Messenger: Book Review (Spoilers)

After reviewing, the Giver by Lois Lowry, I think it's right that I should review the next book in the series; Messenger.
The Messenger
By Lois Lowry
Main Characters: Matty
Matty lives in Village with a blind old man called the Seer. Village had welcomed Matty six years ago when he came as a young child, but now things are changing. People began to vote to close the Village to outsiders and turn their backs on those in need. Matty wishes to earn his true name as Messenger because of his job as the messenger of Village. But now the Forest that surrounds Village that once let Matty easily pass through, is starting to close. Matty discovers that he has an extraordinary power that he can use. Matty has one last important mission as messenger; bring the Seer's daughter Kira to the Village before the Village closes, Matty must complete the dangerous mission before it is too late.
1. utopia
2. Joy is brought by people and people only.

3.
Matty: brave, trustworthy, smart

4. The most memorable part of the story was when Kira refuses to be have her crippled leg healed by Matty. This shows her pride, boldness and confidence in herself. It also shows that she cares about Matty and that is why she did not allow him to heal her.

5. The author is trying to tell you that everything being perfect is not perfect at all. Joy brought by man-made objects is fake. In the future, everything is perfect in the story. But really, it's better off being not perfect.

6. I would rate this book a 10/10 because I enjoyed reading this book and it had me thinking for a while. it has an interesting plot and well relates with the Giver if you really think about it. Great read all in all.

7. Beginning:
Matty learns to use his power of healing people and animals.

Climax: Matty goes to the Trade Market and finds out about the dark secrets of Village.

Ending: Matty goes on the journey to find Kira and brings her back with the help of Leader.

The Kane Chronicles: The Red Pyramid (no spoilers)

Genre: Fantasy
Author: Rick Riordan

If I were to be completely honest with you, I would say that the Kane Chronicles is basically an Egyptian Percy Jackson, and if you don't know what Percy Jackson is, its a Greek Kane Chronicles.


Main Characters: Carter Kane, Sadie Kane
Summary:
Carter Kane and Sadie Kane are siblings that live separately. Carter lives with their dad, Julius Kane, and Sadie lives with their grandparents, because their mom is deceased. One day, the kids' dad starts acting strangely he takes the two kids to a museum in Egypt to see the Rosetta Stone, but something extremely crazy happens that changes their lives. Now their dad is trapped inside a giant golden coffin and its up to them to save him, but now they reach a predicament, save the world or save their dad?

1. decisions

2. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices.

3.
Sadie: smart, quick-thinking, clever
Carter: athletic, courageous, smart

4. A memorable scene was when Sadie admitted that even though she valued her father's life, she would give him up if if meant saving the world.

5.The author is telling you that sometimes you have to give things up to accomplish things that are big..

6. I would rate this book a 7 because it is just a fantasy book that I only read for enjoyment.

SPOILERS

7.
Beginning: Sadie and Carter's dad is captured


Climax: Sadie and Carter discover their powers


End: Sadie and Carter save the world but are now on a journey to stop Apophis.

39 Clues: Book 3: The Sword Thief (No SpoilerS)

WARNING: Read the two reviews below this to understand.

Main Characters: Amy and Dan Cahill

Summary: When the third clue lead the Cahill siblings, Amy and Dan to Japan they know they have nowhere to turn except to their Uncle Alistair who already betrayed them before. After they form an unsteady alliance, the kids and their Uncle are greeted by Ian and Natalie Kabra, who are known to be very sneaky. But all seems well when they all form an alliance. Should Amy and Dan trust Ian and Natalie, or will they be betrayed by everyone like they were once betrayed.

1.trust

2. Never let your guard down and let somebody manipulate you.

3.
Amy: shy, intelligent, caring

Dan: outgoing, energetic, creative

4. I think the most memorable part was when Ian actually looked at Amy with legitimate care. It showed the side of him that wasn't a cold blooded, traitor who manipulated people with money and intelligence.

5. The author is trying to tell  you that you should never depend on someone or expect them to catch you when you fall, because they will move out of the way.

6.
I would rate this book a 8 because the series is decent and fun to read, but it doesn't have much meaning to it.

SPOILER ALERT!

7.
Beginning: Dan and Amy go to Japan



Climax: Dan, Amy, Alistair, Ian, and Natalie form an alliance.




Ending: Amy and Dan are betrayed by both

Kane?

I finished reading Book Three and Four of the 39 Clues series, so I'm going to be posting those soon, in like a couple of minutes. Currently, I am taking a break from reading this series. so I could also begin to read The Red Pyramid, Book 1 to the Kane series. It's about Egyptian gods and stuff. I'll make sure to review it when I'm done. todllerasd

39 Clues: One False Note (Review)no spoilers)

This is a legitimate review. WARNING: Extremely dangerous. Not for children due to possible spoilers.

WARNING: MAKE SURE TO Read the one below this first. It explains the first book!


