to talk to anyone, she had no friends. This relates to Marisa because she was scared to act like herself and thought no one would like her but in the end they both learned that being yourself is better then being someone that your not.

In conclusion, bravery is what helps you get through life. Marisa was struggling to wake up every morning because she was scared what was going to happen each day. Once she finally found her bravery she didn’t care what happened each day because she knew she had many people that loved her for who she was and not for being someone she’s not.

Character Development

Author’s Note: This piece of writing is on character development. My goal is to score a 10 on this piece. Note it might give away hints or clues of the ending of the book.

In the beginning of the book Waiting for You, by Susan Colasanti, Marisa one of the main characters thinks she’s the biggest nerd in the entire school. Do you think that about yourself too? Marisa is always reading, writing and wanting to do more work than she actually has to. Not only do her friends make fun of her for doing school work they also make fun of her for what clothes she wears. Marisa is like a wide open text book; she will always have the correct answers for you, and if she doesn’t she is always willing to figure them out.

Even though throughout the book Marisa’s personality stays the same her outer appearance is what changes the most. But that’s not the only thing that is different about her, half way through the book Marisa starts dating a guy that she really liked. His name was Derek; he was tall like a tree and had hair the color of a sandy beach. This was Marisa’s dream boyfriend, but she wasn’t herself around him. She felt like she always had to hide the real outgoing smart girl inside her. She felt as if she had to be someone else. She didn’t feel like herself.

But after a long stressful break up with him she realized who she really was, and she didn’t want to hide anymore. It was time for Marisa to show her talent. It was time for her to show her true colors and her real personality. She thought one of her best friends Nash was only a friend and never going to be anything else to her but, so thought wrong. After becoming so close to him she realized that he was her prefect boyfriend. Not Derek, a cheating liar. Marisa in the end of the book finally came out of her shell and was herself around not only Nash but everyone.

Before I started reading this book I read Something Like Fate. Lani the main character reminds me of Marisa because she was scared to show who she really was because she didn’t want to get judged by the boys in her class. Another reason why they are similar is because they both didn’t start to show who they really were until they found someone who brought out the best in them.

Although Marisa was at a point in her life where she was her lowest she ended up getting threw it, from one person came back into her life. Who know one person could change your life from low to high in just a matter of one simple question. He never really left but came into her life with a promise, a promise never to let her go once he grabbed on again.

How common is the Common Cold?

People know when they don’t feel well. They usually say they just don’t feel well, but do they know that they probably have the common cold? Headache, runny nose, and sore throat are usually what you feel when your body gets a cold (Common Cold 2). While having a cold there are many different viruses and symptoms you can have.

Many people suffer every year from what is known as the common cold. Symptoms of this cold usually cause you to have a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing (Common Cold ). But it might also give you a sore throat, cough and headache. Even though you feel sick when you have a cold the reason is because the virus in the cell is starting to destroy the good parts in the cell (Common Cold 2). The most common time of year to catch a cold is usually with cold weather in winter or fall.

There are many ways to catch a cold but what are they? One of the main ways is being in contact with a person that is sick. Another big way to catch a cold is touching commonly touched things, such as door knobs, car doors, and chairs (Aaseng). You can also catch a cold if you don’t wash your hands enough. After and before every meal you should wash your hands, but you should also wash them after coughing or sneezing in your hands. If you don’t wash your hands after doing that you could pass the germs by touching people or even objects (Common Cold 2).

During the process of having a cold there are many good and bad viruses throughout your body. The most common virus that your body had while you have a cold is the rhinovirus (Common Cold ). But another common virus is the corona viruses. Even though there are over 200 different types of viruses that or both good and bad those two are the ones that give your body a cold (Aaseng). While the virus moves into your body and into the cells it is trying to destroy all the good molecules in your body. This is what makes you feel sick. When the virus moves into the cell it is slowly removing and destroying the good parts of your cell. After the virus has completely destroyed the good part of the cell the virus will start to reproduce its self (Common Cold(3)).

Even though there are many ways to recover from cold you have to be careful which way you choose. Some cures for colds are to drink plenty of liquid and get lots of sleep. If you need you can also get cough medicines. It just helps you feel better but doesn’t help make the cold go away faster then it will on its own (Common Cold(3)). When you’re sick something that helps you feel better is chicken noodle soup or any kind of soup. You then get liquids into your body with the broth and the chicken will give you protein.

When having a cold you might think you just have allergies but they are completely different from each other. One way that they are different from each other is the symptoms that you have. While having allergies the symptoms are usually your eyes, nose and lungs usually get irritated from whatever you might be allergic to (Aaseng). The virus that goes into the cell while having both a cold and allergies are bad. They want to get into the cell to destroy it and then start to reproduce the virus, which then will make you sicker then you already are.

