Reading Response #9

1/3/2016

Have you ever read a book that has a powerful message? When you finish the book, you feel as though you just learned something about yourself, other people, and life. We call the message of a story a "theme."

A theme is a central idea to story. Stories can have more than one theme.

The theme of a story becomes clear as characters in the story respond to challenges. By the resolution (end) of the story, you get to see how the main character overcame challenges and failed at challenges.

How did a character choose to handle the challenges he or she faced? The answer to that will give you clues to what the theme could be.

This Week's Prompt:

Determine a theme of a story (from a book you have finished recently). Explain how a character in the story responded to challenges and how his/her choices teach you the theme.

75 Comments

Julia

1/4/2016 04:11:50 pm

Dear class,
The book that I recently finished is Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass. I think that the theme in the book is that even the most unlikely teams can be great. In the story, Ally, Bree and Jack, the main characters, are all very different. Ally loves nature and stars and science. Bree is popular and loves beauty and fashion. Jack is awkward, and he spends most of his time alone. They are all extremely different, and no one would ever expect them to be a team. But at the end of the story, they end up pulling off one of the greatest scientific discoveries ever. The team is so unexpected, yet they accomplished amazing things. That is why I think that the theme of this book is, even the most unlikely team can be great.
Sincerely,
Julia

Ms. Kimball

1/5/2016 08:53:03 pm

Dear Julia,

I like how you phrased the theme as, "even the most unlikely teams can be great." You did a nice job making it clear how Ally, Bree, and Jack are very different from one another.

Why do you think they were able to be a great team? What was it that pulled them together and allowed them to accomplish "amazing things," as you say?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Julia

1/7/2016 07:32:02 am

Dear Ms. Kimball,
Sorry, I didn't want to spoil the book for anyone reading my response, so I didn't say what the team accomplished. Ally, Bree and Jack end up discovering a new planet! Of course, this book is fiction, and a group of kids probably couldn't make that big of a scientific break through. But they end up discovering a planet, and that is why I thought that the theme was even the most unlikely teams can be great.
Sincerely,
Julia

Anthony

1/15/2016 06:45:54 am

Dear Julia,
I really think that you really did a great job of staying on topic, Julia. Also, you made it clear that Ally, Bree, and Jack are different from each other. When you said the theme was " even the most unlikely teams can be great," did you think that in the beginning, they weren't a great team? or were you saying that they were very different, but made a good team?
Sincerely
Anthony

DeAngi

1/14/2016 06:03:17 pm

Dear Julia,

I like how you explained all the characters. It helps me understand them better. I also read "Every soul a star." But one question I have is why is Jack so awkward. Is he big or not social? One thing I think you should work on is to be more specific. For example, you said "they end up pulling off one of the greatest scientific discoveries ever." What is the great scientific discovery?
You did a very good job on your reading response. Keep up the great work!

Sincerely,

DeAngi

Maggie

1/14/2016 07:13:32 pm

Dear Julia,
I LOVE your response! I love how you described the differences between the main characters in the story. But I have one question, what do you mean when you say that Jack is "awkward"? Again AMAZING response.
From,
Maggie

Kate

1/4/2016 05:03:12 pm

Dear mrs. Kimball,

I am going to write about the book Lunch Money by Andrew Clements.
I think that the theme for Lunch Money is don't judge a book by its cover. I think that the theme is don't judge a book by its cover because there was a kid named Greg, the main character, who liked to get money by selling things at school. Also there is a girl named Maurice, who is another main character, who liked selling things at school, to make money. Maurice and Greg were mortal enemies who got in trouble a lot because they solded stuff at school a lot. But why I think that the theme is don't judge a book by its cover because Greg and Maurice looked at each other like they were a moldy orange the and stole each others ideas for selling things ,in begging of the book. But then in the middle of the book Greg saw a little mini comic book that she made. That got on Greg's nerve because he liked to make comic books. But at the end of the book they made a compromise they were both making comic books together and splitting the money. But at the end they both liked each other from the begging when the were enemies. This is why I think that the theme of the book is don't judge a book by its cover because Greg and Maurice hated each other intel they got to know each other.

Sinceraly, Kate

Ms. Kimball

1/5/2016 09:02:43 pm

Dear Kate,

It sounds like you realized the theme "don't judge a book by its cover" when Greg overcame his dislike for Maurice. Does Greg realize that Maurice is actually talented?

