Reading Response #13

3/6/2016

It's been a long time since we've all checked in on what we are reading for our independent books. I'm curious to hear about what you've been reading independently!

This Week's Prompt:

Summarize the story or text that you have been reading independently recently. Remember to use modifying clauses, which are separated by commas, to give your readers helpful information.

Then, evaluate the story or text so far (judge it). Tell about what you like and don't like.

72 Comments

Elizabeth

3/7/2016 04:38:39 pm

Dear Class,
I just finished the book Lost Hero by Rick Riordan. I thought it was amazing, even though it was my second time reading it. The book is about a boy named P ercy and it switches characters throughout the book. I love this method because you know very important stuff that you wish you could share with the characters.
Percy is a demigod, meaning half god half human. Percy is wisked away to the roman demigod camp without any recollection of his past life. Percy is the topic of conversation for the camp. When Percy is sent on a quest with three other campers he finds his friends and foes from the greek camp. On the trip Percy regains his memory and remembers everying, now he is trying to get the two groups of friends to finally become friends and work together.
The roman and greek camps never got along until this strange happening, and now the camps must work together to save the world.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth

Ms. Kimball

3/9/2016 07:50:02 pm

Dear Elizabeth,

The Lost Hero sounds like an entertaining book to read. When you say, "it switches characters throughout the book," what do you mean? Does it switch perspectives between multiple characters?

I was curious how a Roman demigod camp is different from the Greek demigod camp. It almost sounds like the author got bored and just reinvented the storyline of the original series, only with Roman gods this time. I'm sure that's not true, but can you explain how the plot is different from the Percy Jackson series?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Elizabeth

3/14/2016 04:57:09 pm

Dear Ms.Kimball,
When I said "it switches characters throughout the book," I meant each chapter is in a different characters perspective. The author does make a loop, but the loop would be interrupted if there was something really important and a character would come sooner than usual.

The difference between the Percy Jackson series and the Heroes of Olympus is firstly The Percy Jackson series was mainly about Percy and his prophecy being fulfilled. The Percy Jackson series is
also about defeating Kronos. Kronos is the biggest, baddest, and meanest of all Titans. The Heroes of Olympus series is about stopping Gia from destroying the earth. Gia is (in Greek mythology) the mother of all. She is definitely not nice!

The reason the Percy Jackson series sounds a lot like the Heroes of Olympus is because the Heroes of Olympus is like an add on to the Percy Jackson series. Once Percy fulfilled the prophecy, there didn't need to be another book add to the Percy Jackson series. The Heroes of Olympus series is more of a now-what-are-Percy-and-Annabeth-doing type series.

Thank you for the feedback!
Sincerely,
Elizabeth

Cordy

3/16/2016 05:40:26 pm

Dear Elizabeth,
I think the book sounds very interesting. Also if there are other mane characters how are they? What do the two camps have to save the world from?

Sincerely,
Cordy

Caitlin

3/17/2016 07:43:16 pm

Dear Elizabeth,
Nice response. How does switching character help you understand the book. I think you did a really good job at making a short but informative summary, good job. Also why do the Greek camp and the Roman camp not like each other.
Sincerely,
Caitlin

Emily

3/7/2016 06:26:53 pm

Dear class,
I am reading the Jungle book by Rudyard Kipling.
So far Mowgli,the main character has grown up and made best friends with the Panther, Bagheera and Baloo the bear. Mowgli lives in a wolf pack that they call him there "Man cub." Deep down in the shadows Shere khan the enimme of the Pack, pouncess around trying to win Mowgli back. Shere khan had Mowgli when he was a tiny baby but he treated him Bradley so then "Mother" Wolf and her husband adopted him and kind of took him away from the ferocious man-eating tiger. Right now the Jungle is having a serious drought and many animals are loosing there populations.

To evaluate this book, I like how the author organized the text and added amazing pictures that made me think I was really there. Maybe next time Rudyard Kipling could add more about Shere khan and what he is up to in his free time.
Sincerely,
Emily

Emily

3/7/2016 08:27:20 pm

Dear class,
Oops I ment to say badly sorry not Bradley!!

Em

Ms. Kimball

3/9/2016 07:59:05 pm

Dear Emily,

I'm glad you're enjoying The Jungle Book... You'll be all set to watch the new movie when it comes out!