In conclusion, having a cold puts a lot of stress on your body with all the viruses your body is trying to fight off, which isn’t easy with all the stress your body has. Over 200 viruses, but only one or two will give you the common cold. What do the other 198 viruses do to your body then? Are they helpful or harmful to the human body?

Bibliography:
Aaseng, Nathan. The Common Cold and flu . 1992.
"Common Cold ." 8 January 2012. Pub Med Health . 17 April 2012 .
"Common Cold 2." 11 February 2011. National Institute of Allergy and Infections Diseases. 18 April 2012 .
Common Cold(3). 8 July 2011. 19 April 2012 .

Different or Similar?

Author’s Note: This piece of writing is going to be used for the 4th quarter goals. This piece is going to be about the similarities and differences between Something like Fate and Waiting for You.

The two books Something like Fate and Waiting for You are completely different books but they are also similar in many ways. One of them being they are written by the same author. Susane Colasanti wanted to write multiple books about young love. She has a different point of view in each of her books, which makes them very different when you are reading them. This is my opinion on why they are very similar but also different in their very own ways.

First, both of the main characters in the books are looking for their perfect boyfriends. They don’t find it to be easy to meet them though because of loads amounts of homework and sports after school every day. I know from a personal opinion along with my friends we have the same case. Another theme or similar thing throughout the book was heart break. Heart break is never fun especially when you don’t have any one to turn to. This brings up another similarity in the books, losing their best friend. There are three things that are similar and they seem like pretty big things to have in common but there are double the amounts of events that are different.

Some other little things that these books have in common are the age of the characters in the books. In both of them the kids are either 17 or 18 and in high school. But there is more in common as well, they are both taken place in modern places. New York and Florida.

Even though these books seem as they could be one they are two completely books. Not only because of the main characters and where the book sets place but because of the main ongoing events. One of the main events that happen in Something like Fate was Lani falling in love with her best friend’s boyfriend. This was the main conflict/climax in the book. But while the main conflict/climax in the book Waiting for You was very much different. What happened in was Waiting for You was when Marissa decided to go out with the most popular guys in school, and wanted someone else instead. So as you can see the main theme might be the same but the main conflict and climax were much different in the books. One dealing with falling in love and dealing with what Marissa would want to be happy.

These books are obviously about love like I said before but they are also about family and friendships throughout the novel too. While I was reading them I saw many similarities but I also saw many differences which made the books so interesting and fun to read because I never knew what was going to come next. Some parts seemed dumb and pointless but that’s what makes these books their own. Similar or different these were both great books.

Tone and Mood of "Big Yellow Taxi" and " Field Below"

When author's write pieces of writing the always make a purpose for writing. I feel like the author's purpose for writing the poems "Big Yellow Taxi" and "Field Below" was to inform the reader that you don't know what you have until it's gone or that you should respect what you have because one day it might be taken from you. The tone of "Big Yellow Taxi" is respectful and grateful. I think this because she loves nature and was thankful for the time that she had with nature. When I read this poem the mood was sad and sympathy. But I think that the tone of "Field Below" is sad and heartbroken. But I also feel like the tone was sorrow and sadness.

The difference between the mood and tone in the two poems were different in the songs because in "Big Yellow Taxi" when you are reading the poem it seems sad but when you are listening to it the tempo is fast and the person singing it seems very happy. But in " Field Below" the tempo is very slow and the tone of voice in the musicians voice is sad. Just like in the poem. I think that this shows that even though the poem might be sad and glumly doesn't mean that the song can't have a fast happy tempo. I feel like "Big Yellow Taxi" should have had a slower tempo but it means that the author was ok with it being faster which she is then alright with the problem that she was/ is going through. But in " Field Below" I felt like the tempo and tone of voice fit the poem very well and it's what I thought it would sound like.

Ice Cold

Author’s Note: We are writing this piece to show our knowledge of creating parodies. We are doing so by creating a parody to the poem Mother to Son by Langston Hughes and putting it along with the book Waiting for You by Susan Colasanti.

Marissa,
My life ain’t no calm walk on the beach;
I’ve been waiting in the ocean blue,
Waves come,
Same as they pass.

But when the right wave comes,
There is no mistaking
And that wave was you.

And while there may be rocks
In this water I am waiting in
The wait is nothing
Compared to you

So go forth Marissa,
Wade into the water,
And explore,
What this world had to hold.

Come wade out in the water,
Marissa,
And no longer will you be,
Ice cold.



This poem was written by Nash to Marissa and shows a great relation to how Nash feels about Marissa and how he wants her to feel the same way. The tone of this poem is persuading, it is just this because of the way Nash is trying to convince Marissa to give him a chance. The mood in the poem is just as well because we were trying to write this poem in a sense that Nash is trying to show Marissa how much he cares about her and convince her that maybe she could care about him the same way.

Response for “Mother to Son”

Author’s Note: This is a short response to the poem “Mother to Son” It will include the mood and tone of the poem as well as examples of figurative language.

“Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.” This was one of the ways that the author showed figurative language in the poem “Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes. I think that this is being related to people that make mistakes, because no one can be more prefect then a crystal stair case. The overall mood and tone of the poem is clamming but meaningful. The mother wants to stay calm about telling her son about not to make the mistakes she made but very meaningful because she wants her son to really think about how one little thing can change everything. Think before you act because no mother wants to see her child suffer like they had to. Just because of one choice they made, that lead to a mistake.

Main Idea about "Something like Fate"

Something like Fate
Author’s Note: This piece of writing is to show my understanding of Main Idea/ Theme. My goal with this piece of writing is to score an overall 10. But I also need a 9 in introductions. Overall this piece of writing will meet both of my goals.

You’re reading a book; do you know what the main idea of it is? Well in the book “Something like Fate” there are many main ideas about the book. Some of those main ideas are loss of friendship, relationships, and trust. All of these are things that you deal with every single day in one way or another.

When you think of trust what do you think of? Well when I think of it I think of not lying and being able to believe my friends and family when they tell me things. Throughout the book Lani has to deal with her best friend lying to her about pretty much everything. But that isn’t the way that it used to be. Before Erin left for her summer camp she was happily in a strong relationship with her boyfriend Jason. Erin would tell Lani everything about her and Jason, but when Erin left she made the mistake of telling Lani to hang out with Jason while she is gone because she knows how lonely Jason can get.

After that summer of Erin being gone at summer camp everything has changed. Erin doesn’t send letters to Lani anymore; she also isn’t telling Lani that Jason broke up with her. Lani doesn’t know why she won’t tell her because she already knows. And the reason why she knows is because Jason has now moved into Lani. Lani doesn’t know what to do she likes him but she could never hurt her best friend. Even though she deserves it because of how much she has been lying and keeping things from her. Lani decides to give Jason a try. When Erin got back to school after her summer camp she couldn’t believe her and sent out a massive email to everyone saying that Lani is a lying boyfriend stealer. After that summer Lani and Erin are no longer best friends.

Even though Erin is furious about Lani and Jason dating, Lani doesn’t care. She continues to date him and spend every second that she can with him. She thought that they had a perfect relationship. But it got complicated when Lani and Erin became friends again. Erin asked Lani if she could not see Jason anymore. Lani was completely crushed when Erin asked her that. Lani didn’t know what to do because she finally got her best friend back but in order to stay friends she has to stay away from Jason, her first love. In the end Erin finally realizes that she can’t keep them apart anymore because their love is just too strong to keep them separated.

In conclusion, I think that Erin made the right choice to not keep them apart any more. I mean she was destroying a perfect relationship. After that day when Erin watched Jason go up to Lani and kiss her and tell her that he loves her that’s when she realized that she couldn’t do this to them anymore. So, overall the main idea was to not stand in the way of something that could turn out to be a long lasting relationship. Don’t be jealous because someday everyone will find their soul mate.
Author’s Note: This piece of writing is to show my understanding of Main Idea/ Theme. My goal with this piece of writing is to score an overall 10. But I also need a 9 in introductions. Overall this piece of writing will meet both of my goals.

Rules of the Road Quote

Author’s Note: The author’s purpose for writing this piece is to show my understanding of why quotes are important and why they have importance and provide relevant connections to the book “Rules of the Road”.

Have you ever had a famous quote you cherished and really liked? The book I am reading is “Rules of the Road”. “I’m not going to let some overgrown teenager tell me I can’t see my mother.” I picked this quote because during the chapter that it was used in Mrs. Gladstone was not able to see anyone that day. Her son had driven in to see her, Jenna told him that he wasn’t able see her today, and that’s when the quote was used. The importance of this quote is that Jenna was protecting her boss from what could have ended worse than it actually did. I think sense Mrs. Gladstone knew that her son wanted to talk about the shoe store so she told Jenna that she didn’t want to see anyone, but mostly her son. Although quotes are an important source used in your writing, you need supporting details as well.

Although, when Mrs.Gladstone’s son came in the next day he didn’t even ask to see her, he just barged in. The only reason why he wanted to talk to her is because the shoe store wasn’t doing well in business and he wanted to take over so the youth could make it more popular. Mrs.Gladstone wasn’t happy and the topic left her speechless. Then, Mrs.Gladstone asked Jenna what he said to her and Jenna just said that he told her not to get in his way of being able to see his mother.

However, Jenna and Mrs.Gladstone didn’t want to see her son, he showed up anyways. When he showed up I’m sure that they were in shock and didn’t know what to do. As he was talking to Mrs.Gladtstone about the shoe store it brought tears to her eyes. Jenna cares very much about her boss and it probably wasn’t easy seeing her cry, although Jenna didn’t quite understand why Mrs.Gladstone was actually crying. I mean it’s just a shoe store but it’s the store that Mrs.Gladstone had started just her and her son when he was little. My guess would be that she has a lot of memories from those good times. When her son was younger and wanting to help her run it and not just take over the store.