Main Characters: Amy and Dan Cahill

Summary: The Cahills all race to find the 2nd clue of the mysterious competition known as the 39 Clues. Once the orphans, Amy and Dan realize they are in the lead of the race, they  begin to work together and use brainpower to find the second clue.They are betrayed multiple times by their own cousins and relatives, but never by their babysitter, or so called, "Au pair", Nellie. Amy and Dan go through dark catacombs, secret passageways, and are chased through the waterways of Venice. Will they survive and find the 2nd clue, or will they die a helpless death? Read to find out.

 (Author's note: Okay. I lied, no spoilers. Even though its in the title.)

1. trust

2. Sometimes you have to let go of the past

3. Amy: shy, knowledgeable, realistic
Dan: energetic, outgoing, clever,

4. The most memorable part in the second book of the series was when Nellie, the kids' au pair, didn't leave them and waited even after the time they said they would come back. She did everything she can for them because she really loved them.

5. The author is trying to tell you that sometimes sacrifices have to be made. For example, Dan gave up the only pictures he had of his parents to save his sister and Nellie, even though it was the only connection he had to his lost past. Sometimes you have to let go of the past.


6. I would rate this 8/10 because I am liking this series and I like how each book is written by a different author. I personally like Gordon Korman's writing style.

(SPOILER ALERT)

7.
Beginning: Amy and Dan lose the diary with important info.

Climax: Amy and Dan regain it and learn that they need to go to Venice.

Ending: They figure out what the clue is and find out they need to go to Japan after finding a tungsten Samurai sword.

2014!!!!! and another Book Review: 39 Clues: Maze of Bones (No spoilers this time!)

It has been 7 months since I've posted a post on this blog. Thanks for the non-existent feedback guys! Here I am, continuing this review series.Well enjoy!

First things, first, I want to say that I finally read the Maze of Bones, the first book to the famous series, the 39 clues. I guess it was decent. I started the second already and I find it that I am looking forward to reading my favorite authors' books in this series. Because as you know, each book is written by a different person.
Anyway, here I begin;

Main characters: Amy and Dan Cahill

Summary: Amy and Dan Cahill are orphans. The only relatives they keep in touch with is their Grandma Grace and Aunt Beatrice. Aunt Beatrice is their guardian even though Amy and Dan both like Grace better. When Grace dies, they lose the only person they can ever trust. Amy and Dan learn about the surprising history of the Cahill's and how they were the most influential family of all time. From Benjamin Franklin to Issac Newton, almost everybody they know, alive or dead turns out to be a Cahill. But when Grace leaves a strange will concerning a life threatening challenge, Amy and Dan take the challenge. Now they are stuck in the middle of a dangerous journey to become the most powerful people in the world. There are 39 clues that lead to one treasure. Amy and Dan face many challenges as well as many of their relatives. Will Amy and Dan survive, or will they die in the clutches of their own relatives.

1. trust
2. Trust is key to survival
3. Amy: shy, knowledgeable, realistic
Dan: energetic, clever, courageous

4. I think the most memorable scene in the story was when Amy sacrificed the small vial containing a very important clue to the Kabras to save her brother. Although Dan wasn't even danger and she had been tricked into giving Ian Kabra the vial, Amy still had given up something very important to save her brother. The vial was something that took them a very long time to find.

5. The author was trying to teach you that trust is something very important and that you shouldn't give anyone your complete trust unless you love them very much.

6. I would rate this book a 7. It was a fun, and interesting read. I like the series, but I don't personally think it is one of "those" books that make you go, "ahah!".

7.
Beginning: Amy and Dan accept the challenge of the 39 Clues.


Climax: Amy and Dan are being targeted by everybody in the challenge


Ending: Amy and Dan proceed to the next clue.

To be continued...

Artemis Fowl: The Opal Deception (Book Worksheet)

Main Character: Artemis Fowl
Summary: Artemis Fowl is back to being a criminal again because of the mind wipe that made him forget everything about the existence of fairies and dwarves. Opal Koboi was in coma ever since her plan was foiled by Artemis Fowl and the LEPrecon Police. But while in coma, Opal Koboi had been creating a plan. Opal creates a clone of herself to replace her in the J. Argon Clinic, and leaves to dominate the world. She gets surgery to become a human (remove pointy ears and put in growing genes) and plans to make the "mud" people discover the "regular" (fairy) people and give them weapons to destroy everybody. Then she plans to make herself the ruler of all people. Opal sets up a trap that Captain Holly Short and Commander Julius Root of the LEPrecon police fall for and she has Commander Root killed. But to all the other police officers it looks as though Captain Holly has killed her own commander and she is the suspect of a murder. Commander Root's last command was to save Artemis Fowl, who was being targeted by Opal. When Captain Holly goes to save Artemis, it looks as though she was running away, making her an outlaw. Butler, Artemis Fowl's bodyguard, is seperated from Artemis and has his memory returned by Mulch Diggums as Artemis had planned before the memory wipe. Artemis, Captain Holly, Butler, and Mulch Diggums must save the fairy world before Opal destroys everything.


1. power


2. If you have a gift, don't use it for bad, use it for good.


3. Artemis Fowl: clever, sneaky, intelligent


3a. I think Foaly (a friend of Holly who refused to believe that she shot Julius) is a good friend. Even though the evidence had clearly showed that Holly was shot Julius, he believed that she didn't and checked every single piece of evidence. Because of Foaly's loyalty to his friends, he discovered the truth about Opal Koboi's escape.