I liked your evaluation of the book. Shere Khan sounds like a devious character, but also a character you probably want to know more about. You said you what to know "what he is up to in his free time." Are you wondering, as I am, what makes him a "bad guy" (fancy word: antagonist)? Why does he choose to be the enemy of the pack?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Emily

3/14/2016 07:33:24 pm

Dear Ms Kimball,
Shere Khan chooses to be the enemy becuase When Mowgli was born Shere Khan was caring for him, and wanted to hurt him. So The wolf pack adopted him without giving Shere Khan another chance, becuase they new it would of been the end of Mowgli. Shere Khan still spy's on Mowgli. But eventually Mowgli and Baloo and Bagheera kill Shere Khan with a mighty plan they got.
Sincerely,
Emily

Liana

3/15/2016 07:40:30 pm

Dear Emily,
The Jungle Book sounds like a great book! I think you did really well on your summary, and I think you really recapped the main ideas. I also like your evaluation. It would be cool to know what Shere Khan does in his free time. How do you like the book? Is it interesting? So far, what is your favorite part of the book? And what do you think will happen next?
Sincerely,
Liana

Maggie

3/17/2016 06:16:23 pm

Dear Emily,
Amazing response! I loved how much detail you put into the writing. But I just have one question. Who are Mowgli's parents? Is Shere Khan a tiger? Thanks for that amazing response!
From,
Maggie

Kate

3/7/2016 06:30:35 pm

Dear Ms. Kimball,

I am reading the book Boot Camp. I am going to summarize The book so far. This girl named Emma, the main character, had the most beautiful house, barn, ring, pastures, and horses. Also Emma and her family had the perfect street, Fox run. But that got all taken away because their really good friend Misty kicked them out. Emma and her family moved back to their slummy house they used to live in. Emma is very mad they have to move back because there wasn't a stable barn for some of there horses and there wasn't a riding ring. Emma's dad is broke and they are trying to live life calmly.

Sinceraly,
Kate

Ms. Kimball

3/13/2016 08:52:12 pm

Dear Kate,

You forgot to answer the 2nd part of the prompt: evaluate.

Also, you said that Emma's family lost their home because "their really good friend Misty kicked them out." If Misty is a good friend, why would she kick them out? That doesn't make sense. Can you explain?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Kate

3/14/2016 05:42:09 pm

Dear Ms. Kimball,

I don't know really why Misty kicked Emma's family out of their house. I think maybe because she like their riding ring and barn, and Misty maybe wanted to have that life.

Sinceraly,
Kate

Jansyn

3/16/2016 07:22:25 pm

Dear Kate
That book sounds REALLY good.

I have three questions for you. Why did Misty kick Emma and her family out of the house they were living in. Second question how did Emma's dad get broke. And my last question what did they do with the horses .

Liana

3/8/2016 06:47:10 pm

Dear 5k,
I recently finished the Sisters Grimm. It is a story about two orphans, Daphne and Sabrina Grimm, and they go to live with their grandmother, because one day, Sabrina and Daphne's parents had suddenly gone missing. Soon after they get there, their grandmother starts telling them fantasy stories which she claims are true. She also says she's a fairytale detective, and that Sabrina and Daphne will become ones too. Sabrina doubts her, and thinks she's crazy, but when they go on their first detective mission, Sabrina has to think otherwise. I think the positive part of this book is that two girls get to experience things they haven't before, and they get to finally have a place that they can call home. By the end of the book, they seem really happy with their new family, Grandma and her friend Mr. Canis. I think the negative parts of the book is that at the beginning, Sabrina is quite rude to her grandmother, and doesn't have a good attitude. Also, Sabrina and Daphne's parents suddenly disappear, but that adds suspense to the book which keeps readers intrigued. I think you should read the Sisters Grimm because it is a fun, fantasy, mysterious book.
Sincerely,
Liana

Ms. Kimball

3/13/2016 08:55:21 pm

Dear Liana,

Congrats on finishing your book! I enjoyed reading your summary. Can you explain what a "fairy tale detective" is? Also, why doesn't Sabrina have a good attitude toward her grandmother? How does their relationship change from the beginning to the end of the story?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Liana

3/15/2016 07:55:31 pm

Dear Ms.Kimball,
Thank you! I am on the second book, and plan on reading the whole series. To answer your question, fairy tale detectives are detectives that solve fairy tale related crimes. For example, in the first book, they have to find out who's behind the destruction of a house, and find out it is a giant. To answer your other question, Sabrina has a bad attitude towards her grandmother because her grandmother was telling them stories of fairy tales, and claims they're true, but Sabrina doesn't believe her and thinks she is a crazy old lady. Also, Sabrina doesn't think that she is really her grandmother, because people have told her that her grandmother is dead, so she was mad at her grandmother for pretending she was get real grandmother because Sabrina didn't know that she really was, and she wasn't lying. Sabrina and her grandmothersp's relationship from the beginning to the end of the book changed from hatred, to okay. They still get in fights, but it is better than before. Sabrina had to believe her grandma, because after the giant incident, there was no other choice. Also Sabrina found out that Grandma Relda, her grandma, really was her grandma.
Sincerely,
Liana