On the other hand, if I were in Jenna’s place and my bosses son told me that he isn’t going to let some overgrown teenager tell him that he can’t see his mother I would have gotten upset and stood up for myself. I would never let someone talk to me like that because every person deserves respect including myself. Even though Jenna knew in the book that Mrs.Gladstone just didn’t want to talk to her son I think I would have just told him that she didn’t want to see him at the moment, but if I did that I would probably feel terrible after the fact because it was none of my business.

In addition, next time someone says a mean, rude and not necessary comment to you stand up for yourself don’t just stand there like Jenna did. Think to yourself, do I deserve more respect? Even though the importance of this quote was that Jenna was a strong person and stood up for her boss I think that there is more behind it. I think that it could also mean that Mrs.Gladstone’s son has no respect for younger kids, which is never a good thing in my opinion.

Character Description

Author’s Note: This piece of writing is to show my understanding of how I can describe a character from a novel. The character I’m going to describe is Marisa. She is the main character in the book waiting for you.

Marisa is a shy, smart, low self esteemed person. You could say that she is like a star that doesn’t shine because she is a very talented girl but she doesn’t like to prove it. Marisa thinks that to be popular and for people to know her she needs a boy friend. All she wants is to be in a relationship which everyone knows about. Marisa wants to just fit in with the popular people. She wants to be pretty with long wavy blonde hair. But this will never happen if she continues talking to only her two close friends. She needs to move on and try new things. But she is taking an art class and the guy she likes sits next to her. All of a sudden all she can think about is Derek. Can’t sleep at night, can’t stay focused in school and can’t stop thinking about him. Could this be a sign of true love? Could this be the one that she has been waiting for? But she will only find out if she builds up the nerve to talk to him.

Marisa is a straight A student. She tries her best to get good grades because she thinks that her job is the only thing she is going to have to look forward to when she gets older. But there is more, or at least in my opinion. Things that you have to look forward to in the future are meeting a person you want to spend the rest of your life with, starting a family and maybe even being a huge success with your job.

One of the reasons why I think Marisa wants to be in a relationship is because she doesn’t think that she is a pretty and athletic girl. Marisa has brownish blonde hair, glasses, and blue eyes. But not the best sense in her style choices. Dark washed jeans and a different color t-shirt every day. She probably wants her boy friend to tell her how pretty she is, how she is good at sports, and that she is a very smart girl. The only people that tell her this are her parents and they are pretty much obligated to say those things to her. Over all I think that Marisa is a beautiful, amazing and independent person. But she needs to come out of her shell and show her true colors.

Character Description

Author’s Note: This piece of writing is to show my understanding of how I can describe a character from a novel. The character I’m going to describe is Marisa. She is the main character in the book waiting for you.

Marisa is a shy, smart, low self esteem person. She thinks that to be popular and for people to know her she needs a boy friend. All she wants is to be in a relationship which everyone knows about. Marisa wants to just fit in with the popular people. But this will never happen if she continues talking to only her two close friends. But she is taking an art class and the guy she likes sits next to her. All of a sudden all she can think about is Derek. Can’t sleep at night, can’t stay focused in school and can’t stop thinking about him. Could this be a sign of true love? Could this be the one that she has been waiting for? But she will only find out if she builds up the nerve to talk to him.

Even though Marisa is a straight A student, when she is working on her science project the guy she is working with tries to kiss her. Will this change her feeling for Derek? Or worse will this make her get a terrible grade on the project? She tries her best to get good grades because she thinks that her job is only what she is going to have to look forward to when she gets older. But there is more, or at least in my opinion. Things that you had to look forward to are meeting a person you want to spend the rest of your life with, starting a family and maybe even being a huge success with your job. One of the reasons why I think Marisa wants to be in a relationship is because she doesn’t think that she is a pretty and athletic girl. She probably wants her boy friend to tell her these things because the only people that tell her this are her parents and they are pretty much obligated to say those things. Over all I think that Marisa is a great, amazing and independent person. But she needs to come out of her shell and show her true colors.

Jenna’s point of view

Author’s Note: This piece of writing is about Jenna’s point of view compared from Mrs.Gladstone’s. This is also going to be used for my creative piece for the book Rules of the Road.

Dear Mrs.Gladstone,
I just wanted to tell you that I feel so bad for telling you to get your hip surgery. Although you needed it, I know you were in a lot of pain. I hated to see you like that. When your son came in the day before you had your surgery he wanted to talk to you about the shoe store, I knew it wouldn’t be a good idea so I told him that you weren’t able to talk to anyone that day. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner but at least now you know.