4. Julius Root's death was memorable. Opal Koboi was laughing and telling Holly that she had a chance to save Root's life and Root was telling Holly to save Artemis, but it was a trick to make it look like Holly was shooting Commander Root.

This scene was memorable because even though, Julius Root disliked Artemis Fowl, he actually admired his intelligence and quick decisions.



5. The author is trying to tell you that if you were born with talent or a gift, you should use it for good and not bad. Artemis originally used his genius for stealing and getting money, but after he met fairies, he changed and began doing good. Opal was using her genius for evil and therefore, she was caught and arrested. Good is better motivation than bad. Artemis had noticed that himself.


6. I would rate this book a 8 because the plot was interesting with lots of actions and cool parts, but it was a bit shallow.


7.
Beginning: Opal escapes the hospital and kills Julius Root

Climax: Mulch, Artemis, Holly, and Butler try to stop Opal and succeed

Ending: Holly quits LEPrecon police and becomes a detective with her partner, Mulch.

Book Worksheet- For Those of You Who Don't Know

Main Character(s):

Summary:

1. Write one word that best describes the story.

2. Write one sentence that best describes the story.

3. Describe the main character(s) with at least three adjectives each.

3a. Write about any character. (Doesn't have to be favorite)

4. Draw a part of the story that you think is the most memorable or impressive on a separate piece of paper (or on the back). Write one sentence why you chose that scene.

5. What is the author trying to tell you?

6. Rate this book from one to ten. Why did you rate it so?

7. Label the story graph below with the beginning, climax, and ending. Write one sentence for each part of the story. (I couldn't put the graph up)

 Beginning

Climax

Ending

Replay (Book Worksheet)

(Book by: Sharon Creech, one of my favorite authors)
Main Character: Leo (fog boy, the sardine)

Summary: Leo is a dreamer, he wants to become a famous actor make his parents proud. When Leo is given a small part, the old crone, in the school play, he doesn't care and dreams about being called on to stage in Broadway. Leo's father had been feeling down and sad every since his heart attack, but Leo secretly reads Leo's father's autobiography written at the age of 13. Leo reads about how is father once had a younger sister that he loved and how he was happy when he tap danced. Leo learns that even the smallest part that might seem extra, is indeed important.

1. part

2. Everyone has a role that is important for the role, but everybody chooses their own role.

3. Leo: curious, imaginative, wishing

3a. I think Leo's father was very sad at first because he couldn't do anything after the heart attack, but watching his children achieve the goals he had once wished to achieve must have made him proud of his children. They (including Leo) all become what he had once wanted to become; athletes, actors, singers. When Leo was reading his father's autobiography, he read about how his father wished to become a singer or an athlete. Leo's father had cheered all his children on at their soccer, football matches and at their plays or school stages.

4. The part when Leo cheered up all his siblings when they were all injured was very memorable. Leo told each of his siblings that that they did great and that their dad was very proud of them and that their dad was cheering them on, smiling. All the siblings were happy and glad. I think Leo was very kind to make all his siblings feel better.

5. I think that the author is trying to tell you that everybody has a part that is important to the world and that life is like a play but not like a play at the same time, you have a part of the play, but you choose the part, but there is no script, you have to improvise.

6.  I would rate this book a 10. I liked the plot and theme. The ending was brilliant, it had the script of the play that Leo was a part of.


7.
Beginning: Leo gets a small part in the school play.

Climax: Leo's siblings are all hurt and severely injured from soccer, football, and choir.

Ending: Leo and everybody else does their part well in the school play and all of Leo's relatives and family members cheer for him.

Island of the Blue Dolphins (Book Worksheet)

Main Characters: Karana
Summary: Karana and her brother lived in the Island of the Blue Dolphins. Their father was the chief of the island. One day, Aleutian sea-otter hunters came and made a deal with their father. But the Aleutians did not keep their promises and they killed the chief. After the new chief went to explore another island, he came back with men in boats and promised that they would be taken some where else. But Karana and her brother Ramo stayed behind alone. Ramo was killed by wild dogs and Karana swore to kill the dogs that killed her brother. After a while she felt very lonely and tried to get off the island on a canoe but failed. Karana must learn to live alone for 18 years on this island. Karana makes new friends and faces many challenges, but in the end, she is saved by Aleuts.

1. people

2. Nobody can live alone without other people.

3. Karana: brave, sad, lonely, smart

3a. I think Karana was really brave to face those wild dogs and make weapons of her own. It is Karana's culture that women are not to make weapons. It is said that if a woman makes a weapon or tries to use one, it will break when they are in most danger. Karana was very afraid that rocks might fall from the heavens and crush her when she made weapons like her father had once said, but she still did for her own safety. I also think that Karana was brave enough to face the wild dogs. They are merciless and move in packs. She had even known that they killed her brother and that they can kill her. I think that Karana was very strong, because some people might have died, from loneliness, and from everything that Karana had experienced during those harsh 18 years.

