Peaches

I am still in the midst of reading the book Peaches. The three girls left the orchard after Spring Break, but all ended up at the orchard for the summer. There was a huge frost at the orchard and Walter Darlington, owner of the orchard and father of birdie, is selling his orchard to Horatio Balmeade. Horatio is hated by all of the girls. All of the girls have become really good friends and have even began to call each other their only real friends. Murphy is in love with someone unexpected. At Leeda's sisters wedding, Leeda's mom kept dissing Rex, saying that he wasn't smart. Murphy decided to take a stand and she told Leeda's mom to appreciate her more and not favor Danay (Leeda's sister). Birdie got in trouble with her dad because she snuck out with Murphy and Leeda and got drunk, so she was sentenced to a week inside the house alone. Leeda also tried her first peach, which she claimed she didm't like, and it turned out she loved it. As it is now, Murphy's mom is getting married to a guy that Murphy strongly dislikes, to say the least.Overall, I am somewhat enjoying the book. Is it a deep, life changing book: no. Is it a nice read: yes.

Chains

I recently finished a book called Chains. I thought it was a really good book, but I didn't understand the time period of the book until the Middle. In school we only really lean about slaves in the Civil War, but not in the American Revolution. When I first learned that the character in the book was a slave my thoughts automatically went to thinking the Civil War Era. Later in the book it when it explained about the British and Americans fighting I figured out this book was in the Revolution. I was very suprised because I never have really thought about slaves during the Revolution, or as a matter of fact heard of them. I only used to think of slaves during the Civil War, but now I have learned that there were slaves during the American Revolution. I also learned that Slaves during the American Revolution did many different things that the slaves during the Civil War. During the Revolution slaves would sleep in their master's house. instead of farming for them they prepared food, tended to the fires, cleaned the whole house, and many other things. The books setting was in New York so it is interesting to know that there were slaves in the North during the Revolution. Books teach us a lot every time we read them and what I just learned is a good example of what you can learn.

Divergent

Being Divergent is a dangerous thing. Being Divergent is being able to think outside the box, escape mental manipulations, and be a rebel. Being Divergent means death. 16-year-old Beatrice swears never to tell anyone that she is Divergent. Though a serries of death-defying trials, now known as Tris, she must escape her facton, her home and her friends.

yay

The book I'm reading is titled lone surviver. I have only read about 20 pages so I don't know much. So far he has had to go to all of his friends familys and taulked about their death. That was the prolog. Then he has talked a bit about being a seal. His name is Marcus Luttrel, and his friends are Matthew Daniel James, Eric and Michael.

Invisible Girl

I just read the book Invisible Girl by Mary Hanlon Stone. It was a really good book becuase it was very detailed and easy to understand. It is about a girl from Boston, Stephanie who is abused by her mom and sent away by her dad to a rich family in LA. There is a girl in this family the same age as Stephanie, 14. This leads to conflict throughout the book with fitting in and making the right decisions. When Stephanie starts to hang out with the other girl and her posse, she has to make decisions for herself because there are some things that the group does that isn't right, like drinking and smoking. But the main conflict of the book starts when a new girl Amal, also 14, moves into the neighborhood. This leads to much competition over guys and popularity. This is a really good book and I recomend it to anyone who likes to read fiction and drama. Invisible girl is not a true story, nor is it based on one. But it is a good book and I recomend it.

Catching Fire

For my free choice, I chose to read Catching Fire by: Suzanne Collins. Catching Fire is the second book to The Hunger Games Trilogy. Katniss has won the Hunger Games. The Hunger Games are a fight to death between twenty-four tributes. They start in training for a couple weeks, and they are put in an arena to fight until the last one living. She and her fellow tribute from District 12, Peeta Mellark are still alive. She should be happy and relieved that both she and her family are safe, and she has returned to her best friend, Gale. But Katniss pictured things going differently after her victory. She and Gale barely see each other anymore because he is working in the mines, Peeta has turned his back on her, and there are rumors of a revolt against the Capitol, which Katniss and Peeta may have started. Katniss has admitted that she is afraid. Katniss and Peeta are about to visit the districts on the Capitol's victory tour, and if they cannot prove that they are in love with each other, the consequences with be serious.