When you were in the hospital I think that my point of view was completely different than yours. The reason why I say this is because when you were lying there in the bed you didn’t have to see yourself laying in the bed almost in tears all the time because of your pain. It killed me inside. I’m sorry for making the decision for them to give you the hip surgery but I couldn’t stand to see you in that much pain any longer. But I’m glad that you made a full recovery and you could continue with your life not being in pain.

Even though you didn’t have the same point of view as I did I’m sure if you were in mine you would have made the same decisions for me as I did for you. Or at least I would hope that you would. You are the best boss I have ever had and we have been through so much together. I’m glad that you’re not only my boss but you’re also my friend. I hope you continue with your strong healthy life and we will continue our journey together.

Your loving caring employee,
Jenna

Rules of the Road Quote

Author’s Note: This piece of writing is to show my understanding of why quotes are important and why they have importance to the book. I am also going to use this piece of writing for my 5 paragraph essay for Rules of the Road.

The book I am reading is Rules of the Road. “I’m not going to let some overgrown teenager tell me I can’t see my mother.” I picked this quote because during the chapter that it was used it Mrs.Gladstone was not able to see anyone that day. Her son had driven in to see her, Jenna told him that he wasn’t able see her today, and that’s when the quote was used. The importance of this quote is that Jenna was protecting her boss from what could have ended worse than it actually did. I think sense Mrs.Gladstone knew that her son wanted to talk about the shoe store so she told Jenna that she didn’t want to see anyone, but mostly her son.

When Mrs.Gladstone’s son came in the next day he didn’t even ask to see her, he just barged in. The only reason why he wanted to talk to her is because the shoe store wasn’t doing well in business and he wanted to take over so the youth could make it more popular. Mrs.Gladstone wasn’t happy and the topic left her speechless. Then, Mrs.Gladstone asked Jenna what he said to her and Jenna just said that he told her not to get in his way of being able to see his mother.

Even though Jenna and Mrs.Gladstone didn’t want to see her son, he showed up anyways. When he showed up I’m sure that they were in shock and didn’t know what to do. As he was talking to Mrs.Gladtstone about the shoe store it brought tears to her eyes. Jenna cares very much about her boss and it probably wasn’t easy seeing her cry. Although I don’t think that Jenna understood why Mrs.Gladstone was actually crying. I mean it’s just a shoe store but it’s the store that Mrs.Gladstone had started just her and her son when he was little. My guess would be that she has a lot of memories from those good times. When her son was younger and wanting to help her run it and not just take over the store.

If I were in Jenna’s place and my bosses son told me that he isn’t going to let some overgrown teenager tell him that he can’t see his mother I would have gotten upset and stood up for myself. I would never let someone talk to me like that because every person deserves respect including myself. Even though Jenna knew in the book that Mrs.Gladstone just didn’t want to talk to her son I think I would have just told him that she didn’t want to see him at the moment, but if I did that I would probably feel terrible after the fact because it was none of my business.

Next time someone says a mean, rude and not necessary comment to you stand up for yourself don’t just stand there like Jenna did. Think to yourself, do I deserve more respect? Even though the importance of this quote was that Jenna was a strong person and stood up for her boss I think that there is more behind it. I think that it could also mean that Mrs.Gladstone’s son has no respect for younger kids. Which is never a good thing in my opinion.

Jenna’s Point of View

Author’s Note: This piece of writing is about Jenna’s point of view compared from Mrs.Gladstone’s. This is also going to be used for my creative piece for the book Rules of the Road.

Dear Mrs.Gladstone,
I just wanted to tell you that I feel so bad for telling you to get your hip surgery. Although you needed it, I know you were in a lot of pain. I hated to see you like that. When your son came in the day before you have your surgery he wanted to talk to you about the shoe store, I knew it wouldn’t be a good idea so I told him that you weren’t able to talk to anyone that day. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner but at least now you know.

When you were in the hospital I think that my point of view was completely different than yours. The reason why I say this is because when you were lying there in the bed you didn’t have to see yourself laying in the bed almost in tears all the time because of your pain. It killed me inside. I’m sorry for making the decision for them to give you the hip surgery but I couldn’t stand to see you in that much pain any longer. But I’m glad that you made a full recovery and you could continue with your life not being in pain.

Even though you didn’t have the same point of view as I did I’m sure if you were in mine you would have made the same decisions for me as I did for you. Or at least I would hope that you would. You are the best boss I have ever had and we have been through so much together. I’m glad that you’re not only my boss but you’re also my friend. I hope you continue with your strong healthy life and we will continue our journey together.

Your loving caring employee,
Jenna

Something like Fate

Author’s Note: This piece of writing is to prove that I can use quotes and text/quote evidence from a novel.

Personally my best friend means the world to me. We have been through so much together it feels like she is practically my sister. Although we have our ups and downs, we always get through them. In the book Something like Fate, Lani and Erin are best friends. There were best friends all their life. But when Erin leaves with her church friends for the summer will that stay the same?

