School of Dad

Chapter 10 - Manzanar

2009-05-14T13:08:00.002-04:00

In Chapter 10, Ansel Adams takes photographs at the Mazanar relocation camp for Japanese Americans during World War II. Many people did not understand his approach to taking the pictures. Though he was opposed to the relocation, his photos did not attempt to capture the bleak existence that the internees must have felt. Instead he showed them successfully adapting to the challenges they faced. It could easily be said that these photos had a propoganda quality about them. But as Ben said, he was not trying to trick people into believing it was OK there. He was trying to show that these families were just like everyone elses families - "they were not enemies".

Chapter 9 - Michael: Interested or bored?

2009-05-08T10:44:00.004-04:00

Ben and I liked different quotes from today’s chapter about the taking of one of Adams most popular images: Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico.

Ben liked it when Adams said, “Sometimes I think I do get to places just when God’s ready to have somebody click the shutter!”

I liked Adams response to being criticized for not including people in his images: “… there were always two people in his pictures: the photographer and the viewer.”

As a non-photographer, I had never considered the importance of what takes place in the darkroom. I had always seen the ’picture’ as being captured at the moment the shutter was opened. I was thinking about how Adams would have ‘processed’ the same shot today from a digital image. It took him nearly 30 years to get the print that captured his visualization of the moment. With some Photoshop skills he could have easily manipulated the image in a few hours. Additionally, the initial image would not have needed to be nearly as close to the printed image.

I wonder if/where Adams would have drawn the processing line.

Ben and I both wondered what 8 year old Michael was thinking as he traveled with his father. It is ‘romantic’ to think he would have loved the adventure but I cannot help but think that he would have been very bored stuck in the back seat of a dusty hot car. Hours of driving and looking, followed by tedious setup followed by a few captured images – then back in the car. I wonder what visualization of the ‘moonlight’ moment Michael carried with him into his life and how that compared to the image produced nearly 30 years later that best captured Ansel’s vision.

Chapter 8 - anti-Yosemite

2009-05-05T09:57:00.003-04:00

Adams seems to me like a pretty confident guy but he was definitely not feeling that way as he walked the streets of New York to the gallery of Alfred Stieglitz. He was intimidated by the city - which must have seemed like everything that Yosemite was not. (Remember how the Futurists of the early 20th century - like Gino Severini - were creating art glorifying industrialization? I was thinking that a picture of New York City would be a futurists counterpart to Adams photos of Yosemite.)

He reached a turning point in his professional life when he decided not to go back to Steiglitz' office but his wife presuaded him to do it.

Can you list some of the turning points - moments that changed the course of Adams life - that we have read about so far?

The thing about turning points is that we are usually not aware that we have reached one at the moment we make the choice. Can you think of an example of something you did in your life that significantly changed your future - but you did not anticipate that at the time?

Back At It

2009-04-29T21:13:00.001-04:00

A variety of distractions got us off track but we getting back on track with Ansel again.

Chapter 6 - History

2009-04-23T10:54:00.003-04:00

Ansel and Virginia Adams were married January 2, 1928. What other things happened in the world on that day?

Can you find a newspaper frontpage online from that day?

Chapter 5 - John Muir

2009-04-21T14:14:00.002-04:00

Today, April 21st - the day before Earth Day, is John Muir's birthday. He sounds like he was a very interesting character. (As a Wisonsinite, I appreciate the many things he did before moving to California.) He died in 1914 so he never met Ansel Adams.

Chapter 5 shows an evolution of the Sierra Club from the early years as an organization advocating exploration, to an organization focused on conservation.

In Chapter 5 we also saw a new side of Adams. What did we learn about his personality?

Chapter 4 - Quotes

2009-04-16T14:55:00.003-04:00

I found two statements in Chapter 4 revealing.

The first was on page 29 where Adams said, "Photographers are, in a sense, composers, and the negatives are their scores." I like the quote because he is comparing his experience as an aspiring pianist to his other love of photography. I also like what it says about photography. It would be easy to think that the photography takes place at the moment that the shutter button is pressed. In today's digital age where the negative has been removed from the process (though some still shoot to film), it is interesting to think of Adams sitting at his computer processing a photo with Photoshop. I wonder where/if he would draw the line on that.

I also appreciated the statement on the next page, "He emphasized that he was not trying to duplicate reality, but to make a work of art." It must have been clear to him early in his experience as a photographer that there was nothing he could produce that would replace the impact of standing on the spot next to the camera. I wonder if the limitations of the medium was frustrating to him. This statement would indicate he understood and accepted those limitations.

In the early years of Adams career, photography was not considered art. What argument do you think Adams would have made to try to change people's minds?

Chapter 3 - Eye Opener

2009-04-14T19:41:00.003-04:00

Ben and I were discussing the moment in Chapter 3 when Adams saw Yosemite for the first time. He had wanted to go there after reading about it in the book, "In the Heart of the Sierras" by J.M. Hutchings. It is not noted if the book contained any picture, but even if it did, they certainly could not have matched his first view of the valley. "He was overcome with awe".

Can you write about a moment when you were 'overcome with awe'?

Chapter 3 - Math Question

2009-04-13T20:48:00.002-04:00

On page 19, in the discussion of the Adams' first bus ride into Yosemite, it says the bus rose "two thousand feet in ten miles". What was the percent grade of that road?

Chapter 3 - Camera Obscura

2009-04-13T10:52:00.002-04:00

Adams is kept in a dark room as he recuperates from the measles. It must have been incredibly boring. He noticed a light from the top of his window produced a projection on the ceiling that showed the outside world. This is similar to a Camera Obscura. By allowing light through a small point into a darkened room, we can produce an image from the outside. The image is upside down. Ben tells me that is the same way our eyes work - with our helpful brain flipping the image over for us without even asking. With my understanding of how a Camera Obscura works, what Ben is telling me makes sense. So Ben, why is the image upside down in the first place?

This looks like a fun experiment so we are going to make a Camera Obscura in the best place to do so in our house - Ben's Bedroom.

Chapter 3 - Connections?

2009-04-13T08:50:00.000-04:00

Read chapter three and make a list of people, places, or events discussed that might be interesting to explore further.What items are the most interesting to you? What items would better help understand the context of the story?

Photo Project - Week 2

2009-04-13T06:44:00.003-04:00

Get a package of different colored clear report covers to use as filters to recreate Adams process for the Monolith picture. Place the camera on a tri-pod and take the same picture with at least four filters (red, yellow, blue, green). If possible take the picture on both a grey day and a sunny day.

- be sure to get a picture that includes sky.
- watch the camera settings. If using a 'auto' mode, does the filter change the settings?

Upload the pictures to Flickr:
- Original photo and Black & White copy.
- 4 filtered versions and the Black & White copy.

Create a 8 X 10 image in Fireworks. Arrange the color and b&w versions side-by-side. (Landscape page, 2 colors per page, four photos total per page.) Upload them to Walgreens and print a 8X10 copy of each.

Chapter 2 - Self Schooled

2009-04-08T09:56:00.002-04:00

The last World’s Fair held in the United States was in 1984 in New Orleans. I thought that they no longer occurred and was surprised to learn that there is a major fair scheduled for 2010 in Taipai (Taiwan) with the theme of “Garden and Horticulture”. It would be fair to say that recent World’s Fairs do not carry the same significance that they did earlier in the Century, as the 1915 Pan-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco did. The fair then represented a unique opportunity to showcase information from states, countries, and companies. Today information can travel much more quickly and in many forms not available in the 1915. (The first Transamerica phone call was placed during the 1915 Exposition.)

First Ansel Adams experienced the destruction of the 1906 Earthquake, and then he had the opportunity to see all the best the world had to offer at the 1915 Exposition. Ben and I saw the irony of a father sending his 12 year old son off for a day of self-schooling in this incredible venue. Adams had the curiosity and determination to take advantage of that opportunity.

Do you think the Earthquake or the Exposition had a more important impact on the man that Adams would become?

I am sure Ben’s flute playing would improve if he had a $70,000 flute, but I do not think I would encourage him to go out and buy one. Ansel’s father seems like a very interesting man. I am sorry the book does not explore him in more detail. (Quote liked: Ansel disliked practice but 'soon discovered play improved greatly when he worked hard'.)

Do you think the location that Ansel displayed his diploma said something about his work ethic?

