Reading Response Blog: First one of the year!

9/7/2014

Dear Students,

Welcome to the class blog! This is where you will find a record of many of the fun activities, assignments, and projects we do in class. You will also find our weekly Reading Response assignments here.

Each Sunday, I will post a question or prompt for each of you to answer about your independent reading. It's my way of getting inside your brain to learn how you are making sense of your own reading. It also helps me make sure you are doing the assigned reading at home.

By Friday of each week, you will need to respond to my question or prompt by commenting to my blog post. To learn how to do that, read the Guidelines for Commenting by clicking the link. It should be easy! Remember, only use your first name, NOT your last name.

Well, let's get started!

This Week's Prompt:

What is your book about?
Write a brief summary of what you have been reading. Remember to mention each of the Five W's: who, what, where, when, and why.

Happy Responding!

64 Comments

Alec link

9/9/2014 06:55:33 am

My book, The Titans Curse, is about 3 half-bloods that discover that their are two MORE half-bloods. They are powerful.(One half-blood is already rare) They are brother and sister. Their parents are unknown. The Titan Lord, Kronos, has set super dangerous trap.

I think the book is going to make me a strong reader.

Ms. Kimball link

9/10/2014 09:11:49 am

Hi Alex,
It sounds like you're reading the Percy Jackson series. I'm glad you like it so far! I can't wait to hear about the trap Kronos set for Percy and friends.

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Julia

9/10/2014 08:37:14 am

Dear Ms. Kimball,
I am reading Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling. In this book, the main character is named Harry Potter. When he was little his parents were killed by Vuldemore. But he believes his parents died in a car crash. Harry was sent to go and live with his aunt and uncle, who despised him. The only attention he gets is negative attention. One day a letter comes for Harry. when his uncle sees it he hides from Harry so he can't read it. The next day two letters come addressed to Harry. More and more letters keep coming, and Harry's uncle hides them all from him. Eventually Harry's uncle decides they need to leave the house, so they do. Somebody comes to the place they are staying in the middle of nowhere and Harry finds out he has to go to a wizardry school called Hogwortz.

Sincerely,
Julia

Ms. Kimball link

9/10/2014 09:16:43 am

Hi Julia,

I LOVED the Harry Potter series! Have you read it before? That scene you described so well captures the whimsy that I enjoyed about the author's style of writing. The Dursleys are so ridiculous but the author does such a great job making their behaviors seem entirely serious. I hope you're enjoying the story!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Amy

9/11/2014 08:53:01 am

Dear Julia,

I haven't really been interested in harry potter but when I read your response I think I will try it!

Sincerely,
Amy
P.S you described harry potter very well nice job!

Ms. Kimball

9/11/2014 02:15:41 pm

Dear Amy,
I'm so glad Julia inspired you to try a new series! Maybe when you finish Alex Rider: Stormbreaker you can try Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone. Thanks for being such a friendly commenter!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Sage p

9/16/2014 11:58:04 am

Dear Julia,
You described your book with many spicy words and you really zoomed in with your description. That deserves a golf clap.👏

Julia

9/10/2014 10:23:51 am

Dear Ms. Kimball,

I have not read the Harry Potter series yet, but I like it so far. I like the way J.K. Rowling describes the Durselys too. I'm really excited to get deeper into the story, and learn more about the characters.

Sincerely,
Julia

Ms. Kimball

9/11/2014 02:20:26 pm

Hi Julia,

I hope you love the book as much as I did when I read it. I'll be interested to hear who your favorite character is. There are so many to love and hate! The Harry Potter series keeps getting better and better as you make your way through each book. Keep me updated when you get to thrilling parts!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Sam

9/10/2014 11:58:15 am

Dear Ms. Kimball,
The book I am reading is called The Name of this Book is Secret. The author is very secretive. His name on the front cover is an anagram and he wrote an entire chapter in ‘x’s so you wouldn’t know anything about the characters or their town. The setting is modern day Earth. When the main characters, Cass and her friend Max-Ernest, stumble on a box called the symphony of smells, they end up in a mystery with a dead magician, secret societies, kidnaps and lying.

Ms. Kimball

9/11/2014 02:23:35 pm

Dear Sam,

What a great summary! Some people hate The Name of This Book is Secret, others love it (like me!) I particularly enjoyed Max-Ernest. His quirks and the way the author described them always made me chuckle. I can't wait to hear more of your thoughts as you make your way through the book!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Forrest

9/16/2014 09:42:18 am

Dear Sam,

The book you are reading sounds very interesting! I think I might want to read that! Can you tell me what happens when they find the box and what is in the box. It sounds like you enjoy the book! Did you skip over the chapter that only says 'x's? Or did you solve the secret? I like the title of the book.