4. The scene when Karana did not kill the leader of the pack when it was wounded and saved its life instead was very memorable. It showed how lonely Karana was- that she would not kill the very dog that killed her brother and was trying to kill her next. She made him her pet, and they quickly became friends.

This scene made me think that even if you have supplies, shelter, and food, you can't live without company.

5. The author is trying to tell you that you can't live without people. Even though, Karana had a lot of pets, after she met the Aleut girl, she was extremely lonely, and she was very sad.

6. I would rate this book a 10 because I really think it had a lot of meaning.

7.
Beginning: Karana and her brother remain behind at the Island of the Blue Dolphins while everybody else leaves, but Karana's brother is killed by wild dogs.

Middle: Karana is very lonely and makes friends with many animals

Ending: Karana is saved by Aleuts.

Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Code (Book Worksheet)

Main Characters: Artemis Fowl

Summary: Artemis Fowl plans to end his criminal career after one more thing- sell his self-made super computer to Jon Spiro, a very dangerous man, for tons of gold. But Artemis's meeting with Spiro is a trap and Jon Spiro steals the cube. Artemis's best friend and guardian, Butler is severely injured and is killed. But with fairy magic, Artemis gets the captain fairy of LEPrecon police, Captain Holly Short, to help him bring Butler back. With the C Cube in the hands of Spiro, Jon Spiro can end up ruling the world, both fairies and people. But luckily, Artemis still has time because of the eternity code he had made in the C Cube's software. Artemis, Butler's sister, Captain Holly Short, and Mulch Diggums work together (although Mulch Diggums is a criminal and will be arrested afterwards) Artemis, Butler and all the non-fairies must be mind wiped after this last mission so that they will not remember the existence of fairies. But in exchange of letting Mulch stay out of prison, Artemis makes Mulch give him a token that would make Artemis remember the existence of fairies again.

1. power
2. Money, gold, and power is not every thing.

3. Artemis Fowl: Clever, sneaky, intelligent,

3a. Captain Holly Short is very kind to actually help save Butler. Although it is because Butler had helped the LEPrecon police.  I don't think anybody else would have helped and risked everything, their job and life. But Captain Holly Short took the risk to help a friend.


4. The scene in which Artemis finds contact lenses with a layer of mirrors on them is awesome because I think that was a very good idea. The fairy police need to see the eyes of a person in order to mesmerize them, but Artemis used special lenses to block that. Mesmerizing can make people tell the truth. The LEPrecon think that they are smart because they aren't letting Artemis use sunglasses (another way to block mesmerization) but Artemis had a super secret plan.

I think that was pretty clever and cool.


5. The author is trying to tell you that just because you have a lot of money and power, you aren't always happy. Money and power isn't everything. Artemis's father realizes that when he is being tortured by the Mafiya. Artemis's father says that he would rather be poor and have a happy family relationship.

6. I would rate this book a 8 because it was a lot of action and fantasy/sci-fi.
I read this because I am reading this series. But I like the plot and ending.

7.
Beginning: The C-Cube is stolen by Jon Spiro and Butler almost dies.

Climax: Artemis, his fairy friends, and Butler's sister get the C-Cube back thanks to Artemis's geniusness.

Ending: Artemis gets mind wiped, but leaves a token that will bring back his memory.

Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident (Book Worksheet)

Main Character: Artemis Fowl

Summary: Artemis Fowl's dad is captured by the Mafiya in Russia. The Mafiya are holding Artemis Fowl's dad as hostage. When Artemis receives a mysterious email with a video of his dad pleading for help, he goes to save him but is stopped by the LEPrecon fairy police. They think that Artemis was behind a recent crime, but he wasn't. Artemis must help the fairy police in order to save the city as well as his dad.


1. respect

2. Everyone has at least one bad thing about them and a good thing about them, so you shouldn't judge somebody by only looking at their bad thing.

3. Artemis: smart, clever, sneaky

3a. I think Artemis can be lonely sometimes because he is so smart and different from everyone else. He hangs out with his butler. In  the beginning of the story, Artemis, was brought to the counselor and was asked if he respected anybody and he didn't answer.

4.  The part of the story when Artemis is brought to the counselor for the second time was memorable. This is because when the counselor asked him if he found anybody worthy of his respect, he said that he did.

5. The author is trying to tell you that you shouldn't look down to people just because they aren't as smart as you or can't do something you can do. Artemis didn't respect anybody and thought he was great. But after making friends with a lot of people and making mistakes, he learned to respect people.

6. I would rate this book a 6-7 because it was shallow and it mostly just had a lot of action. I liked the idea of mixing fantasy and sci-fi together.


7.

Beginning: Artemis goes to save his dad but is stopped by the LEPrecon fairy police.



Climax: LEP and Artemis team up to stop Opal and Cudgeon, two evil people trying to take over the city.


Ending: After Opal and Cudgeon are defeated, LEPrecon fairy police helps Artemis save his father who was held hostage for a ransom.

