Friday, December 14, 2007

Natalies Birthday

(From Ben) Today, we are reading chapters 33 and 34. It tells us that Natalie’s birthday was the day before the meeting. They have many questions at the beginning, but one stands out:
Should we celebrate Natalie’s birthday?
Do you think it was a good idea, or will it lead to more trouble?

I noticed that the first person asked was piper. It is obvious that Moose was not very happy about that. Do you think there is any particular reason that Moose did not want Piper besides the obvious?

I also noticed that Natalie wanted to invite Annie. I was wondering if you thought there was any particular reason for inviting her. It seems odd, considering she has not spent very much time with her.

During the birthday, Natalie is given a bag of buttons. Why do you think she was given it, if she had her buttons taken from her?

2 Comments:

Anonymous said...

The birthday party really reinforces how much a part of the group Nat has become. Have you noticed how Theresa is often the catalyst for the good in the group? When they had to go see the warden about the laundry scheme she insisted on going so that she could get them out of "trouble" and now that Nat is turning 16, Theresa thinks nothing of attending her party. On p.188, Theresa says, "Of course Natalie wants me, silly. We're friends!" The rest of the kids all see it as perfectly normal to be invited to the party. Only the Flanagans seem nervous. Makes you wonder if they are breaking old habits or worried about being caught.

Mr. Z said...

I am sure that Natalie's parents found the birthday party to be a very promising day.

When Natalie requested Theresa, her parents must have seen this as a very big step forward for her. They also must have been very gratified to see the way all of the kids treated her.

As for the buttons, kids know kids. Piper knew what Natalie liked the most. Piper seems so kind in these chapters. Is she up to something or just being a nice girl? ('Trust' and 'Piper' do not seem to go together well in my brain.)