Remembrance

This is a historical fiction novel written by Theresa Breslin.

It is the summer of 1915, and war is raging between Britain and Germany as well as all their allies. Men are being urged to join the growing list of recruits and even those who are underage and not yet eligible are eager to join in what they believe will be an epic adventure full of fun and merriment. This novel focuses on five young people living in Stratharden village and describes their war-related encounters and of course, how it changes their lives- forever. This novel doesn't prominently stand out against other books I've read but it serves as a reminder that war is a terrifying thing, full of carnage, violence and unnecessary deaths, a totally different experience from what it's like in PC Games and etc.

Nothing to lose

A year ago, Michael ran away from his Florida home to become a carny, running the Whack-a-Mole game and trying to leave behind the memory of his stepfather Walker lying dead on the floor and his mother covered in blood. The memory of beautiful Kirstie, a fellow carny, also haunts him, as the narration shifts back and forth between events in the present and those of the previous year. Now the carnival is back in Miami, and his mother is about to go on trial for murdering her husband. With the help of a sympathetic female attorney, 17-year-old Michael realizes that he must come forward at last to tell what he knows, in order to save his mother. He must also try to forgive her for putting up with all the physical abuse his stepfather dished out, and forgive himself for not protecting her better.

The book has a strong theme of anger, violence and their consequences. According to sources, Flinn drew her story from two experiences: her love of carnivals and her work as a lawyer trying to solve domestic violence cases. She writes vividly about both here, it is unusual, but good unusual. This book shows how domestic abuse can lead the others to suffer and do such crazy things. One warning that the book has suggestive themes and inappropriate language. It is appealed for both teenagers and adults who enjoy moral lessons from such books.

I think this is book is really cool. inside this book it tells you about a girl becca who wants to be a singer. her friends cat,mac,squidge and Lia who always there to support Becca. All of them watch pop idol on tv and they decided to sign up because they know Becca have an amazing voice but she doesnt want to let anyone know about it. On sunday, Becca and her friends went to the pop idol contest at 10 am. their's body was shaking in fearness and no one ever have a feeling that felt so scared. Lia, Marc and Squidge all dress up as weird and ridicious people. But Becca and Cat were stylish and formal.
When Squidge came in to perform the judges deny, then its marc then lia turn. Unfortunately they got deny. The second last one was Cat who came in and auditiong, she came out with out saying a word and her face was so joyful. Becca know she got in. When it's Becca turn she perform to the judges they said she have amazing talent but she wasnt brave anough. when they make a final decision 1/3 judges said no and 2/3 judges said yes. so it means Becca get to go to the 2nd round.
i think this bok should be read by a 7+ yrs old kid because it is funny and it just like american idol on tv. it also make little kid believe that they can do anything they wanted.

Teen Idol by Meg Cabot

Jen Greenley is the "It" girl in all the magazines. Reporters want to know what color she's wearing to the Clayton High School Spring Fling, and whether she's going to wear her hair up or down. Despite what you may think, though, Jen Greenley is not the title's "teen idol" --- she's just going to the Spring Fling with one.

It all started when reliable, thoughtful Jen, advice columnist for the school paper and "everybody's best friend," was asked by the school administration to guide a new student, Lucas Smith, through his first days at Clayton. Jen and the administration are the only ones who know that Lucas Smith is really Luke Striker, the hottest movie star in Hollywood. All the girls at Clayton think the new boy is cute, but when he accidentally reveals his true identity, Jen finds herself thrown headfirst into her fifteen minutes of fame, and a lot of turmoil with her friends and classmates.

Meg Cabot's trademark charming wit and ability to capture Jen's multitude of emotions make this book a delightful read for everyone. Jen's transformation from laid-back listener to instigator of social change, with inspiration from Luke Striker, will have you cheering for everyone touched by Jen's bravery. TEEN IDOL is a story with messages concerning self-image, confidence and friendships, but Cabot always keeps it lighthearted and funny. A perfect read for summer --- or fall, or winter, or spring.