Ender's Game (BEST BOOK EVER) (Book Worksheet)

Main Character: Ender

Summary: In the future, there is a war with humans and creatures called buggers. Ender is a 6 year old genius. The military needs a genius commander to win the war, they recruit Ender and Ender gets many enemies on the way to victory. After Ender graduates battle school, Ender goes into Command School. In Command School, Ender plays a strategy game to help him train and become a commander, but when the day of his final test and he succeeds he learns that the game was actually real and that he was commanding real ships. Thanks to Ender the people won the war. But Ender believes that buggers aren't to different from people and he is sorry that he killed so many of them. In the future, Ender writes two books about buggers and how they are not evil, it's just that they didn't understand and also about his evil brother who has a lot of power over the world. 

1.  understand

2. You fear what you can't understand.

3. Ender: genius, awesome, lonely, happy, sad, (Ender feels) guilty

3a. I think Ender was very angry when he learned that he had killed so many pilots and buggers. Ender must of been afraid of himself and how he had killed so many people and things. Ender didn't really know how powerful he was and he was scared of his own power unlike Peter, Ender's brother, who used this power to take control over most of the world.


4. The part when Peter told Ender that he loved him and that he was sorry was memorable because it shows that Peter is not heartless and evil, and that he can be good, but he thinks he has no choice. Although he actually does.

5. The author is trying to tell you that when people don't understand something, they fear it. The people didn't understand the buggers and so they thought that the buggers were trying to kill them. But actually, the people will never really know. Ender was the closest to understanding buggers.

6. I would rate this book a 10 because this book is just awesome! Nothing else to say.

But, if I were to say something: I loved the plot, ending, beginning, characters, story, idea, author, just everything.


7.
Beginning: Ender is recruited to battle school

Climax: Ender goes to command school

Ending: Ender wins the war

The Witches of Worm (Book Worksheet)

Main Character: Jessica

Summary: Jessica finds a baby cat in a cave and brings it to her neighbor, Mrs. Fortune, a cat-loving strange old woman. Mrs. Fortune tells Jessica to keep it and something makes Jessica look after the small cat. Jessica is interested in books about witches and magic but is forbidden to read them by her mother. With here father gone, and her mother having dinner dates with her boyfriend, Alan, Jessica only has her cat, Worm. All of Jessica's friends seemed to have left her. Jessica starts to do bad things that hurt other people but she thinks that it is Worm's fault and that he was the reason why she was doing these things. She can hear Worm talking to her. When she is caught doing these things, she would act innocent and she would get away everything. After Jessica breaks her old friend's trumpet and is caught, she talks with Mrs. Fortune (who had saw her pushing the trumpet out the window) She then begins to think that Worm is a demon and that a witch sent him. Jessica tries to destroy the demon but not worm, but she fails because Worm ran away but Worm dies from a fall. Jessica is very sorry and thinks that she is the witch. Then her friend reassures her that she is not a witch because Jessica was crying over Worm's death and witches don't cry.

1. friend

2. Only a true friend will stay with you

3. Jessica: Sorrowful, hurt, lonely

3a. I think Jessica must of been surprised and scared at the same time when she acted innocent and pretended she didn't remember anything and was passing out because people believed her. I don't think Jessica thought it would work at first but when it did I think she was surprised. I think she felt a bit guilty about using this to get away with things.

4. A memorable scene from the story was Jessica imagined that Worm was back alive in her dream. This shows that because Jessica believed that Worm was talking and that he was a demon, he was to her, but once she started to think differently, she dreamed that Worm didn't die and that the demon did instead.

5. The author is trying to tell you that whatever you believe is true to you. Jessica believed in witches and so they were real to her. If you believe in ghosts, you feel like you see them everywhere.

6. I would rate this book a 10 because I really loved the ending where Worm came back alive and you can either think that Worm actually did come a live or it was actually a dream.

7.
Beginning: Jessica finds Worm and takes care of him.

Climax: Worm talks to Jessica and Jessica starts to do bad things to other people because of Worm.

Ending: Jessica is very sad because Worm dies from a fall and stops believing in demons and witches.

Among the Hidden (Book Worksheet)

Main Characters: Luke, Jennifer
Summary: There is a new Population Rule in which each family can't have more than 2 kids. Luke is one of the lonely "shadow children". Shadow children are illegal, but families keep third children and hide them. Some of the children are caught by the Population Police and the family that keep the children must pay a large fee. Luke never went outside to meet anyone and besides his immediate family, he never met a person before. One day, Luke discovers a face in the window of his neighbor's house where he knew 2 boys lived in. He learns that there was also a third child in the other house who was a girl. Luke sneaks into his neighbor's house and meets Jen(Jennifer). Jen trusts Luke and tells him about a plan she is willing to risk her life for- a plan in which hundreds of shadow children are going to march to the government and protest for the rights that everybody else has. Luke is afraid and decides not to go. After the day of the plan passes, Luke gets worried and goes to Jen's house. Luke is caught by Jen's father and learns that Jen's own father works for the Population Police. Jen's father tells Luke that Jen and forty other shadow children have been shot down. Jen's father tells Luke to hide when more Population Policemen come to investigate. Jen's father then offers Luke a fake ID card so that he can live as somebody else and not be "illegal". Luke says goodbye to his family and becomes a new person- Lee Grant.