Trisha

3/17/2016 03:58:40 pm

Dear Liana,
I agree that because Sabrina and Daphne's parents disappear it makes the book more interesting and intriguing. I just have one question for you. Who is Mr. Canis other than grandma's friend.
Sincerely,
Trisha

Julia

3/8/2016 08:55:10 pm

Dear class,
I have been reading the book Grace, Gold and Glory by Gabrielle Douglas, current Olympic gymnast, and co-written by Michelle Buford. It is about the story of how Gabby Douglas got to the point that she is at now. It talks about how her sisters encouraged Gabby to try gymnastics, even though the Douglas family was extremely poor, and how Gabby soon became Virginia State Champion in gymnastics. It also talks about how Gabby wanted to train in Iowa with her dream coach, Liang Chow, and how she went to live with a foster family to do that. Even though this is an informational text, it is written in a narrative style, from the point of view of Gabby.
The things I like about this book are that the authors added in every single last detail, like the exact words of people, and how Gabby felt at times. I also like that it is not just facts about Gabby's life, but since Gabby wrote the book, some facts that you never would expect to find in this book, like the time Gabby and her brother were chased by a dog in the neighborhood.
Sincerely,
Julia

Ms. Kimball

3/13/2016 08:59:04 pm

Dear Julia,

This sounds like a very interesting book! It has a great title, too. I like how you described the book, "Even though this is an informational text, it is written in a narrative style, from the point of view of Gabby." I love learning about people, history, and science in the form of a story.

You said Gabby's family was very poor. What were some of the struggles they faced to get Gabby to a competitive level of gymnastics? How did the family overcome those challenges?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Julia

3/14/2016 07:32:59 am

Dear Ms Kimball,
Gabby's family was so poor at one time that the family couldn't even afford a house. For a long period of time, Gabby's family lived in a mini van, because they were homeless. But even when Gabby was not in gymnastics classes, she practiced at home. Gabby's sister Joyelle even gave up ice-skating so that Gabby's mom, Natalie, could enroll her in gymnastics. This was a problem, gymnastics was expensive, but Natalie worked double-shifts at her job at the bank, and eventually, they found a house and Gabby could fulfill her dream of becoming an Olympic gymnast with proper coaching and training.
Sincerely,
Julia

Ryan

3/9/2016 12:50:57 pm

Dear Ms Kimball,
The book I have been reading recently is called "The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid". What has happened so far in the story is the main character, the thunderbolt kid, has been explaining his life in his hometown, Chicago. In the chapter, the thunderbolt kid talks about how different life was in the 1950's. The thunderbolt kid compares televisions and radios to the ones now. He also talked about how people thought there would be cars that could change into boats. What I like about the story so far is there are so many fun and interesting facts. One of the cool facts in the book is Americans ate 50% more food than Europeans did at the time. What I don't like about the book is that it is hard to understand what direction the story is going.. Even though it has a lot of fun and interesting facts the plot is hard for me to follow.

Sincerely,
Ryan

Ms. Kimball

3/13/2016 09:02:35 pm

Dear Ryan,

That book is by Bill Bryson, right? I have it and haven't read it yet. Why is he called "The Thunderbolt Kid"?

You made an interesting evaluation, especially when you wrote, "Even though it has a lot of fun and interesting facts the plot is hard for me to follow." I agree, that can be a turn off. Is the story in the form of a narrative? Or does it jump around in time? From what I recall, it is a memoir, which is a collection of memories about a topic or event. What do you think?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Ryan

3/16/2016 06:37:01 pm

Dear Ms Kimball,
I am not sure why the boy is called "The Thunderbolt Kid". The book also talks about him being a superhero so maybe that relates to it. Yes, it is a memoir, and it is the first one I have ever read, it is also a new genre for me. That is why it is probably confusing. The book doesn't jump around in time, as it progresses slowly.Thank you for your response.

Sincerely,
Ryan

Anthony

3/9/2016 02:12:54 pm

Dear Ms Kimball,
I was recently reading ANGRY BIRDS NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC. I read a section on the worlds most angriest bird: the Australasian Magpie. I am going to summarize it's anger and what it has done.

Every time people walk passed their nests, they tend to swoop and dive to peck at the jogger or walker. But who they hate most are bicyclists. They may follow them for hundreds of feet to attack.