I often think of that theme (don't judge a book by its cover) when characters judge someone based on their appearance, but then realize that there is more to them on the inside than they imagined. Did Greg judge Maurice on her appearance? Does she turn out to be a great person on the inside?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Kate

1/11/2016 07:38:20 pm

Dear mrs. Kimball,

I agree with you that don't judge a book by its cover is focused on the appearance of someone. Greg didn't judge marcie on her appearance. Greg judged her on her inside. But Maurice did turn out to be a nice person to Greg. I think that Greg just needed to spend more time with her before he criticized her. Greg does realize Maurice is talented after making comic books with her. Thank you mrs. Kimball for your wonderful feedback.

Sinceraly, Kate

Whitney

1/5/2016 04:05:17 pm

Dear Ms.Kimball,
I have finished the book Out Of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper. I think that the theme of the story is don't judge a book by its cover. I think this because Melody, the main character, is in a wheelchair. She has cerebral palsy, so she can't speak, make controlled movements, walk, or talk. So when she goes to her new school, everybody thinks that she is just a disabled person who is dumb. They never think that she is smart. But later in the book, when there is a quiz team audition, she surprises everyone by making it onto the team. She is also one of the smartest kids on the whiz kids team. No one at school thought she could do it, but she did. This is why I think the theme of this book is don't judge a book by it's cover.
Sincerely,
Whitney

Ms. Kimball

1/5/2016 09:09:18 pm

Dear Whitney,

"Don't judge a book by its cover" is a popular theme! (See Kate's and Trisha's responses). I really like how you described Melody's situation and explained how she overcame other people's judgments of her intellectual abilities based on her physical disabilities. This book is such a great example of why we shouldn't judge people based on their appearances. You made your reasoning very clear and organized.

Have you ever found yourself judging a "book by its cover," meaning, a person by their appearance? I know I have, unfortunately. I feel like Out of My Mind taught me to never underestimate the power of a person's mind, even if their body doesn't work.

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Whitney

1/13/2016 03:39:54 pm

Dear Ms.Kimball,
Thanks for responding to me. To answer your question, yes, I believe that I have done that. I am not proud of doing it, even though I can't think of a particular time when I "judged a book by it's cover". I think that you do it, even if you don't realize you're doing it. Anyway, thank you for making me pick my brain about my past. Thanks!
Sincerely,
Whitney

Trisha

1/5/2016 04:31:02 pm

Dear class,
I recently finished the book The BFG by Roald Dahl. I think the theme of this book is don't judge a book by its cover. I think that because all humans like the queen of england and Sophie (an orphan who ends up meeting the big friendly giant) are afraid of the BFG because they haven't gotten to know him yet and predicting what he's like because of what he looks like. Sophie and the queen think he is mean and awful because they know that giants eat humans and the BFG is a giant. But in the beginning of the book before Sophie gets to know the BFG and who he is on the inside, she thought he was mean because of what he looks like. By the end of the book, Sophie learns more about the BFG and knows he is different on the inside and that his name BFG, means big friendly giant and they become best friends. If Sophie didn't get to know the big friendly giant and who he is on the inside, she would still say the the BFG is mean. But since she did, she knows who the real BFG really is on the inside.
Sincerely,
Trisha

Ms. Kimball

1/5/2016 09:14:19 pm

Dear Trisha,

I like how you related the theme, "don't judge a book by its cover," to knowing someone on the inside rather than just the outside. When you say "inside," I'm inferring that you mean someone's personality, mind, and heart. I guess I sort of can't blame people for judging the BFG to be mean and scary... he IS a GIANT! But, like you said, he is actually friendly. What else is the BFG like on the inside?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Trisha

1/6/2016 04:12:30 pm

Dear Ms.Kimball,
The BFG is also very shy, but he does not show that to the other giants. He hides it, but only Sophie knows who he is on the inside. The BFG is also a very altruistic. He gave some of his snozzcumbers to Sophie although she didn't eat much of it.
Sincerely,
Trisha

Trisha

1/12/2016 03:37:43 pm

Dear Ms.Kimball,
Thank you for the feedback. I agree that you can't blame Sophie for judging the BFG. Also, the BFG is also very selfless. He offered some of his giant food, snozzcumbers, to Sophie and a safe place to stay.
Sincerely,
Trisha