Sincerely,

Forrest

Arim link

9/17/2014 10:53:55 am

Dear Sam
I like how you said that the authors name was secretive and also that you said when it takes place and when. You where they ended up.

Mikey

9/18/2014 12:24:00 pm

Dear Sam,
It sounds like that book is very interesting! I wonder what the Mystery is about? I can't wait to hear more about your story!

Sincerely,
Mikey

Sage p

9/11/2014 11:01:49 am

Dear ms.kimball my book is called sleep away girls by Jen Calonita. The book is about a girl name Sam and she just got dropped off to be a CIT at a sleep away camp. And there is a mean girl and her name is Ashley. Sam's other counceler's name is Alexis and they just got there campers.

Ms. Kimball

9/11/2014 02:25:51 pm

Dear Sage,

Your book sounds like an entertaining realistic fiction story. Have you ever been to a sleep away camp? I can only imagine how exciting and crazy it would be! I hope you're enjoying the book!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Alec

9/15/2014 11:20:38 am

Dear Sage P.
I liked how you described the book. You can influense lots of people to be inspired to also read this amazing book, Sleep away girls. It sounds interesting!

Marc

9/11/2014 01:13:04 pm

Dear Ms. Kimball,

I am reading allegiant by Veronica Roth. In my book the main character is a girl named Beatrice but her friends call her Tris, however at times the book changes from Tris's point of view to another characters point of view and his name is Tobias. The city is split up into factions and there is, Amity the peaceful ones, Abnegation the kind ones, Candor the truthful ones, Dauntless the fearless ones and Erudite the smart ones. There is also the factionless which has the people who failed to be in a faction. Tris and Tobias are both from Dauntless but Tobias has been in the faction for longer that Tris. Recently the city that the community is locked into just had a war and all of the Erudite members got killed or became slaves by the factionless. Right now Tris and others are going to find out what is outside of the city and they have no idea if there are even more people out there. Hopefully they are able to make it without anymore trouble because people patrol the city and they can shoot you if you are not in bed after dark, because now the factionless rule the city.

Sincerely,
Marc

Ms. Kimball

9/11/2014 02:39:27 pm

Dear Marc,

Wow! What a thrilling story! I started reading Divergent this summer. I'm only at the beginning, but it was such an engaging adventure that I'm eager to keep going. Unfortunately, I think the book got buried in a box when I moved! I like how the author chose the names of each faction. Each name actually comes from a real English word that defines the traits of the faction. For example, if you "abnegate" something, it means you "renounce or reject something of value," or you "give up" something. I often abnegate my free time at school to spend it with my students (who amaze me with their keen erudition). It sounds like you're enjoying your book. I'm eager to know what's outside the city! Keep me updated!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Oliviay.

9/12/2014 08:44:08 am

Dear Ms.Kimball,

I am reading a book called 68 floors.The main chaacter is a girl named Ruthie and she has a friend named Jack and they have a field trip to a muesum and Jack finds a secret key in a secret room and that is the part where I am on.

Sincerly,
OliviaY.

Marc

9/18/2014 12:08:02 pm

Dear Ms. Kimball,
I did not know that the faction names come from real words. I think the series is a really fun series and you are going to have a really good time reading this book

rheona

9/12/2014 09:47:45 am

cool!! How many books are there in the series?

Ms. Kimball

9/12/2014 10:50:28 am

Hi Rheona,

Good question! I just ordered 3 books from the Divergent series for the classroom, so I believe so far there are 3 books published. There are more to come in time, I'm sure.

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Danny

9/18/2014 12:08:34 am

Does Tris and Tobias get out of the city? And will they ever find someone like them

Danny

9/25/2014 12:16:09 pm

Dear Ms.Kimball
Ranie is smart because there is a question on the test that said "12334. What is the next number in this pattern". Raynie is clever because there was a question that said that Raynie had to cross without touching any of the squares but they were all rectangles

Danny

9/12/2014 12:43:04 am

Dear Ms.Kimball
I am reading The Mysterious Benedict Society. There are many things I can say, but a good starting point is the beginning.There is this kid named Raynie who lives at a orphanage everybody teases him bullies him or ignores him, one day the head guy decides to get him a touter she acted like a mother to Raynie. After a while Raynie saw a mysterious ad in the paper it said "children come we will testing you". or something like that anyway raynie went to this test place and got excepted with a few other people the called them selves The Mysterious Benedict Society.

