Speak

Ariel,
You have been reading Speak for a while. Could you give me a summary of what you're read so far? What do you like about the book? What don't you like about the book?

Cleopatra

Robby, you've been reading Cleopatra for some time now. Can you write 5 sentences about what the story is about? Also, tell me what you like and don't like about the book.

The Unspoken

Why do you think people get caught up in cult life? What things can attack people to into joining a cult? What could people be looking for if they want to join a cult? Many of you argue that religion is a type of a cult. Do you agree or disagree? Why?


3-6-09

How do you suppose cults began? Who do you think get caught up in cult life? Why? In the book, why do you think Allison has the nightmare? What do you think happened to Emma?

3-13-09

Why do you think the characters in the story are so fearful of Jacob Crawley, the cult's leader? Do you think Jacob is responsible for all of the "accidents" that are taking place in the book with the formers members of the cult? Explain...I am also curious about some of your comments from the other day when you said that any religion is a cult. Could you talk a bit more about that? Do you really feel that organized religion is the same or similar to a cult? I am very interested in your thoughts!

3-27-09

We read the article in People Magazine about the religous group in Texas. Do you think there are any similarities or any differences between the two groups? What is your opinion about the religous group in Texas?

5-1-09

Please write a literature critique on the novel The Unspoken:

Swallowing Stones

In Swallowing Stones, the inciting indecent is when Michael shoots the gun off in the air. Since that moment, how many lives have been altered? Was everyone's life altered or changed? In what way? We also learn about two different perspectives Jenna's and Micheal's. Why does the author do this? if you knew the entire story, how would you react as parents? As their friends? How do yo think the law should handle things? How will lives change when the truth comes out, because it always does.


3-6-09

What do you think will be the biggest discrepency in the perspectives of the kids in the book? Why do you think the teens in the story have such an awkward time being around each other? What do you think is the hardest thing about being a teenager? Why do you think that?

3-13-09

How do you think Michael feels with his world closing in on him? Do you think he'll just admit to what he did or will he keep digging himself a deeper hole? Also, what about his friend Joe? How do you think he'll react to being put on the spot? Would he tell what really happened? How will the parents react? How about the community?

3-27-09

In Swallowing Stones the story is coming to a climax. Explain how the author is making this happen. Do you think the boys will admit to shooting the gun off? How do you think the people in the community will react once they find out the truth? What punishment do you think the boys will receive? Should it be the same? Different?

5-1-09

Please write a literature critique on Swallowing Stones:

The Unspoken 2-11-09

We have just begun The Unspoken. The author is trying to give us background on the characters and setting. Read up to chapter 4. What do we know thus far? What questions do you have? How much background do you think is needed before an author jumps into the heart of the story?

Swallowing Stones 2-11-09

In the book, the point of view is changing. Read chapter 14 to yourself. How does the point of view from the 1st half of the book differ from the 2nd half of the book. Why do you think the author does this? What does this say about peoples' perspectives in different situations?