Uglies

I finally got my book club! This week we had a task to think of our own inquiry question. My group came up with, What pressure does society put on the characters in our book? I thought this really connected to my book Uglies. This is about a girl named Tally who lives in a place where they say when yiu turn 16 you become pretty. She already lost her best friend who had turn pretty 3 months ago. They separate the uglies who live in Uglieville and the pretties in New Pretty Town. Tally was all by herself when she met a new friend. Her new friend does not want to turn pretty but Tally wants to be. Society pressures the characters to do things they don't want to do. All in all we think that you should not let others influence your choices and make your own ones.
You can tell at the beginning of the book there is something that holds Tally back, being pretty. Tally has always dreamed of the day she turned 16 and she would have a beautiful face. When she meets her new friend she starts to realize that being pretty isn't because she wants to be but what she is forced to do. In the book it seems that she wants to be pretty but i think its something more. For example one reason why I thinks she wants to be pretty is to have her best friend back. He totally ditched her and the only way to have him back is to turn pretty. Another reason why she wants to be pretty is to fit in. Pretties have no respect for the uglies and that can really lower you selfestem.I don't think its all about the looks for Tally its about finding out where she stands.
This book really influences me. I think it teaches you that you dont have to do what others tell you to do but do what you want. I think it also teaches you that you should accept everyone because it doesn't matter what you look like. If I were Tally I would feel the same way. You want to fit in but in the end you just want to have something. I also find that alot in young adult fiction. The characters always want something. Don't let others influence you.

Best Friends

So I'm right about done with Alice In-Between last week I talked about how Alice wanted to grow up but this week I'm writing about supporting characters. A very important part of the book is Alice's two bestfriends Pamela and Elizabeth. Since Alice's mother died I think they play a big role in the book.
Alice's is in a family of 2 boys. Her brother and her dad. So it's hard to talk about girl stuff like boys or friendship problems because she doesn't have a mom. But that's where Pamela and Elizabeth step in. For most of the book Pamela and Elizabeth have been in every part. I think it's really hard for Alice to express her feelings to her family because she knows they won't understand. I think if Alice didn't have Pamela or Elizabeth it would be really frustrating and upsetting knowing you have to keep all these things to yourself. Throughout the book you could really tell that Alice would be there for her bestfriends and they would be there for her. For example when Pamela was really upset because there was gum in her hair and she had it get her long hair cut, Elizabeth and Alice were right by her side.
I can really relate because pic have two bestfriends that I know will always be by my side. Sometimes I can't or don't want to tell my family something I can always trust them. I think it is really important to have bestfriends in your life because they can make such  an impact on you. They can give you advice cheer you up and you can trust them with anything. Bestfriends can help you in life and you should never let friendships go. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have my bestfriends. My days would not be as happy and my life would not be complete.

Grown Ups

I just started reading Alice In-Between by Phyllis Renolds Naylor. It is about a 13 year old  named Alice who doesn't know if she's still a kid or am adult. I just started reading it but I can tell  there is already a big set back for the character. Is Alice an adult meaning she has to start acting like one or is she still a child wanting to be a grown up.

 On the title of the book it says, "How grown-up does Alice want to be?" Even before reading this you can get a sense of what might hold back Alice. For example in the book it's Alice's brother forgets her birthday! So she decides that he would take her to a fancy play ans dinner. After she is already she looks in the mirror she realizes how grown up she is. This is were Alice realizes that she isn't a little kid anymore. So Alice is now excited she is finally a grown up. but does Alice realize what being a grown up means. After Alice's mother dies she realizes she has to become a grown up and is not a little kid anymore


I think this book can be to a lot of Tweens just like me. They hit the nail right on the head because I know that sometimes I want to be an adult and do what I want and not be babied around. But time and time again I change my mind because I don't want to grow up. It's different when you want to me  be more mature but sometimes getting ahead of yourself can be bad. You shouldn't rush to be a grown up because soon you will be one and it might now be so great. Being a grow up means that you have to be the one making hard decicions or staying strong in a situation. Don't grow up too fast.

Hildy Changes. Character Change!