Serious injuries have been costed to the magpie's sharp beak. Sometimes bleeding. In 2010, a twelve year old boy was killed in traffic trying to outrun this angry bird. The next paragraph was about suggestions/tips to not get attacked by Australasian Magpies.

A survey in Australia revealing 90 percent of men and 72 percent of women were attacked by Australasian Magpies. Only a small percentage of Magpies people. But since so many nests are built in cities and suburbs, the amount of attacks that happen every year are thousands. That probably adds up to the worlds angriest bird.

Sincerely,
Anthony

Ms. Kimball

3/13/2016 09:10:22 pm

Dear Anthony,

You shared some very interesting facts about the Australian Magpie. I think you saved the main idea for the very end though... that the Australian Magpie is the world's angriest bird. You probably want to start your summaries with the most important ideas rather than facts in order of how they are written.

You forgot to answer the second part of the prompt: Evaluate.

You wrote this, "Only a small percentage of Magpies people." What do you mean?

Also, have you read about other angry birds? How do they compare to the Australian Magpie?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Anthony

3/14/2016 04:19:06 pm

Dear Ms Kimball,
I am so very sorry for not doing the evaluation part. I really thought that the author made sure that I was really there by staying on topic and adding some details that were really interesting. The pictures were also very interesting based on the description below them. But maybe what he could add is why the bird is so angry. He could also talk about how the problem could be solved.

I had a mistake. I meant to say," Only a small percentage of Magpie ATTACK people." I think that when you compare the Magpie to another bird, you could say that the Magpie is angrier than all the other birds. It also gets angrier easier than, lets say.... the northern cardinal.
I really enjoyed the feedback Ms Kimball, thank you so much!

Sincerely,
Anthony

Ben

3/9/2016 06:29:03 pm

Dear class,
I have been reading Saving Mr Terupt. the 7 main characters are Alexa, Daniel, Luke, Peter, Jeffery, and Anna.What has happened is that now is that all of the kids are in 7 grade so they don't get to see mr Terupt. The group of kids have not been hanging out as much as they want to be because of school. They had a grade meeting and the meeting talked about being president of the school and so the boys are working together and the girls are working together. They went to visit mr Terupt and they are using his class room as a works place.
That is what is going on in my book.
Sincerely,
Ben

Ms. Kimball

3/13/2016 09:09:00 pm

Dear Ben,

I'm so glad you are still enjoying the Mr. Terupt series. I didn't know Rob Buyea wrote a third one.

You forgot to answer part of the prompt: evaluate.

Also, what are the students working on in Mr. Terupt's room? You wrote, "so the boys are working together and the girls are working together." Why are the boys and girls working in groups separately?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Ben

3/15/2016 08:29:39 pm

Dear Ms K,
Thank you for the feed back. Sorry I forgot to evaluate. A part that I like is how the boys and the girls are one big happy group even though they usually don't work together. I really don't have a part that I don't like about this book. I think the reason why the boys and the girls didn't work together is because they might be afraid to work with a different gender. The two groups were trying to win as the president. Thank you for the feedback!
Sincerely,
Ben

Anthony

3/14/2016 04:24:25 pm

Dear Ben,
Saving Mr Terupt must be an interesting book. I like how you summarized what you had read so far without putting in a ton of details. I feel as though they are going to be very competitive. Are they competitive against each other? Especially since it's boys vs girls!

Sincerely,
Anthony

Emily

3/14/2016 07:42:56 pm

Dear Ben,
I was scrolling through the resources and you included 7 main characters and I counted 5, was there other charictors or maybe was Mr. Terupt one of them? But cool response, I would love to read that book!!
Sincerely,
Emily

Ryan

3/16/2016 06:18:16 pm

Dear Ben,
I thought your response was good as it seams you found the deeper meaning. In the future, I would recommend checking your grammar. Is this the second book of the series of is it the first?
Sincerely,
Ryan

August

3/17/2016 07:01:41 pm

Dear Ben,

Your response is so good! I just have one thing who is Mr. Terupt?

Sincerely.

August

Caitlin

3/9/2016 08:23:39 pm

Dear Class,
I have been reading the book No Talking by Andrew Clements. The summary of this book is about two fifth-graders Lindsey and Dave. They make this contest where they can't talk for about 48 hours. Dave and Lindsay are team captain which is separated by girls and boy. So there is a boy team lead by Dave, and a girl team lead by Lindsey. The teachers find out about the contest, and have a special talk with the fifth-graders saying that they need to stop the contest. That is about how much I have read of No Talking. I am going to evaluate Dave and Lindsey's idea to make the contest. I don't think that it was a good idea for Dave and Lindsey to make the contest. I think that it was not a good idea for Dave and Lindsey to make the contest, because now the teachers can't teach the kids because they won't talk. Also, now the fifth-graders can't get on with their life's cause they can't talk even at home or school or any other activity.
Sincerely,
Caitlin

Ms. Kimball

3/13/2016 09:13:25 pm

Dear Caitlin,

Your summary was very clear. Good job explaining. I have an important question though: Why did Dave and Lindsey come up with this contest? I agree that it is probably not a good contest because it means kids can't communicate with their families and their teachers.

