Themes

Author’s note: I am writing about the themes in the short story “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson. My purpose of writing is to identify the themes and support why I believe these are the main themes- Friendship and loss of innocence.

            “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson had a twist to it. When you think of the lottery today, you would think it means you would get money or something good? Well not in this short story. Towards the beginning of the text, as it said the town was gathering together, the little children were collecting stones. This is an example of the theme loss of innocence.

            While the children were just being young, and doing what kids do (collecting little rocks and making piles) they lost their innocence. It seems like they were just being kids, but really they knew exactly what they were doing all along. Gathering small rocks to be thrown at somebody. The lottery was a terrible village tradition, which includes the town getting together and picking a family first, out of a black box, and then picking a member of the family to throw rocks at to their death. The children lost their innocence because they helped kill somebody, and at such a young age.

            Another theme is friendship. Since the mother of the Hutchinson family, Tessie got picked, her best friend helped put her out of her misery faster by chucking a huge rock at her dear friend. By doing so, I’m sure she would rather have big rocks thrown at her rather than having a bunch of little rocks hurt her way more, so she doesn’t suffer. This is an example of friendship because as a friend of Tessie’s, she didn’t want her to suffer a slow, painful death

            These themes are important because they are major themes; they tie the whole story together. The themes Loss of Innocence and Friendship are very important in this short story.

As the Last Flower

It is me. Yes the last flower living in the flower bed. Of course I would be the last one living. I always knew I was special. But what I will admit is it does get kind of lonely being a lonely flower, I really miss my mom, and dad, and all my wild sunflower friends! But being the last flower does have its up sides like not being pushed around- or not having to worry if my pedals are perfect. Oh no- who is that coming towards me? "look! The last living flower! I might as well pick it so it isn't lonely! Wow, my mom is going to love this one for mothers day. Tulips her favorite!" who are you! Why are you touching me! No! don’t rip me out of my rip soil. What's going on? This is a lovely home you have. "Happy mothers day mom!" said the little girl. The mom replied "I love it."

Second Letter To Daniel

Author’s note: This piece is a letter written from Lucinda Price to Daniel Grigori, who Luce had met at her reform school. For some reason Daniel hates her from the start even though they had never met before. I will be demonstrating Luce’s point of view towards Daniel on why he hates her and how Luce feels throughout a letter that she writes him. The tone of this letter is angry, but also innocently stupid with all the questions she has for him. The first writing in italics is the first letter.


Dear Daniel,

I do not understand the hatred you felt for me since day one; starting off with me noticing you. I couldn’t help to stare, but that moment when I flashed you a smile, your reaction- I didn’t get it. Why did you flip me off? How could you do that? I have never spoken to you in my life. That was only the beginning. In detention, we had a connection- don’t deny it. In the cemetery the way the old statue toppled over me, and the way you saved me, I felt like nothing could get to me now, not even the shadows. I know that you know I see shadows, as well. I know this because whenever a dark cloud shadow comes for me, you get different, like you can see them too, just like me. I know, Daniel, that we have never met before but I can honestly say that I care for you. Don’t ask me why, because I won’t have an answer, but I feel that we have met before. I recognize you, and you stumbled, when you said you hate the way I crack my knuckles. Then I knew. I knew that you know me from somewhere. So, please tell me where. How do you know me? And why do you hate me? I only want to understand.

-Luce

Daniel-

I am so sorry. If I would’ve known you were an angel, nothing would have ever happened- the fallen angel war, the shadows (Announcers) everything was all so difficult to understand at the time. Now I am here, you are there, in a truce with the demon Cam. To think I thought he was a nice guy. Little did I know angels even existed, not even dark angels. It is so weird that there is a whole other “gifted” species of people-angels. Also, here at my new school, there are these people they call “Nephilim” and they can even turn into shadows. I am waiting 18 days for the truce to be broken until I can see you again. Please come faster.

-Luce

Prediction Torment

Author’s note: I am writing about predicting what is going to happen next in my book “Torment” by Lauren Kate. My purpose of writing is to predict what is happening within the book and finding out when I am finished reading it.