Currently I am reading the book Peeled. It is about a young girl named Hildy trying to become a journalist. Hildy wants to write a captivating article to catch the peoples eyes but all people are talking about is the towns ghost. Hildy's late dad always use to tell her that it is really risky to write about something you can't prove. So Hildy tries to prove it. This is such an hard task and Hildy feels as if she should just write any other article about the ghost. But is Hildy going to stay to her roots and remember what her dad told her or is she going to try to get attention for something she is not proud of.
 At the very beginning of the book I thought Hildy had a lot of potential. She tried to please her dad and family. She was a very mature girl that wanted to be good at what she did, which was writing. When Hildy first heard about the ghost she wasn't interested even though it was what everyone was talking about. Sure Hildy wanted the attention but she didn't want to go against  what a real writer would do which was write about something she couldn't prove. I think that's what set aside Hildy from any other characters I have read about. She didn't do anything she could to get what she wanted. Instead she worked harder. She tried to solve the problem by interviewing people. Hildy was a really hard worker, ya she was upset at times when her article was not talked about because of the big ghost ones but that was okay for her because she knew she was writing true things. Hildy really believed in herself.
 But later on in the book you started to see Hildy get weaker. Her confidence started going down. Hildy started to get fustrated because it seem now that nobody cared about the truth. They just wanted to get to the juicy stories. I felt bad for Hildy because no one was paying attention to her. I started to notice that Hildy stared changing. She was now curious to find out about the news and the stories. Almost as if she left all what she was trying to find. I think this new thought in Hildy's mind is going to hurt her as a person. I think this because what made her a strong and good character is that she stuck with what she thought was right. But now it seems as if she is just going into the crowd. I hope Hildy turns around and follows her old direction so that what is working hard on isn't a complete fail.

Through My Eyes, Memoir

Melissa Longo                                                                                           11/6/13

                                                     MEMOIR

“ That poor man, let’s go help him Mom.”

  Left, right, left, left, right, left. I counted the pattern of my feet while I looked down at my worn out black boots. My neck was craned and my brown hair dark as chocolate fell in front of my face hiding my sky blue eyes. My skin had turn from a nice warm glow to a ghost like pale. My cheeks were rosy. It was a chilly November afternoon. My mom dragged me out of the house because for some reason she thought that it would be much more fun to take a walk to the grocery store when it was at least 50 degrees outside then to be sitting in your nice heated house glued to the TV, surfing the internet, wearing cozy socks, talking on the phone with your bestfriend, all while stuffing the left over Halloween candy that you haven’t consumed yet into your mouth. But as a 7 year old I didn’t have much of a choice.

   The fall season was coming to an end. The last of the colorful leaves started falling joining all the others that turned an ugly shade of brown and had dried up.  The life that was once in them had completely died. My eyes started to tear and my hands became numb. I held on to my mother as we tried to push against the brutal wind. My mom’s hair was pushed back and her nose was pink. Through my blurry vision due to the tears I could see the grocery store and a sigh of relief ran through my body. I thought of the warm sun and remembered laying on a beach towel while my skin turned golden bronze. I couldn’t wait for the warmth the supermarket would give. As a huge breeze came towards our way, leaves flew in the air going up and down almost like a bird. I felt something land on my head. I took the hand that was resting in my pocket and reached up to my hood. I felt a thin material and realized it was one of the leaves. I brought the leaf down to look at it. The leaf was one of the few I had seen that was still a rich red and yellow color. My eyes danced as I looked at the leaf. I looked at all the complex colors like the yellows and oranges.  I looked at the light brown stem and all the branches that were sprouting out of it. The leaf reminded me of a puzzle. The eye could only make out the image if all the pieces were put together. As if it were only seconds from when I had first noticed the leaf it was swept away.  I hadn’t realized how fast our pace had gotten but we came to a halt while we waited for the light. I was so captivated by the leaves that. I hadn’t been hearing a call that was repeating.

  “Can someone please help me.”  I heard a faint voice. I searched for the speaker. Finally I saw a man not old very old on the opposite side of the street. He had silver hairs like one a wizard might have. He had pale skin just like mine, you could see the veins that ran through him, they were a deep blue and purple color. He was wrinkly and his eye lids drooped over his panicked hazel eyes. His pointy triangular nose stuck far out. His hand was clutched around a long plastic stick, his knuckles were white, his fingers were long. I stared at the man and he stared at me. I would blink but he wouldn’t. My eyes were slightly closed but his were wide and alert. Then I put all those clues together and I realized it.

This man was blind.

“Can someone help me cross the street.” I could hear a sense of urgency in his voice. He wore a hunter green coat and black dress pants.

  “Please I need to get home.” In school our teachers always told us to  help others when you could. People walked by him quickly but quietly as if they didn’t want the man to hear them. There eyes narrow like a cat. There hearts hollow as a balloon. Then I realized that I was one of those by passers just staring at him not actually helping him.

“That poor man lets go help him mom.” The words fell out of my mouth and I didn’t realize it but those were strong words that were going to stick in my head forever.