Chapter 1 - Environment

2009-04-06T14:25:00.001-04:00

In Chapter ,1 we read about Ansel Adam's early life and formative experiences. The most significant event of his young life was the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906, when he was 4 years old. Probably more significant though was simply the place in which he lived. His home was on the north western edge of the city near what is now Baker's Beach. "He did not know what would have become of him if he had not been borne near the ocean."pg5. This location allowed him to engange his natural inquisitiveness and curiosity.

With that time 100 years removed from now, it is difficult for us to appreciate what his life was like then. Historical accounts of the earthquake give us a glimpse at that time, though he was only 4 years old 1906. He certainly remembered the quake but you wonder how those memories changed over time.

Ben and I were talking about a similar type of experience in his life. September 11th, 2001 occured when Ben was 5 years old. When someone writes a biography about Ben's life, will it be important for them to include that event? Why or Why Not.

How does learning about the earthquake help us to better understand Adam's life?

Photo Project - Week 1

2009-04-05T13:24:00.001-04:00

It will take us 6 weeks to read the book. Each week you will be assigned a different photo project. This week's project (due no later then 4pm, Saturday, 4/11) :

Create an account for yourself at http://www.flickr.com/
Pick a favorite / interesting object to photograph.
Take at least 10 different pictures of that object. By 'different' I mean any or all of the following: location, lighting, distance, setting, camera, etc.
Review the photos and choose the one that you feels best captures the object.
Upload at least 5 of the photos to your flicker account. Add comments to each photo that indicates what you like and do not like about it. Your favorite should be the last in the collection.
Return here and reply with a link to the flicker slideshow of your pictures.

About the Author

2009-04-05T10:52:00.000-04:00

In getting ready to read the book “Ansel Adam’s – America’s Photographer”, I started by looking for some information about the author. I could not find a personal website or much biographical information about her. I find that ironic because her career as an author has been primarily writing Biographies of others for a young reader audience.

In addition to Ansel Adams, she has written about people with varied backgrounds: Norman Rockwell (artist), Robert Louis Stevension (author), Jimmy Carter (US President), E.B.White (author), Sandra Day O’Connor (Supreme Court Justice), Agnes DeMille (dancer), and Georgia O’Keefe (artist).

What did they share? “They all had in common a gift for making a difference in the world around them.”
(http://www.arnenixoncenter.org/finding_aids/anc0004.htm)

About her work, and Ansel Adams specifically, she said,

I'm curious about people's lives. Some call me a terrible snoop because I love reading diaries and letters to discover the secrets within. I think that's why I write biographies.

In his eighty-two years, Ansel Adams wrote thousands of letters to his friends-- about his travels and what he was trying to accomplish in his photographs. His letters convinced me that he was a warm human being and a critical artist, always attempting to improve his work.

He worked hard, traveling the United States to record the natural world. He climbed the highest peaks in Yosemite and other national parks, photographing breathtaking sights. He returned to his darkroom, to carefully develop his negatives and artistically shape the scenes. His work has preserved these scenes and convinced presidents and environmentalists to protect our precious wilderness.

I am grateful that he also preserved his long, detailed letters so that I could learn from his words how he made his art.”
(http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/Beverly_Gherman_(1010598)_Article(1).htm)

Applewhites Archive

2009-04-05T09:55:00.000-04:00

Essential Questions

1. How can first impressions be deceiving?
2. How do emotions like fear or anger help us or hurt us in dealing with challenges?
3. Why is it essential to be allowed to develop as an individual?

Quotes:
"Publicity is Publicity....The important thing is to fill the seats."(Ch 26, p186)

"They might moan and groan and grouch and complain about how much there was to do, but they put everything else aside and did it."(Ch 24, p173)

"Passion is necessary in life. All of life. Meditating, working, cooking, eating. Especially Eating!"(Ch 20, p141)

"What gives you joy?....Once you know that, you will know what you want from an education...."(Ch 18, p123)

"I didn't do anything! I just feed him a little and pet him once in a while. Nobody else seems to take any notice of him at all." (Ch 16, p111)

Now that he thought about it, acting was what he had been doing all his life.(Ch 14, p98)

The Jake he knew, the Jake he had always been, was disappearing. And there was nothing - nobody - to put in his place.(Ch 12, p87)

Every last one of them lived to be the center of attention.(Ch 8, p70)

Bad Kid. Living up the that Label was what Jack did best.(Ch 6, p43)

Finished

2009-03-04T16:01:00.000-05:00

We finished reading the book a few days ago and have not returned to write about it. Ben enjoyed the book and is working on a picture - a first dinner and last dinner drawing of Jake and Destiny.

We will post it here soon.

The Show Will Go On

2009-02-23T13:42:00.000-05:00

(Ch 25&26)
While the rest of the Applewhites (as well as Jack) were fretting over the cancellation of the show, ED found a way for it to actually go on, purple eared 'Hans' and all. ED's creatively - while maybe not what we would normally consider 'artistic' - has saved the day.

It seems likely now that the show will actually be performed. What will the complications be? Any final predictions? Any loose ends that you would like to see tied up?

The Show Must Go On!

2009-02-19T14:06:00.000-05:00

(CH 23&24)
The signs are all indicating that the show will be canceled when Randolph notifies Mrs. Montrose that Priscilla will not have a shrieking part in the play. However, Chapter 24 ends with Jake convinced that the show will not die. His evidence? The Passion that the Applewhites have demostrated toward making this production successful make him beleive that they will find some way to make it happen.

What is the difference between 'liking' something and having a 'passion' for something? Can you state a personal example?

Spicing things up

2009-02-17T16:40:00.000-05:00

(Ch20-22)
So the fasting Guru turns out to me a great cook! I must say that I got rather hungry reading these chapters. (I will have to remember that Grape Koolaid cuts the heat trick.)

It is becoming clear that Jake may end up being the most normal person living on Wit's End.

I think it is also clear that ED is one of the smartest. I liked the way she quickly saved the Play from being canceled. She must be enjoying the work. Everyone is complaining about what they have to do to support Randolph but none of them want it canceled. What are their reasons?

These chapters seemed to be setting up something happening when as the girls 'audition' proceeds. Any prediction?

Epiphany

2009-02-12T10:31:00.000-05:00

(Ch 18 & 19)
In today's reading, ED experiences an epiphany. What is it? (Yes - start by looking up the word.)

At the beginning of Chapter 18 it says that Jake had 'finished gelling his hair' as he looks in the mirror to figure out if he can pass for 17. I was unclear if 'gelling his hair' meant he is still sporting the Mohawk. What do you think?

The transformation (dare I say metamorphosis) of Jake continues. What is happening with him? Is it believable? What would this suggest was at the root of his previous shocking behaviour?

Ego

2009-02-09T12:36:00.000-05:00

The word that came to mind as I read Chapters 16 & 17 was ‘Ego’. It is a word normally used in a negative way. I found the following definition on Answers.com (only one of 3 definitions is shown):
a. An exaggerated sense of self-importance; conceit.
b. Appropriate pride in oneself; self-esteem.

The meaning (a) was the one I was thinking about. It is easy to see how Randolph, Sybil, Cordellia, Archie and Lucille could be labeled as having big Ego’s. I would say that Zedediah could also be said to have a ego – but from the meaning (b).

But what about ED and Jake? I suggest that Jake came to the creative school with an (a) Ego and events are beginning to redefine his Ego as (b). Can you site events in Chapter 16&17 that would support this?

Also, I think the Author is using Winston as a symbol for something else going on in the story. Do you see a connection?

Skunked Dog

2009-02-06T10:25:00.000-05:00

(CH 13-15)
I laughed out loud when Zebediah asked ED (skipping the periods in E.D. from here on out) "Who Skunked your dog?"

(Can you think of any similar metaphors? i.e. My dad used to ask - "What got your underwear in a bundle?")

Many things are bothering ED. List them, with the one you think is bothering her the most at the top. Justify item #1.

Nice Hairdoo

2009-02-05T10:13:00.000-05:00

(Ch 11-12)
I enjoyed the images of Chapter 11, especially what must have been the look on Jake and E.D.s face when they reentered the school room. Jake had thought he have been pretty clever with Destiny but was proven very wrong!

When reading Chapter 12 I was reminded of the old philosophical question: "If a tree falls in the forest and nobody hears it, did it make a sound?"

Explain how this question is pertinent (meaning?) to Chapter 10.

Jack's destiny?

2009-02-03T10:02:00.001-05:00

(Ch 8-10) If Jack could get his mind off of the miserable food offerings, he could have learned a lot about the various Applewhites at dinner. What could he have learned about each family member? (either list each person or update the character tree).

