Reading Response Blog #10

11/16/2014

Wow! We've made it to ten blogs!

Have you ever read a book that has a powerful message? You know, when you finish the book, you feel as though you just learned something about yourself, other people, or life. Often books have multiple messages that the authors want you to take away. We call these messages, "themes". A theme is a central idea to story.

A book that I recently read that has powerful themes is "Hound Dog True" by Linda Urban. One theme is about having confidence in yourself. Another theme is about not judging people. In the story, the main character is an extremely shy and self-conscious girl named Mattie. Mattie meets the girl next door, Quincy, who is older and appears to be "popular and cool". Throughout the story, Mattie is worried that Quincy is judging her. She thinks Quincy is uninterested in being her friend because Mattie is babyish and awkward. However, Mattie learns that Quincy has a big heart. She discovers that Quincy has her own insecurities, just like Mattie. At the end of the story, Mattie realizes that Quincy is her friend and has been all along.

I thought the themes of confidence and not judging people were powerful. I could relate to Mattie's stress that Quincy was judging her. She had low confidence in herself. However, it turned out that Mattie was the one doing the judging. Mattie assumed that Quincy didn't care about being her friend because of the tone of Quincy's voice and how little she said. But Mattie was wrong. Quincy enjoyed Mattie's company and liked doing the same things Mattie did. Mattie learned a valuable lesson not to judge people and to have confidence in herself.

This Week's Prompt:

Describe a story that has a powerful theme (or themes). Explain how the story brings forth the theme. Explain why you felt moved by the theme.

Happy Responding!

98 Comments

Olivia D.

11/17/2014 11:29:08 am

Dear Class,

I'm going to talk about the book titled "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak. The theme of this book is that time of the holocaust and how it effected everyones lives. This story really captures the main idea of what all the Jews had to face during this time period. This story moved me because I realized all the horrific things people had to face. The story brings forth the theme of violence by showing how the Jews were tortured or even killed for their religion.

Sincerely
Olivia D.

Ms. Kimball

11/18/2014 01:25:55 pm

Dear Olivia,

That is such a complex yet riveting story you are reading! The Holocaust was a horrific time for so many people, especially for Jewish people. However, you are right that the Holocaust negatively affected so many people's lives who weren't Jewish, like the main character and her family. How do you see the effects of the Holocaust on Liesel?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Olivia D.

11/19/2014 11:39:01 am

Dear Ms. Kimball,

The holocaust effected Liesel by causing her to become more aware of the life around her. Before she was sad and gloomy and didn't have much to look forward to but when the Jew showed up at her door pleading for a home, a part of her opened up and she began to realize the things happening around her. I hope this answers all your questions

Sincerely,
Olivia D.

Ms. Kimball

11/23/2014 10:45:07 am

Dear Olivia,

Thank you for explaining more.

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Sam

11/21/2014 12:47:47 am

WOW Olivia,
that's a lot top take in. Everybody has something different they like to read about but you really take it to the next level. I would not be able to read a book like that, I'll stick to the My Little Pony friendship is magic series. But all and all sounds like an intresting book

Sammy.G

11/21/2014 12:53:28 am

WOW Olivia,
that's a lot to take in. Everybody has something different they like to read, but you really take it to the next level. I would not be able to read a book like that, I'll stick to the My Little Pony friendship is magic series. But all and all sounds like an interesting book. One suggestion that I have if the book get's depressing is, Chocolate. It always helps me, so maybe give it a try. Can't wait to hear when you finish the book.

Sincerely,
sam

Julia

11/18/2014 05:29:25 am

Dear Class,

A book I have read that has a powerful meaning is Rules by Cynthia Lord. This story is about a girl whose brother is autistic. She meets a boy named Jason at her brothers occupational therapy clinic. Jason is in a wheelchair and can only communicate through a book full of words that he has. She forms a great friendship with him but is slightly embarrassed by him because of his disabilities. Catherine wishes more than anything to befriend her new neighbor, but feels like she is getting held back from the "real world" by constantly having to babysit her brother. The theme of this story is to be yourself no matter what other people might think of you.