Can you explain more about the rules of the contest? I'm curious how this "no talking thing" works.

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Caitlin

3/17/2016 07:52:56 pm

Dear Ms. Kimball,
This contest started because Dave said to Lindsey that boys could stay quieter for longer then the girls so they started the contest. The rules of the contest are that you can only talk if a teacher talks to you and you can only answer them with a 3 worded answer. If you talk more then 3 words in a row then all the other words will be points. You do not want to have lots of points. Also at home or not in school the fifth-graders had to use the honest rule. If the boys talked at home or any other time they would tell Lindsey how much words they said, Lindsey would keep track of the points the boys have. Dave would do the same thing that Lindsey was doing but he would keep track of the girls points. Thank you for your wonderful questions.
Sincerely,
Caitlin

Julia

3/14/2016 07:40:04 am

Dear Caitlin,
This was a great reading response! I loved how you ! As wonderful as it was, consider explaining a little more about the contest: How did it start and why? Why would anyone want to not talk for 48 hours? I was just confused about why they started this contest. Great job, Caitlin! I hope you can reply soon!
Sincerely,
Julia

Julia

3/16/2016 02:35:34 pm

Dear Caitlin,
Sorry, I'm not sure why some of that sentence got cut off. I meant to say that I loved how you wrote your summary with a lot of modifying clauses. That really helped me figure out who you were talking about, and who they were in the story. Awesome job!
Sincerely,
Julia

Jansyn

3/9/2016 09:41:47 pm

Dear Mrs Kimball
I was reading a scary book but don't no the name of it so it was about two friends Chris and Mike. And thay made a bet on halloween to go in a old house and open the window. And when Mike was walking up the stairs he saw a faint red light and headed for it. When he got to it he picked it up and it was a camera . Then he figure out how to turn on the light on the camera so he used that to find his way up the stairs. And he found one of those ropes that lead to a trap and then when he stepped over the rope he fell into a hole. Then Chris came in to check on him and he forgot that there was a rope that led to the trap and stepped on it. And broke his leg and fell in the hole.

Ms. Kimball

3/13/2016 09:16:30 pm

Dear Jansyn,

You forgot to answer the second part of the prompt: Evaluate.

The story you read sounds pretty scary. Did you read the ending? What happened?

You said that "Then Chris came in to check on him [Mike] and he forgot that there was a rope that led to the trap..." Was Chris supposed to know about the trap?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Jansyn

3/16/2016 07:13:26 pm

Dear Mrs kimball
Thank you for the feed back. And the ending just stayed the same just how I wrote it.
Chris did know about the trap because he set it up and I forgot to put that in my blog.

Emily

3/14/2016 07:39:52 pm

Dear Jansyn,
That does sound Scary!

A few Questions I have is,
were did this story take place?
Also what do you mean by "Forgot that there was a rope that led to the trap," How did Chris know there was a trap?

The last Question I have is,
How come Chris broke his leg and Mike didn't?

Sincerely,
Emily

Tommy

3/17/2016 04:32:57 pm

Dear Jansyn,

Oh man, that sounds like an insanely SCARY book! I like how you formatted your response. It was a clean and great summary of what you have read so far in the book. But, I think you might have forgotten to evaluate. I would have liked to hear about that. Also, did Chris know that the rope was there in the first place, because you said he "forgot the rope was there". Did he set the trap? Finally, did you find out what the title of the book was? Because honestly, I want to read it.

Sincerely, Tommy

Whitney

3/10/2016 04:53:14 pm

Dear Class,
I am reading the book called "I am number 4" by Pittacus Lore. In the book, an alien from the planet Lorien named John Smith (that's not his actual name, because he has to keep changing it so that the Mogadorians, an evil alien race, don't find him.) They Lorien's came to Earth because their planet was getting attacked by the Mogadorians. But almost no one came to Earth. It was only 9 kids and their caretakers (they have parents, but they don't take care of the Grandparents do.). John's caretaker is named Henri. So anyway, while the 9 kids and the caretakers were on the ship, the pilot gave all of them numbers. Then, he put a spell on them so that, since they knew that the Mogadorians were going to come to earth so they could wipe out the Lorien race completely, he put on a spell so that they could not be killed out of order. So if a Mogadorian tried to kill number before killing 2, then the Mogodorian who tried to kill them would be killed. So basically it's really unfortunate to be number one. John is number 4, and the book is about the Mogodorians trying to find and kill John, since he's next on the list. To evaluate the book, I really liked the way that the author kept you on the edge of your seat all the time. He always managed to find a way to keep you on the edge edge of your seat. I HIGHLY recommend this book. Just.... it's kind of intense.
Sincerely,
Whitney