I am starting to like Destiny. We have not definitively learned the source of his name. Any guesses?

(What do you think a bowl of Cheerios with Goat milk would taste like?)

Bad Kid

2009-02-02T10:57:00.000-05:00

Chapter 6 starts to bring a little depth to the character of Jake Semple. He has not said much so far, and what he has said has been rather 'Paulie'ish. In Chapter 6 we learn that he may be a little more contemplative (meaning?) then we would have thought from earlier Chapters.

What evidence do we see in Chapter 6 that would support and not support labeling Jake a 'bad kid'?

Chapter 7 brings some other characters to life a little. There seems be some significant inter-family tensions. Can you give some examples?

Family Tree

2009-01-27T14:18:00.000-05:00

After reading the first two chapters we put together a little family tree.
(Click on the image for a better view)

Get Reading

2009-01-26T19:17:00.001-05:00

We will read the first couple of chapters of Surviving the Applewhites on Tuesday. Many characters are introduced so we will be making a 'Applewhite Family Tree'.

A Day No Pigs Would Die Archive

2009-01-26T19:05:00.000-05:00

Characters
Robert Peck: Main Character, young boy
Pinky: Robert's pig from Mr. Tanner.
Haven Peck: Robert's father
Lucy Peck: Robert's mother
Carrie: Robert's Aunt
Benjamin Tanner: Neighbor
Aunt Mattie: family friend (not aunt), former english teacher
Edward Thatcher: kid that teased Robert

Phrases
(77) you look like a potato dug up on a rainy day
(74) I can't undo what's already ben did.
(70) your husband's kin=husbands relatives
(68) The sky's a good place to look, and I got a notions it's a good place to go.
(66) I'd give uppie for breakfast if I could of growed like she growed.
(64) didn't mean spit to to=meant nothing
(62) dont cotton to=do not like
(57) 'didn't have brains enough to dump sand out a boot.'
(53) 'because it sure gave her the vapors'=upset her
(48) 'if'n I'm not to home come chore time, Hell won't have it.'
(45) 'be there until Hell froze and got hauled to the ice house'
(44) 'Papa wasn't one to smile every year'
(42) 'didn't find it near as comely'=not as attractive
(38) 'simple as beans'
(37) 'we suffer the less for not paining with worldly wants and wishes'
(34) 'proud as pie'
(33) 'falsing a witness'=lying
(29) 'or I'd got skinned'=punished
(24) 'nervous as a longtail cat in a room full of rocking chairs'
(23) 'and in a Shaker household, there wasn't anything as evil as a frill.'
(21) 'it's not the Shaker way to take frills for being neighborly'
(20) 'clean as clergy'=very clean
(18) 'ready as rain'=very ready
(17) 'smell like Sunday morning'= smell clean/good
(14) 'disremember'= don't remember
(14) 'I don't cotton to'= don't want to
(13) 'I ought to lick you proper'= punish/beat
(13) 'I'm preferenced to'=I'd rather, prefer
(12) 'burdended me'= carried me
(11) 'clean as a cats mouth' = very clean
(11) 'holler out all the dirt'= bleed clean
(10) 'worse then proper' = badly
(10) 'We're beholding to you' = We owe you
(8) 'wrong as sin on Sunday' = very wrong
(6) 'hanging on to wait christmas'= held tightly
(5) 'got a purchase on' = got a hold of

Favorite Phrase
A good teacher does not lose her temper, no matter how stupid her pupils are. (Aunt Mattie, p58)

(related)"How was the first (english) lesson (with Robert)?""Next time, " said Aunty Matty,"I'll teach the pig."

Unfamiliar Words
blundersome=difficult/heavy
brood sow=used for breeding, not eating
capstan=leveraged axle
Goiter=Thyroid growth
Lammis (Table)=?
mirthful=funny
misdo=mistake
Muslin=Cotton cloth
Pomade=Hair 'grease'
remedy=bad medcine
Spruce Gum
Succotash=Bean Stew
Sumac Whistle
tomfool=crazy
tutor=tooter :)

Pinky's Fate

2008-11-24T09:08:00.000-05:00

We are reading the last two Chapters of “A Day No Pigs Would Die” today. Ben and I are convinced that Haven Peck will not survive until the end of the book. We are less certain about Pinky. Before reading, I would like Ben to contemplate three different endings:

The Hollywood ‘Feel Good’ ending
The ‘Cold Harsh Realities of Life’ ending
The ‘somewhere in the middle with a glimmer of hope’ ending

After briefly describing each, choose the one you think is most likely.

Foreshadowing

2008-11-21T06:53:00.000-05:00

(Kris asked the following as a response to the last post. I have elevated it to a post of its own.)

Foreshadowing is a literary term. Can you figure out what it means?

Why does an author foreshadow?

Once you understand it, can you equate it to the way that tv or movies would use it?

Next, can you trace back and find evidence of foreshadowing in the novel? What event does it relate to? How is it being shown?

Brutal

2008-11-20T09:44:00.000-05:00

Ben and I read chapter 11 yesterday and chapter 12 today. I am glad that we only read one each day since they were quite brutal.

Which of the following would be worse?

Watching a Dog get weaseled.
Hearing that your father tell you that he thinks he will die soon.
Eating chocolate cake with a topping of nuts pulled from a squirrel pouch?

To make matters worse, he has the prospect of a possibly barren brood sow / friend becoming another customer of his father’s services.

Let’s focus on the question of friend/pet versus food. How would you describe Haven Peck’s feelings about animals (farm and wild)?
(Does Haven Peck get joy from slaughtering pigs? If Pinky does prove to be barren, how do you think Haven would feel about killing her? We got a look into Haven’s mind as he talked to Robert after the ‘weaseling’ – what does that tell us about him? Do we – those of us that consume meat anyway – have something to learn from Haven’s attitude toward animals? )

Eye Opener

2008-11-19T10:28:00.000-05:00

Ben and I were talking about Robert's trip to the Rutland Fair. I suggested that this must have been quite an eye opening experience for him. It gave him access to a whole new world of possibilities.

Ben, can you write a couple of paragraphs about an eye opening experience that you have had? (I asked Ben to make some modifications to his initial post. They appear in order as comments.)

Small World

2008-11-18T21:53:00.000-05:00

Ben and I read Chapters 9 & 10 today. I am finding this a more interesting read then I had first anticipated. Sophisticated is probably the wrong word, but this book certainly does not pander to a young reader audience. He writes of mature themes (i.e. Chapter 9’s conversation between Aunt Carrie & Lucy Peck regarding the neighbor’s love life) that kids could not be expected to fully understand. Some of the humor is subtle, and background knowledge that the book does not provide is required to fully understand some extended passages (i.e. Ethan Allen and Abner Doubleday.) When the difficult language is added in, he is really challenging his readers – or maybe he just wrote the book he wanted to write without much regard for who the audience was. What do you think?

As Robert headed off to the fair in Chapter 10, I thought about how small his world was. If he did not go to school then he would rarely see anyone outside his family. He could conceivably spend have spent entire life without traveling further then Learning. (Do you think the town name was a message from the Author? I do not find it on a Vermont map.) When contrasted with the world that Ben lives in today it is hard to imagine what Robert’s life was like or how he viewed the future.

Do you think he stopped to rest and look for perverts before heading home to show off his Blue Ribbon?

Memory

2008-11-17T20:45:00.000-05:00

Ben and I read chapters 7 & 8 today. This book is a challenging read for Ben. He is confused by the period speaking but to his credit he is working to understand what is going on. We continue to use a highlighter for phrases and terms that are interesting or difficult to understand. Ben’s highlights are a 50/50 mix of those.

There was quite a contrast in today’s reading. Chapter 7 was a tale of a carefree night in the countryside – albeit with the untimely death of a rabbit. We read Chapter 8 aloud together at my suggestion because the first time I read it I did not understand it and I guessed Ben would have the same issue. A key paragraph that explained the reason that a man was digging up the coffin of his infant child on a rainy night was easy to miss.

After reading this chapter I was wondering how autobiographical this book is. The fact that the author uses his family’s names seems to indicate that the book is based on his life, but the foreword to the book does not make it clear. I was thinking about Robert Peck writing this chapter as an adult and calling on a very powerful memory that must have been quite frightening at the time.

Do you have any childhood memory that would fit into this category? (Clearly this is a harder question for a 7th grader to answer but give it a try nonetheless, Ben.)