Ms. Kimball

9/12/2014 10:28:46 am

Dear Danny,

It sounds like you are enjoying your book! I wonder what the "The Mysterious Benedict Society" is trying to do… Is it a group of children who did well on a test? Or is there something more to their group…? Very "mysterious" I do say!

Happy reading!
Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Sam

9/16/2014 08:31:19 am

Dear Danny, I really enjoyed your summary--this is a book I have been dying to read. I really liked how you described one of the main characters and the plot. Your summary has motivated me even more to read this book. Sincerely, Sam

Talia

9/19/2014 11:19:12 am

That sounds like a cool book! Maybe I will try it. I liked the way you told about your book with detail, but not too much

Rheona

9/12/2014 10:19:39 am

Hi Ms.Kimble
I read the book THE GIVER by LIOS LOWRY
The book is about a boy named JONAS. It is the year 2048, and there is no earth anymore.(earth is called "elsewhere")
After a big war, the mini world in the clouds decided to get rid of colors,races and feelings. They also erased there memory so they have no idea what happened before the war. There is always one person that gets to receive all the memories of the human species, that person is called THE RECIEVER.
The person who gets the memories gets them from THE GIVER.
The receiver is the ONLY one to get the memories. There is a new one every few generations.
Jonas also shares his memories with the baby his father brought home to their house, Gabe, and develops a close relationship with him after discovering he shares the same mark on his wrist Jonas does, the mark of a potential Receiver of Memory. He also tries to teach Fiona, his friend about emotions and kisses her, but he is the only one who can understand.
Then he realizes that they are going to kill him because he is not like the other babies.
Then Jonas learns that there is a shield of memories in ELSEWHERE.
So he steals Gabe and goes to ELSEWHERE and breaks the SHIELD OF MEMORIES. Everything turns colorful and normal.

Ms. Kimball

9/12/2014 10:39:27 am

Dear Rheona,

Wow! What an epic story! I've been eager to read The Giver and you just inspired me to put it next on my "need to read" list. I know it's a challenging read, but I'm up for it! The book sounds very mind-blowing with that post-apocalyptic setting. I always liked stories set in places where Earth has been doomed. It makes me realize how special our world is now and how we have to work hard to keep it that way.

Did you recently finish The Giver? If so, remind me to pull down the "Books We Finished" poster so you and Talia can add to it!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Julia

9/13/2014 09:25:05 am

Dear Rheona,

I read that book too and I really liked it. I hope you like it too!

Sofia

9/12/2014 11:04:07 am

Dear Ms.Kimball

Right now I am reading a book called "The one I left behind". Though I have told you most of the story, I continued to read, and this is what has happened:
The main characters aunt, Lorraine, hired a nurse to take care of the cancer Reggie's mother, Vera, got when she returned from "Neptune". Turns out, the nurse is an old friend Reggie was close with when she was 13 and her mother disappeared. Though, Shortly after Tara, Reggies old friend, was hired, "Neptune" Captured Tara, His last killing after a long twenty five years!

Sincerely,
Sofia

Ms. Kimball

9/12/2014 03:53:51 pm

Dear Sofia,

What a frightening story you're reading! I hope you don't have nightmares! Poor Tara, huh? I hope the authorities in the story find this sicko "Neptune" soon. There has to be some crazy twist before the ending, maybe Neptune is someone you totally don't expect. I love a surprise ending that makes me want to reread in search of clues I overlooked.

I can't wait to hear what happens!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Kaela

9/14/2014 07:51:10 am

Dear ms.kimball. I just finished reading White fur flying by Patricia Maclachlan. It is about a girl named Zoe. Zoe had a little sister named Alice. Her mom saved dogs from being put to sleep.Her dad was a vet. A strict lady moved in next door she was taking care of her nieces sun she dosnt know anything about children. But she hast to so the parents can figure out some problems. later we fined that he doesn't talk because he thinks his parents problems are his fault. He at the end goes out looking for one of the lost dogs. Now one nows where he is. Zoe finds him, he starts to talk again and things go on like they should. THE END
sincerely Kaela

Ms Kimball

9/14/2014 08:34:06 am

Dear Kaela,

Congratulations on finishing you book! Remind me to take down the "Books We Finished" chart so you can add your book to the list. I'm guessing the little boy who didn't speak was the son of the niece of the strict lady. I wasn't sure how Zoe got to know him. It sounds like a heartwarming story though! I wonder why it's called "White Fur Flying"?