Ms. Kimball

3/15/2016 03:21:09 pm

Dear Whitney,

Okay, a lot to follow in your summary! The story must be very complicated. Let's see if you can clarify some plot points that were confusing in your summary.

You wrote, "They Lorien's came to Earth because their planet was getting attacked by the Mogadorians. But almost no one came to Earth." What do you mean by that?

Most importantly, why are these Mogadorians trying to kill off the Loriens? Are they just this "evil alien race" or do they have some sort of backstory to them?

Lastly, what is one way the author kept you on your seat?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Whitney

3/15/2016 07:03:27 pm

Dear Ms.Kimball,
To clarify, when I said "but almost no one came to earth" I meant that very few people came to Earth. Almost all of them died in the battle between the Loriens and the Mogadorians. To answer your second question, they never really say why they want to kill them off. I think that they are just mortal enemies and want them gone. Finally, one way that the author keeps you on the edge of your seat is by having a lot of conflicts. There is always something going wrong, such as someone that he hates getting in trouble, (he has super human powers, like super strength) so he feels like he has to save them or something. Thanks!
Sincerely,
Whitney

DeAngi

3/17/2016 08:02:00 pm

Dear Whitney,

Man, There is a lot going on in that book!

I have one question for you. Why do you like this book? It sounds confusing, and how did you find out about this book? Other than that, I really liked the way you "unpacked" the meaning of the book. It really makes me want to put in into the next agenda to read.

Sincerely,

DeAngi

PS: How is it intense?

August

3/10/2016 06:31:21 pm

Dear Class,

I am reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, by J.K. Rowling. I recently finished Harry Potter 3#, so I have only read the first two chapters. It is a story about Harry Potter, a young wizard. The book starts out in Harry's dream. Voldemort and Wormtail are planing to kill Harry after the Quidditch World Cup. Wormtail just has to kill one other wizard and then Voldemort can kill Harry.

Harry wake up with a awful pain on his lighting bolt scar. He sent a letter to Black, his godfather, about his scar in pain. Soon Harry got a letter from Ron, one of his best friends, saying that he was invited to stay at Ron's house for the rest of the summer and go to the Quidditch World Cup with Ron's family.

I really liked how she described the house Voldemort and Wormtail were staying, for example "full of the smell of decay" and "blessing the dust that lay thick upon the stone." Something I do not like is how the story started in a dream. It was really confusing to me. And she said it was a dream in the next chapter.

Sincerely,
August

Elizabeth

3/14/2016 05:21:17 pm

Dear August,
I loved the Goblet of Fire! The Best book in the series! I don't know if you got past the Quidditch World Cup, but the book is going to get good! It is super exciting, and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

You did a great job, but I recommend zooming out to the main ideas. I only new who "Black" was because I read the book, but you could say Sirius Black. I loved how you included the cool descriptions J.K. Rowling wrote.

It is an awesome summary and evaluation of the book!
Sincerely,
Elizabeth

Ms. Kimball

3/15/2016 03:24:53 pm

Dear August,

I agree. It can be confusing to follow a story when it starts off in a dream. You never know what is important about the dream to remember for later.

I have read the book, but for those readers who haven't, can you explain the relationship between Voldemort and Wormtail? Who are they?

You wrote, "Wormtail just has to kill one other wizard and then Voldemort can kill Harry." Why does Wormtail have to do this?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

August

3/17/2016 06:57:55 pm

Dear Ms. Kimball,

Thank You! Wormtail has to do this or Voldemort will kill him! Wormtail is also afraid of Voldemort because Voldemort killed his last worker. Wormtail is a wizard that lead Voldemort to Harry's parents, Voldemort is a wizard that loves to kill.

Sincerely,
August

Maggie

3/10/2016 06:58:54 pm

Dear Class,
I have just started reading The Sisters Grim. So far it is about these 2 girls named Daphne and Sabrina Grim. They are orphan sisters because there parents mysteriously disappear. They are sent to live with there grandmother who was supposedly dead but somehow is hear, making them at home.

