Although Girl in a Cage is just a novel by Jane Yolen and Robert J. Harris, it is similar to the actual Middle Ages history. First, Marjorie de Brus, the book’s main character, is a real person who lived during the time of the Wars of Scottish Independence in opposition to King Edward I of
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Comparison - Girl in a Cage
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Important Passage - Girl in a Cage
Monday, January 11, 2010
Response Paraph - Theme: So Far from the Bamboo Grove
The memoir So Far from the Bamboo Grove by Yoko Kawashima Watkins teaches readers to never give up, even during the most desperate situations. Because the Kawashima family is faced with many challenges due to World War II, Yoko, Ko, her mother, and her brother all learn to persevere to overcome obstacles. When the train Yoko, Ko, and Mrs. Kawashima were on was bombed, they decide to leave the train and walk to the far-off
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Response Paragraph: Reaction - Amnesty International
I feel that the treatment people in Iraq are receiving is terrible and disgraceful. Although I know it's almost impossible, I wish for peace, or at least no wars or fighting. Some people are forced to flee just because of their religion! Even though some may think that people who believe in other religions are "stupid," that does not give them the right to treat others so harshly with death threats and more.I also believe that everyone should be allowed to choose where they want to live. Palestinians should not be forced to stay in Iraq. They also should not be denied access to other countries. In addition, I feel bad for those who have lost relatives and friends due to the fierce attacks in Iraq. However, I believe that Amnesty International is doing the right thing by trying to help these poor people resettle in safer places. I hope that the people in Iraq who are suffering because of this "displacement crisis" will soon have a nice place to live in and lead a successful life.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Theme - Red Scarf Girl
The autobiography Red Scarf Girl by Ji-Li Jiang teaches readers a to help each other out in hard times. Even though many people in this story were struggling during this tough situation due to the Cultural Revolution, they were still trying to help out family and friends in times of need. For example, when Ji-Li forgot her Precious Red Book for the Morning Benediction, Sun Lin-Lin cleverly thought of a way to save Ji-Li. Lin-Lin gave Ji-Li her red book cover so that Ji-Li could pretend she brought her book and would not receive punishment. Also, Ji-Li helped out around the house, after they had to fire Song PoPo, by buying and cooking food for her family. Ji-Li also promised to take care of her two siblings no matter what happened since she couldn't bear allowing them to live with anyone else. In addition, even after being fired, Song PoPo continued to help the Jiang family sweep the floors and make soup since she knew they were having a hard time after Ji-Li's mother became sick and her father was detained. This book has taught me that even in difficult times, lending a helping hand to those in need is important to being a better person.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Plot - Red Scarf Girl
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Main Character - Red Scarf Girl
Because of Ji-Li's family's political background, it made life hard for her family during the Cultural Revolution. They were always targeted by "Red Guards," who were supporters of Chairman Mao, or the founder of the Cultural Revolution. Her grandfather was a landlord, and landlords were looked down upon since they were supposedly cruel and treated their subjects ruthlessly. At school, she was made fun of by classmates, especially three boys, once being Du-Hai, because of her landlord grandfather. Therefore, she sometimes wished her grandfather was never a landlord or that she never had any ties with him. Also, due to her family's political background, Ji-Li's father did not allow her to audition for a dance training class for the Central Liberation Army Arts Academy.
Just like many other people, Ji-Li and her family were struggling to not be tortured and taunted during the Cultural Revolution.
*I have only read about halfway through the book. However, I believe that Ji-Li's opinion about Chairman Mao will reverse and she will turn against the Cultural Revolution and the new beliefs.