Whitney

1/14/2016 09:26:25 pm

Dear Trisha,
I really liked how you were very descriptive in your response. One question I have is how does Sophie meet the BFG. Was it on purpose or by accident? Great response!
Sincerely,
Whitney

August

1/5/2016 05:32:56 pm

Dear Class,
I have not finished the book Arabian Nights, but the story is of a girl telling a tale so I am going to tell you the theme I think of one of the tales. I think the theme of the tale is don't doubt your luck. I think this because in the beginning of the book the fisherman only cot stones and then he started weeping about his luck. In the middle of the tale he cot a bottle that held a demon in it. The demon persisted to kill him. Eventually the man persuaded the demon not to kill him but to make him rich. That is why I think that the theme in the tale is don't doubt your luck.
Sincerely,
August

Ms. Kimball

1/6/2016 04:54:06 pm

Dear August,

That sounds like a very exciting tale! You said that the man doubted his luck. But later her "persuaded" the demon to make him rich. Is that luck or skill? Usually when I think of luck, I think of success or failure brought on by chance, rather than your own skill. How did "luck" help the man out?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

August

1/13/2016 03:48:24 pm

Dear Ms Kimball,

Thank you for your feedback. I disagree with you when you said "Usually when I think of luck, I think of success or failure brought on by chance." I disagree with you because when I think of luck I think as it this way, the odds are 50 out of 50. How did luck help the man out? The luck helped him out because he only cast four times a day. And it is luck what you catch. That you for helping me see luck in a different way.

Sincerely,
August

Ryan

1/5/2016 05:38:24 pm

Dear Ms Kimball,
The book I am choosing is Wonder. The character I am choosing is August who is 11 years old, is attending a new school, and has disabilities. In the story, August has many challenges due to his disabilities. One of them is when August goes on a sleep away field trip where August is confronted with some 7th grade bullies. The 7th grade bullies start to call August a freak and a monster and tell him all sorts of mean things. August wants to get away from the 7th graders but they don't allow him to and bully him even more. The bullies make August feel bad about himself until Jack, his friend, and two of Jack's friends, come to help and save August from the bullies. Jack even ends up punching one of them, however they manage to get away. I think the theme of this book is to always stand up for each other. This theme is displayed throughout the book in many different circumstances.

Sincerely,
Ryan

Ms. Kimball

1/6/2016 04:59:44 pm

Dear Ryan,

Wonder is such a powerful book with so many great themes. August gets bullied because of his physical appearance. You said that Jack stands up for August against the bullies. Is there ever a time when Jack doesn't stand up for August? Usually the theme comes out when characters face challenges and learn from them. Does Jack learn something about standing up for his friend because he failed to do so at some point?

What does August learn from this experience of getting bullied?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Ryan

1/10/2016 05:20:30 pm

Dear Ms Kimball,
I do not think that there is ever a time in the story where Jack does not stand up for August except, on Halloween, at school Jack says to Julian that if I were August I would kill myself. Jack does learn something from his experience. Jack, later in the story regrets saying that to Julian, as August doesn't want to be friends with Jack later because of this. August learns that you should always stick up for yourself no matter how you look or think and that bullying is wrong and hurtful.

Sincerely,
Ryan

Anthony

1/5/2016 07:31:58 pm

Dear Ms Kimball,
I have just recently read a book called Warriors, The rising storm and the theme of the story is believe in yourself and each other. In the beginning of the story, the main character, Fireheart, has to lead a dawn patrol and he doesn't trust that his apprentice, Cloudpaw, can't go because he was a traitor to the Clan for going to the Twolegs place and begging them to give him cat food, while in the real woods they hunted for mice and smaller rodents like that. Cloudpaw was disobeying the warrior code. Then, when Fireheart was looking around for a dawn patrol, he didn't choose Cloudpaw because he didn't have any trust left in him and chose some other warriors. But in the end of the book, Cloudpaw gets really fit and healthy because he trains a lot and takes things really seriously. This is exactly when he regains his trust. Fireheart didn't believe that he could teach Cloudpaw but at the same time didn't think that Cloudpaw would be the same.
Sincerely,
Anthony

Ms. Kimball

1/6/2016 05:07:28 pm

Dear Anthony,

It sounds like Cloudpaw learned about determination. I was a little confused by your description of what happened, probably because there are many characters and specifics about clan life. Was Cloudpaw too afraid to go hunting, and then learned how to push himself to do it by the end of the story?