1. me

2. You are special because you are you and not me (I am special because I am me and not you)

3. Luke: scared, worried, kind
Jennifer: determined, proud, stubborn

3a. I think Jen was inspiring for some shadow children because of her determination to carry out her plan and show the government who's boss. Jen didn't listen to any of the pleads to not do the dangerous plans, instead she just kept on encouraging other people to help her with the plan. Jen didn't even care when Luke said that he wouldn't be part of the plan. I was very sad when Jen died.



4. The scene in which Jen's father told Luke to escape out of the secret closet backdoor was impressive. Jen's father had actually lied and only said that to make Luke go to the back of the closet.

I think that it was impressive because Jen's father didn't panic and just easily lied to make Luke hide in the back of the closet and I also think that Jen's father was very clever to do that.

5. The author was trying to tell you that you have to say what you want to say and believe what you want to believe even if you are at gunpoint or have a knife to your throat, just like Jen did. She believed that shadow children should be treated like everybody else.

6. I would rate this book a 9 because I liked the plot and the ending because it made me want to read the next book in the series. I didn't give it a ten because the idea was used in many books I read, for example, The Giver by Lois Lowry.

7.
Beginning: Luke meets Jen and learns about her plan to rally all the Shadow Children.


Climax: Jen dies and Luke is offered a fake ID card.

Ending: Luke leaves his family and becomes a new person, Lee Grant.

I.Q: The White House (Book Worksheet)

Main Characters: Quest, Angela

Summary: Angela had always believed that her mother was killed from a bomb but discovers the truth with her stepbrother, Quest as they get involved in the Secret Service and Israeli Mossad. Angela learns that her mother faked her own death and is currently an undercover agent trying to act like her twin sister- a former and now deceased terrorist. Angela's mother, Malak discovered that there is a ghost cell made by terrorist groups that is planning to take over the world. With the help of a group called SOS (Some old Spooks), Angela, and Q, Malak works to protect the president and to destroy the ghost cell. 

1. careful

2. Be precise and careful.

3. 
Quest: clever, confused, sneaky, intelligent, observant, brave
Angela: kind, smart, quick, brave

3a. I think Q is very observant because he was the only one that noticed that Wayne Arbuckle's (a disguised terrorist) face kept on slipping as if it were a mask. This caused Q to get suspicious and look around even more carefully. When the President asked the two kids, Angela and Q if they recognized a special watch on somebody, Q easily answered with a full description and he was complimented by the president for being observant. When the two kids were forced into the library by a terrorist with a hostage, Q noticed somethings that ended up saving his life. I think Q's observantness is very helpful to the SOS team. Q has a knack for seeing things that others don't. This may be the reason why he wants to become a magician or the reason he is observant may be because he wants to become a magician.

4. A memorable scene from the book was when Q and Angela found the secret passages in the White House and went to find a terrorist that was holding P.K. (President's Kid) as hostage. Nervous, the two kids went after a terrorist cook who had a knife and was threatening to kill P.K.
This scene showed a lot of courage in the two kids.

5. The author is trying to tell you that your parents love you and that they would give up anything they have for you like Angela's and Q's parents.

6. I would rate this book a 7 because the book had an interesting plot and storyline but the story barely had any meaning. It was a rather fast and shallow book. I did like the story though.


7.
Beginning:
Angela and Q are invited to the White House so that their parents, a band called Match, can perform.


Middle: While Malak is working undercover, Angela and Q must find the "moles" or terrorists, in the White House.


Ending: Malak, Angela, and Q save the President's children.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Book Worksheet)

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
By Mark Twain
Main Characters: Tom Sawyer, Aunt Polly
Summary: Tom Sawyer is a clever young boy known for his pranks and tricks. He lives with his Aunt Polly and Tom's younger half brother, Sid. Tom is in love with Becky Thatcher. He shows off to her but he accidentally reveals that he liked Amy Lawrence before. One day, to take away his warts, Tom decides to take the dead cat he found to the graveyard at midnight with his friend Huckleberry Finn and wait for the devil to come and take the cat and the warts away. Tom and Huck find 3 people instead at the graveyard, Muff Potter (a drunk man), Injun Joe, and Dr. Robinson. Injun Joe stabs Dr.Robinson to death while Muff Potter is knocked out. Then Injun Joe takes the knife and puts it in Muff Potter's hand. When Muff Potter woke up, he saw the knife in his hand and the dead body. Injun Joe lies to Muff Potter that he did it. Muff Potter believes Injun Joe. Joe Harper, Huck, and Tom decided that they wanted to be pirates. They ran off into the forests and stayed like that for days. Tom didn't want Aunt Polly to be grieving for him, thinking he was dead, so he went to her house secretly and left a secret message. But Aunt Polly didn't get to see the message. After a while Joe and Huck wanted to go home because they were homesick and tired of fishing and playing all day. Then Tom told them the reason why they should stay. It was because they wanted to make their parents or relatives miss them than they all come out the last day. When the gang came back home on the day of their funeral, everyone was surprised and treated them as heroes. When Tom and Huck explore the a "haunted" house they discover Injun Joe and another buff man talking about a hidden treasure. They almost catch Tom and Huck but the two kids are saved by the creaky stairs. Becky Thatcher forgave Tom and they were good friends again. When all the kids get together secretly, they all decided explore a cave. Becky and Tom get lost in the cave and are separated from the others. The other kids don't realize. When Becky's mom realizes that her daughter was lost many people are sent to the cave to begin hunting for the two kids. Tom meets Injun Joe, who is sleeping in the cave. When they are finally found, the Judge puts up a big metal door to block the cave's entrance. Finally, Tom announces that Injun Joe, the murderer, is in the cave. When the Judge opens up the cave, Injun Joe, dead, was laying on the ground in front of the door. After Injun Joe's body is cleared out. Huck and Tom go to find the hidden treasure that they believe Injun Joe was looking for in the cave. They become rich from the treasure which was $12,000.