The life of Sally Tomato

This is a story about a young boy called Salvatore d'Amato but everyone used to call him sally tomato. He is not any ordinary boy but a boy who loves girl and think about all romantic things. he can write lots and lots of discusting poems just for girls. once he was on the way to meet this famous, pretty girl and she wasnt really happy to see him because she was going to go shopping with one of her bestiest friend and she doesnt want any interuption. But then she thought of nasty ideas. Instead of sending sally tomato home he have to carry her shopping bag if he wants to get her heart.
on the other side there is another ugly, talented girl who love sally tomato and tried to get his heart but he didnt accepted yet.
in the end it seems like he find a suitable girlfriend....
if you want to know more read it..:]
i think this should be read by a year 8 students because there's some teenage things in it..and not suitable for little kids in primary.

Chinese cinderella

This is one of my favourite story ever. it is similar to other cinderella story. But this is in Chinese version and also it is about a girl called Adeline Yen Mah who is unwanted daughter to the family. She have the potential energy but this is unrecognized by most of the family member. Niang is her step mom who married her dad when Adeline mom passed away shortly after Adeline birth. Her father thought she was the unlucky girl and because of Adeline, her mom have to died. All of the family member ignore her and thought she was too stupid and not talented. No matter how much her step mom insults her she still able to stand up and protect herself. Adeline never tell anything to her friends about family business. Eventually, Niang send her to boarding school in Tanjin far away from home, she was very lonely. Luckily one of Niang sister know Adeline was in Tanjin so she came and collect her to hong kong to live and learn there. While Adeline learn in hong kong her grandfather passed away and she was too upset. later on she win a writing contest and her father reward her something she never imagine.
i recommend this book for a primary students about 10+ yrs old, because it is really simple to understand and they will know how Adeline can stand up against her Niang just like little kids can protect themselves from the bullies.

Hoang Anh

It's a Girl thing by Grace Dent

Ronnie, Fleur, and Claude-collectively known as the LBD or Les Bambinos Dangereuses-have a serious problem: their typically unreasonable parents ("Can't you put on a bigger top? All that flesh-it's just not right!") have just said no to attending Astlebury Music Festival. Are their social lives ruined forever? Not if they can help it!

In true LBD fashion, the girls come up with a brilliant solution: staging a concert of their own at Blackwell School, featuring the finest talent (and hottest lads) that Blackwell has to offer. Of course, staging a music festival is no easy feat, especially when the LBD's sworn enemy, Panama Goodyear, is the headlining act. But with the LBD in charge, it's a safe bet it'll all work out, complete with a round of post-festival snoggage.

Join Ronnie, Fleur, and Claude as they conquer all obstacles in their path with grace, poise, and a megadose of cheeky humor. LBD-it's not just a girl thing, it's the best thing!

Twilight

I don't care how people say this book is fantastic and stuffs. This book is one of the worst book I have ever read.
So basically, the story is about Bella, a teenage girls with a severe case of autism, who has moved to a new town, from Phoenix to Forks, to live with her father Charlie while her mother Renee traveling with her new husband. Much to her surprises, many guys start competing over her heart.
On one day, when she meets Edward Cullen, he seems to be annoyed by her for some unknown reasons, later revealed to be his temptations for Bella's scent of blood. Bella knows he is a vampire when she acknowledges how Edward saves her. This time, the troubles begin.
First thing I am going to complain about this book is: the vampire theory. Seriously? Sparkling under the sun? Never get burned in the day? I don't care if it is original or not, this is not a vampire, this an unidentified species, copying vampire's thirst for blood with some weird gimmicks. Sure Stephanie doesn't know about vampire much, but she shouldn't call this "vampire" but call it something else, it is a disgrace to vampire's fans. Second thing, the romance has gone too far, turning to cheesiness, the book is targeted for teenagers so it should be soft and reasonable. This should be aimed for 18 +

The Third Summer Of The Sisterhood:Girls in Pants by Ann Brashares

This book is a follow-up to the very popular Ann Brashares novels "Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants" and "The Second Summer of the Sisterhood." The book follows the four inseparable friends Tibby, Carmen, Lena, and Bridget during the summer before they head to college. The narrative shifts each chapter, following a different one of the girls, but only the prologue and epilogue are in first person.