You said the theme is "believe in yourself and each other." Usually the theme comes out when characters do the opposite and then learn from their mistakes. How did Cloudpaw not believe in himself or others?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Anthony

1/14/2016 05:28:45 pm

Dear Ms Kimball,
Thanks for your feedback. Yes, and I agreed with you when you said that that Cloudpaw is determined. And yes, I believe that the author doesn't necessarily focus on one character, he keeps talking about different character's and what they are doing. When you thought that Cloudpaw doesn't believe in himself and others, I meant to say was that Cloudpaw doesn't believe in himself and Fireheart doesn't trust him.
Thanks.
Sincerely,
Anthony

Ben

1/5/2016 08:12:55 pm

Dear Class,
I recently finished Home of the Brave. I think the theme of this book is never give up. For example the main character Kek moved from Africa to Minnesota and he had trouble getting use to the weather. In other words its very worm all year round in Africa but the weather changes in Minnesota and lots of snow that Kek ended up loving. Another reason why this book is in the theme of never give up is because when Kek's stem mom left for work he took the dirty dishes down too the laundry mat and put the dishes in the washing machine. After they all broke he got a job at a farm and he ended up buying new plates for him step mom. This is why I think the theme of this book would be never give up.

Sincerely,
Ben

Ms. Kimball

1/6/2016 05:09:57 pm

Dear Ben,

It sounds like Kek really had to endure a lot of hardship! You say the theme is "never give up." Usually when a theme comes out, it is because characters do the opposite, and then learn from their mistakes. Was Kek wanting to give up at one point? When you mention the broken plates, is that because Kek failed at something but learned to try again?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Ben

1/12/2016 04:08:58 pm

Dear Ms Kimball,
Thank you for the feedback. The reason why I thought of never give up is because he kept on trying. For example when you said "Kek Failed" he didn't actually fail he just messed up. He learned what the washing machine was for. Kek never really wanted to give up although he thought about it. Did I explain everything you needed?
Sincerely,
Ben

Tommy

1/6/2016 06:41:08 pm

Dear class,

I finished the book History's All Stars: Jackie Robinson and I think the theme is never give up. In this book, Jackie gets in trouble a lot as a kid. First off, he broke the law by swimming in someone else's property. He also stole, and disobeyed his mom a few times. And why I think never give up is the theme is he also was a sensitive person and managed to get bad thoughts stuck in his head about doing bad things. Instead, he let it roll of his shoulder and continued to pursue his dream of being a pro athlete. Also, he never gave up his dream of playing sports by accepting an offer by a semi pro football team and not reject it for working in his home state of California.
In conclusion, I think the theme of History's All Stars is to never give up because Jackie never gave up his dream of being a pro athlete.

Ms. Kimball

1/10/2016 08:37:40 pm

Dear Tommy,

Congrats on finishing your book! "Never give up" is a very common theme in stories. It always inspires other people to stay determined to make their dreams reality.

When you wrote, "he never gave up his dream of playing sports by accepting an offer by a semi pro football team and not reject it for working in his home state of California," can you elaborate more? Why would he choose to work in his home state? Also, were there other times Jackie faced challenges to becoming a professional athlete?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Tommy

1/13/2016 03:57:19 pm

Dear Mrs.Kimball,

Thank you for your feedback. Although, I don't quite agree with what you said on working in his home state. I thought his dream was to play sports as a pro, not to work in his home town where he couldn't play sports. And to answer your question, yes. 4 years after he retired from football. He applied for the baseball team, The Brooklyn Dodgers. He struggled through not getting the same human rights as the other non-colored players on his team.

Thanks, for the feedback, Tommy.

Ryan

1/14/2016 05:20:11 pm

Dear Tommy,
I like how you explained what you thought the theme was, then gave specific examples from the text. What sort of "bad thoughts", did Jackie get stuck in his head? Finally, in the future you might want to consider using actual quotes from the text. I think it makes the response stronger.

