The Book Thief advertisement

1. Create a poster advertising the novel based on the following quote:

"I am haunted by humans" (Zusak 550).

Reflect back on the interview we watched at the beginning of the unit when Markus Zusak comments about pure beauty and pure destruction. Keep his comments in mind as you think of two creative images to include that reflect opposing images or actions that might come to mind when one thinks of human capabilities. Your images must relate to the novel.

2. After you have posted the quote and your images, write a one paragraph response explaining your choices. Make sure you connect to the novel.

3. Then, respond to a partner's post.

10 points

How do people make distinctions between “us” and “them”?

Why do they make these distinctions? Soldiers vs. citizens Aryans vs. Jews Americans vs. Canadians Jets vs. Patriots Red Sox vs. Yankees The World vs. N. Korea Trump vs. Mexico Nashoba vs. Wachusett

Find a recent video or news article that relates to this topic. Then write a paragraph response that answers the questions above.

Lord of the Flies Symbol Analysis

At this point in the reading, the following symbols have developed: the scar, the conch, fire, Piggy's glasses, the beast, the butterflies, etc. Your task today is to select a symbol or come up with your own. Create a post that includes the following:

1. an image that represents the symbol (think outside the box)

2. two quotes (properly cited) that develop the symbol

3. 2-3 sentences explaining what the symbol represents

How do you think you have been influenced by modern American society?

How has it shaped your values, beliefs, identity, etc…?

I have been influenced by American society in the following ways.

First, I have been influenced by the the luxury of travel afforded in my childhood by my parents’ incomes and desire to show my siblings and I their home countries of England and Brazil, in addition to exploring Cape Cod every summer of my childhood. This shaped the person I am because it has allowed me to see and appreciate new places, meet new people, and enjoy a wide variety of food.

Secondly, I have been influenced by my parents’ love of gardening. This shaped the person I am because it has created in me a love for gardening, farmers’ markets, and cooking. There is nothing quite like cooking with freshly picked ingredients. I value nutrition and home-cooked meals thanks to the love for gardening, vegetables and fruits that was instilled in me from an early age.

Thirdly, I have been influenced by literature. This shaped the person I am because it has given me a career that I love. Literature has allowed me to see into other cultures and places in a way that travel does not always offer. It has provided me the opportunity to learn history through many engaging titles.  

Choice Book Review

Option #1: book review (if you've finished your book) - Your task today is to write a 3-4 paragraph book review. View a student sample to get and idea for the organization of your own review.

Option #2: scene review  (if you're still reading) - Select a recent scene in your book. It should be a scene that is especially important to the book's action or conflict or the author's characterization. Write a 2-3 paragraph review of that scene. View a student sample to get and idea for the organization of your own review.

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Outline for book review:
Paragraph 1: overview of the book

Paragraph 2: identifies the main conflict(s)

Paragraph 3: point of view (who is the narrator? is the story told in first or third person?)
Paragraph 4: reader reaction/take-aways

Outline for scene review:
Paragraph 1: overview of the book

Paragraph 2: identifies the main conflict that is relevant to the scene and discusses the characters who are present in the scene

Paragraph 3: reader reaction/take-aways

Finished? Spend your remaining time working on your short story draft (min. 2 double-spaced pages)

CHOICE BOOK RESPONSE

For today's blog assignment, I would like you to respond to a powerful passage from the reading you have done during the last couple of days.

Consider your response a conversation between you and the text.
You’ll need to record the quote/passage and your thoughts about the text.
Follow the format based on the example below.

Comment on one of the following:
● what you think something means
● the personal connections you make (to a character, setting, event)
● patterns you notice
● predictions you can pose
● commentary on important decisions made by characters, ideas expressed, or key events
● observations about a character
● what seems unusual
● recognition of a literary technique and ideas about its meaning and purpose


EXAMPLE:
“A few miles south of Soledad, the Salinas River drops in close to the hillside bank and run deep and
green.  The water is warm too, for it has slipped twinkling over the yellow sands in the sunlight
before reaching the  narrow pool. On one side of the river the golden foothill slopes curve up to the 
strong and rocky Gabilan  mountains … sycamores with mottled, white,  recumbent limbs and 
branches that arch over the  pool” (Steinbeck 1).

There’s something about the description of the pool that makes it sound lovely. The complex 
sentences and  verbs are fluid: drops, run, slipped, curve, and arch. The  descriptors are fresh and 
peaceful: deep and green,  twinkling, golden, mottled, and recumbent. With this  lovely pool
against the backdrop of the “strong and  rocky Gabilan mountains,” the spot feels like a refuge.

If you need extra time, complete your post for homework.

Reflections on William Kamkwamba

Reflections on William Kamkwamba

Today, I'd like you to review the last sections of the The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.
Provide two quote reactions to two of the following sections of the text:

• Chapter 15
• The Epilogue
• About the Book

You can write a personal response since you are reacting to his experiences. See the example below:

   "The people seated around me were so well-dressed and confident. They had important things to do, and their busy lives required them to travel in airplanes across the world. As the jet accelerated down the runway and lifted its nose in the air, I pressed my head back in the seat and laughed.
     I guess I was now one of them, too" (Kamkwamba 263).

What a moment for William. He may have never dreamed of being a passenger in an airplane. The whole experience seems surreal. Most of us take such things as airplane travel for granted, but for William, that first ride is the beginning of an incredible new journey. He accomplished so much for his family and village. William was never thinking just of himself. Instead, he focused on the ways he could make life better for those around him. He deserves the fame and I felt so happy for William in this moment. When he looks around the airplane, he should view himself as an adult. He's come so far and done more for others than many adults are able to accomplish in a lifetime. William is an inspiration.

Formatting:
Provide the quote and parenthetical citation after the quote.
Write a one-paragraph response to each of the quotes you've selected.

If you do not finish in class, complete the blog assignment for homework. (10 points)