Your Classmate,
Julia

Ms. Kimball

11/18/2014 01:32:17 pm

Dear Julia,

"Rules" is such a great story that helps readers understand people's physical and mental disabilities. You did a great job summarizing the story. Do you think anyone other than the main character has to learn to be herself despite what others think? How does the main character learn to be herself?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Julia

11/20/2014 07:52:04 am

Dear Ms. Kimball,

The main character learns to be herself when Jason asks her to go to a dance with him that her neighbor was going to also. She doesn't want to be embarrassed by him in front of her potential friend, but when he asks her if she is embarrassed of him and gets mad at her, she gives in and goes to the dance. While at the dance she realizes she shouldn't care about what other people think.

From,
Julia

Ms. Kimball

11/23/2014 10:46:16 am

Dear Julia,

Thank you for explaining more.

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Amy

11/18/2014 06:32:50 am

Dear Class,

I'm going to talk about the book called: Jake and Lily. This has a powerful meaning because when jake meets his new friends Lily doesn't have anyone anymore. Jake's friends don't like Lily because she's a girl. Jake thinks they he can't always be with his sister, he needs guy friends. Lily doesn't want to make friends with any of the girls. She gets jealous as jake "forgets" about her. Lily decides to call a fake friend over for a sleepover. You can read what happens next I don't want to spoil the story.

Sincerely,
Amy

Olivia D.

11/18/2014 10:40:52 am

Dear Amy,

That story seems so interesting. I can't even imagine what would happen next! Are Jake and Lily brother and sister or just friends though?

Sincerely,
Olivia D.

Amy

11/19/2014 11:45:37 pm

Dear Olivia,

I know the story is so intriguing! I recommend the book for you. Jake and Lily are twins, they have been together for all their life. until jake makes friends.

Sincerely,
Amy

Sage W.

11/18/2014 12:42:16 pm

Dear Amy,

Why do you think Lily didn't want to make any friends with the girls. Also did Jake and Lily not have many friends before.

From,
Sage W.

Amy

11/19/2014 11:47:07 pm

Dear Sage,

I think Lily didn't want to make friends because she's more of a tomboy. Also all she wants to do is play with jake because they've been together for so long.

Sincerely,
Amy

Ms. Kimball

11/18/2014 01:39:09 pm

Dear Amy,

The drama in your book sounds intriguing. So what is the powerful meaning of the story? I can infer it from what you wrote, but I was hoping you could make it clearer for your readers.

Also, I was confused when I first read what you wrote. I have the same questions as Olivia and Sage do. Thank you in advance for clarifying.

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Amy

11/19/2014 11:49:56 pm

Dear Ms.Kimball,

Jake and Lily are twins. They've been together and they've always had each others back. The powerful meaning I think, is one of the classic's,
Don't judge a book by it's cover. I think this because jakes friends judged Lily because she was a girl.

Sincerely,
Amy

Ms. Kimball

11/23/2014 10:47:55 am

Dear Amy,

Thank you for explaining more. That makes a big difference to the summary of the book to know that Jake and Lily are twins, don't you think?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Rheona

11/25/2014 10:47:39 am

Hi Amy,
Wow! I never thought of the story like that.

cool thinking,
rheona

Marc

11/18/2014 10:31:59 am

Dear class,
I am going to talk about a book titled "The Fourth Stall". The powerful meaning in this story is to not give up on friendships. In the story, the main character and his friend are running a business in the bathroom. At one point in the story they get into a huge fight and the buissenes completely vanishes, it's almost like it disappeared. Anyways, the main character gets attacked by a mastermind criminal, named "staples". Eventually the other friend rescues him and they become friends again. I think this is an important message, and it is very useful to anybody.

From,
Marc

Ms. Kimball

11/18/2014 01:47:13 pm

Dear Marc,

Staying dedicated to a friendship even when you get into a fight or disagreement is so important, I agree! The Fourth Stall is such a fun and sometimes silly story, but it definitely has a powerful message, like you said.

What did the main character Mac and his friend Vince get in a fight about that made them abandon on each other? How did the rescue make them friends again?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Marc

11/20/2014 11:26:59 am

Dear Ms. Kimbal,
Mac got really mad at Vince because Vince was stealing all of their funds, and he was also changing their funds book so it seemed like nothing changed. However, when Mac was about to be defeated Vince cam to the rescue and Mac was extremely grateful for that. I think this story can relate to a lot of people, including adults. Has that ever happened to you before?