The way Luce summoned the “Announcer” was brave. Her bravery showed she was ready to be on her own for eighteen days or so, and that’s exactly how long she needs to be away from her fallen angel boyfriend Daniel. Ever since Luce found out her boyfriend is an angel, and she was gifted after every time she dies, she comes back every seventeen years, everything was hard to compress, but she had to be away from Daniel, it was just too dangerous. At least until the truce with Cam (evil) was over then the angel war would start up again.

Her bravery meant something; it meant that she is a strong person, but that doesn’t mean she wouldn’t miss Daniel. What I think is going to happen next is, Daniel might get hurt in the war, and Luce wouldn’t e able to see him in a longer while than she thought. I think this because it is the second book in the series and the first one “Fallen” was really action packed, and the action hasn’t started yet in this book.

Another reason why I think that Daniel would get hurt is because Cam sounds very aggressive while on their truce, and it seems he wants to fight him for Luce. If Cam and Daniel fight, Luce would get really scared and feel alone.

In conclusion, my prediction is that Cam and Daniel will fight for Luce and Daniel will win, even if it means getting hurt. I also think that one of Daniel’s secrets will come out in the way, because he is sneaky.

The Common Cold

The Common Cold

By Rhiannon Wasley

What is a common cold? A cold is a highly contagious virus that is spread super easily. Usually, it is mainly caused by germs spread around from telephones, pens/pencils, and physical contact with someone who has already been infected by the virus (Common Cold). Colds are prominent in areas such as school, the workplace, downtown cities, or any other place where many people inhabit (Doerr). Therefore, catching a cold can be easier than the sneeze that transmits it.  Although a simple cold is among the least serious sicknesses there are it is a worldwide illness that cannot be escaped.

Though a cold may not be a serious illness, it is very contagious. On average, the American kindergartener gets an ordinary cold up to 12 times a year, while the average adult gets a cold 2-4 times a year. Assumingly, this could be because kids are crammed into dirty schools with other sick children, and adults need to endure a hard day at work with other dirty slobs working to get their paychecks. Colds can be caused by a virus called “Rhinovirus” (Common Cold Cause).

            Because every single person gets a cold sooner or later, it’s not necessarily a big deal if you catch a cold, unless your condition worsens. For example, if you get a cold, that is no reason to miss school or work, unless if your symptoms have evolved to the point where you cannot function in your daily routine. There is technically no cure for a cold, but you can treat it just by home remedies. A great way to feel better, and try to get over a cold is drink lots of fluid, lay in bed, or take a Tylenol if you have a head ache to make it feel better, and that’s one less symptom out of the way.

Symptoms of a cold include coughing, sneezing, slight fever, sore throat, fatigue, and more (Common Cold Symptoms). The cold season is normally during the fall/winter seasons, but that doesn’t mean you can’t catch a cold year around. Most people think that you get a cold from the weather, but that is semi true. During the fall and winter months, the air is usually quite dry which can cause a cold. Also, that season is when children return to school, allowing exposure to a wide variety of germs and viruses. The weather plus exposure makes the fall and winter seasons the perfect time for catching colds, along with many other illnesses that may not be as minor.

With all the ways to receive an illness, it’s no surprise how easily colds are caught. There will always be those minor setbacks in every society, and ours is the common cold. But, if left untreated, colds can lead to more serious illnesses like Influenza. So to stay safe, one must know the various places colds could be lurking. One must also be aware of the various methods to treat a cold, to prevent further contamination or growth of the illness.

To Daniel-

Author’s note: This piece is a letter written from Lucinda Price to Daniel Grigori, who Luce had met at her reform school. For some reason Daniel hates her from the start even though they had never met before. I will be demonstrating Luce’s point of view towards Daniel on why he hates her and how Luce feels throughout a letter that she writes him. The tone of this letter is angry, but also innocently stupid with all the questions she has for him.


Dear Daniel,

I do not understand the hatred you felt for me since day one; starting off with me noticing you. I couldn’t help to stare, but that moment when I flashed you a smile, your reaction- I didn’t get it. Why did you flip me off? How could you do that? I have never spoken to you in my life. That was only the beginning. In detention, we had a connection- don’t deny it. In the cemetery the way the old statue toppled over me, and the way you saved me, I felt like nothing could get to me now, not even the shadows. I know that you know I see shadows, as well. I know this because whenever a dark cloud shadow comes for me, you get different, like you can see them too, just like me. I know, Daniel, that we have never met before but I can honestly say that I care for you. Don’t ask me why, because I won’t have an answer, but I feel that we have met before. I recognize you, and you stumbled, when you said you hate the way I crack my knuckles. Then I knew. I knew that you know me from somewhere. So, please tell me where. How do you know me? And why do you hate me? I only want to understand.