1. clever

2. Everybody has a different way of showing love.


3. Tom: clever, proud, immature
Aunt Polly, loving, caring, kind

3a.

4. A memorable scene from the story was when Tom made almost every kid in his town help him paint his fence. After Aunt Polly gave him the punishment and he started to paint, Ben Rogers who was eating an apple, came by. Tom started to make it seem like painting the fence was fun. When Ben asked why he was working, Tom said that it wasn't work. Tom made it seem so interesting that Ben offered his apple to try painting the fence. Tom convinced many kids to paint the fence for him. After Tom was finished, he had many things that kids gave to him to try washing the fence.

I chose this scene because it was very funny and it showed that Tom was good with words and is a good persuader, it also showed that Tom was very convincing.

5. I think the author is trying to tell us to have fun in our life. When we are children, we have big imaginations and we love to play. I think the author is telling us to play while we are children because once we become adults, we're to busy for playing and imagination nonsense. Tom really didn't waste his childhood, he was a pirate, a robber, and he even found treasure. In the end of the book it says that the story ends because Tom would become a man and writing about a man would be boring.



6. I would rate this book a 10 because it was very well written. The characters were realistic and interesting. The plot was intriguing and the story was clever and funny.


7.
Beginning: Tom and Huck see Injun Joe murdering Dr.Robinson and framing Muff Potter.



Climax: Tom, Joe, and Huck run away to be pirates and come back on their funerals



Ending: Tom and Becky Thatcher, who like each other, get lost in a cave and find Injun Joe, scared they run away and are saved while Injun Joe dies in the cave searching for a treasure that is found by Tom and Huck who later on become rich(from the treasure).

Sherlock Holmes (Book Worksheet (Edited for Mr.Holmes))

The Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes
By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Main Characters: Sherlock Holmes



1. Write one word that best describes the character(it's actually supposed to be story)

genius


4. Most memorable/impressive CASE.

The Greek Interpreter was a very impressive case.

I found it memorable because of the introduction of Sherlock's brother, Mycroft. Mycroft Holmes is even more of a genius then Sherlock. But Mycroft doesn't want to become a detective. I think this was a quite difficult mystery to solve and yet Sherlock did it. It was very interesting to me. Also Sherlock and Mycroft was observing people and they analyzed that a man was a widower, had children, and was from the military and that he also had fought in India.

I would rate this book a 10 because I love the  geniusness (is that word?) of Mr.Sherlock Holmes. I found it quite intriguing. I think the author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle must also be a genius to have come up with this amazing character. I love how the story is written in Watson's point of view. Sherlock Holmes can merely look at someone and tell everything about them, and in the end, it all makes sense if you listen to how he got to a conclusion.

A Single Shard (Book Worksheet) + Book Worksheet Update

(IMPORTANT Update: New part to the book assignment- write about one character.(does not have to be favorite character))


A Single Shard

By: Linda Sue Park

Main Characters: Crane-man, Min, Tree-ear

Summary: An orphan in Korea named Tree-ear lived with his friend, Crane-man under a bridge that was in the town called Ch'ulp'o. Ch'ulp'o is known for the potters in the town who make beautiful celadon ware. Tree-ear is intrigued by the work of one of the best potters in the village, Min. Tree-ear keeps on watching Min working on pots. Tree-ear accidentally breaks one of Min's creations. Instead of paying Min, Tree-ear offers to work for Min. Min makes Tree-ear cut wood, and dig up clay but never actually pottery. After Tree-ear worked for the broken creation, he asks Min if he could keep on working. Tree-ear asks Min why Min can't teach him pottery, Min grows angry and says that potters only teach their son pottery. In rage, Min says that his only son, Hyun-gu One day, out of curiosity, Tree-ear follows another potter, Kang, whose skill is not as great as Min's but is decent. Tree-ear spy's on this potter and sees that Kang had developed a whole new style that is quite beautiful. It is an inlay design. Tree-ear knows not to tell Min. If you were chosen for the royal commission, your work would be sent to the king. Getting the royal commission was Min's life's desire. Tree-ear knows that Kang's new style will definitely get him the royal commission. After the emissary comes to look at all the potters' works. He looks longest at Kang's new design and Min's beautiful work. After choosing Kang for the royal commission, the emissary who admired Min's work, gave him a second chance to make something with the new design. Tree-ear is sent on a mission to go to Songdo, a town far away from Ch'ulp'o. Tree-ear is attacked by robbers on the way and Min's work is flung over a cliff. Tree-ear is horrified and goes down the cliff to find small pieces of the celadon. The largest shard is the size of his palm. Tree-ear is determined to deliver this single shard (title) to the emissary. The emissary admires even this small piece of work and immediately orders for the royal commission to be for Min. Min finally decides to teach Tree-ear pottery and treat him like a son. While Tree-ear was on the trip, Crane-man had died because he had fell into the river when a man crossed the bridge. Min's wife gives Tree-ear a new name, Hyun-Pil.