  When I was really young I had a teacher named Ms. Garcia. She taught me at a very young age to put others in need in front of your self. She also told me to always help the people that needed help. Ms Garcia left the school 2 years ago. I wonder she is doing now and how she was spending her life. Ms. Garcia didn’t just teach me my ABC’s but also taught me how t be a better person.

  “Don’t worry Melissa we will.” So what I was cold, I bet this man would rather be cold then be blind. I wasn’t cold anymore. I was angry that no one wanted to help him. The light turned green and I walked fast. The brutal wind was blowing hard but we were pushing harder. We reached the sidewalk where the man was still standing. My mom approached him.

“Excuse me sir, would you like some help?” My mom spoke soft and gentle not wanting to startle the man.

“Oh yes, thank you so much ma’am.” The man’s face brighten up a little and I could tell by that one little action my mom and I made the right decision to help him. My mom slowly reached for his bicepe and tightened her grip. “Thank you so much.” The man kept repeating. I smiled.

  My mom is a strong woman. She is easy going but still strict. She makes me fell safe and her protection is something I couldn’t live without. I just wanted to say to the man that you are in good hands, my mom will help you.

 “I’m Cathy.” My mom had said. The crossing of the street turned into helping him walk down the block. But I didn’t mind.

 “I’m David.” He answered quietly. He was open but he still was a little shy.

 “And this is my daughter Melissa.” I felt shy but I spoke a small hello.

 “This means so much to me.” He told us. “No one would help me and I was so hopeless so thank you.”

  “You’re Welcome!” I erupted I started to get comfortable with the stranger. I felt so attached. Questions were racing around in my mind. I couldn’t imagine how you have to live your life like this. I could tell how grateful the man was and I wish the walk didn’t have to end because I felt so good about my deed.

Finally he told us that he had it from here and he didn’t need our help anymore. I was sorta disappointed because I had really enjoyed talking to him. He said thank you and million more times. And we said goodbye. Mom and I watched as he hobbled down the street his stick leading the way. He was alone but I don’t think he was lonely. I smiled and watched the man until he turned the corner. I would never see him again

  I don’t know what happened to David. He was so nice and humble and I could never get him out of my mind. I wander what he was thinking when we said goodbye. And I always think about that event when I help someone out because it makes me feel good.

Background Information Helps Us Learn More About The Story

Currently I am reading the book Peeled by Joan Bauer. They story is about a girl named Hildy who is a young reporter trying to show her ability to becoming a journalist. She wants to write a captivating article on a big story but the only big story in her town is about a ghost! Hildy is very hesitant to write about the topic because she can't prove anything. A strong article and true facts are very important to Hildy because not only does she want to prove that she can be a journalist but to please and make her late dad proud. Her dad was a journalist and she wants to follow in his foot steps. I'm not that far into the book but I think I found a conflict that's going to set back the main character from her goal. Is Hildy going to let go of what she has been working hard for to make a false article that will get peoples attention or will she stick to her work  and tell people the truth.

The author uses a lot of background information in this book. Lots of the conflicts are based off information about the characters. For example Hildy is really hesitant to write about the big story even if it might make her dream come true because when the author introduce the background of her and her dads relationship you got a sense of her conflict. An example is when people urged Hildy to write about the ghost with unproved facts she decided not to because her dad always told her not to write something she couldn't prove. Another example of the author taking background information to add to the conflict is the story about a little girl from the town who was hit by a bike. This is an important piece of information because they say how things like that never happened in their sweet town. They also connect this on how since that accident lots of weird things have been happening. I have heard about this nugget of information a lot and probably will hear more about it.

I think the background information the author is giving is going to be very useful to the mystery but also to us. I think this because we are going to understand why characters do certain things and how they are going to fix things. I also think it is going to reveal more about the characters especially Hildy because throughout the book we are going to find out alot about how her father influenced her and her decisions. As well as what she is going to do to get peoples attention. And whats going to hold her back.

You Have To Stuggle For Happy Endings

This week I read the Daily News. I don't normally read this but a certain article caught my eye. The article was called "New Leash On Life." Due to the one year anniversary of hurricane sandy they wanted to see the pets journey through the very rough year. Lots of animals sadly didn't make it but others were given a second chance. What seemed to be called lucky wasn't really true. Some animals were sick and badly injured. But that didn't mean that the pets would never be the same. Many found a home where they were able to be loved again. They went through struggles but they had very happy endings.