From,
Marc

Ms. Kimball

11/23/2014 11:14:47 am

Dear Marc,

I wonder why Vince would steal all of the funds and try to hide it. I've never had someone do that to me, but I know someone who has had something like that happen to them. Unfortunately, the thief did not turn it around and become a better person once she was caught! It sounds like Vince learned from his mistake betraying Mac.

Thanks for sharing!
Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Rheona

11/18/2014 12:01:04 pm

Dear Ms.Kimball,
Have you ever felt like someone judged you just by something you did?
rheona

Ms. Kimball

11/18/2014 01:56:45 pm

Dear Rheona,

I feel like people judge me for the things I do all of the time. Sometimes that is a good thing. For example, if I go out of my way to hold the door for someone, I feel they judge me as polite and thoughtful. Sometimes it can be a bad thing. For example, if I ask for help with something, I feel sometimes people judge me as stupid or lazy.

How do you feel?

Do you know of a book with a theme related to judging people?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Sage W.

11/18/2014 12:38:21 pm

Dear Class,
I'm going to talk about the book To Kill A Mocking Bird. In this story I think the message I kind of like don't judge a book by it's cover. This has a powerful effect on the book because of how many "mocking birds" this book has and all of them get judged by the little information others have on these people. For example Boo Radely saves Jem's life in the end of the book and in the beginning Jem kind of mocks Boo because he only knows a little about him. Also the same thing with Tom Robinson and how the court knows little about him, and even the case, yet he still gets punished for a crime he didn't even do. That is why I think this book teaches people a lesson about how what you see on the outside isn't half as important as what's on the inside.

From,
Sage

Ms. Kimball

11/18/2014 02:11:37 pm

Dear Sage,

What an extremely powerful message --that what you see on the outside isn't half as important as what's on the inside. You did a great job explaining how that theme ties together what happens in "To Kill A Mockingbird". That is such a challenging story with so many themes, messages, and difficult issues. It is sad that Tom Robinson and Boo Radley are judged by how they look (or in Boo's case, how he never appears).

Did you find anyone in the story that impressed you with their ability to see through the outside appearances of a person and into the heart and soul of the person?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Sage W.

11/21/2014 12:49:40 am

Dear Ms.Kimball,

I think Atticus Finch has the "Power" to see beyond looks, and is able to see your soul. I think he just has this feeling inside him when he gets the cases like the Tom Robinson case, or just see's people and can easily not judge them on how they seem but on how they really are.

Ms. Kimball

11/23/2014 11:18:58 am

Dear Sage,

Did you know that Atticus Finch is one of the most famous characters in all of literature? Readers feel that he is the one of the greatest models of "moral integrity." Your post makes me want to reread the book!

Thanks for sharing!
Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Sofia

11/19/2014 08:05:14 am

Class,
I think you've all heard of The Giving Tree.It's about a boy, who grew up with a tree, picking her apples, swinging on her branches, and it made the tree happy. eventually though, the boy leaves, and visits rarely. Each time he visits, the tree gives the boy a gift, until the tree is no more than a stump, and still tries to help the boy. I think this story is about sticking with your friends, even if you have nothing left.

Sofia

Ms. Kimball

11/19/2014 01:37:50 pm

Dear Sofia,

That is such an interesting story! I did a little research on The Giving Tree. Did you know that some people are upset by the theme of that story? Those who love the story say the theme is about having selfless love for someone. However, other people feel that the boy selfishly takes advantage of the tree. I saw the word "controversial" when I researched the book's theme. What do you think about those differing interpretations?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Sofia

11/21/2014 12:43:28 am

Ms.Kimball,
I think that the boy was just to help the story's moral stand out. I don't believe that the boy was made to be selfish and "take" everything that the tree gave him, I just think it was to make the moral stand out so readers could recognize it easily.

Sofia

Ms. Kimball

11/23/2014 11:20:33 am

Dear Sofia,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I'm not sure what I think 100%, but I know I feel bad for the tree!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Rheona

11/21/2014 12:40:52 am

Dear Sofia,
I love that book! It has a great meaning and a great story to it! What do think of the meaning, I think it is that you only realize how special a thing is until it is gone.

sincerely,
Rheona

Amy

11/21/2014 12:48:33 am

Dear Sofia,

I love that book! The meaning is so powerful, don't you think!
Why do you think the meaning is sticking with your friends, even if you have nothing left?