Bridget is at soccer camp in Pennsylvania, and reunites with the young man whom she slept with two summers ago. Bridget is ashamed of how forward she was before, but it soon becomes clear that the two still have feelings for each other. Carmen is working as a “babysitter” to Lena's Greek grandmother. She is also dealing the fact that her mother is just remarried and pregnant, and that a handsome hospital volunteer thinks she is fabulous. Lena is working hard to earn an art scholarship after her father refuses to support her at Rhode Island School of Design, and is also coping with last year's heartbreak. Tibby is learning to take risks and slowly accepting the fact that she is in love with her best friend.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid 5:Dog Days by Jeff Kinney

If you've never read the Wimpy Kid series, it's about Greg Heffley, a lazy middle-schooler who is constantly being bullied by his older brother Rodrick. Greg's little brother Manny pesters him and gets away with it. His friend, Rowley, is a weird kid, but always gets it good with the girls while Greg is unpopular with them. Greg strives to become famous but is consistently a failure.
In Dog Days, Greg expects to stay home all summer and do nothing but play video games. His mom urges him to try to get out of the house, but he doesn't buy it because he's learnt from experience.
When he and Rowley go to Rowley's country club, they bring a girl, Trista, along, but then she starts talking to some lifeguard and ignores the people who took her there. One unlucky day, Rowley's dad shows up at Greg's house and expects Greg to pay for all the smoothies he's ordered at the country club. Greg and Rowley start a lawn mowing business. A customer shows up and Greg gives her bad quality lawn mowing. Then his dad comes and finishes the job, but the lady stiffs Greg.
All these unfortunate events and more make him want to stay home for the rest of the summer. But as with all his plans, everything goes exactly the opposite.
I love the characters of Greg, Manny and Rodrick because Manny and Rodrick always pick on Greg, and he manages to turn it into a big show. It makes the book very entertaining. Greg's parents are unique because if they do something that involves any of the brothers they can never do what they planned. Rowley is irritating because he always gets his way.
The book is hugely funny and a great page-turner. You just know that in the next page Greg's going to have an unfortunate event, like when Rodrick tricks him into going off the high platform into the swimming pool. The print is especially funny because it gives you the perspective of a 13-year-old's writing.
If you like a hilarious story about a really dorky teenager and his bummed out life, go read this book.

Horrible Geography- Odious Oceans

Are you bored to death with drawing climate graphs in Geography? With answering questions and calculating birth and death rates? Or just a naturally curious person? If you are then this is the right book for you! The Horrible Geography series will give you a whole new perspective on this subject and tell you the exciting facts teachers never bother to tell you. In this book, find out the terrible fates of ships that dared venture into the Bermuda Triangle, fascinating underwater creatures, insight into the Titanic, how to make your own pearls and....

Ranger's Apprentice- The Burning Bridge

(Please note: I read this book some time ago but I didn't blog it until now)

This isn't a novel that I particularly chose, it's just one of the books that you burrow from the library when you can't find the novel you wanted to read because someone else must've took it first. This was an OK enough read (as in that it isn't the type that would bore you to death), however, it's not something I would really recommend at all. Set in the medieaval kingdom of Araluen, Will is apprenticed to the Ranger Halt who belongs to the Ranger Corps, a millitary unit that specialises in firing accurate shots at the enemy, speed and the art of unseen movement. As the kingdom's army prepares for battle against Morgarath ( the enemy who has been plotting his revenge for the last 15 years), Will and his friend Horace are chosen to accompany another Ranger on a journey to bring despatches to the King of Celts. When they arrive at the Celtic cities though, they discover that they're all deserted. What happened?

Come on chaps!

Great postings Becky and co- keep it up. I've really enjoyed reading these and have passes on many of your titles to Mr Jacques in the library.

Both my Year 9s and my Year 10 classes have both won the senior reading challenges recently- can 8S make it a clean sweep?! I darn well hope so!!

The Rotten Romans by Teary Deary

The "Horrible Histories" series are sort of non-fiction books mixed with a bit of comedy accompanied by humorous cartoons that make History so much more entertaining and interesting. In this book, discover what foul foods the Romans devoured; the nasty habits of some of Rome's barmiest emperors; ridiculous Roman make-up(not the type you get in department stores today); cruel facts about what discipline was like in the Roman Army and lots more! I do recommend this book and others in this series because they're rather educational but at the same time, highly enjoyable.