Thank you for sharing!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Mikey

9/14/2014 08:46:34 am

Dear Ms Kimball,
I am reading Harry potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I am a little ways through it, but I still have a lot left to read. I like it so far, J. K. Rowling puts in a lot of great details.
Sincerely,
Mikey

Ms. Kimball

9/14/2014 01:16:51 pm

Dear Mikey,

I am glad you are enjoying Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince. It's quite a mighty book! What is happening at the part you're currently reading?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Forrest

9/16/2014 09:53:36 am

Dear Mikey,

I cant wait to hear about the book and what your favorite part is!

Sincerely,

Forrest

Talia

9/14/2014 08:52:13 am

I am reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney. it's about a boy named Greg who keeps a diary. He doesn't want to think he has a diary so he calls it a journal. His brother doesnt think so though, he makes fun of Greg for it.

Ms. Kimball

9/14/2014 01:18:26 pm

Dear Talia,

Greg seems to get himself into so many ridiculous situations. I can't wait to hear about more of them.

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Layla

9/14/2014 09:04:07 am

Dear Ms. Kimball,
I am reading Hattie Big Sky. It's about a girl named Hattie who lives with her aunt and uncle in Iowa in 1917. Then, one day she gets a letter from her other uncle that says he is dying, and he wants to give his land to her. She responds and says yes, then takes a train to Montana. Her uncle's family picks her up and lets her get food, and other necessities, then drives her to her new house. When Hattie gets there, she finds that the house is a tiny little shack with only one window. That's about where I left off.
From, Layla

Ms. Kimball

9/14/2014 01:21:26 pm

Dear Layla,

What an interesting story! It sounds like Hattie was thinking she would inherit wealth and a beautiful property from her other uncle. I'm guessing she is very disappointed and now has to learn to live a new kind of life. I'm looking forward to hearing what happens next!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Olivia D.

9/14/2014 09:19:56 am

Dear Ms. Kimball
the book I'm reading is called the running dream by Wendelin van Dranen. It's about A sixteen year old runner who gets into an unforgettable car accident that changes her life. She loses her foot from the tragic accident and is training to walk again.

Sincerely Olivia D.

Ms. Kimball

9/14/2014 01:26:32 pm

Dear Olivia,

Wow, what a tragic beginning. Your story reminds me of the bombing at the Boston Marathon in 2013. A number of people lost limbs and had to learn how to function without them or with prosthetic limbs. I would love to hear more about how the main character in your story is coping. It sounds very inspiring.

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Arim link

9/14/2014 12:48:23 pm

Dear Ms. Kimball,

I'm reading Alex rider Ark angle. it's about a boy named Alex who get's shot one inch above his heart. He goes to one of the best hospitals in England and meets a boy named Paul Drevin the son of Nikolai Drevin one of the riches person in the world. A group of terrorists try to kidnapp Paul but Alex an MI6 agent and fights them of. they kidnapp the wrong person so they try to burn him in a fire. Alex escaped but has to go to the hospital again. When he get's invited by Nikolai he says yes and goes to there 14th century castle which has everything. the next day Alex does a go-cart race and the go-carts go 100 miles per hour. Alex wins but Nikolai is furius because he always wins. That all I read

Sincerely Arim

Ms. Kimball

9/15/2014 12:32:18 pm

Dear Arim,

What an exciting story! It sounds like Alex is all over the place in his adventures. I could imagine having a hard time following it all. The Alex Rider series is definitely a good series if you like action and secret agents. If only it had ninjas! Wait, I think it does.

I hope you're enjoying Arc Angel!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Amy

9/14/2014 01:03:39 pm

Dear Mrs.Kimball,

I'm reading Alex Rider storm breaker. In storm breaker Alex's parents died so he only had his uncle to take care of him his uncle died in a "car accident" That's at least what the police says. But he finds out that that his uncle Didn't die in a car accident something very bad actually happened and if you want to find out you better read Alex Rider : Storm Breaker.

Sincerely,
Amy

Sofia

9/15/2014 11:24:56 am

Wow! Does Alex have to live alone now, or does he live his another relative? Does he even have another relative to stay with?