Sincerely,
Amy

Sam

11/19/2014 09:19:18 am

Dear class,
The book I am writing this blog post on is Wonder by R.J. Palacio. When a young ten-year-old boy named August with a deformed face but a great mind has his first year at school it ends up being an emotional roller coaster ride.
When I was reading Wonder, I came by a message that applies to everyone: "never judge a boy by his face". This quote was an inspiring spin on the saying “never judge a book by its cover.”
An example of this theme is when a nice girl named Summer comes over to the desolate table were August is sitting and tries to interact with him. This action shows how some people really do try to follow that quote, and you should too. This book and message struck me because I never have to feel the way August or any other left-out kid feels. But now I want to try and help kids out there who feel anyway lonely, judged, left out or unhappy.

Sincerely,
Sam

Ms. Kimball

11/19/2014 01:49:23 pm

Dear Sam,

What a thoughtful response! You have such a big heart. I hope you will always look out for kids who might feel lonely, judged, left out, or unhappy. The world needs people like you!

In Wonder, I loved Summer's character. She was so easy going and self confident, which I think is really cool. On top of that, she didn't judge August because of his appearance. She wasn't even phased by it. She chose to be his friend when no one else would. Because of that, she made a new best friend. What a great model she is for all of us!

I would love to hear more about your personal experience not judging someone by their appearance.

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Sam

11/25/2014 07:53:19 am

Dear Ms. Kimball,
Here's a time when I judged someone too quickly. It was my second grade teacher at my old school. She was under a lot of stress and we had all the trouble makers in our class. It was the first day of school, and while the other classes were enjoying a nice recess, we were putting our heads down with the lights off in our room. Also, she did group punishments instead of just punishing those who did wrong. At that point I decided I didn't like her. I later learned in the year that she was a wonderful teacher, and I shouldn't have judged her on the first day.

Sincerely,
Sam

Julia

11/20/2014 07:44:38 am

Dear Sam,

I liked how you used the phrase "an emotional roller coaster ride." It's funny because that's exactly what August's experience is. I thought Wonder's theme was a very important one. How about you? Also, when did you read it?

Your Friend,
Julia

Sage P

11/21/2014 12:47:09 am

Dear Sam,
I really liked your response! I like that you also described the story a little to help the readers understand your response. I like that you said an emotional roller coaster ride. I think you had a lot of spicy words in your response.
From,
Sage

Mikey

11/23/2014 11:48:59 am

Dear Sam,
I really liked your response! I read that book a few times before, and I completely agree! I like how you described his first time at school as an emotional roller coaster ride. Great job!
Sincerely,
Mikey

Layla

11/19/2014 12:26:14 pm

Dear Ms. Kimball,
I'm reading the book The Mysterious Benedict and the Prisoner's Dilemma by Trenton Lee Stewart. I don't think that this story has a very strong message. But I have read the other first two books in the series, and I felt excited and happy when I finished them. They also make feel anxious to read the next books in the series.
From, Layla

Layla

11/19/2014 12:33:39 pm

Dear Ms. Kimball,
I forgot to mention this in my other post, but the theme in the story is excitement, adventure and routing for the good guys.
From, Layla

Ms. Kimball

11/19/2014 01:58:53 pm

Dear Layla,

It is interested that you feel the Prisoner's Dilemma doesn't have a strong message. Usually you don't know what the message is until the end of the story. The theme of a story is usually clear once you read the climax and the resolution. Authors resolve problems or tension then, and in the process of doing that, characters learn a lesson or make a positive change.

Have you finished book three?
If not, can you remember how the main problem was solved in one of the other stories? Usually that gives a clue!

The Mysterious Benedict Society has a VERY complicated plot, so it can be hard to figure out what the author's message actually is amid all of the crazy action.

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Layla

11/19/2014 12:37:46 pm

Dear Sam,
I think you did a very good job responding to the blog. I really like that book and the message that it has.
From, Layla

Alec

11/20/2014 07:19:32 am

Dear Class,
My story, The Last Olympian has a powerful theme. The theme is "For once, I never looked back." I think that is a powerful theme because he runs down a hill from Camp-Half-blood and lots of bad things and discoveries happens. So this is the lesson I learned, never look back at a place where your worst memories came from.