Tootered

2008-11-13T17:18:00.000-05:00

Chapters 5 and 6 gave us more insight into Roberts’s daily life. We thought his chapter 5 trip into the countryside with Pinky sounded like a fun day to contrast his normal hard working life. We got a good laugh from his interpretation of a ‘Tutor’ (which demonstrated that he clearly needed one according to Ben.) Not to say he is not very bright, but how did he manage all of those other ‘A’s?

We have not seen many clues yet as to where the story is going – or maybe they were there and we just failed to recognize them. (?)

The Author has an interesting way of adding historical information. He presents it from the point of view of Robert – which it would seem is rather far from the ‘truth’ (i.e. Ethan Allen & Roberts namesake Robert Rogers). The interesting thing is that in researching the history of these characters (and Abner Doubleday) I found that the conventional wisdom (what we have been taught) is probably not very accurate either.

As Kris said in her note regarding the last post, there are some clear contradictions to the traditional Shaker Lifestyle here. I wonder if it was common as the colonies came apart for former residents to take some pieces of the faith with them while embracing other things in the non-shaker world. Or is it possible that there were always people living around the colony that embraced many principals of the faith and worshiped with them but did not become part of the colony? (The PBS video indicated that outsiders came for the worship.)

Background Knowledge

2008-11-12T20:49:00.000-05:00

Ben and I read and listened to the 3rd and 4th chapters today. There was a lot going on – some of it subtle or requiring background knowledge to understand. We had to do some research on Ethan Allen and Abner Doubleday to understand the humor that the Author was presenting in Chapter 4.

Yesterday we had watched a PBS Ken Burns documentary on the Shakers. (It was produced in 1988 when 10 Shakers remained. I believe only one is still alive today.) That video helped us to understand Haven’s Peck’s reaction to Mr. Tanner giving Robert the pig, as well as the discussion of ‘Frills’.

Based on the dates of the Calvin Coolidge presidency, we were able to narrow the time frame for the story to the mid to late 1920’s. What was the state of the Shaker community at that time?

Read / Listen / Compare

2008-11-07T15:35:00.001-05:00

Ben and I listened to the second chapter of the book today. We read along with a highlighter in hand, marking interesting phrases, terms we did not understand, and other important information. After the chapter was over we switched highlighters (different colors) and then went back and compared what we had chosen (and highlighted things the unique things the other person had selected).

We have decided that in the future we will first read the book , then go back and listen to it. There are 13 chapters remaining. We would like to cover two chapters each time we read. We want to finish the book by Thanksgiving.

We decided to add a ‘Phrases’ and ‘Words’ section to the sidebars to note the things we noticed while reading.

Monday we are going to explore the Shakers a bit and read again on Tuesday.

As we discussed today’s reading we talked about the time setting. Ben offered, “it is good to look back to compare (how we are living today).”

Sin on Sunday

2008-11-06T20:12:00.000-05:00

Ben and I started a new book this week – “A Day No Pigs Would Die” by Robert Newton Peck. I had some trepidation about getting started after reading the first chapter which includes a rather grisly account of the birth of a calf.

I purchased the book on tape, so Ben and I listened to the first chapter together yesterday. Normally he is a bit squeamish but he did not seem too disturbed – even when the main character reached his hand into the cow’s throat because it was choking. He cleared the obstruction – and in a show of thanks the cow clamped down on his arm and took him for a romp through the thorn bushes. Did I mention he did not have his pants on?

I enjoyed a few turns of phrase in this first person account of the Author’s childhood in Vermont:

He described getting a hold of the half born calves head by saying he ‘got a purchase on him’.
‘I was feathered if I…’ was his way of saying ‘No way was I …’.
He described not letting go of something as ‘hanging on to wait Christmas’.

Ben’s favorite was when he described someone as being ‘as wrong as sin on Sunday’.

There are many gaps that have to be filled in before we have know the basics. We will read and listen to Chapter 2 tomorrow.

Can you think of any statements we use in conversation that might sound as funny in the future as 'wrong as sin on Sunday’ does today?

Moving On

2008-11-06T14:52:00.001-05:00

Before moving on to A Day No Pigs Would Die, a few things from Hollis:

Essential Questions:
1. How do you know when to trust someone, including yourself?
2. When do people deserve second chances?
3. Who is it hardest to forgive- yourself, or others?
4. How do you know when you can depend on yourself or others?
5. How does fear change the way we view situations?

Main Characters:
Hollis Woods
Josie Cahill
Steven Regan
Old Man Regan
Izzy Regan
Beatrice

Predictions?

2008-10-07T09:57:00.001-04:00

Last reading today. How is this book going to turn out?

Santa?

2008-10-02T06:39:00.000-04:00

(138-151) When Hollis first sees the gift from Josie she says, “I could see it was me. But not really me.” What did she mean by that?

A turning point for Hollis comes in Chapter 15. She finds some answers for things she has been thinking and worrying about in an unlikely place – that was always right in front of her. What does she see?

Her revelation makes her rethink Josie’s gift of candy. Where does Hollis think that the Candies came from?

Why?

2008-09-30T09:46:00.000-04:00

In my comment on the last post I said that I thought the most important event was Hollis saying she never wanted to see the Regan's again after hearing about Steven's injuries. Why does she not want to see them? How could other's interpret her feelings?

Sweater

2008-09-30T06:34:00.000-04:00

(p125-137) What is the whole story of the sweater? (It does not first appear in Chapter 13.) What does Hollis think it means? What do you think it means?

The Twelfth picture fills in the details of the accident. List the important events from the time that Steen yelled “Jump Hollis” until the time that Hollis ran from the Stucco lady.

A clearer picture....

2008-09-26T11:07:00.001-04:00

( 101-125) I think Kris’ first question was answered early in Chapter 12. What did we learn about Steven?

Hollis has been busily drawing since arriving. She pondered leaving the pictures hanging on the walls in the spring, but decided “I’d never leave the pictures”? Why did she consider leaving them, and why did she decide not to so strongly?

Early in the book Josie talks about Ocean People (her) versus Fresh Water people (like Hollis). In Chapter 12 she talks about watching the snow land on the ocean. Why do you think the author is bring this up again?

The 11th ‘picture’ is the first one that does not exist on paper. The memories of that day keeping coming into her mind but she has not drawn them. Why? Does she wish that they would go away? Is that working for her? In learning about this non-picture we finally find out what happened on the mountain, though we cannot clearly say what the outcome was – a cliff hanger. Based on what you know so far, do you think she is justified in being so hard on herself about this accident? What could change your mind?

Hold your breath.....

2008-09-24T21:31:00.000-04:00

I thought all day on Wednesday about the quote from F. Scott Fitzgerald that we saw on the Writers Almanac: "All good writing is swimming under water and holding your breath." What do you think he meant? Was he referring to the writer or the reader? Are we going to need to make a trip to the pool to figure it out?

Seriously - what was his point?

In the last post, Kris addressed one of the Essential Questions. What do you think about what she said?

Breaking In

2008-09-23T13:15:00.000-04:00

(88-109) I was thinking about what Hollis must have been feeling as she walked into the Regan’s summer home that cold winter night. ‘Weird’ would be an understatement. I thought it was interesting that she was willing to break into the home but would not go in the Old Man & Izzy’s room. What was the difference in the line being crossed?

Sandwiched between the chapters of arriving and settling into the house was the picture of the ‘welcome to the family’ party – a family she no longer had hopes of being part of. True?

In chapter 10 she recounts leaving the Regans. She talks about walking out the door and then as far as the town, waiting for the bus. The tone of the paragraph did not make it clear to me if she left on her own (‘ran’) or was asked to leave. It lacked the urgency of running yet did not seem like the way they would have sent her away if they wanted her gone.

Do we have enough clues yet to know if she ran or was asked to leave?

In Chapter 11 I think she is starting to realize the difficult spot she is in. Josie seems to be getting worse and Josie gets very afraid when she thinks someone might have seen her. Where do you think this story is going?

(Reread the essential questions.)

Not Moving On

2008-09-19T13:34:00.001-04:00

(p68-96) For a variety of reasons it has been over a week since we last spent time with Hollis Woods. One nice thing about books is that they have great patience and simply sit and wait until you are ready to pick them up again and move on. Evidently Hollis is not ready to move on.

In today’s chapters Hollis forms a plan for dealing with her likely move away from Josie. When she arrived at Josie’s she was not willing to commit to staying. Now she does not want to leave. We know that she feels a responsibility to take care of Josie. What other reasons does she have for wanting to stay?