Lani is shy, has low self esteem, and cares about the environment. But she is also the jealous type. When Lani and Erin were young they were put in a life or death situation. They thought that they would be best friends forever and be able to just be truthful with each other. But once they got to high school everything changed. Lani became very jealous about Erin. Erin was the type of girl in high school that was a guy magnet, smart, and had all the looks that guys looked for. No matter what Erin always had a boyfriend, and when her next one became the guy the Lani liked things changed.

Even though Lani is an intelligent person she is very shy. During lunch Lani doesn’t talk much and doesn’t usually eat because she is afraid of what people are going to say about her. Another example is during class Lani never raises her hand to share anything. The reason why she does this is because she is afraid that her answer is wrong. “Erin, you know me I never raise my hand or share anything because I’m shy and afraid of what people will think.” This quote was used during math class when students were asked to share what they got for their warm up problem.

When Erin left for the summer, she left behind her best friend and her boyfriend. If I were Erin I think I would get a little concerned. Erin didn’t come back before school started again in fall. By that time Lani and Jason had discovered their feelings for each other. One day after school Jason and Lani were making signs for the lunch room. “Hey can you make another perfect circle?” Said Lani “ Of course you are my special girl and you know every time I draw a circle its perfect just like you.” Said Jason. Sense Lani has a low self esteem she likes when guys say cute flirty things to her. I think the reason why Lani likes them saying this to her is because it makes her feel good. I know when people tell me that they think I’m pretty and that they like the clothes I feel pretty good about myself.

Friendships are so precious they provide us with people that let us go to anything with. Before you go and take your friends boy friend think about this. What’s going to last longer, a relationship or a friendship?

Rules of the Road Quote

Author’s Note: This piece of writing is to show my understanding of why quotes are important and why they have importance to the book.

The book I am reading is Rules of the Road. “I’m not going to let some overgrown teenager tell me I can’t see my mother.” I picked this quote because during the chapter that it was used it Mrs.Gladstone was not able to see anyone that day. Her son had driven in to see her and Jenna told him that he wasn’t able see her today, and that’s when the quote was used. The importance of this quote is that Jenna was sticking up for her boss. I think sense Mrs.Gladstone knew what her son wanted to talk about she told Jenna that she didn’t want to see anyone, but mostly her son.

When Mrs.Gladstone’s son came in the next day he didn’t even ask to see her, he just barged in. The only reason why he wanted to talk to her is because the shoe store wasn’t doing well in business and he wanted to take over so the youth could make it more popular. Mrs.Gladstone wasn’t happy and the topic left her speechless. Then, Mrs.Gladstone asked Jenna what he said to her and Jenna just said that he told her not to get in his way of being able to see his mother.

If I were in Jenna’s place and my bosses son told me that he isn’t going to let some overgrown teenager tell him that he can’t see his mother I would have gotten upset and stood up for myself. I would never let someone talk to me like that because every person deserves respect. Even though Jenna knew in the book that Mrs.Gladstone just didn’t want to talk to her son I think I would have just told him that she didn’t want to see him at the moment. But if I did that I would probably feel terrible after the fact because it was none of my business.

Rules of the Road Setting

Author’s Note: This piece of writing is to show my understanding of why the setting of the story matters and how it would affect the characters if the setting was different.

Imagine that you are going on a road trip with your boss and you get to your hotel for the night, and the hotel is over booked. What would you do? Well in the book Rules of the Road, Jenna and Mrs.Gladstone were offered to double up with people in the same room. At first they weren’t sure about it, but they had nowhere else to stay for the night. When they got into the room the thought that they would have a bed to sleep on. But no they ended up sleeping in the closet.

This setting of the book affects the plot because before this point in the book the plot has been taken place either at Jenna’s house, the shoe store, or in the car on the road. Going to the hotel has changed the plot because it is being taken place in a different place and gives a greater chance for the main conflicts in the book occur.

If Jenna and Mrs.Gladstone were in a different setting rather than sharing a hotel room with complete strangers I think this would change the plot because then they wouldn’t have to sleep in a closet, have the chance of strangers stealing their things, and they wouldn’t have to worry about talking about things without them being over herd.

I think that if Jenna and Mrs.Gladstone were in a different setting it would change how they act because they wouldn’t need to worry about anything happening to them while they are sharing the room. Even though they got to know the people that they were sharing the room with that still doesn’t make them friends. Just because you have known someone for a day you might not know the real person. Jenna and Mrs.Gladstone still had to take precaution because they didn’t want anything to happen to them. Anything that could happen that night of while they are at the hotel could completely change the plot of the book because it could then change the climax.

Even though they got through the night sleeping in the closet, Jenna and Mrs.Gladstone got to know each other better and got to build their trust with each other. This is important sense they are going to be spending a lot of time together on the road trip to Texas.

Thank You Ma'am

Author's Note: This is a short journal about what I learned from the short story Thank You Ma'am.