~Sofia

Ms. Kimball

9/15/2014 12:34:59 pm

Dear Amy,

I bet you're enjoying the first Alex Rider book! It is such a thrilling series. Hopefully all the violence and weaponry doesn't disturb you! I hope Alex solves the mystery of what happened to his uncle. I am suspicious that it was not an "accident." I can't wait to hear what happens!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Forrest

9/14/2014 02:22:48 pm

Dear Ms Kimball,

I am reading the book Warriors Into the Wild by Erin Hunter. It is about a cat named Rusty. He is just a house cat but sometimes he daydreams about the forest. One day he goes past his gate and into the forest to explore. He got attacked by Graypaw. He didn't hurt him and they started to talk. Graypaw told him it was dangerous and that there were 4 warrior cat clans. He meets some other cats in Graypaws clan and learns that they are very fierce and fight for their survival. I am just getting into the book and can tell you more later.
Sincerely, Forrest

Ms. Kimball

9/15/2014 03:33:05 pm

Dear Forrest,

Warriors sounds like such an exciting series! You've inspire me to put it on my "To-Read" list. From what you've described, I can tell I'll love it. First, all of the characters are cats and I love cats. Second, it sounds like it's loaded with action, which I also love. I can't wait to hear more!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Nathan

9/15/2014 01:01:04 am

Dear ms kimball

I am reading INSURGENT ^-^ in this book tris has to go around all the city to find survival, after the attack on abnegation the city has gone into chaos. she has sacrificed herself to the erudite so none of the other dauntless will die from the evil erudite. I predict that her dauntless friends will come into the rescue and save her from her cell, and take refuge!
sincerely, Nathan

Ms. Kimball

9/15/2014 12:36:54 pm

Hi Nathan,

Poor Tris! So she really does have the selfless qualities of Abnegation. Your predication seems like a good one. I'm eager to hear more!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Layla

9/15/2014 09:25:00 am

Dear Amy,
That sounds like a very interesting story. Do you like it?
From, Layla

Olivia D.

9/17/2014 11:08:05 am

Dear Layla
Your book seems very interesting! I wonder what will happen next. I might consider reading it!

Sage W.

9/18/2014 09:37:48 am

Dear Ms.Kimball,
I just started reading The Giver .And so far its amazing.Its about a boy named Jonas who lives in a community were everything is controlled by the council your job,your family,your style,your activities,even your hair.And when you turn twelve they give you your job.And Jonas gets assigned the receiver of memory a job that he has never heard of.

Ms. Kimball

9/19/2014 11:38:28 am

Dear Sage,

I am so glad you took Rheona's recommendation and tried The Giver. I haven't read it yet myself, but I've been dying to for a while, especially now the you two are raving about it. I can't wait to hear more about what happens!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Sage W

9/18/2014 09:41:48 am

Dear Olivia D,
Your story sounds amazing and super interesting I can't wait to hear if she ends up being able to walk again!

Yubin

9/19/2014 12:21:00 am

" Dear Miss Kimball,

I am reading the book Disney's "Frozen" adapted by Sarah Nathan and Sela Roman. In this book, the main characters are Anna and Elsa. They are the two princesses of a Kingdom named Arendelle. When they were very young, they were good to each other, but Elsa has a secret of her magic power that can freeze everything. So she let her power hidden from everyone, including Anna. Elsa was afraid she might hurt Anna.

Sincerely,
Yubin"

Ms. Kimball

9/19/2014 11:53:21 am

Dear Yubin,

I loved the movie, "Frozen," so I can only imagine how wonderful the book is! I read about how Disney developed "Frozen." Did you know that the movie was originally supposed to be an adaptation of a story called "The Snow Queen" by Hans Christian Andersen? His story is much darker and scarier so Disney had to make a lot of changes to it so that kids like you would love it. I think they did a great job!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Kathleen

9/22/2014 08:38:26 am

Dear Ms.Kimball, My book is The Thea Stilton and The Thea Sisters Dancing In the Shadows. There was this girl named Thea and she met a group of girls that dances pretty well. So they all became best friends and they named their group the Thea Sisters. So they had to do a mission and they were dancing for weeks because there was competition and they had to compete with another team. 3 weeks later....... It was the day to compete and the Thea Sisters had to go to a place where they had to compete and they all dressed up and there was a bad group that they had to compete and when the bad group competed it was the Thea sisters to dance so they danced as ballerinas and I still have to figure out who is going to win.

Olivia D.

9/22/2014 10:25:17 am

Dear Mrs. Kimball,
The book I'm currently reading is called "The running dream". It is about a girl who loses her leg in a car accident. The school is now trying to save up enough money to buy her a running leg. They are doing everything they can but Jessica has high doubts in the school. She cannot help but to think she will never run again.

Sincerely Olivia D.

sage w.

9/25/2014 01:33:10 pm

Jonas from the giver is very wise because he already saw thing others didn't without memory, plus he got what the giver had to say and didn't go crazy after learning what he had learned.Jonas is also very kind because he risked his life for another's, and shared the meaning of warmth,,generosity, and love

ps I'm sorry but my computer was going crazy and I couldn't see any of the new comments so sadly I can't reply to another students comments.

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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.