What is her plan? Does she seem to have thought it through? What possible problems could she encounter?

Extra: Can you find on a map the route that she describe taking in chapter 10?

A New Family!

2008-09-11T09:24:00.000-04:00

(NOTE: Pages 55 to 67.) Kris commented earlier that Hollis seems to be trying to forget something that happened when she was with the Regans.

Before reading: List the evidence we have that would indicate what Hollis is trying to forget.

After reading: Does todays reading add any specific EVIDENCE as to what happened? Does it provide any information that could be used to shape our OPINION about what might have happened?

In Chapter 7, the Mustard Lady tells Hollis and Josie that she has found a new place for Hollis. It seems like what Hollis is looking for – a family with young boy and a dog. Yet, Hollis is not happy. Why?

(Other issues aside: Do you think that Hollis believes the Mustard Lady?)

Characters

2008-09-10T09:10:00.000-04:00

Before moving on to the next chapters - when we watched the first 8 minutes of the movie yesterday, I was surprised by how the characters looked. They were different then the image that had formed in my mind. (Could that be a reason that the Author did not include any pictures in a book about pictures? She recognized that your mind could create more meaningful images then she could ‘give’ you?)

Write a brief description of each of the main characters (Hollis, Josie, Steven, Old Man, Izzy.) Use evidence from the text to support your description when possible.

Movie Vrs Book

2008-09-09T11:24:00.000-04:00

Ben and I watched the first 8 minutes of the “Pictures of Hollis Woods” movie on Youtube. We noticed some significant differences (listed in comments)

Colored World

2008-09-09T08:50:00.000-04:00

I noticed today that most of the things that Hollis does not like she refers to either by a color (i.e. the White House, Yellow House, Green House) or a something that evokes a color (the Lemon Lady, Stucco Lady or Mustard Lady). I would think that traditionally a writer would have used colder colors (blues, browns) for negative things rather than the warmer Greens, and Yellows that the Author uses here. Interesting.

At the end of Chapter 5, Hollis acknowledges that she has to go to school (as in ‘be good’) if she is going to be able to stay at Josie’s house. With all of the pictures so far (including today’s of the Old Man) seeming to be related to Hollis’ wish for a family, and with Josie not representing a family, why do you think Hollis is determined to stay there?

What is she saying?

2008-09-07T20:59:00.000-04:00

In Chapter 2 Hollis says that she does not want people to look into her eyes because she does not want them to see her soul. In Chapter 4 Beatrice tells Hollis that as an artist she is really placing her soul on the paper for all to see. It seems like consciously Hollis is hiding but subconsciously she is putting herself out in the open.

What do you think that the four pictures we have seen so far tell us about Hollis’ soul?

Drawing

2008-09-04T10:20:00.000-04:00

Ben and I are both going to draw a portrait of Hollis Woods. Since neither of us are accomplished artist were a getting a bit of guidance on face drawing from the Drawing Coach (.com). We will post our pictures on the blog next week. (We would be happy to recieve anyone elses as well.)

Strange Feeling

2008-09-04T08:39:00.000-04:00

As I was reading "Third Picture" (P3), three words came to mind for describing Hollis : "Proud", "Contrary", "Fragile". Can you find specific references in the text that would support or contradict using those words to characterize her?

In Chapter 3 (C3), Hollis twice references having a 'strange feeling'. Can you more specifically describe what you think she is feeling?

List items in P3 & C3 (specific text references) that:
a) clarify why Hollis finds herself at Josies House
b) introduce character traits, conflicts, or other plot elements that you feel are significant to the future chapters.

What was the green stuff they put on the popcorn?

Bonus

2008-08-28T10:07:00.000-04:00

What do you think the carved branch representing Josie Cahill looks like? (A picture would be nice - they cannot be posted as comment. If you have a picture, email it to me and I will add it.)

Ben's view is on the left, mine on the right.

NOTE: First Post is Below

Dreams

2008-08-28T08:51:00.000-04:00

Today is the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream” speech delivered in Washington DC, August 28th, 1963. Ben and I wondered what he would be thinking about the progress toward his dream for America if he were alive today. It would be easy to say that he would be discouraged, but he would have experienced a very proud moment yesterday when Barack Obama was nominated as the Democratic Candidate for President of the United States. That would have been unthinkable 45 years ago.

Hollis Woods also has a dream. What is her dream? How do you think she feels about the prospects of achieving that dream? Are there obstacles to that dream that are of her own making?

Hollis Woods

2008-08-27T11:55:00.000-04:00

Today the School of Dad begins reading its first group text of the 2008/09 school year: Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff. We are reading the first 25 pages to get a feel for the characters, setting, and plot and then will add our first post.

Time to engage the brains.....

Note: Banner graphic courtesy of Ben.

Wrapping Up Sammy

2008-08-27T11:13:00.000-04:00

Collecting a few Sammy Keys sidebar items before moving on to the next book.

Essential Questions
1. What are the elements of a mystery? (What makes it different from other writing?)
2. What are the qualities of a good mystery? What makes it an enjoyable read?

Characters:
Samantha (Sammy) Keyes: 7th grade girl, skinny, no makeup.
Marissa: Sammy's best friend. Rich.
Heather Acosta: aka Firehead, Sammy's 7th grade nemisis
Grams: Sammy's grandmother. Sammy lives with her at the Sernior Highrise.
Lady Lana: Sammy's Mother.
Madame Nashira: The crime victim and fortune teller.
Officer Borsh: Policeman that Sammy has had previous run-in with.
Hudson Graham: Funny booted book lover
Rommel: Hudson's digging dog.
Bill Eckert: Quiet tenent of Hudson
Mr.Garnucci: Building manager at the Senior Highrise.
Brandon MacKensie: Marissa's Cousin
Mikey: Marissa's Brother
Mrs. Graybill: Nosey neighbor at Senior Highrise. Sammy tries to avoid her.

Chapter Titles (Ours)
17. Marissa's money is on...
16. Helping Heather Heal
15. Pulling the wool over her eyes
14. HH 423
13. Heavenly Visit
12. Closet Company
11. Makin a point
10. The Stupid Money
9. Quick Long Shower
8. Uncovered
7. Its only a matter of time
6. There's milk in those!
5. Suspended Reflection
4. Firehead pledges revenge.
3. Sort of Mediumish
2. Where's Mikey?
1. Sammy waves

Blind Man's Bluff

2008-05-29T11:42:00.000-04:00

Ben and I decided to celebrate the unveiling of the theif by going out for a Double Dynamo to eat while while we read Chapter 18 and learned his name. The local conviencience store did not have any Double Dynamos. It is a store that has an ice cream counter so we choose to have a cone with a large scoop instead. One of us has Black Raspbery Chip. The other had Cookies and Cream. Do I need to specify whioch of us had which?

We were not surprised by the unveiling since we were both very confident we knew who it was after reading yesterday's chapter. We were a bit surprised by Oscar's 'multiple personalities'.

What issues do you hope to get resolved in the final chapter?

Left Hanging!

2008-05-28T11:15:00.000-04:00

Chapter 17 leaves us as close to the answer as we can get - without actually hearing it. What clues were added this chapter? Do they change your guess?

Not What They Seem?

2008-05-27T06:52:00.000-04:00

In Chapters 15 & 16 Sammy learns that a few things are not what they seem to be. I am getting the distinct feeling that the Author's Clues to the Hotel Thief may not be what they seem as well. I am standing by my previous post that TJ is somehow mixed up in this - but I am sensing that the Author wants me to think that and I am misinterpreting the clues. It must be significant that the Double Dynamo napkins have showed up twice. What other (then TJ) possible things could the napkin be telling us?

Sammy is getting worried that Borsch is starting to direct some attention at her as the criminal. If you were in his position do you think his 'suspicion' would be warranted?

Chapter 16 also brings a very satisfyting resolution to the Firehead incident. At least one thing has gone Sammy's way. Have we seen the last of Firehead in this book?

16 ends with the Best 'cliffhanger' so far. Is this a red herring or does she really know who did it? Any guesses who she thinks it is?

Bonus: I thought Grams signaled her feelings about Hudsen with something that she did but Sammy totally missed it. Do you know what I am talking about?

Note: Lets stretch it out a bit. Lets read one Chapter a day until we get to the end. (3 left).

Coming Together?

2008-05-23T13:08:00.000-04:00

Recap what we learned about the crime in chapters 13 & 14. Is a suspect coming into focus? Who?

