Reader Response Blog Assignment-write about the lead and setting of your book

6^th Grade Reader Response Blog Entry

Due Thursday, September 22nd

You are creating a new post for your new book.  Be sure to put the title of your new book in the title box!  I have included student examples for you to use a guide.

In the first paragraph include: ·      Title and author of book ·      Explanation about why you chose the book ·      Discuss the lead—how does the author pull you into the story? Does the author use dialogue, have action or is a character thinking.  Why do you think the author chose to start the story this why?  Use specific examples when you talk about the lead. ·      Make two predictions about the story so far. In the second paragraph:    Write about the setting: ·      Where does this story take place?  Describe it in a couple sentences. ·      When did this story take place?  How do you know? ·      Have you ever been to a place like this? If so, tell about it.  If not, would you like to go to a place like this? Why or why not. ·      Which part of the story best describes the setting? Share a quote that shows the setting.  Explain why you chose it.    Talk about whether you like the book so far.  Why or why not.

Student Models:

The book that I am reading right now is called Monster and Walter Dean Myers wrote it. I chose this book because I asked Mr. Szeliga for a book recommendation, and I wanted the book to be realistic fiction. He gave me Monster and so far this has been a really enjoying book. One thing that I really like about this book is that it's written like it was supposed to be a movie. The lead of my book started of with Steve Harmon in jail and he says,” the best time to cry is at night, when the lights are out and someone is being beaten up and screaming for help."(Pg.1) I thought that this was an interesting way to start the book, and I started generating questions instantly. Shortly after he explained himself he went into how he was writing this book as if it was going to be a movie.          The book takes place in New York City. Harlem New York to be exact. The book mainly takes place in two areas. Monster takes place in a courtroom and in a jail, but they didn't specify what jail the book takes place in. I can tell that this book is taking place in modern times because the technology is similar to what we use as of right now. The only time I was at a jail was to look at it from the outside and I never actually went in. We just stopped to look at the jail and then we left. I noticed that once we got next to the jail our phones stopped working. The jail was pretty intimidating, but I think it would be cool to go and see another jail and actually get a tour the next time I go. My story is being told in a couple of different ways. A majority of the book is written just like a movie would be written. There is a lot if dialog, and there are places when they have fade out and closeups. They write all of those things, even sensory details. Occasionally there would be times when Steve would write letters. I think that this was a very interesting twist and I've never read a book that is written like this.

I am reading Finding Alaska by John Green. I chose to read this book because I read The Fault In Our Stars also by John Green and I loved it. I figured I would give another on of his books a try. The story starts out with Miles/Pudge talking about going away to Culver Creek boarding school in Alabama. I think that the author chose to start the book with the character thinking because he wanted to set up for the rest of the story and we get to know Pudge a little. What pulls you into the story is the strong voice that John Green seems to use in his books to captivate the reader. The lead itself was not particularly interesting but the laid back voice of Pudge shines through nicely. "To say that that I had low expectations would be to understate the matter dramatically. I was more or less forced to invite all my "school friends," i.e., the ragtag bunch of drama people and English geeks I sat with by social necessity in the cavernous cafeteria of my public school, I knew they wouldn't come."(pg.3) I think that they with get caught after doing the prank and that something bad will happen to Alaska.      The story takes place at Culver Creek Boarding School in Alabama. It a normal high school with not very luxurious dorms and a lot of outdoor space for the students. The story takes place in present time because the ways of life seem to be very similar to present day. I have never been to boarding school and do not plan to go away for high school.  Pudge tells the story. I think that is is was a good choice by John Green because he tells you his thoughts and emotions, which makes the story more interesting.  I am really enjoying the book because I like the characters and really want to find out what happens.