Sincerely,
Ryan

Ben

1/19/2016 03:49:35 pm

Dear Tommy,
great job on your reading response. I really like how you added details
to back up your evidence that the books never give up. A question I have is when you said "Jackie Robinson and I think the theme is never give up", how do you know he thinks the same thing. One thing you could do better is add answer questions. What I mean is when you said he rejected the job and chose to work in his home state why'd he want to do that. Once again great job.
Sincerely,
Ben

Elizabeth

1/6/2016 07:08:54 pm

Dear Class,
I just finished Pandora Gets Heart. I think the theme of this book is to never give up. I think so because Pandora and her friends Iole, Alcie, and Homer need to get a golden apple. They give up four weeks of the months left (there was six to begin with) in order to get to Aphrodisias from Alexandria in Egypt. Then Alcie is bitten by a snake, she dies. Pandora, Iole, and Homer are really sad. They have to keep going so they can get rage. That is why I think the theme of this book is never give up

Ms. Kimball

1/10/2016 08:42:35 pm

Dear Elizabeth,

Congrats on finishing your book! I was a little confused by your explanation because I am unfamiliar with the characters and items you mentioned, such as "rage." Consider adding details to help people who haven't read the story understand what you're talking about.

It's shocking that Pandora's friend dies. Does this cause Pandora to want to give up on something? What is she trying to achieve? Also, are their other instances in the story where she faces a hard challenge that makes her want to give up?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Elizabeth

1/14/2016 04:46:28 pm

Dear Ms.Kimball
Pandora insists that it was supposed to be her that dies. She is extremly sad. Pandora and her friends were trying to get the golden apple that greed is inhabiting. Pandora and her freinds do face many other challenges, one was trying not to mess up the past when they went back in time. Another is working together. The friends had endured a lot.

Rage is the next fear or worry that Pandora and her friends will attempt to get next. When I say fears or worries I mean jealousy, greed, laziness, also a surprising one is hope. When Pandora opened the box that had been containing these fears and worries, they all flew out.

Trisha

1/14/2016 06:29:53 pm

Dear Elizabeth,
I like how you gave more information to help me understand it. Like that there were six weeks to begin with. I have a question for you. Who is Aprodisias from Alexandria, Egypt?
Sincerely,
Trisha

Jansyn

1/6/2016 07:57:07 pm

Dear class
I am reading sisters and I think the theme is if you don't fight you get most things you want. For example the main character Raina always was fighting with his sister and never got any thing she asked for. And then when Raina didn't fight she got a whole bunch of pets. I think Raina and her sister always would fight because they wanted every thing to go there way. I think if they didn't fight then the girls would have most of the stuff they wanted and had happier lives. I wonder what would happen if the girls didn't always fight. why do the girls fight.

Ms. Kimball

1/10/2016 08:45:54 pm

Dear Jansyn,

You mention that fighting with her sister causes Raina to get denied things she wants. Why is that and what is it that she wants? You said that when they don't fight, the sisters get things they want. I think the word you may want to use to describe how they don't fight is "compromise." Do the sisters find ways to compromise so that they both get something they want?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

jansyn

1/14/2016 10:26:03 pm

Raina wanted her own room, pet and laptop. the sisters said they never want to get along and they set pranks on each other.

Kate

1/11/2016 07:44:18 pm

Dear Jansyn,

I think that you did good telling why you think the theme is don't fight you get most things you want. I read the book to but I don't remember Raina getting a pet I remember her sister got a pet snake. A question I have is why do Raina and her sister always fight? Good job on your response.

Sinceraly, Kate

Caitlin

1/6/2016 08:30:08 pm

Dear Class,
I have read the book Out Of My Mind, by Sharon M. Draper. I think that one of the themes of the book is never give up. I think this because Melody the main character, had lots of hard times doing stuff without being able to communicate and move her body, but she never gave up. One way how she didn't give up was she kept learning new words so she could communicate better with her board. Even though it was hard for Melody to communicate she kept trying and she finally was able to communicate with other people by using her board. Also Melody is so brilliant but not a lot of people know that. Melody worked really hard to show everybody that she was really smart. That was hard for Melody because she couldn't talk or right anything. But Melody never gave up and soon everybody saw how smart she was. That is why I think the theme of Out Of My Mind is never give up.
Yours truly,
Caitlin

Julia

1/12/2016 07:34:24 am

Dear Caitlin,
I loved your response! It was very detailed and specific. I liked how you went step by step in the reasons and gave transition words. You said, "One way..." and "Also...". That definitely helps the reader follow along better! Consider adding in a detail about why Melody can't walk or talk. I have read this book, but if I hadn't, I would have been very confused. Also, you said, "her board". What does that mean? Could you explain a little more? I hope you can reply soon!
Sincerely,
Julia

Ms. Kimball

1/12/2016 07:03:02 pm

Dear Caitlin,

I like how you repeated the theme "never give up" after your examples of her struggles. I also like how you used transition words such as "one way" and "even though" to connect all of your thoughts! I agree with Julia that your response is detailed and specific. I like her suggestion of explaining why Melody struggles for people who haven't read the book.