From Alec

Ms. Kimball

11/23/2014 11:29:42 am

Dear Alec,

I have three questions for you:
1. Who is "he"? I can assume who "he" is, but you never mentioned his name.
2. What are some of the memories that the main character wants to leave behind?
3. Why do you think this is a good message?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Alec

11/23/2014 12:49:14 pm

Dear Ms.Kimball,
Here are the answers:
1."he" is Percy Jackson. The main character.
2.One of the memories is that he fought the Titan Lord Kronos over in Camp Half-Blood.
3. I think its a good message because people should leave places where all their bad memories occur. You would think something even worse will happen. People will understand to leave their bad memories away.

From Alec

Sage Pollack

11/20/2014 09:24:02 am

Dear Class,

I am reading the book Ungifted. In the book the theme was you can find friends wherever you are. Donovan went to this new school by accident and there were kids there that had nothing in common with them. If you saw them on the street you would think they are from two different Universes. Anyway Donovan had no friends at this school. More into a couple of weeks as he was there he introduced the kids to some stuff that he likes. For example one of the kids from the school got addicted to YouTube just because Donovan told him about it. All of the kids became friends with Donovan. I felt moved by this theme because it is kind of like you're saying you are never alone, someone is always there to help.
From,
Sage Pollack

Marc

11/20/2014 11:30:33 am

Dear Sage,
I'm confused, did you say that he went to a new school by accident? How do you do that?

Sincerely,
Marc

Sage P

11/21/2014 12:37:42 am

Dear Marc,
Donovan's name got mixed up and he got into this gifted school. I hope that answers your question.
From,
Sage

Ms. Kimball

11/23/2014 11:34:49 am

Dear Sage,

"You can find friends wherever you are," is such an important message. I think a lot of people judge certain groups or places before they get to know the people in those groups or places. Because of that, people can miss out on opportunities to make new and different friends.This is especially true in high school.

Have you ever made a friend in an unlikely place?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Sage P

11/25/2014 12:49:49 pm

Dear Ms. Kimball,
Thank you for the feedback. I loved to read all of your comments! I did meet a fried at a unlikely place. I was at Fantastic Friday sitting on a chair and someone came over and started playing a game with me.
From,
Sage P

Mikey

11/20/2014 11:38:47 am

Dear Class,
I think one of my all time favorite books has a powerful message, and that book is called I Funny by James Patterson. The book is about a boy named Jamie who lost his parents and sister in a car accident. But with some help from his friends and lots of determination, he was able to achieve his goal of winning the funniest kid comic contest.
Sincerely,
Mikey

Danny

11/20/2014 11:35:52 pm

Dear Mikey
What did Jamie feel after his mom and dad die?

Marc

11/21/2014 12:33:59 am

Dear Mikey,
how did his friends help him get through the trouble?

From,
Marc

Forrest

11/23/2014 03:10:11 am

Dear Mikey,

Does Jamie face any challanges along the way? Was Jamie scared when his parents died? Jamie sounds like he has a lot of courage to be living by himself.

Yours truly,

Forrest

Ms. Kimball

11/23/2014 11:54:42 am

Dear Mikey,

Fun book! Like all of the students who commented above me, I have those same questions. Can you try answering them in one response?

Thanks!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Mikey

11/24/2014 11:42:49 am

Dear Ms.Kimball, Forrest, Marc, and Danny,
Jamie felt very scared and alone when the accident occurred, but he was mostly looking for his sister. He burst into tears when he heard that his parents and sister didn't make it. One of the biggest challenges he faced was his legs got paralyzed in the car accident, so he has to get around in a wheelchair. Another challenge was the biggest bully in the school, Stevie Kroskov, just had to become his adoptive brother. What great luck, right? Stevie and his gang once even took Jamie out of his wheelchair and threw him in the sand where he couldn't move! But his friends were always there for him. Jamie was a very funny guy, and that is one of the reasons that I really like him.
Sincerely,
Mikey

Ms. Kimball

11/24/2014 01:47:24 pm

Dear Mikey,

Thank you so much for explaining! Great job!I feel so bad for Jamie. I can't imagine what life would be like when you lose the people closest to you like that. On top of that, Jamie has a terrible new brother. I'm really impressed that he can still have a great sense of humor despite going through all of these miseries. I'm glad you've enjoyed the book!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Rheona