Grams Gets Even

2008-05-22T07:28:00.000-04:00

Chapter 11 finds Sammy getting a taste of her own medicine. Was her Grandma’s reaction to Sammy’s thoughtlessness the day before appropriate?

The day takes Sammy from the Senior Highrise, to TJ’s, to Madame Nashira’s, to the roof of the mall. What did she learn in each of these stops? Will any of her experiences prove useful in solving the Hotel crime?

(We have so many red herrings by now that we could open a fish market. I was intrigued by one from Chapter 11. Any guess as to which one? HINT: Think Bacon.)

The best cliffhanger so far is delivered at the end of Chapter 12. It comes after Grams has once again proven to be a pretty smart lady. Were we given any clues that indicate Officer Borsch is thinking something is not right about this situation?

Noted

2008-05-21T06:54:00.000-04:00

I was negligent in not pointing out the most important thing that happened in Chapters 7 & 8 - the delivery of 'The Note' to Mrs. Graybill. Just as we were about to hear the details of the note the phone rang and we fell off the cliff into chapter 9. What do you think the note said?

I saw smiling at the image of Sammy entering the 'glass livingroom' at Marissa's house after a quick backyard shower. Sammy seemed to handle herself pretty well but do you think that Officer Borsch thought something odd was going on? (Everytime I see his name I think about the beet soup called Borscht - cold and purple.) Sammy was so pleased with pulling off the interview that she forgot about her business at home. How did her Grams react to Sammy's forgetfulness?

In Chapter 10 we learn more about life in McKensie house. From Sammy's description, I was reminded of a popular Idiam: "If you live in a glass house....". What is an 'Idiam'? How does this one finish? Does it apply here?

Cliffhangers

2008-05-20T12:29:00.000-04:00

Ben and I are enjoying the Author’s pattern of ending every chapter with a cliffhanger. So far each one has been an unexpected twist and makes us look forward to reading the next chapter. The characters and details are coming at us non-stop and I am finding myself being careful to absorb information, but even so I had to go back to find the reference when Sammy met Bill Eckert and realized she was the guy she had ‘bumped into at the mall’.

I was thinking that the ‘Characters’ panel needs to be reworked into four categories.

“Main characters”: Sammy, Grams, Marissa, Heather Acosta, etc.
“Special”: Characters that have some special quality that may prove useful in solving the crime. For example, Oscar and his figure eight sales route and prowess at giving change.
“Suspects”: Do we have any yet?
“Other”: Interesting Characters that we do not fit into the other categories.

Does this seem like a good idea? Do you agree or disagree with the catagories?

What characters did we meet in Chapters 7 & 8? What category would each fall in and why?

What's in the Cards?

2008-05-19T09:29:00.000-04:00

I am enjoying all of the interesting characters that the Author is introducing in the story. Some have a clear role (i.e. the fortune telling crime victim, Madame Nashira). Other characters are interesting but I am wondering if there is a greater purpose for their seemingly random introduction in the book. An example is found in Chapter 6. Sammy and Marissa do not find their favorite treat at the local store so they head out to see if a street vendor has them. His name is Oscar and the detail with which he is described makes it seem likely that he will have a further role to play later in the story. Any ideas how his abilities/disabilities could become important later on?

It was a memorable first day of school for Sammy. There seems to be many potholes in her life right now. Luckily she has Marissa as a friend as she seems like a stabilizing influence for Sammy. The girls certainly have very different backgrounds. What do you think is the key to their friendship? (Possible clue is found early in Chapter 5.)

Finally, just for fun we are assigning a chapter title to each chapter since Draanen did not. What are your suggestions for 5 & 6?

BFFL?

2008-05-16T09:04:00.001-04:00

Before proceeding, go back to the last post and respond to the question (Red Herring).

Though early in the book, this is promising to be a good read! After reading Chapters 3 & 4 we need to take a moment and think about what we know so far.
- What Characters have we been introduced to so far?
- Why is Sammy so afraid of Mrs. Graybill?
- Who is Lady Lana?

What important things have we learned so far?

In Chapter 4 Sammy meets 'Firehead'? What do you think? BFFL?

Something Fishy

2008-05-15T07:01:00.001-04:00

I have been a bit under the weather the last few days so we are late getting started reading this book. Let's get the first couple of Chapters behind us and get a feel for this book. What do we learn about Sammy? Any Surprises?

I understand that the second chapter contains something often found in mystery's - a red herring. What is a 'red herring'? What is the red herring in chapter 2?

Is the new book good? We will solve that Mystery.

2008-05-12T10:32:00.001-04:00

We will be finishing off this year of the School of Dad by reading "Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief". This is the first in the series by award winning author Wendelin Van Draanen. We are looking forward to jumping into this Mystery.

Last Book in the Universe Archive

2008-05-12T10:11:00.001-04:00

To save some of the sidebar information from LBITU:

Ryter Right?

"You must remember the past because it brings you here, to the right now, today, this moment, and from here you can look to the future."
"take away memory, the sense of who we are, and human beings revert to animal behavior, and animals are easier to exterminate then humans."
"...many a man has died looking for treasure that doesn't exist."
"I don't suppose anybody really knows how bad a thing is until it actually happen."
"The only real treasure is inside your head...Memories are better than diamnonds and no one can steal them from you."
"Things change. You never know a thing for certain until you've seen it with your own eyes."

Big Questions
1. Why do we need friends and family?
2. Can there ever be a perfect world? (utopia)

Characters
Spaz: 1st person story tell, main character, traits?
Rhyter: gummy, old, white beard, shiny eyes
Lanaya: Proov Spaz first met at themall
Bean: Spaz's Step Sister
Little Face: homeless kid from the stacks
Bre: Lanaya's Mother (contributer)
Jin: Lanaya's Father (contributer)
Billy Bizmo: leader of the Bully Bangers. Sharp, rooked nose, brown curly hair, yellow teeth, pale scars.
Lotti Getts: boss of the Vandals
Vida Bleek: Trader Boss, Lotti rival
Furies: Vita Bleeks guard.
Mongo the Magnificent: leader of the Monkey Boys
Bully Bangers: Gang that rules Urb

Places/Events
Backtime: before the big shake
Big Shake: ?
Crypt: where Spaz lives
Eastie & Pipe: Urb Boundries
Eden: perfect place
Edge: border of the Latch?
the Pipe: huge nonfunctional aquiduct
Stackbox: homeless area
Urb: where Spaz lives

Invented Words
3D's: holographic movies
bust down: steal
cancellation: killed
choxbar: candy bar
curb people: homeless
googan: goofball?
Gummy/Geez: old person
latch: Control over
latchboss: ?
looping: to watch the same probe over and over
needlebrain: ?
Probe: needle to create virtual world
proov: genetically improved
sexbos: sex probe
shooter: violent probe
stunstick: zapping weapon used by teks
teks: short for technical security guards
Trendies: Eden probe
wheel: ? not good!
zoomed: Crazy

Themes

2008-04-30T08:58:00.000-04:00

Ben is working on an organizer for a writing assignment to address the question: "Using the elements of character (who the author reveals people to be),setting (time and place), plot (events that occur) and theme (author'smessage), prove that LBITU is scifi and that BFG is fantasy. Show how each book could not fit the definition of the other genre."

We are examining the differences between Science Fiction and Fantasy.

I realized that we have not adequately addressed the issue of 'Theme' for either book. What are the authors of LBITU and BFG trying to say?

Cattypiddlers

2008-04-16T10:33:00.000-04:00

Kris suggested that a Fantasy Book might be a good follow-up to the science fiction ‘Last Book in the Universe’. She suggested we read something by Raold Dahl (author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). I looked at a couple of his books and decided to read “BFG” (which stands for Big Friendly Giant). Ben and I started reading it as a read aloud on Monday. Yesterday (Tuesday) we took advantage of a nice day and went and read outside in a nearby park.

Monday and Tuesday I did the reading. Today Ben helped, taking the part of Sophie and also the Bloodbottler (evil giant). We are both enjoying the way the giants talk. I suggested that the BFG talks similarly to me, but Ben thought the BFG used better grammar.

There are many great turns of phrases in the book. My favorite so far is when the BFG talks about a listening to ‘Caddypiddlers’. We did not know what he was referring to until a couple of paragraphs later when he said they were arguing over who would be the prettiest ‘Buttery Flys’.