Do you remember any times in the story where Melody wants to give up? Usually when a theme comes out, it is because characters do the opposite, struggle, and fail. From there, they learn how to overcome their struggles and succeed.

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Caitlin

1/13/2016 08:52:26 pm

Dear Ms. Kimball,
I agree with you that most themes usually have something that relates to the main character struggles, most of the time the characters learn the theme. One time that, Melody wanted to give up was when she was practicing for a big test and had lots of flash cards in front of her, and she knocked all of the flash cards down. Melody at that time was really mad because she wasn't getting what Ms. V, her neighbor, was teaching her. That was a time that made me think the theme of the book was Never Give Up! The author showed me that the theme of the book was Never give up because Melody didn't give up, and she kept trying and finally got what Ms. V was teaching her.
Thank you so much for the question!
Sincerely,
Caitlin

Tommy

1/13/2016 03:51:40 pm

Dear Caitlin,

I loved your open response. It was very organized and clear. aI also have a suggestion for you. You used "her board" and I haven't read the book yet. So, that made it a bit unclear for me. Also, in the story, does Melody eventually give up and then kept trying?

Sincerely, Tommy

Emily

1/7/2016 07:28:29 am

Dear 5K,

I finished reading the book "The Trumpet Of A Swan," by E.B White. I think the theme is do what's right. I think it's that becuase Louis,the swan, could not talk, and his father stole a trumpet so Luois would be able to talk.It was a great idea and Louis learned fast. But Louis was upset his father stole something. So Same Beaver(the boy) took Louis with him to camp.First he gave Louis a chalk board so he could wright. (Yes, Louis could write)So Sam took Louis everywhere so Louis could earn money. Louis was a boat leader,a camp call to wake up,a night club trumpeter and that's how he earned his money and gave it back to the music store keeper.

Yours Truly
Emily

Ms. Kimball

1/12/2016 07:07:54 pm

Dear Emily,

You did a nice job tracing the steps that Louis took to do what's right. I haven't read Trumpet of a Swan yet, so your description made me want to read it. Thanks!

I had a couple of questions though. You said that Sam took Louis places to help him earn money. Why did Sam want to help Louis? Which character needed to "do what's right," Sam, Louis, or both of them?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Emily

1/12/2016 07:58:06 pm

Dear Mrs. Kimball,
Thank you for the complement and feedback.
Louis was the one that wanted to do the right thing. And he needed to ask Sam how to make money and where to go.And you should totally try reading "The Trumpet of a Swan," it's a great book! Sam wanted to help Louis becuase Louis asked Sam to tell him some wondering she had.
Sincerely,
Emily

August

1/14/2016 08:02:00 pm

Dear Emily,

You did a great job saying the theme. You defiantly explain the theme in a way so simply a clearly.

What boy? Is the boy related to him, if so how?

Sincerely,
August

Henry

1/7/2016 02:32:48 pm

Dear ms kimball
I am reading naruto and the theme is to never give up for example naruto worked every day and every night to be a ninja although he had the lowest score in his class but he became such a great ninja he learned a jutsu that's way above his level called rasengan used by few people including the fourth hokage.
Sincerely,
Henry

Ms. Kimball

1/12/2016 07:10:38 pm

Dear Henry,

Your writing is challenging to make sense of because you did not use capital letters or punctuation. Can you rewrite your entry so it has those things? Also, why did Naruto want to become a ninja so badly? Was he ever close to giving up?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Liana