11/20/2014 11:52:01 am

Dear class,
I am reading the book Every Soul A Star. This is a really great description that I found in the 2nd chapter.
'"Claire has been my best friend since that time in second grade when her nanny forgo to pick her up after dance class, and I found her crying into her tutu. But we both know that if one of us is going to make it as a model. Claire isn't very tall, and she has a crocked nose, witch she is going to get fixed for her sweet sixteen present. She always forgets to use conditioner, and really, that's the most important part of washing your hair. She's the most popular girl in our grade though, because she's super rich and her mom used to be in horror movies before she meet Claire's dad and became respectable."

sincerely,
rheona

Rheona

11/20/2014 11:54:54 am

Hi Ms.Kimball,
Sorry I read the wrong prompt!!!

rheona

Ms. Kimball

11/23/2014 11:39:21 am

Dear Rheona,

I thought you had read the wrong prompt. Thank you for catching it before I did!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Rheona

11/20/2014 12:02:45 pm

Dear class,
I am reading the book Ever Soul A Star, it is about three kids ( Jack, Bree, and Ally). The characters, Jack, an confident-lacking 13-year-old who is slightly overweight, Ally, an almost-13-year-old homeschooled girl who wants to be an astronomer, and Bree, whose life goal is to be on the cover of Seventeen before she is seventeen all meet at a campground ran by ally's family. The meaning of the story is that when you find a friend it is meant to be.

sincerely,
rheona

Sofia

11/21/2014 12:40:03 am

Rheona,

I read that book, too! How do you like it? How does the story give you that meaning?

Ms. Kimball

11/23/2014 11:41:10 am

Dear Rheona,

How does the author get the meaning across? How did the characters know they were "meant to be" friends?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Forrest

11/20/2014 12:45:36 pm

Dear Class,

I'm reading the book Where The Mountain Meets The Moon. One theme is bravery and courage. The main character Minli lives with her parents in a poor village. All they have to eat is rice. Ba Minli's Father tell's tales about all different things, one of them is about the man of the moon. The man of the moon can control the future. Minli wants him to change there families fortune. Minli leaves home to go find the man of the moon. She is so brave because she leaves home by herself. She also gets past the greedy monkeys. She also swam across a lake on a dragon. Minli entered the city of bright moon light all by her self. You can't do these things without being brave. Minli inspires me to take risks.

Yours truly,

Forrest

Julia

11/21/2014 12:41:50 am

Dear Forrest,

The book sounds as though it has a very powerful message. It sounds like an interesting book! How do you like it so far? Would you suggest it?

Yours Truly,
Julia

Forrest

11/23/2014 03:18:51 am

Dear Julia,

I love it because it is so interesting how every thing happens with a message that is revealed. I would suggest it because the author draws you in with all the tales that are told in almost every chapter.

Yours truly,

Forrest

Talia/Bob

11/21/2014 12:46:39 am

Forrest,
That sounds like a really cool book! I have it at home but I have never read it. Your post made me want to read it though!

Forrest

11/23/2014 03:22:56 am

Dear Talia,

I really think that you would like it. Let me know if you read it.

Yours truly,

Forrest

Ms. Kimball

11/23/2014 11:45:22 am

Dear Forrest,

Great summary and explanation of the theme! I agree that Minli needs to be extremely brave and courageous to tackle all of the adventures she goes through. It's amazing how she had the courage to do all of this, mostly alone! I went on an adventure in another country all by myself once, but I was an adult. Minli is only a child. I'm so glad you are enjoying the book. It's one of my favorites.

What do you think is the bravest thing Minli has done so far in the story?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Forrest

11/25/2014 11:43:39 am

Dear Ms.Kimball,

I think that Minlis bravest thing to do so far in the book is when she left her family to bring a better fortune to their house. I think this because there are so many things she has to encounter. For instance when she had to face the monkeys. Just the fact that she left her family to find something unknown. That is why she is brave.

Your student,

Forrest

Danny

11/20/2014 11:33:44 pm

Dear Ms.Kimball
My book is "Walk Two Moons." The theme is you are never alone. When Sal's mom go's missing Sal thinks she is in a world and no one is there to make her happy but with some help from friends and family Sal figures out what happends to her mother and she made some friends along the way, and now she is HAPPY.