One thing I like about the book so far is that it never gets boring. I just can't stop turning the pages. One thing that I don't like is how negative and mean Sabrina is.
From,
Maggie

Ms. Kimball

3/15/2016 03:29:41 pm

Dear Maggie,

I'm glad you are enjoying The Sisters Grimm so far. I have a few questions that I hope you could answer and elaborate on.

First, what is Sabrina's and Daphne's grandmother like? You said she was "supposedly dead." Why did people think she was dead?

Also, you complained that Sabrina is mean. What does she do that is so mean?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Maggie

3/17/2016 07:22:14 pm

Dear Ms.Kimball,
Thank you for that detailed response. To answer your first question, there grandmother is actually really nice. she tends to all of the children's need immediately. Like when the girls ran away she came to save them from the biting pixies.
To answer your second question, the father told Sabrina and Daphne that her grandmother was dead because she wanted them to be safe from her world of fairy tales (in these books fairy tales are real).
To answer your last question, I believe she is mean because she is not ready yo except a new life. She grew up with her parents and are not ready to leave them. She believes that her only home is with her parents.
thank you again for that wonderful response!
From,
Maggie

Whitney

3/15/2016 07:06:01 pm

Dear Maggie,
Hi! I really liked your response. One question I have is, what are 2 examples where A.) It didn't get boring, B.)Sabrina was mean or negative. Great comment!
Sincerely,
Whitney

Ben

3/15/2016 08:36:31 pm

Dear Maggie,
great job. That book really does sound kind of interesting. Just like how the parents "mysteriously" disappeared and how the grandma is supposed to be dead! Why does the book never get boring. Is it the way it is written or maybe how it keeps you wondering. Why do you think Sabrina's so "Mean" and Negative."
Sincerely,
Ben

Trisha

3/10/2016 07:39:05 pm

Dear class,
I am reading the book Because of Mr.Turupt by Rob Beuya. So far, the book introduces the main characters. There's Jessica, Alexia, Peter, Luke, Danielle, Anna, and Mr, Turupt. Mr.Turupt is a fifth grade teacher who knows how to help each unique student. Alexia, the popular one try's to start a girl war between Jessica, the new kid, and Danielle, but the two end up being great friends. The whole class has different feelings about their new fifth grade teacher Mr. Turupt. Some like him, some don't. Mr. Turupt has crazy ideas for the class. He made them count the blades of grass on a soccer field.
I think the positive thing about this book is that it's in multiple perspectives so I get to know what each character is like and learn about their inside thoughts. One negative thing I don't like about the book is that Alexia is so mean to her so called friends.
Sincerely,
Trisha

Ms. Kimball

3/15/2016 03:35:40 pm

Dear Trisha,

Great summary of the story so far in Because of Mr. Terupt. It was very easy to follow. I agree, the multiple perspectives is a great way to learn about characters' inner thoughts.

It sounds like Alexia is not a very kind or helpful character. Why do you think she acts this way? Is there a reason why she is so mean to others?

Also, why do you think Mr. Terupt has these crazy ideas? Making the class count blades of grass on a soccer field sounds like a waste of time and a bad punishment!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Trisha

3/17/2016 04:06:00 pm

Dear Ms.Kimball,
Thank you for the feedback. To answer your question, I think Alexia is mean because she doesn't know how to act. She used to be less popular, but one day, she's the leader. She also doesn't have someone to walk her through friendship. Until Mr.Terupt changes everything. Also, I think Mr.Terupt makes them do crazy projects because during that time, not only do they learn math, but the learn how to learn social skills or make friends with enemies.
Sincerely,
Trisha

Tommy

3/10/2016 08:21:03 pm

Dear class,
I have been switching from book to book and now I am back to reading Harry Potter, The Order of the Phoenix.

Recently, in the book, Harry has been teaching a group of kids in his own Defense Against the Dark Arts class because he thinks their new teacher is not very good. He has been teaching the kids the Patronous spell which gets rid of dementors. At the end of the class Harry and Cho Chang, his crush, had a moment of romance. Cho was crying about her boyfriend who recently passed away (in the last book). Harry hugged her as she cried on his shoulder. Then Cho said, "I really like you Harry".

I really like this book because it gives the reader some deep thinking to do. For instance, other books give you the main idea right after the details. But, in this book, it goes sentence to sentence with every little detail. Also, I like how the author describes the characters. She describes them little by little throughout the book so you can anticipate what the character will say or do next.

Sincerely,
Tommy

Ms. Kimball

3/15/2016 03:57:07 pm

Dear Tommy,

I'm glad you're enjoying Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix. Although I've read the book, I'll pretend I haven't. You mentioned "dementors." What are they and why does Harry want to get rid of them?