1/7/2016 04:44:36 pm

Dear class,
I recently finished Harry Potter and to Order of the Phoenix. I think that the theme of the book is it is always good to have someone by your side. In the book Harry had a few problems. One of them is that he did magic in front of a muggle, a person who is not a wizard or witch, and you are not allowed to. Harry had to go to a hearing, and if "loses" he will get expelled from Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry. Harry was starting to lose, but Dumblerdor, the headmaster of Hogwarts came to help Harry, and Harry didn't get expelled. Harry was very thankful for Dumbledore, and he was glad he could go back to Hogwarts. Another challenge Harry faced was that he had to duel with the death eaters, Voldemot, a dark wizard's, "minions". If his friends hadn't been there to help him, he might be dead because he would be completely out numbered. At first, Harry didn't want his friends to come with him and risk their lives, but they persuaded him so he let. After the battle with the death eaters, he was very glad that his friends can with him and fought along side him.
Sincerely,
Liana

Ms. Kimball

1/12/2016 07:21:33 pm

Dear Liana,

Congrats on finishing your book! Good job supporting your thinking behind the theme being "it is always good to have someone by your side." Some people have said that theme in different ways, like, "count on your friends" or "two brains are better than one." Do you think that Harry is the kind of person who prefers to do things alone rather than ask for help?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Liana

1/13/2016 01:42:31 pm

Dear Ms. Kimball,
Thank you for your feedback and compliment. I agree that there are many ways to say it is always good to have friends by your side. To answer your question, I think that Harry does like to do things with his friends, but sometimes he doesn't want them to do things with him. I think that the reason he doesn't want them to do things with him sometimes is because he doesn't want them to get hurt. So I think that Harry does like to do things with his friends, just not all the time.
Sincerely,
Liana

cordy

1/15/2016 08:15:55 am

Dear Liana,
You did a very good job summarized your book" Order of the Phoenix." I like how you gave two important parts with just enough details, but not to many. Also "the death eaters" sound very scary. The one question I have is what is a " hearing?
Sincerely
Cordy

Maggie

1/7/2016 04:46:50 pm

Dear Class,
I finished the book "Out of my Mind" this past couple of months and I believe it has a super powerful message. I think that the lesson of this book is don't underestimate others because of how they look on the outside. I think this is the message because in the book tow mean girls call Melody, girl with disabilities, names like "dumb" and "retarded". They also think her helper gave her all the answers on a practice quiz. this is all said because Melody is in a wheelchair and has disabilities. But she got all the questions on the quiz right without any help. this is why I think the theme to "Out of My Mind" is don't underestimate others because of how they look on the outside.
From,
Maggie

Ms. Kimball

1/12/2016 07:26:19 pm

Dear Maggie,

I agree! "Don't underestimate others because of how they look on the outside" is such a powerful theme and "Out of My Mind" is a brilliant story for teaching that message. You say the mean girls underestimated Melody because of her appearance, but that Melody proved them wrong by getting all the answers on a quiz right. Does Melody do more than get answer correct to show that she is more than what she seems?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Maggie

1/14/2016 07:04:40 pm

Dear Ms. Kimball,
I agree! To answer your question yes she dose. In the story she this device called a "Medi-talker" that allows her to speak to other people. I can imagine this all being very hard to learn and understand after just tapping words on a board. Thank you very much for the feedback it was VERY helpful and made me understand the book in a new way.
From,
Maggie

Emily

1/12/2016 08:04:28 pm

Dear Maggie,
You did a great job summarizing the book "Out of My Mind."And I love how you chose a deep message for your theme.And I think that is very sad about Melody. One wonder I have is can Melody do other actives with other people in wheelchairs?
Sincerely,
Emily

DeAngi

1/7/2016 05:00:51 pm

Dear class,

I have recently read the book holes, bye Louis Sacher. I think the theme is to never give up. For example the first time"caveman" dug a hole his hand was blistered and his whole body was hurting but he never gave up. He really hates this place and so does zero, a quiet person who doesn't know how to read. Zero hated this place so much, he ran off into the vast broiling desert. Sooner or later Cave man had driven the water truck into a hole. He leaped off the car and started running towards God's big thumb. The thing is he never gave up to find zero. He kept on walking and walking until he finally found zero.They kept on walking until they got caught. They still didn't give up. After his lawyer came zero and caveman were home free.

Sincerely,

DeAngi

Ms. Kimball

1/12/2016 08:47:17 pm

Dear DeAngi,

"Holes" is one of my favorite books. I've read it before, so I could figure out what you are talking about. However, I think someone who hasn't read the book before would be confused by some of the details you mentioned. For example, who is "Caveman," why is he in such a horrible place, and why did he drive a water truck into a hole?