We have been comparing characters to LBITU. We find the BFG is ‘Rhyter’-like. He has a good heart, and wisdom to share. Sophie is like SPAZ – smart, and unsure of what to make of what the BFG is saying. (We both thought that the Bloodbottler reminded us most of Lotti Getts.)

We are still thinking about the essential elements that make the Fantasy book BFG different from the Science Fiction book LBITU.

Despite being about Giants that eat children, the BFG (conveniently already an acronym) is not as dark as the LBITU. Thought ‘Human Bean’-eating giants lurk nearby, why does this book not seem as menacing as LBITU?

Ryter's Write?

2008-04-03T07:47:00.000-04:00

Avi (author, “Something Upstairs”) gave a list of things you need to do to be a good writer.

What items are on the list?

One of the items relates to ‘Audience’. If the purpose of our writing is to create a memory (as Ryter saw his mission) how would the writing need to be different then if we were simply writing to entertain?

Memories

2008-03-31T20:40:00.000-04:00

Three questions (if I can remember them):
1 - What is your earliest memory?
2 - If you were allowed to pick one memory that you would never forget, what would it be? (I laughed a bit as I typed this one because at my age I may have already forgotten my best memory!) Why?
3 - If you could buy a memory eraser that would only remove one memory, which one would you pick? Why?

How right is Ryter?

2008-03-31T07:19:00.000-04:00

We seem to finish books at the worst times. We finished reading LBITU just as spring break started. Time to get the brain working again.

The Last Book in the Universe, was the 4th book we read together. Previously we read Something Upstairs, The Witch of Blackbird Pond, and Al Capone Does My Shirts (our first blogged book).

As I looked back at some of the quotes in the "Ryter Right?" section, I realized that each of them could have been said by a character in one of those previous books and it would have seemed entirely appropriate. (I also thought about how the quote that appears at the beginning of Something Upstairs - what is that name for that again? - would fit in very nicely along with Ryter's quotes.)

Can you take each of the Quotes from 'Ryter Right?' and assign them to a character in one of the previous books and note when that character could have said it? (Try to use all three books at least once.) Also, give the Something Upstairs quote to someone from LBITU - but not Ryter.

Predictions?

2008-03-20T06:56:00.001-04:00

Two more chapters left. Before you read, what loose ends are you hoping with be tied up and how do you think they will turn out?

Back to the Stacks

2008-03-19T07:50:00.001-04:00

It must have been quite a shock to the system for Spaz, Bean, and Ryter as they were immediately taken from Eden and returned to the latches. Spaz and Bean did not even have time for proper goodbyes.

Spaz (and I) was shocked when Ryter seemed happy to get back to his cubicle in the stacks. Why is he not as upset as Spaz? Is he zoomed?

Ryter has a sense of foreboding about his own future but he is not fearful for Spaz. He tells Spaz that he has nothing to fear from Billy Bizmo but he does not say why. Did you figure out the same thing that Ryter did?

As soon as they hear the Jetbikes, Ryter know that they are coming for him. What event has gotten people in the latch so angry? How would you describe Ryter's demeanor as the mob gets ready to 'wheel' him?

Then Billy Bizmo drops the bombshell. How do you think Spaz will react? Were you surprised?

Eden for who?

2008-03-17T10:04:00.001-04:00

In Chapter 28 things take a turn, and it would not seem it is for the better. The early part of the chapter it feels like the Author is referencing another very well known story. What is it?

How would you describe Spaz's demeanor in as he sits with Bean. How does his current personality compare with the Spaz we first met?

In Chapter 29 Lanaya gives an impassioned speech. How does what she say show how her thinking has changed since Spaz first met her by the 'mall'?

The other Proovs seem unmoved by her speech. Why do you think that is? What does this mean for Bean, Spaz, and Ryter?

Improved?

2008-03-12T07:10:00.001-04:00

So the genetic changes have cured Bean but has she been improved? Did she need improving? It does not sound like it to me.

We learn more about Spaz's special bond with Bean in todays chapters (26 & 27) - yet I think there is more for us to learn about it. Maybe there is even more for Spaz to learn. One sequence makes it clear how smart Bean is and causes Jin to rethink one of the proov stereotypes about normals. What happened?

In an earlier chapter Lanaya pondered if there was something special about Spaz because the latch bosses all knew who he was and seemed to be protecting him. Now we have Bean that would seem to be much smarter then her parents and clearly has something very special about her. What is going on here?

How do you think the Proovs of Eden will respond when they hear Bree's news?

Nice House

2008-03-11T07:20:00.000-04:00

(Think there are ever 'Snow Days' in Eden?)

Chapters 24 & 25 give us some more insight into the calamity that leaves the earth in its present state. What did we learn? Based on the text, how long ago did the 'big shake' happen? What was the consequence?

Nice house! Ryter and Spaz were taken into the 'thinkspace' and given the oppotunity to visit anyplace that they want. What places did they chose? Where would you choose to go? Why?

Lanaya's 'contributers' are not happy that she brought the normals into Eden. Why?

Jin is hesitant to believe that proovs could be providng probes to the latches. Ryter offers his opinion of why proovs might be doing it. What does Ryter think?

Eden and the Urbs?

2008-03-07T13:42:00.000-05:00

Ben's idea of where the different Latches are. The reason the Vandals Latch isn't connected to the other Latches is because Lanaya took them through the forbidden zone to get there.

Blue and Grey

2008-03-07T07:51:00.000-05:00

Just as Spaz, Ryter, Lanaya and Little Face are getting ready to leave take Bean to Eden, a loud commotion precedes the news of who won the Vandals / Bleek battle. What happened to Vida Bleek?

What role did Spaz and his friends play in the outcome? Should they feel good or bad about that?

Lotti seems happy to let them go. Why?

As they enter Eden, we learn about its features and more about the ‘Urb’ that surrounds it. How would you describe the Urb? Any features of the Urb that you find particularly shocking? Draw a map showing what we know about how things are laid out.

One thing that intrigues me was on page 158. Lanaya describes how things are designed in Eden so that you do not often see other people. She described how she knew kids were playing in the nearby woods but they could not see them because they were wearing camouflage clothing. Why do you think they want to be invisible to one another?

Finding a cure

2008-03-04T10:23:00.000-05:00

In Chapter 20 Spaz gets to see Bean. During his trip to visit her he has been thinking that it will have one sort of outcome. When he actually sees her he realizes the outcome will be something different. What does actually seeing Bean make him understand?

He also learns something interesting from Bean about the runner. What is that?

(It might be a good time to look back at what we know so far about why Spaz was forced to leave the latch. I think the real reason he was exiled must be more complicated and tied in with what Lanaya said after they survived the initial Vandals/Furies battle. Any ideas?)

I am interested to learn more about Eden. In Chapter 21 they are off to find some help for Bean but Lanaya does not seem aware of what actual help is available. This means to me that Proovs do not need medical care. I guess they don’t get sick. (Do they die?)

Bleek Outlook?

2008-03-03T07:13:00.000-05:00

In Chapter 18 we learn the source of the ‘Probes’. Were you surprised to hear where they were coming from? This source could be smuggling probes only for the money or there could be other reasons. Can you think of a reason other then money that they would provide Probes?

As Spaz gets close to his house in Chapter 19 he says, “there’s nothing so bad it can’t get worse.” What is the basis for this comment and what is he concerned about?

The most intriguing news to me in these Chapters was that Lanaya thinks there must be something special about Spaz. What is her evidence? Any guesses regarding how he is special?

(Don’t be a ‘googan’ – p 132 -, answer all the questions.)

Furry Fury?

2008-02-29T07:29:00.000-05:00

Lotti Getts’ latch is an interesting contrast to the others. What is the key difference between this latch and Billy Bismo and Mongo’s latches? Why do you think that Lotti has made that choice?

Lotti Getts does not seem intimidated by Lanaya at all. Instead she sets the terms that will allow Spaz to visit his sister. What do they need to do?

Lanaya feels very secure wherever they go because she does not think any normal would do anything to a proov. Do you think she is right?

When I first read the Chapter 17 cliffhanger I thought they were being checked out by ‘furies’ – as in a furry animal. I believe they are properly called ‘furies’ – as in ‘the storm rolled through in a fury’ or the root of furious. Which do you think is correct?

Things imProov?

2008-02-27T11:48:00.000-05:00

The Latches seem to be getting worse with each one that Spaz arrives at. In Chapter 14 they help the do-gooder proov Lanaya, but she does not seem convinced that they actually saved her life. Why does she beleive that? What does Spaz think? What do you think?