The Art of Racing in the Rain

I'm reading a book called The Art of Racing in the Rain. It's about a dog, Ezno, who thinks like a human. The book starts out with him telling the reader all about his early life and bonding with his owner. The book progresses through his life like this. He knows that he is a special kind of dog and not at all like the rest of the dogs that he knows. He gives an account on what it means for him to be a dog, but a human at the same time. The story has him tell all about his life and everything and everybody he encountered throughout his lifetime that impacted him in some way. I'm only about half way through this book and already I'm hooked on it. The characters are very vivid and the stories that each has to tell make them seem as if they are coming to life. The characters are very touching and their relation ship with Ezno makes the book so much better than if the characters didn't have a good relationship with him. The characters that are most important to Ezno in the book are Denny (his owner) and zoë (Denny's daughter.) Throughout the book, tragedies happen, decisions have to be made and Ezno helps to preserve the family that he loves so much. It is so far a good book, that is very touching, especially good read for animal lovers.

Reepicheep- character

I am reading The Chronicles of Narnia, Prince Caspian. Where I am in the book, the Reader has just seen the introduction of Dr. Cornelius to Reepicheep. The reason that I decided to summarize this character is because of his courageous demeanor. I love the fact that he is one to look out for the "big guy" when he is the "little guy". Reepicheep, if you didn’t know, is a talking mouse that is less than a foot tall on his hind legs. I really just love his character in the movie, even though the way things that happen to him get changed. I like the way that he is a leader to his people, who end up always being the type to lead the way into battle. I believe that he is a role model for kids everywhere, and that the author, C.S. Lewis, wanted to tell people everywhere that even though you’re little, you can stick up for others. I believe that Reepicheep is the best character because he always is the brave person, and usually I wish to be the brave person. Reepicheep also reminds me of a little mouse version of a really brave Christopher Scheffels. By far my favorite character in the book is Reepicheep.

The Help

Right now I’m reading The Help. A lot of other people are reading this book right now and I think that's because there's a new movie coming out for it and also this book is so well written and interesting which keeps the reader reading! A lot has happened in this book already. People have lost jobs, like Minny and friends come and help get the new jobs like Abileen did for Minny. Through out this book already it has changed many perspectives, which I enjoy, but it gets a bit confusing to me and that's not the best. Through I do understand why the author made it like this, it's because it shows how other people see things differently than others. Also sense Minny got her new job with Cecilia, Cecilia has seemed a bit weird and that's because she didn't tell her husband that she hired Minny. I found this really out of the ordinary because who knows what her husband would do if he found out she had hired help. So far this book has been great and I have been really enjoying it and I can’t wait to get further in this book!

The Help

I'm currently reading a book called The Help. It's a really big deal right now and everyone is reading it, but I can totally understand why. The way that the views switch constantly keeps me guessing and hearing what different people think about the same situation is something that I wish I could have the power to do in real life. It is such a powerful and touching book in many ways. Though I am not super far into it, each page has given me more and more insight into the lives and personality's of each character. For example, Minny is an amazing chef, but her big mouth can get her in big trouble. Celia Foote is an out of it woman with a big house and a intimidating husband on her hands. I think Celia is a very peculiar character who really is keeping my thought churning. She hires help but won't tell her husband about it. She can't cook or clean for her life so she sits in bed all day. Her character is someone that doesn't fit in with the really wealthy ladies, she kind of is like a fish out of water. I hope to be seeing a lot more of her triumphs with Minny and her struggles with her husband.

Demon Glass

I just finished a book called Demon Glass, by Rachel Hawkins. The book was the second in a series, and it was about a girl, named Sophie Mercer, who just found out that she was a demon, which is supposed to be a vicious creature that attacks people. And her dad, the head of a council that protects people like Sophie, is one too. Sophie also found out that she and her dad were the only demons left in the world. But Sophie's dad left her and her mom when Sophie was a little baby, so when her dad asked her if she would like to spend a summer with him in England, to learn more about being a demon, she didn't hesitate to say yes. But when she gets to the mansion that she, her dad and the council are staying at, she realizes that she and her dad aren't the only demons there. As the book goes on, Sophie helps her two new friends, also demons find their creator, or the one who turned them into demons, and she is surprised at what she finds out.

Eldest

I read Eldest. This is the second book in a series by Christopher Paolini. I finished this book over the weekend. I thought it was fantastic. It is about a boy, Eragon, who has almost reached adulthood in age, but was thrown into it before he was ready. He is the first Dragon Rider in hundreds of years, besides the evil tyrant, Galbatorix. Eragon has joined the Varden, the rebels who oppose Galbatorix. He is sent to the Elves in Du Weldenvarden to receive the proper training to become a full fledged Dragon Rider. Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, undergo intense training in the magical forest the Elves inhabit. He experiences magical trees, marvelous forgery, and heartbreak. Along with a miracle that will change his life forever. While all this is happening to Eragon the young leader of the Varden, Nasuada, has her own problems. She has to deal with money problems, protecting her people, and assassins. On the other side of Alagaesia, Roran, Eragon's cousin is uprooted from the only place he has known in search of his beloved who has been kidnapped. He takes his whole village with him. The end of the book has a great battle scene filled with all of the great characters along with an unexpected twist. I recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy and adventure.