Best Friends by Jacqueline Wilson

The trouble with being a child is that you aren't really in control of the important things, and everyone likes to think they are in control of the things that matter.

Take Gemma and Alice. They're best friends. They've been best friends ever since they were born on the same day in the same hospital. They went to the same nursery school, and the same infant school, and now they're together in the juniors. Gemma is the noisy, wild one. Alice is the quiet one with the long blonde hair.

If you've got a best friend you will be able to imagine how Gemma and Alice feel when Alice's parents decide to move a long way away, to Scotland:

I took a deep breath, as if I was about to blow out all the candles on my birthday cake all by myself for the first time.
'IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!' I shouted.
Auntie Karen jumped. Alice gasped. Mum shot up and seized me by the shoulders.
'Be quiet, Gemma!'
'I won't be quiet!' I roared. 'It's not fair. I hate you, Auntie Karen. You're taking my best ever friend away from me and you don't even care!'

The thing is, it makes no difference how hard the girls cry, or how loudly they complain, Alice is going to move away, and nothing will bring her back again. So Gemma is going to have to face up to the fact that Alice will make new friends in Scotland. And Gemma will need to give in and find herself a new friend at school, because life does go on.

But, as Gemma and Alice discover, even if they do make new friends, there's no need to forget everything that they've shared together in the past.

Sad but happy. Read it. I'm sure you'll love it!

Jason & Marceline by Jerry Spinelli

Jason Herkimer and Marceline McAllister have been friends since Space Station Seventh Grade, though Marceline embarasses Jason with her trombone playing, goofy sunglasses and general refusal to conform. Thus, Jason is surprised to find himself in love with Marceline and even more surprised when she rejects him. He indulges in sort of macho behavior until being part of the crowd is no longer satisfying. One day in the lunch line, a naive seventh grader, Rudy, starts choking. When Jason saves him using the Heimlich maneuver, Rudy grabs him in a grateful hug and won't let go. Jason is horrified at first because everyone in the cafeteria is watching, but understanding Rudy's terror, he gently hugs him back. Marceline is touched by Jason's kindness. They are reconciled, and their friendship/romance is ready to move to a new level. Spinelli's teenagers are fresh and funny, sometimes crude, sometimes poignant, and always very real. Jason's story will have readers rejoicing in recognition as he learns to accept himself and others.

Who Put That Hair In My Toothbrush? by Jerry Spinelli

The story alternates chapters between twelve-year-old Megin and her older brother Greg. The book follows their various arguments and misadventures while exploring the thorny issue of sibling rivalry, giving both sibling's perspective on their disagreements.
Megin is a much better hockey player than her older brother which annoys him to no end. Greg is obsessed with body building in an attempt to attract a girl in his school. Between their obsessions the two somehow manage to make time to drive each other nuts. However, their differences are set aside when a crisis erupts showing that even though they might argue and bicker about the smallest matters, they will still come to each other's aid when truly needed.

Leonardo and the Death Machine

No one, least of all Leonardo da Vinci, could have imagined how running a simple errand could turn out to cause so much trouble. Leonardo is an apprentice to the famous painter Andrea del Verrocchio and his master sends him to the house of another artist to deliver a bill. While he is there Leonardo sees a drawing which appears to be the plan of some machine. For some reason Leonardo cannot help feeling that the machine is dangerous, that it is going to be used for some fine art of murder. The fact that enemies of the Medici family appear to connected to the plans in some way only makes the whole situation look more sinister and worrying.

No one knows how Leonardo became a great artist, his past became an unsolvable mystery, the only key is our imagination. And here, Robert J Harris has given Leonardo a new face, a new personality, a main role in his world. The story is mainly based on the real events, some characters are real and some are works of imagination. These strings of imagination and reality blend together to make a fine art of Leonardo's past, giving the readers a feel of life at Florence.

Witch-Hunt Mysteries of the Salem witch trials by Marc Aronson

This book isn't really a novel or some fictional story, it discusses the witch trials which really occurred in Massachusetts and provides insight on why, where, when and how these trials and sometimes executions, which eventually claimed twenty-five innocent lives happened. Back then, in 1692, common folk (actually everyone) considered religion highly important and were awfully superstitious. Basically, anyone unusual or who behaved in an eccentric way, could be in league with satanic forces- a witch in other words. Weeding out witchcraft has a long history but this book goes on to explain how the alleged "victims" who were supposed to have been "tortured" by various means by witches, had other dark, malign reasons behind their terrible accusations. Why were the judges so gullible? Why did no one stop these unjust court proceedings? Why did some of the accused even confess?