Lanaya gives up a brief description of how the Urb is laid out. Where is Eden? What is keeping the normals out? (What is 'normal' anyway? I have yet to see too much behavior that I would consider 'normal'. )

I like Ryter more with each chapter. In 15 he 'probes' Lanaya with questions that clearly irritate her. Yet, he does not stop. I think he already has a pretty good idea of the answers to the questions he asks. Why does he keep asking them?

Another cliff hanger! Lotti Getts? Do you think Lotti will get whatever she wants?

Odyssey Continues

2008-02-25T22:01:00.000-05:00

Just one chapter (13) today.

As Spaz, Ryter, and Little Face are walking the pipe after escaping the Monkey Boys latch, Ryter references a poem by Robert Frost. Ryter states that only one line of the poem has survived. Find and read the entire poem. Extra Credit: what rhyming scheme is this poem written in.

There is another literary reference in the chapter. Ryter explains the source for the term ‘Odyssey”. What can you find about this story?

Magnificent?

2008-02-25T07:15:00.000-05:00

In Chapters 11 & 12 Spaz will meet another Latch Boss – Mongo the Magnificent, the leader of the Monkey Boys. This latch seems to have developed in different way then Billy Bizmo’s latch. How are the Monkey Boys different then the Bully Banger’s?

Ryter sizes up the situation in this latch pretty quickly. Spaz has no idea what each step will bring but Ryter does not seem surprised by any of the events that unfold. What clues did he see that allowed him to diagnose the situation in the Latch? (I am wondering where Ryter gets all his wisdom from. What was he before he became a ‘gummy’? Why has he not been more successful in using his intelligence for a better outcome for him personally?)

I am not revealing to much to say that Spaz, Ryter and Little Face will make it safely out of this latch. The latch they leave behind is different then when they arrived. Are things better or worse or about the same there? More important, do you think the answer would be the same a year down the road? (I would be very interested to here Ryter's answer.)

Down the Pipe

2008-02-22T07:14:00.000-05:00

In Chapters 9 & 10, Spaz and Ryter begin their journey across the latches. I think that Spaz knows that the success of his journey is dependent on Ryter's help - which makes Spaz all the more resentful of Ryter and his wisdom. (Some of Ryter's philosopical statements have been included on the left.) Why do you think that Spaz is not able to show much gratitude for Ryter's help?

Review the text for Ryter's list of other famous people with epilepsy. Write them down and find out when/where they lived and what they are famous for. Are there other traits that many or all of them share?

In addition to the 'real history', we learn some more about the events that got to world to the state that it is in. What do we know so far?

Chapter 10 ends with quite a cliffhanger. Since we are so early in the book I think it is safe to assume that Spaz and Ryter are going to get out of this tough spot - and I am interested in finding out how!

Bad News

2008-02-19T21:08:00.000-05:00

Spaz gets bad news in Chapter 7. I thought the method that it was delivered was almost as interesting as the news.

The canvas painted for me by this book so far is all in gray and black and shrouded in a fog. I hope that some “Why’s” will be answered soon. I would even appreciate some simple clarifications, like – what is a latch? (I understand that a latch is a gang territory but why do they call it a latch?)

The news is going to start Spaz off on a mission. Do you think ‘daunting’ (my word not the authors) would be an appropriate adjective to describe it?

After learning a little about Epilepsy yesterday (see the link on the right), it was interesting to read Spaz’s account of the seizure he has in Chapter 8. Are his descriptions of what happened before and after the seizure consistent with what we learned?

Questions, Questions, Questions

2008-02-19T14:52:00.000-05:00

(Ben and I are writing this together after reading Chapters 5 & 6)
Today's reading added to our list of questions.
What is the source of Billy Bismo's power? He clearly is a strong leader. Why do people respect him? How does he intimidate them? Billy has three rules:
- Always beleive Billy.
- Always obey Billy.
- Always speak true to Billy.
It seems like everyone follows the rules. Why?

We were both intrigued by Spaz's family story - at least the little of it we know. We are anxious to hear the details.

I (Dad) confess that I did not connect his name 'Spaz' with his epilepsy, even though he talked about it in the first paragraphs of the book. Ryter suggested that the Epilepsy might actually not be a 'curse' (as Spaz sees it) because it prevents him for using the 'Probes'. Ben agrees with Ryter.

Past, Present, and Future

2008-02-13T06:56:00.000-05:00

In Chapters 3 & 4 things do not get clear but we start to learn more about the world that Spaz lives in. We heard about 'proovs' in the first chapters and now we meet one. That encounter raised as many questions as it answered. What questions do you have regarding 'proovs'?

More interesting to me though were the issues of past and future. Rhyter helps Spaz to see that he has a quality most of his 'peers' do not have. What is it? What are the consequences of a society lacking in the ability? (That could be called a 'philisophical question'? We do not have enough information to answer it in the context of the book but it is interesting to think about.)

Rhyter also has Spaz think out his view of the 'future'. Find the text that explains Spaz's view. Do you agree or disagree with his defintion?

Start your reading engines....

2008-02-11T06:54:00.001-05:00

Time to get going. Lets read the first couple of chapters and see what is going on. It might be good (teacher highly recommends) that you read the first two chapters with a highlighter in hand or pencil and paper by your side. Character names and traits, new words, invented words (how do you tell the difference?) - make note of them and we will figure out how the blog can help us keep track of them.

We have talked about the difference between Fantasy and Science fiction. Which one is this book? Why?

Predictions for Chapter 3?

Reading the Last Book?

2008-02-07T10:11:00.000-05:00

We are about to dive into science fiction. Can there be a character more manipulative than Piper in this book?

Get your copy. We start reading The Last Book in the Universe on monday, February 11th, 2008 (the fourth day of the year of the rat).

Al Capone Does My Shirts - Archive

2008-02-07T09:36:00.000-05:00

We have finished reading Al Capone Does My Shirts and are moving on to a new book. Before doing so, I am capturing a few of the sidebars on this page for future reference. There is probably a better way to do this but I do not know what it is.

Characters
• Mathew "Moose" Flanagan, 12, brown eyes, tall
• Natalie Flanagan, 10 (always), older then Moose, green eyes
• Piper, 13, 'a looker', freckles, long dark hair
• Mr. Flanagan, Guard & Electrician, shorter then Moose
• Mrs. Flanagan, ?
• Annie, 12, yellow hair, 'big girl', good baseball player, part of Piper's gang
• Scout McIlvey, 12, small, "hair grows up instead of down", baseball captain
• Theresa Mattaman, 7, black curly hair, missing teeth, pushy

Wardens Rules
1. No Contact with Convicts
2. Do not go into Fenced Areas
3. No visitors without prior request
4. Do not speak to outsiders about what goes on in Alcatraz
5. Always walk through Snitch Box

Links
Virtual Tour (Find Alkatraz)
Alcatraz History (nice Map)
Al Capone Museum
Authors Website

Big Questions
1. How does a person become part of a group?
2. How does a person decide who to trust?
3. What makes a person powerful?

Now on to the "Last Book in the Universe"

2008-01-09T08:41:00.000-05:00

Have you seen her?

Bad Timing!

2008-01-02T08:06:00.000-05:00

We finished the book just as the vacation started. Now we have to clear some cobwebs as try to finish our work with this book.

Ben was beginning to write a letter to "Librarian's Monthly" (his choice) to suggest that they stock this book . He was to include some information that would be useful to librarians in getting kids to read it. As a refresher: What sort of things might get a Librarian excited about this book or any book?

Reviews in?

2007-12-20T06:53:00.000-05:00

I do not want to give away any of the closing details so I will not write about what happens in the last two chapters of the book. Some of the questions I had were answered. Others remain unclear to me. I am curious about how the author made her choices. Some I agree with and others I am puzzled by.

Though the book is over, work remains.

Ben, I would like you to write a review of this book.
Two important things to think about:
- Who is the audience of your review? Potential readers? Parents deciding if their child should read the book? Librarians deciding if they should put it on the shelves? The Author? Someone else?
(What might you write in a review directed at parents that you would not write in a review directed to other kids?)
- You thoughts should be supported by the text.
(Use specific example to support conclusions or observations.)

What was Avi's advice for writers?

This will be an edited piece of work. Because of the holiday break, it would be great if we could get the first draft should be finished Friday, but quality is more important then speed.
(Outline the writing first with a graphic organizer?)

Any Comments before you start to work on the Review?