Diamond Of Drury Lane

Diamond Of Drury Lane
Julia Golding

The book takes place in London in 1790s, it is written from the point of view of a girl named Cat Royal. Cat is an orphan who spends her days in an theater with musicians, actors, and play writers. One night cat hears a secret and gets caught, they trust her to not tell anyone and so she does. Then comes a long an african american boy named Pedro. Pedro is a boy the same age as Cat (around 13 years old) and great at musical instruments. Pedro is new and people tease him because of his color. On Pedro's first day at the theater, Cat gets stuck on a rope 20 feet in the air. Pedro had been shy and out of no where climbed up and saved Cat's life, after the commotion, he disappeared and cat went to look for him. She found him at the market being surrounded by Billy. (Billy is the towns evil thug) Cat being the tomboy she is and the rough girl. She thinks up a rescue plan for Pedro and get away safe and sound. Later Cat introduces Pedro to Syd (towns nice thug defends citizen from rival Billy, father is the town's butcher) Pedro is asked by Syd to be in the gang an Cat being a girl is mad because she is not allowed in. Anyways as the story goes on, they meet kings son Frank and become friends. I am not done yet i am about half way so i know that Frank is a good guy and supports the 2 young children.

My book is called, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, and is written by Mark Haddon. The main character's name is Christopher Boone. Christopher lives with his dad, Ed Boone, in Swindon, England. Despite having mental disabilities, Christopher is very good at math, and would like to be an astronaut. He has a pet rat named Toby, who is one of his friends. He also likes his counselor, Shiobhan, who gets him to write a book (supposedly the one you're reading). One day, Christopher's neighbor's dog is killed, and Christopher, liking mysteries, decides to find out who did it. Trying to solve the mystery leads him to find letters from his mother who his dad told him was dead. Then, he also finds out his dad killed the dog, and, feeling unsafe, Christopher sets off to find his mother. taking the train, he finally wanders to her house , and meets up with her. There is a big reunion, but later he has to go back to his dad's house. There his dad buys him a dog, (after losing Toby), and he slowly starts to trust his dad again.

Nickle and Dimed

The book i am reading is called Nickle and Dimed. This book is about a lady, Barbara Enreneich, who gets by in America with minimum wage. She lives in Key west , Florida and is trying to find a job. She doesn't want to be a waitress but she know that, that will be mostly the only jobs open or who will be willing to accept her. She She ends up getting a job in a hotel as a waitress and earns $2.43 an hour plus tips. Barbara doesn't like the job but that is the only way she can make money until she can get a new one. She explains what she spends her money on and what for. When she explains this it really makes you think about how if you only live on minimum wage everything seems expensive. Food is very expensive so when she bought it she really thought about what would be the cheapest way to get enough of it. She was talking about what kind of living condition her co workers were in. For example a lot of them either share an apartment or trailer. She found another job in another hotel as waitress and for most of the day she works and barely gets any rest. Barbara talks about how managers are unfair and annoying. They tell you to do stuff but don't do anything themselves and they don't take into consideration that they get tired or annoyed. She describes the managers as selfish.

Tom Bauer

The book I am reading is called Lone Survivor, the author is Marcus Lutrell. Marcus is the "Lone Survivor" of Operation Redwing. The book is an account of an actual Navy SEAL operation. Thus far in the story I have heard about Marcus' fellow squad mates as well as his experience with SEAL team 5 in Iraq. In Marcus' squad there is Matt "Axe" Axelson, James Suh, Dan Healy, Danny Dietz, Shane Patton, and Marcus' best friend, Michael Murphy. All of these men have a very outstanding resumé. Almost all of the men were excellent high school athletes, and all were incredible students and attended very prestigious universities. Marcus also discusses the rigor of Navy SEAL training, and how it is considered by all people who know anything about the military, to be the toughest training in the world. Navy SEALs are also called "frogmen" because the are highly adept in the water and are trained in underwater demolitions as well as diving, and almost anything else you can think of. The word SEAL is an acronym that stand for "Sea, Air, and Land. The author talks about the bond between the SEALs and how they would all willingly take a bullet for each other. He says that Navy SEALs need to be incredibly sharp, as their are explosives and terrorists around every corner, this task is made especially difficult because terrorists often dress the same as civilians. One thing I have noticed is how in front of every terrorist name the author emphasizes how insane all of these men were. Marcus is also very supportive of George W. Bush, who was president at the time.