Lots of people don't really think about how much the animals or pets of love ones struggled. Animals such as dogs and cats went through a scary experience so not only people suffered. In the article they talked about how people found animals left alone in all the rubble  or floating on a piece of wood. One example is this, "It was sink or swim for six newborn kittens who were left without a paddle in a heart-wrenching battle for survival." The story went on to tell us that only one kitten was alive and that she was able to recover. Now this article wasn't only about  how the animals struggled but how they were able to recover and survive. I can't imagine going through such a scary experience and being so hopeless. The animals that were found alive seemed lucky but they had to struggle to survive. One dog named Sasha was left alone when her family had to evacuate. They had to give up their beloved dog and hope that she would be okay. Sasha was barely ably to survive and when going to an animal shelter she was so depressed. Another quote is "Within days, the pooch lost hair from stress and contracted a vicious kennel cough." Sasha was saved but still had such a. Struggle to become the dog she used to be.

This article really made me look at the situation in a different way. I realized that animals were very badly affected and no one took a lot of interest in the issue. But it's true. Animals suffered as badly as people. So many lost their homes and  family members. Many sadly died and were neverd found. Some struggled to survive but they ran out of time. But the most affected animals were the ones that were found and given a second chance. The lucky animals that soon had to face the hardships coming  their way. After the storm the struggle to survive didn't end. Lots of animals found lovely homes where they be loved. But others are still hopeless and lost. I don't know how I would cope like some of these animals did but it's truly amazing.

Two Different Worlds. Upfront!

This week I read an article in the Upfront  magazine. A story that caught my eye was "Crossing The Racial Divide." The article was about an American family decided that they were going to live in South America for a month. The family of four wanted too see how the people of  South Africa lived in the coldest month, August without heat and running water.

When the "white" family arrives the people of South Africa are confused. A quote from the article was "They said they wanted to see how we were living." This was said by a lady that lived in South America. The family also brought there two little kids. The Grandparents didn't want the children to go but the parents said that they wanted their children to experience the race and class. The people didn't realize why the family wanted to come to experience the life. They simply said " We are doing it to change ourselves." I think this is a really important because it shows the point of you the family has. They wanted to change the way they did things.

After reading this article I can find a more meaningful message about the people in America and the people in Africa. We, the people of America look at life like its an easy thing. For example if we were a little chilly we can simply go turn a knob on the wall and we can feel warm. But in other places you can't do that. It's hard realizing that some people aren't as fortunate as we are. And I think that was the family that went to South Africa goal was. To try to take back all the thing we have and look at life in a different way. In the end you realize that with so much of the stuff we have like computers or heat and food that we don't think we need to help one another. When the family moved to Africa they were able to see that the people there relied on each other and helped one another out. They were a community. The family was able to realize that since we have so much stuff that people forget that they have each other.

Being the Character. Spoilers Included!

I completed The Fault In Our Stars! Before I read this book I had heard such good things about it. So I thought it would be a great time to read it. The book is about a girl name Hazel who struggles with lung cancer finds a boy and falls in love with him. They read a book and the want to find the author so he could tell them the ending.
 Throughout the book Hazel goes through hard times and some of the best times. Even though I dont have cancer I can relate to her alot. John Green, the author really gets into a teenagers mind. In the book John shows Hazel throughout her hard times. For example when she had to go into the hospital the first thing she thought was "I look so ugly,I hope Augustus didn't see me." I really like this line because it shows that even if Hazel has cancer she is still your average teenager. I think that is what Hazel wants most in this book, to have a normal teenager life and to have a perfect relationship with the boy she likes.You also see Hazel in the best times of her life. For example she is able to have the time of her life when she gets to go with Augustus to Amsterdam. I like how in this book there are alot of different emotions.
 In the book there are so many emotions but when reading this book I went through alot of emotions as well. when Hazel spoke at Augustus funeral it tugged at my heart strings. I really like this book because you feel like your part of the story. You become part of Hazel and you go through her struggles and you get to feel happy when she is happy. I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to look through another pair of eyes because after reading this book, I look at life in a whole new way.

Augustus SPOLIER ALERT!!!!!!!

In The Fault of Our Stars by John Green a girl name Hazel who has lung cancer falls in love with a boy named Augustus. Augustus had dated a girl with cancer before and she had died. Hazel soon finds out but feels like she doesn't want to fall in lov with Augustus because she doesn't want to hurt him. (By dyeing). When in Amsterdam Hazel finds out that Augustus has cancer throughout his whole body. Soon the strong boy she loved has become weak.

I chose to write about how much Augustus cared about Hazel by trying to stay strong for her even though he was sick as well. In the book I feel that Augustus puts his life a side to make Hazel's better. Literally. Augustus put his cancer aside to help Hazel's. Hazel and Augustus have such an amazing relationship that even cancer can't ruin it. Throughout the story the two teenagers help each other out. They chase there dreams together, read AIA together and be happy with each other. I think Augustus plays such a huge role in this book because he helps Hazel become herself and be a normal teenage girl. If it weren't for Augustus I don't think Hazel would ever open up and try to be herself.