Judging the best advert...

After thinking about the four adverts. I have decided the the Sony Bravia commercial. The camera was really focusing on the bouncy balls since they represent colour that the T.V. promises to for-fill. What I think the main technique is that it's unique-ness. No other advert has ever done this before, therefore winning my vote over the pepsi video. The music in the background makes your mind relax and makes you enjoy the ad. This is also a technique (opinion as fact) cause this is sending a message that if you buy this T.V. it will make you relax.

The video also has a sense of art too it so it draws more audience, especially people who enjoy art,designing and creative activities. Another related comment was the various colours which sticks to to the company's slogan. "Colour... Like no Other."

Question!!!!!!!

do we need to keep blogging the books we read or do we just put it on our sheets??

Emil and the detectives - Erich Kästner

A 1929 novel, very old, a classic: The story begins in the fictional town called Neudstadt in Germany, the town of our main character: Emil Tischbein. His mother sends him to Berlin with 6 pounds (that's very lot in the old days) to give to his grandmother, on the journey, Emil becomes very careful with the money and uses a needle to pin his money into his jacket. When he's on a train, a bowler hat man, called Grundeis gives him a slab of chocolate which makes him fall asleep and dream about nightmares. When he wakes up, he finds out that his money is gone and Grundeis is nowhere to be found. Soon, he gets of the train and catches signs of Grundeis, he starts following his trails, like a real detective. He doesn't have the guts to call the police, since in Neudstadt, a policeman had seen him vandalizing a statue, so he feels like he himself as a criminal. Suddenly, a boy named Gustav with his motor horn who agrees to help Emil. Gustav calls the gang and they assemble, becoming "The Detectives", willing to retrieve Emil's money.
The book was unquestionably good, due to the characters were so real and alive. Erich has characterized Emil so good that we can overlook and see through Emil's mind and view, unlike other children literature, the people in Berlin were well characterized with hard characters, not in a sanity world for children, the morals are hard to see and are prevented from being to obvious, readers have to figure the morals through characters' deeds, e.g: Little Tuesday, who keeps promise, has taught me to become a promise caretaker. Even adults can find something within this marvelous adventure book.
Emil received positive affections from public in Germany, it was Erich major success in 1945, because it was his first book to escape from Nazi Censorship. The book was made cover in a German Stamp.

The Best Advert

After a long discussion with my very large brain, I decided that the Guinness Beer advert was the most effective and very creative. The main character was a surfer who was waiting, waiting for the right moment to strike the wave. The effect of having a narrator saying rather 'wise' sentences gives the advert a very serious and manly effect, for it is odviously aimed at men that love beer. The images of the advert is what made me (and my huge brain) choose it as the best. The black and white colouring is very effective because it is like the colour of the beer itself, black for the beer and white for the foam.
The surfer is like a symbol of courage and honor to what you will becomeif you drink Guinness, because ''good things come to those who wait'' like the surfer in the advert he is the last men surfing.

English Homework

after a brief moment of thinking i decided, without hesitation, that the Pepsi Cola advert was by FAR the best advert. The gladiatorian setting was hooking for the audience and made many people, especially men, instantly interested. also the famous people (who are acting as the gladiators) cause many people who idolise these weirdos to want to see what their 'heroins' are doing. The fact that the women are in short flimsy clothes makes many men become glued to the screen. also the advertisement also has some humor in it as the 'gladiators' get the 'audience' worked up at the beginning by starting a beat. this also can create suspense as you become unsure of what is going to happen a) they will fight b) the will fight and sing at the same time (weird) c) they will simply sing. another humorous part it that the box of Pepsi was almost attracted to the singers at it continued to leap towards them. another humorous part is when the Pepsi hits the end of the table, somehow springs into the air, catapulting Caesar high into the air and everything ends up in the arena but instead of helping their king the gladiators went to get a refreshing drink of Pepsi. the hot sun made the drink, covered in ice, look even more refreshing! yep this is defiantly the best advert!