Alec

11/21/2014 12:52:31 am

Walk Two Moons really has a powerful theme. Its very emotional. Keep up the good work with the blogs!

Your buddy,
Alec

Ms. Kimball

11/23/2014 11:53:02 am

Dear Danny,

I love Walk Two Moons. It is such a great book. I'm trying to remember times when Sal is actually alone in the story, but all I can remember is that she often hung out with her classmate Phoebe and then her grandparents. I didn't think she was by herself very much. Nevertheless, you can still feel alone even when you're surrounded by people. How does Sal feel alone? Does she feel any other emotions other than loneliness?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Danny

11/24/2014 10:16:25 am

Danny blog#10 reply

Dear Ms. Kimball,

Sal feels alone because her mother didn't take her with her when she suddenly left for Ohio, and nobody knew where she went. For a few weeks Sal's mother sent her postcards telling her about the monuments and landmarks she saw along the way. During this time Sal was the only one who knew where her mother was, because she didn't share the notes and her mother didn't send any to the other people. Being the only one with the info of her mother made Sal feel guilty because she would have liked to be able to share these with her father, but something was urging her not to.
She also thought, that if she hadn't fallen out of the tree, and her mother hadn't carried her to the hos[ital, maybe the baby would have lived.
She felt responsible because she fell. She felt like it was her fault even though it wasn't.

Sincerely, Danny

Talia

11/20/2014 11:42:42 pm

Hi Class!
A book that I just read that had a powerful theme is Because of Winn-Dixie. The theme is love, and generosity. It is about a girl who saves a dog from having to go to the pound. The two become friends. Most of what happened in the story was because of Winn-Dixie.

Alec

11/21/2014 12:41:30 am

Dear Talia,
Which line did you think is the theme?

From Alec

talia

11/21/2014 12:54:05 am

Alec,
There were actually a bunch of lines that made me think of the theme. Most of them have to do with how Winn-Dixie helped Opal, and how Opal helped Winn-Dixie.

Ms. Kimball

11/23/2014 11:56:50 am

Dear Talia,

I love that book! In order to explain the theme, you'll have to explain how love and generosity happen in the story. How did Opal find love? How is there generosity in the story?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Talia

11/25/2014 11:05:30 am

Hi,
One time Opal found love when everyone tried to help her feel better when Winn-Dixie got "lost." Generosity is in the story when Opal helps Winn-Dixie by using her quick thinking to keep him from having to go to the pound. Also when Opal cleans Winn-Dixie up.
Bye!
Talia

Kaela

11/24/2014 10:03:59 am

Wow I love that book and it does have a VERY powerful theme.

Layla

11/21/2014 12:45:51 am

Dear Ms. Kimball,
I have not finished book three of The Mysterious Benedict Society series, but I am close. I agree with you that the book has a very complicated plot and it's hard to find the message. Maybe it is to stick together?
From, Layla

Ms. Kimball

11/23/2014 11:38:23 am

Dear Layla,

"Stick together" is a very common theme in books and movies. To get the theme across, often authors have their characters NOT stick together for some reason (like they got in a fight). Then the characters reunite by the end to solve a problem. Finally, everyone learns that sticking together is important.

Do the characters in The Mysterious Benedict Society ever do that?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Kaela

11/21/2014 12:56:24 am

Dear ms.Kimball
white fur flying is a great book. It has a powerful theme and I know it because it is about a girl named Zoe who narrates the story. She has a little sister who always makes stories up because she wants to be a writer. People move in next door and theres a boy. But the other people are not his parents they are his aunt and uncle. They are not very nice and also he dont speak. Zoe and her family are dog savers and later in the story one of the dog gets lost. The other dog gets scared. they look for the dog and the boy across the street. When Zoe finds them the boy starts to talk. It is sad because he didn't talk because he thought his parents problems were his fault.
sincerely Kaela

Ms. Kimball

11/23/2014 11:48:29 am

Dear Kaela,

I don't think you mentioned what the theme of your story is. You said it is powerful, but I'm having trouble inferring what the message is. Usually a theme can be expressed in only a sentence. That's what makes it so powerful.

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Kaela

11/24/2014 10:02:19 am

The theam is about how much the boy loves the dog that when he (the dog) goes missing the boy looks for him. They take care of each other and that's powerful it's the power of love.