The lesson I learned from this is to never steal money from someone else to get something that I want rather than something that I need. Like in the story the boy needed a home with a family to give him a good life. Other then the one that he has been living. He stole the money to get a pair of shoes that he wanted. My guess would be that he wanted the shoes so he could fit in better with the kids that had a better life style then he did.

Even though I don’t steal money from people to get the clothes or shoes that I want I work for the money. My parents don't just give me the money to get what ever I want. I would never even have the thought of stealing money from someone else to get something that I want. If its something I need I would just ask but I would never steal like the boy did. I know for a fact that at our school all kids want to do is fit in. If you don't wear a certain brand of clothes you usually will get judged by people that have more money to afford the clothes. Before you think about stealing someone's money think before you do. Like the woman said in the story" You could have just asked instead of just stealing the money." So, don't be shy just ask because the worst thing that could happen is that they will say no.

Among the Imposters

The government think that the population is growing to big and each family can only be allowed to have two children. But the Garner's don't listen and have a third anyway. This book is for anyone who thinks that they don't belong.
Pages: 172
Genre: Young adult novel
Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix

All about Dead Man’s Path

Author’s Note: This Piece of writing is to show my understanding of inferences, on the reading rubric

“Let the hawk perch and let the eagle perch.” This is a quote used in the short story Dead Man’s Path. What do you think this quote means? When Obi was talking about this quote he was referring to the priest saying to him that a dead man does not need a path to walk on. When you think of a dead man, do you think of him walking on the surface of the earth?

When I first read the quote, I stopped to think about it. Why would he say “Let the hawk perch and let the eagle perch” if they are predators? Then I looked at it a different way after that. The path is called Dead Man’s path. Since both the eagle and the hawk are predators, that means that they would kill each other if it was necessary. But they both eat the same kinds of food they could kill each other, which would make it a “dead man.” Even though I don’t think that he was referring the quote to birds, it still makes sense knowing that they were living things on the earth.

Another way you could think about this quote would be that they are predators. You could be brave and open the path back up and see what happens. You would become predators with the people that want it open and you would be the person that wants the path to be closed. Obi could be referring to people but it just made more sense to use birds’ sense most people know that they are predators.

Letter to Ponyboy

Author’s Note: This piece of writing is to show my understanding on character development.

Dear Ponyboy,
Being miss-understood is hard. You have to hear what other people think about you before you even speak. In the beginning you were judged by what you would wear, or if you were a greaser, and even by how much money you had. You were a greaser and you got good grades and were a star at everything you tried. Although you don’t come from a stable family you prevail with what you have. It must be hard living with your two brothers because both your parents died in a car crash when you were little.

Over the course of the book you stay the same person that you always were but you make better decisions that are smarter and wiser. People don’t miss judge you as much from the new person that you have become. The end of the book was my favorite part because of how you go into the burning church to save the children that could have been killed inside. This shows how caring, loving, and what a strong person that you really are. This was one of your best choices. People don’t think of you as a mean selfish person anymore. You could have just sat there and let the children burn in the fire, but you didn’t.

Throughout the book you have overcome many things. Such as knowing that Darry really does love you, telling the geasers that you don’t like how they act, and realizing that it doesn’t matter what group you are in. Socs or geasers you are both people. I think this was a great thing to overcome because you and the Socs got into the fight for Johnny and realized that you guys are both good people and nothing could change that. I am very proud of you at the end of the day because of who you have become over the course of the book.
Sincerely,
Kristie

Point of View

Authors Note: This piece is to show my understanding of making predictions, but using the book The Notebook. Note this may also give away some parts in the book if you haven’t read it.

Do you like love stories? Well if you do, then The Notebook is the book for you. Ali and Noah, the two main characters in the book go through a long journey just to be in love with each other. Would you do go through that just to be with the person that you love?

First, the book starts out with Noah and Ali meeting and having a connection right away. They would always be with each other until Ali’s mother found out that she was seeing a boy that didn’t fit their life style. Ali, then moved with her parents, and the only way she could then stay in touch with Noah was if she wrote to him. But she never got the chance to because she wanted him to write first. Ali never got a letter because her mother would take them and never give them to her. So, Ali and Noah went on their lives without each other, but not for much longer. Even though Ali was getting ready to marry, she still wondered about Noah. Noah had recently fixed up a old beat up house that he always said that he was going to with or without Ali. He had a column in the paper talking about him rebuilding the house that Ali and he ran away to.Ali had seen it and then knew where to find him. So, she went to the house and Noah couldn’t believe that Ali was there. She knew why she wanted to go but once she got there she regretted it at first. Ali finally told Noah that she was getting ready to marry a guy named Lon that her mother thought fitted her life style better.