You said the theme is to never give up. Was "Caveman" ever close to giving up? Usually when a theme comes out, it is because characters do the opposite, struggle, and fail. From there, they learn how to overcome their struggles and succeed.

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

DeAngi

1/19/2016 06:07:43 pm

Dear Ms. Kimball,

Thank you for the comments and feedback! I think the main Characters name is Stanley. The reason why the people call him "Cave man" is because he is so big. Plus, everybody at camp green lake has a nick name. The reason why Caveman drove a water truck in a hole is because he wanted to save zero. He doesn't know how to drive a car, so he crashed into a hole. The reason why I think the theme is to never give up because after he crashed the truck he ran off into the desert. He started turning back then he refused himself.

Sincerely,

DeAngi

Liana

1/13/2016 02:00:22 pm

Dear DeAngi,
Great job on your reading response. I really liked your use of modifying clauses. I also like how you used examples to support your theme. I was also kind of confused on something. Are the caveman and Zero friends? I was kind of confused on that. Maybe you could try to make your response a little clearer. Another question I have is what is God's big thumb? You never mentioned what it is. I really liked your response. Keep up the good work!
Sincerely,
Liana

Alec the Alien from 6th grade

1/9/2016 07:53:18 pm

Hi everyone! I just wanted to say that you akk are doing great at your reading response. Keep up the hard work!

Alec

Ms. Kimball

1/12/2016 08:48:46 pm

Dear Alec,

Thank you for the words of encouragement! You and the class of 2015 were the pioneers of the Reading Response Blog. You paved the way for greatness.

Sincerely,
Ms. K and the Class of 2016

Talia the Second Alien from 6th Grade

1/13/2016 06:50:34 pm

Way to go, 5K! Have you guys learned how pencils are made?

Maggie

1/14/2016 07:07:41 pm

Dear Talia,
Yes we have learned how pencils are made, I found it very interesting. How are you liking 6th grade? I hope you enjoy it.
From,
Maggie

cordy

1/10/2016 01:36:55 pm

Dear class,
I have finished Airtimes Fowl by Eoin Colfer. I think the them of he book is don't underestimate kids. I think this because Airtimes, the main character, is only 12 years old and he's a criminal master mind. He is also a geneas. A lot of people don't think kids are capable of such great tasks, but Airtimes can prove them roge.in the book he cashers a fairy named Holly. Kids can see a lot of stuff adults can not this this is one reason he was ail to catcher a fairy. The other is luck. This is why I think the them is do not underestimate kids.
Sincerely,
Cordy

Ms. Kimball

1/12/2016 08:51:46 pm

Dear Cordy,

Congrats on finishing your book! I think you are talking about Artemis Fowl. I got confused by your spelling of the title.

I can see by your explanation that Artemis is an impressive kid with many skills and talents. In the story, does anyone underestimate him?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

cordy

1/15/2016 07:52:01 am

Dear Ms. Kimball,
Artemis is underestimated by a lot of "people", and by "people" I mean fairies and goblins. Artemis claims that he can beat "Eons ahead of technology." Artemis did beat the technology by overriding it. So he was right and the fairies were wrong.

Sincerely,
Cordy

Caitlin

1/13/2016 09:03:29 pm

Dear Cordy,
Nice job on explaining why you thought the theme of the book, Artemis Fowl, is don't underestimate kids. Your theme is a theme that is not common in books, and it must have been hard to find that theme because it isn't a common theme. Why did people underestimate Artemis? Was it just because he was only 12 years old? Nice response!
Sincerely,
Caitlin

Elizabeth

1/14/2016 05:02:08 pm

Dear Cordy,
I think you did an amazing job summarizing Artemis Fowl. I felt like I read it too. I also think you did a graet job on explaining why you thought the theme of this book is don't underestimate kids. I don't think I've read many books with the theme don't underestimate kids. Was it hard at all to find the theme of this book? Isn't it cool when you find an uncommon theme? Do you also think Artemis must have been very cunning in order to catch a fairy? Great job.
Scincerely,
Elizabeth

jansyn

1/14/2016 10:37:48 pm

Dear Cordy
I like how you used a lot of specific detail from the book. But maybe you could add more detail about what a he book is or what a criminal master mind is.

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