1. line

2. There are always consequences for actions, whether the consequence is good or bad.

3. Crane-man: Wise, caring, proud
Min: Proud, sad, hard-working
Tree-ear: hopeful, brave, determined

3a. (look at the update)

I think Tree-ear is a rather determined person. Even in the beginningIf I were in his situation, where the pot was smashed by robbers and I was throwing up all over the place, I wouldn't have gone down the cliff with hope to check if they really were smashed like Tree-ear did. I would of mourned for the pots. Tree-ear thought of jumping off the cliff. But he didn't. I think that it is possible that I might of(if I was Tree-ear), because in Tree-ear's position, there was no easy way out of this situation. I wouldn't have been surprised if Tree-ear actually took a leap of faith. Tree-ear went down with hope that I don't know how he got and he found the biggest piece and decided to take it to the emissary. I think that took a LOT of determination and courage. Think about the things that could happen. What if you were rejected or accused of stealing your master's (Min's) pots by the emissary? Tree-ear was brave.

4. The scene in which Min explains to Tree-ear how Crane-man died was very memorable. It was very sad, a farmer crossed the bridge and Crane-man was pushed into the cold water. The shock was too great for his heart and he died. When Crane-man's body was found, he was clutching the small monkey that Tree-ear had made him. (Note: Crane man had one good leg and the other leg was broken) Then Tree-ear said, "Wherever you are now, I hope you are walking on two good legs." and he cried.

This was a strong sign of friendship between Tree-ear and Crane-man, I noted that Crane-man called Tree-ear little monkey a lot: Crane-man was clutching the monkey (Also in the end of the book is a small note by the author that talks about a inlay celadon pottery that an unknown maker known as the "Thousand Cranes Vase" It was dated during the time of Tree-ear! I think the author is saying that Tree-ear made (although I know it is not true) the celadon pot)

5. The author is trying to tell you to never give up. Tree-ear didn't give up even when all the pots were shattered all over the floor. Min didn't give up when his inlay design didn't come out right. Crane-man didn't give up when his newly made sandals for Tree-ear didn't fit. So don't give up!

6. I would rate this book a 10 because I really liked the ending. (Meaning the small note at the end. Look at 4.) I also liked the plot.

7.
Beginning: Tree-ear begins to work for Min.

Middle: Tree-ear is sent on a mission to deliver the pots and they are smashed by robbed.

Ending: Min gets the royal commission and Tree-ear is treated as his son, meaning he will learn pottery.

The Giver (Book Worksheet)

The Giver
By: Lois Lowry
Main Characters: Jonas, The Giver

Summary: In the future, everything is perfect. No war, no hunger, no pain, but no love or warmth- everybody is assigned to a job when they turn 12. Jonas is a boy who is about to turn 12 and receive his assignment. When he is chosen as the Receiver- the one person who is supposed to be wise and honored- he is scared and confused. The people who gave him the job told him he needs bravery and that it will be painful. The Giver gives Jonas memories of times when there was war, hunger and also happiness, love. Jonas is getting all these memories, colors. Not only are they bad but they are good too. Jonas wants others to feel it to, but it is now gone. Jonas wanted to leave this world of sameness. Jonas leaves with Gabriel, a Newborn who is to be Released. Jonas goes away from all the sameness to a world of everything.

1. different

2. A world with pain and love/warmth is better than a world without both.

3. Jonas: confused, thoughtful, different
  The Giver: wise, thoughtful, happy

4. I think the part in which Jonas and Gabriel hear music, people singing, something that was also forgotten was memorable. The Giver said that his favorite memory was music and when he was about to give it to Jonas, Jonas said, "No. You keep it." The Giver and Jonas both had the memory of music.

I found this memorable because I think it was very kind of Jonas to let the Giver keep that memory, the part in which Jonas heard music was also memorable because it was the end.


5. The author is trying to "give" you the message that even if pain is bad and it hurts, we would have love. People took away all that to make things perfect and easy for them, but in order to know what is good, there needs to be a bad. When Jonas asks his parents, "Do you love me?" They say, "Precision of language please. The word "love" is very generalized and is so meaningless that it's become almost obsolete."

6. I would rate this book a 10+ if possible because it had such meaning and I loved it. It had a wonderful plot, beginning and ending.

7.
Beginning: Jonas is chosen as the Receiver.


Climax: Jonas learns love and pain.


Ending: Jonas runs from the world of sameness to a world of love and pain.