CHERUB: The Recruit

CHERUB is a series about a secret British Intelligence agency that spies on criminals, like many books. But, in this case, they use children, for "convincing" reasons. This is the story of a young twelve year old named James Choke, set in modern times, who gets all tangled up in a world of confusion after his successful thief of a mother dies, he is expelled from school for beating up a young lady and his teacher, and he is separated from his sister because of his despised Uncle Ron. James had everything that you could've wanted James is a new recruit for CHERUB, but he's a bit of a crazy troublemaker. But, he also has an unknown brilliance stuck down deep inside him, and he's got the will to fight, and that's what CHERUB wants in their recruits. Now all James has to do is survive his days as an orphan at a orphanage until he is allowed to train on campus at CHERUB headquarters, and make it through the deadly and painful training courses and fights at training camp. This is James's last resort, he has nowhere to go, so an agency where he is treated specially is what he's fine with doing. But, will he make it....?

Webs of Fate

Webs of Fate is a novel of lies, treatchery, love and high-fashion. Set mid 1980's, Darlene Quinn wove a complex story that includes a missing young woman by name of Danielle Norman; the dooming consequences of a betrayal; a deadly trap, set for Ashleigh McDowell by her bitter fiance and the drama of Beverly Hills. Prequel to Webs of Power and Twisted Webs, this book is the bedrock that both other books were set upon. Webs of Fate delves into the cyriptic, jungle of secrets that are the Danielle Norman's life, as well as Ashleigh McDowells'. After Danielle disappears, everyone at Bentley's Royale is sure that young Danielle has made off with hundereds of thousands of dollars. Her mentor, Ashleigh, however, is unconvinced. Small details in Danielle's life are askew, things that, when pieced together, create a disturbing and terrifying picture. Ashleigh dives into Danielles' life, looking for any clues that could provide information towards finding Danielle, with the help of Conrad Taylor. Together, they struggle against time in a race to find Danielle before it is too late.

Fall of Giants

I am reading Fall of Giants by Ken Follett. It's based in the US, Germany, England, and Russia for the most part, but since it is during WW1 there are a lot of different places. So the book starts out with Billy, who lives in a small Wales town. His sister Ethel is a maid for the Duke and Duchess, Fitz and Bea. She falls in love with Fitz and that's all i should say so i don't spoil anything. Bea is a fictional russian princess, the last one before the revolution. Fitz has a sister named Maud, who is a into Women's rights. Maud falls in love with Walter, who is a German politician. They can't get married though because he is high in power and marrying an Englishwomen, while his country is at war with England, would put his position in peril. Walter, Fitz and Billy all go off to war. Fitz and Billy fight together and Walter always ends of against them, during most of the battles. Gus is high in power in the US government and helps the president with important tasks. He goes to England many times and engages with all the characters in this book, including the ones from Russia. Two more characters are brothers Gregori and Lev. They live in tsarist Russia. Their mother was shot during a protest and their father was hung, both died when the children were young. Lev gets in a lot of trouble, that usually Gregori has to get him out of. Lev goes to America for work and Gregori helps lead a revolution. So now to where I am in this book. The US president is trying to create a peace agreement with the rest of the countries at war. Lev is sent to war in Siberia. Fitz and Bea have another child. The Germans are getting weaker in the war. Billy is sent to war in Siberia for the Allies.

Welcome to our blogspot!

Hey, 8th graders!  I'm really looking forward to reading your posts about your independent reading choices throughout the year!  I'm hoping you'll get started in class this week and post your first description of what's going on in your current book.  Over this Labor Day weekend, I finished The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau Banks and took Amy's suggestion for the graphic novel Stitches by David Small.  I'll talk about that one first.  It was my first graphic novel, and I LOVED it!  I don't usually finish a novel in one sitting, so it was nice to sit down for about 45 or so minutes and finish it.  The basic premise is a current adult's reflection on when he dealt with cancer as a kid, but really it's about his messed-up family relationships and dynamic and how he coped with that.  It was exceptional in its illustrations and simple, clear text that said so much.  It's in our library, so check it out (my daughter has it now, but I'll be returning it soon!).  The Disreputable History...novel had a fun plot and a spunky narrator, who is a sophomore girl at an elite boarding school.  I really like the book's theme about girl power and relationship dynamics, but I was disappointed in the dialogue (very unnatural/forced) and in general I didn't think the writing was very strong.  Still, it's a fast, light read & would recommend it for fun.  Your turn... (btw...this post is about 240 words, so use it to guage the length of your own).