I think that Ali will leave Jon for Noah because after she goes to visit Noah she realizes that she still loves him. Even though Ali’s mother doesn’t think that Noah is the right guy for her she will ignore her and go with what her heart says to. The reason I think this is because when Ali went to visit Noah she noticed how good life would be with him. She wouldn’t have to be someone that she’s not, with Lon. In the end I think Ali’s mother will be upset with her but then realize that she wants the best for her daughter. Also, in the end I think that Ali and Noah will get married but have conflicts with Ali’s ex Lon.

Lastly, be the person you want to be and make the decisions that you want to make. Just like I think Ali is going to do in the end of the book. Even though this might not happen this is the prediction I think makes the most sense from what I have read so far.

Notebook Review!

Authors note: This piece of writing will include what I thought of the book and why I thought it. Also, note that this might give away parts in the book.
Do you believe in true love? Well in the book The Notebook Ali and Noah fall in love when they were very young. They thought it was meant to be. But once Ali’s mother found out that she was seeing a boy that wasn’t fitted in their life style she made her stop seeing him. He sent her letters everyday but Ali’s mother never let her read them. Would this be terrible not to talk to the person that you truly love?

Throughout the book many conflicts happen between Ali and Noah. Some of the major ones that happened were that the police went looking for them when they went together into an old house, Ali moving away and getting engaged to another man, and Ali and Noah dying together.

When Ali moved away and didn’t get to read the letters that Noah had sent her she thought that he didn’t love her anymore. If I were her I would think the same thing but then again she didn’t know that her mother was taking the letters from her. Before she could read them. I don’t think this is right because she should have cared what her daughter wanted, which was to continue to fall in love with Noah. But her mother didn’t like him and thought that she shouldn’t be around someone like him. After Ali found out what her mother had done she realized how strong her feelings were for Noah, but it was too late because she was getting ready to get married. Ali wanted to tell Noah and drove to his house. She didn’t know where he lived until she saw a picture of him in the newspaper, saying that he had fixed up the old house just like he said he always would. I know for a fact that I would never have the guts to tell a guy that I care about that I was going to be getting married. I would feel terrible! What if he still had feelings for me or thought I was dead because we lost touch with each other?

In the end of the book Ali and Noah ended up getting married to each other. They fell in love yet once again. Ali had written a book to Noah about their journey together, and gave it to Noah as a present. Over the years Ali hadn’t aged well and couldn’t remember anything or anyone. Even the people she loved, like Noah. This is very sad because of everything that they went through together and she couldn’t remember a thing. But Noah didn’t give up on her. He would go and read the book to her that she wrote. One day when Noah went and read the book to her she started to remember, and remembered Noah. He was the happiest person ever, but then her memory kicked out of whack and she couldn’t remember anything again. Noah felt terrible and that night went into bed with her and slept with her.

That very night both Ali and Noah died together. I guess every love story has to end some way or another. But the way they had it would be the way I would want it to end like that. Expect the fact that the person I loved wouldn’t remember me. But, you always have the memories that you will have forever!

The Jolliest Time of the Year!

Author’s Note: This piece is about Christmas and stories from when I was little.

“Ho Ho Ho” Santa says, as you go to sit on his lap and tell him what you want for Christmas. This is what Christmas is about when you’re little. You want to visit Santa and open your presents. I remember always being so excited to open up my presents but I always thought Santa was scary. But that isn’t the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas should be a special time that you get to spend with family, the people you love.

When I was little I always wanted to rush and open my presents. Sometimes I’m still like that when it’s Christmas, but it’s not right. I know that I should spend time with my family and think of it as a special time to do that, but Christmas in my house isn’t the most cheerful time of the year. It has been 7 years sense my dad has passed away. At the time we didn’t even know this was going to happen to him. Four days after Christmas he was shot and killed. Now every year when we celebrate together it’s hard because we are always just missing that one person that completed it, my dad.

Christmas is great, other than the fact of my dad. We get to bake, wrap presents for people, and decorate the house. My favorite part of Christmas is putting up the tree. We don’t get a real tree anymore though because every year that we did it would fall and break all the glass on the tree. So we put up a fake one, well actually two. One is the “kids” tree and one is the glass tree. I like decorating them because each year I get a new ornament to put on, I like looking and seeing all of the ones that I have gotten over the years. Something else that I like doing is watching other people open up their presents. I love seeing my family’s faces because each year I get everyone something special from me.

Even though I love Christmas I don’t like the thought of snow. But sense I grew up with snow being on the ground during Christmas I guess I couldn’t see it any other way. Snow is white, fluffy, and pretty. But it gets very cold outside and I don’t like cold weather. I love the warm weather because you can go swimming and get a tan. If I lived in Florida or California though I think it would be weird if there wasn’t any snow and it being warm outside. So, maybe I don’t think the snow is that terrible but just the cold weather but then again no one really likes the cold weather.

As you can see Christmas is a happy holiday that brings families together. So this year when it’s Christmas time, remember what it’s really about. Don’t be greedy with getting presents because some kids don’t get any. Just spend time with your family and be thankful.