The scene with Cho and Harry sounds very complex. How did Harry react when Cho said she liked him? Sounds "mushy!"

And lastly, I like how you said that the author "describes [each character] little by little throughout the book so you can anticipate what the character will say or do next." Who do you think she described the best?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Tommy

3/17/2016 04:40:36 pm

Dear Mrs. Kimball,

Thank you for your feedback. To answer your question, Harry wants to get rid of the demeanors because they are known to suck all of the love out of your soul. Also, because they are known to be very horrid creatures. Also, to answer your other question, yes, he replied mushily!
Finally, I think J.K. Rowling describes Neville the best. Neville is a wimp and is scared of a lot of things. She describes him almost like nobody knows him. She describes him very deeply almost to give the main Idea of a book, but in this case, it's a character from a book.

Sincerely, Tommy

DeAngi

3/10/2016 08:59:49 pm

Dear class, ( SPOILER ALERT)

I was reading The sisters Grimm book 4. Sabrina and Daphne, two very cocky main characters. In the last book, Puck, a very annoying ( Trickster King) got his wings ripped of by a JABBEROCKY. A JABBEROCKY is this thing that has long big leathery wings, powerful legs and can breath fire! Now the two sisters are on a journey that will save The Trickster King. When they go, Sabrina got tired of her job and just wanted to go home. In order to save Puck, they need to get to his parents. Once they get the cure, the president get's killed. The wife is outraged, and later found the murderer.

I am so addicted to the book I finished the book in one day. But the plot does do a little bit of repetition. Mystery, make a friend, the friend betrays you, and repeat.

Sincerely,

DeAngi

Ms. Kimball

3/15/2016 04:02:45 pm

Dear DeAngi,

You forgot to answer the second part of the prompt: evaluate.

I was a little confused by what you wrote because you mentioned so many characters and plot points so briefly. First off, you wrote,"Sabrina and Daphne, two very cocky main characters." Are you saying Sabrina and Daphne are cocky main characters? If so, why are they like that?

Also, this confused me: "In order to save Puck, they need to get to his parents. Once they get the cure, the president get's killed. The wife is outraged, and later found the murderer." You have 6 different people mentioned in that description, plus a cure to some unknown disease. You've got Puck, "they" (Sabrina and Daphne, I assume), Puck's parents, a president, a wife, and a murderer. How are all of these people connected?? What is the cure?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

DeAngi

3/17/2016 07:32:44 pm

Dear Ms. Kimball,

Thank you for the amazing feedback. I know it confusing considering how many characters there were and how I wrote it. To answer your first question, when I meant cocky, I really meant sneaky. For 1 1/2 years Sabrina and Daphne have been running away from foster homes.

To answer the second, more confused question, is they are not 6 characters. I confused myself when I read my response. Pucks parents ARE the president and the wife. The murderer was the presidents " servant " and wanted him dead.

Sincerely,
DeAngi

PS: Puck wasn't really sick. He got his wings ripped off so he was really weak. The cure was a bunch of viles mixed up together to fix his wings.

cordy

3/11/2016 07:39:19 am

Dear class,
I am reading Harry Potter and the sorcerer's stone. Harry lives with the Dursleys, and they treat him very poorly. one night harry gets a letter from hogwarts, a school for witchcraft and wizardry. One night Hagred ,half giant half wizard, came to take harry away. He took Harry shopping for, a owl, a wand, and a robe. harry then gets on a train,9 3/4, and he mets ron another wizard going to his fist year at Hogwarts.
I like this book because it is interesting and funny. However I do not like the book because in the beginning it's boring.

Sincerely,
Cordy

Kate

3/15/2016 04:03:19 pm

Dear Cordy,

I have some questions
1. Who are the Dursleys?
2. What does the letter that Harry got read?
3. Why does Harry need a owl, wand, and a robe?
4. How is the beginning of the book boring?

Over all I like how you added a lot of modifying clauses.

Sinceraly, Kate

Ms. Kimball

3/15/2016 04:05:36 pm

Dear Cordy,

I'm glad you like Harry Potter so far, but I'm sorry the beginning was boring to you. You mentioned this half giant, half wizard named Hagrid. He comes to take Harry shopping. Can you explain more clearly who Hagrid is any why he takes Harry shopping?

Also, why do you think the book is funny?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

cordy

3/16/2016 03:07:18 pm

Dear Ms. Kimball,
Hagrid took Harry shopping because Harry did not have any supplies for school. In fact he did not know he was a wizard until the day before. I thiink the book is funny because it is very entertaining.

Cordy

3/16/2016 03:09:08 pm

Dear class I forgot to say it is from Cordy. Also I spelled think wrong.

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