Augustus expresses his love to Hazel in a way no one else can. In this book I think the message is you can't die without being loved. I feel that if  you die no matter what you will always be loved no matter what. In this book Augustus shows that if you fight for someone else it makes your life better. Augustus show that you shouldn't always put yourself first but try to help others. Hazel had an amazing best friend that was there for her and when he needed her she was there for him. Augustus  did whatever he could for Hazel even if that meant taking his own life.

Author Uses Craft To Reveal Character

For the past couple of days I have been reading  The Fault In Our Stars. It is a book about a 16 year old girl name Hazel who has lung cancer. So far on what I read she feels different. Then a boy name Augustas comes and joins this help group that has kids that battle with cancer in it. Hazel of course thinks he is very attractive and he decides he wants to be friends with Hazel.

I haven't read that much of it but I already can tell that the Author uses lots of craft to reveal character. This book is told in first person through the eyes of Hazel. One example of author's craft that reveals character is the sarcastic tone he uses. When using the sarcastic tone you can get a sense of the personality that Hazel has. Another way that author uses craft to reveal characters is the way he makes Hazel feel about herself. Using imagery you are able to see that Hazel is very insecure because of the way she looks. I think this is going to play an importent role in this book because it seems that when she finds herself hanging around with Augustus she feels more comfortable.

The author also reveals character using literary devices. Literary devices include internal thinking, action, dialogue, and imagery. In the book you can really notice that Hazel does a lot of internal thinking about how she feels. This also is very importent because my seeing in the eyes of Hazel we can get thoughts and how she feels. Another literary device that is super importent in this book is dialogue. This is meaningful because Hazel goes to a center where she talks about her feelings which is very useful to get to know about her and her relationship with the other characters.

MY NAME PIECE

                                               My name

My name is like a soggy bowl of oatmeal. Soft, mushy, bland, and cold. My name is like a piece of mint flavored gum. Starts off with lots of flavor but then gets boring and dry. My name is pretty, soft, calm and gentle. I’m not really sure what I think of my name.

When my mom was pregnant with my older brother she was going to name him Melissa. Maybe if he turned out to be a girl I would have had a different name.  M-E-E-L-L-L is the first part of my name. I like how it rolls on the tongue. I-S-S-S-S-A. The end of my name reminds me of a closing statement. Stretched out. As if you could only here that much and you had to think of me in someway. When I was little I had the nickname of Missy. I used to love the name and wish it could be my real name. I’m kind of happy I didn’t change it because at the end of Missy there is a hanging letter, which is a Y. Hanging letters really irritate me.

I have always wanted to change my name. But when ever I try to think of possibilities nothing comes to mind. Lola. Claire, Jane or maybe Catherine. But when I would think of it I would shake my head. I guess Melissa fits me. The best thing about my name is when my crush’s pitch goes higher at the end of the A. M-E-L-L-I-S-S-A-H! I mean it sounds pretty good.

My Name Piece

                   Reading Response: The Karma Club by Jessica Brody

This summer i decided to read The Karma Club by Jessica Brody. It's about 3 girls who decide to get revenge on their  ugly, evil, boyfriends who broke their hearts. So when the main character Maddie finds out her boyfriend is in a relationship with the most popular girl in school she knows she has to get revenge. Because for some reason karma isn't getting back at him. So her and her 2 best friends start planning all different kinds of things that they know are going to ruin there "ex's" lives.They call it The Karma Club. Where they write in a notebook all their dirty secrets and sneeky plans. But just as things seem to be going  as planned it turns out that Karma can backfire. And what you thought was right wasn't was you expected to be.

I really liked this book. To begin with I am not the most enthusiastic about reading but this book was really something i enjoyed reading. I liked how i could relate to a lot of things. For example i was able to relate to the girls friendship and how they all stuck together as a team just like my friends. I think Jessica Brody really nailed it with the personalities of the girls. She really was able to imagine in a teenager's mind when writing this book. I also liked the book because it had a little bit of humor in it which personally i like because it makes the book more enjoyable to read. While reading this I was able to have a clear image in my mind. This book was also really cool because it was super interesting because you didn't know if the plan was going to work out or not and it was fun seeing all the planning and then watching it unfold almost like i was one of the characters. Overall i really liked this book and I would totally recommend to want's to read realistic. I give this book a 9.5. So go read it!

Bye!