Yubin

11/22/2014 12:30:08 pm

Dear Class,

A book that I recently read that has a powerful message is “Something Special for Me” by Vera B. Williams. The powerful message in this book is that we can’t buy everything we want, therefore we need to make a careful choice according to our priority. In the story, there was a girl named Rosa, and her birthday was only three days away. Her family decided to spend the money they saved in a jar on Rosa’s birthday gift. At first, Rosa wanted several things, like skates, dresses, and bags. But she couldn't decide what to buy. So Rosa felt worried. Later, she saw someone playing an accordion. On her way home, she imagined herself playing the accordion while the chairs and tables danced. On Rosa’s birthday, Rosa and her family went to a music store to buy an accordion, but this time, she was sure that she had chosen exactly right.

Sincerely,
Yubin

Amy

11/23/2014 11:24:00 am

Dear Yubin,

That sounds like a cool story! I like how you told what you think the meaning is and then you said a quick summery of the story. Was the book a chapter book? How did you feel when Rosa felt worried? Did you think: What is she gonna pick?

Sincerely,
Amy

Ms. Kimball

11/23/2014 11:59:42 am

Dear Yubin,

That sounds like such a lovely story! I feel that way often. I want so many things, but I only have enough money for some of them. Therefore, I really have to think about what is most important.

You know, this also relates to time. I often want to do so many things in one day, but I only have enough time to do some of those things. I have to think about what is most important to get done.

Your story taught me a valuable lesson. Thank you! Have you ever felt like I have?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Yubin

11/26/2014 11:43:11 am

Dear Ms Kimball,

Thank you for the comment! I sometimes get that feeling, too. For example, one day, I asked a mate to buy a snack food. I was thinking that I can buy a bag of jelly beans, an oreo cookie, a small box of potato chips. But I only had to buy one thing. My top priority was jelly beans, so my mate bought one bag of jelly beans.

Sincerely,
Yubin

Nathan

11/24/2014 04:40:32 am

Dear class,
One book I have read with a powerful message is Wonder. This book is about a boy called August. August has a facial deform and he is homeschooled. One day he goes to a public school and hes made fun of. This sends a message that what you see on the outside is in the inside. August go’s through a lot of trouble, he is bullied, he loses a friend and loses people. But when you make it to the end it is great. The theme is very important but you get it a lot. Though for some reason, Wonder transmits its to you so clearly. I think this is my favorite book with a message because it had such a reward to finishing the book.
I was so into the book I went to see the author do a speech. Though since I was young I barely listened to her speech, but I did get my book signed

From yours truly,

Ms. Kimball

11/24/2014 01:42:52 pm

Dear Nathan,

That's cool that you got your book signed by the author.

You said that the message is, "what you see on the outside is in the inside". Is that what you really mean? How does the book get its message across to readers?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Arim link

11/24/2014 05:33:30 am

Dear Class,

The book I chose is about an owl who is afraid of the dark but want's to hunt with them.. I don't read it anymore but it's the only book that I read that has a theme. So a young owl goes to the humans every day to ask them what they think of the dark. He first went to an old women and she said that is makes her feel young. Then he goes to a boy and he said he likes it because then he can use his fireworks ect. I think the theme is that it's okay to say that your afraid of something and to ask for help, because the young owl pretty much with asking people the same question he's asking help.

Ms. Kimball

11/25/2014 06:59:12 am

Dear Arim,

That's a very good theme to remember. Asking for help is one of the best things anyone can do for themselves. Also, it is okay to be afraid of things. When you recognize that you are afraid and then take steps to feel better by asking for help, you will be able to conquer your fear. Sounds like a great story. Did the owl learn not to be afraid of the dark?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Arim link

11/29/2014 11:43:09 am

Dear Ms. Kimball,

I forgot to mention that the little owl wanted to hunt with his parents in the night but he was afraid, that was why he asked for help. At the end, he after asking for a lot of questions, he finally went hunting with his parent's in the night.

From Arim

Talia

11/25/2014 11:14:48 am

Ms.Kimball-
I actually just checked Hound Dog True out of the library! I wonder what a hound dog has to do with the story, if it even does.
-Talia

Student Work
for
Ms. Kimball's Grade 5 At Underwood, 2014-2015

Relive the greatness of this unforgettable group of students, my fabulous fifth grade class from Underwood Elementary School in Newton.