-Luce

Song to a Poem

Author's note: I am comparing the song "Big Yellow Taxi" to the poem with the same words/lyrics. I am also comparing and contrasting "Field Below" with the song, and the poem as well. My purpose of writing is to prove that the lyrics and words are the same but when you sing it, the words sound different than when you read it and how different it is.

In the poem, Big Yellow Taxi, the message sent out is to not take anything for granted, also that nobody really knows what they have until it is gone, so you should appreciate everything you have. Field Below has nearly the same message sent out but they are sort of trying to make you feel sorry for them in sympathy.

Big Yellow Taxi: The song sounds happy, with the music but with the poem, it sounds depressing. It just sounds really different. Unless you really listen to the words you kind of get distracted by the music because it sounds happy, and louder. I like the poem better, because you actually realize that it is depressing. The song and the poem are very different and they contrast.

Field below:
Other than the poem, the song is slow, and the singer's voice is soft and you focus more on the depressing tone, and it goes with the poem, more, and there is a little piano solo that makes the song relaxing to listen to. The poem and song are alike in ways being the song you actually feel more emotions unlike the poem which you just read it and don’t really think anything of it, but the song has more emotion.

Freedom is a Gift

Author's note: I am writing about freedom in the North in the 1800's. My purpose of writing is to show that even though African American people back then were free, their freedom was less than many others.


In the times of the 1800’s-1860’s, how free were the Africans in the North? The answer is not very free.

To deal with participation in government, the African American citizens weren't allowed to vote, or do barley anything the whites could, simply because voting was something that the African American people couldn’t have a say on because their opinion was "wrong" even if it was the same opinion as a white person. The Caucasians were racist. It took so long until the Caucasian people realized that skin color does not what so ever matters. People are people, no matter what you look like. There were some rights that the black people had, when lucky.

The blacks were allowed to own some land, but nothing compared to the whites. If you are white, think about how you would be treated back then if you were black. It's horrible that actual real people have gone through stuff as bad as this. Compare your life now, to someone who was black back then. So many people take everything for granted, and it's a shame.

Back in the "day" the rights the blacks had were very low. They couldn’t do anything with white people, from using the same bathrooms, to going to the same churches. The rights that the blacks had were so different than to this day. Today, mostly everyone is treated with respect no matter what the skin color is and that’s the way it should always be… except for people who still are racist for whatever reason that is. For education, black children and teens often were not allowed to attend regular school, therefore had to find a good education plan whether its having your parents teach you, or going to more extremes, even not having a education at all if necessary, even though that is never necessary in times today, but everything is so different now.

In conclusion, blacks were not free. Throughout the 1800’s, it was a very hard time for the people with a darker skin tone, and the way that they got treated is very poor.

Mother to Son Parody

This is a parody of the poem Mother to Son by Langston Hughs. The tone is giving it is advisory telling someone to never give up. I am writing as Steve to his mother from the book Monster.


Well, mom, I’ll tell you:
Life for me has been difficult
there have been different people
and drama,
and a lot of friends
and places where the carpet has been torn out-
Bare.
But all the time
I have been strong
and reaching for the sky
and turning corners
and sometimes in no light
In the dark
So don’t be disappointed if you get bored.
don’t you sit out
Don’t fall
it will get easier
Just Never Give Up

Themes of Fallen

Author’s note: I am writing an essay about the main theme in the novel “Fallen” by Lauren Kate. My purpose of writing is to show how “Fallen” is a mystery.


“I don’t know. Prying into Daniel’s files? I’m not sure I need another reason to feel like a crazy stalker girl” said by Luce Price with deep expression to one of her many friends, Penn at her new boarding school, Sword & Cross. Nothing is more on Luce’s mind than to find out a secret Daniel has been hiding from everybody, and who knows what extremes she will go to, to find out what that secret is that he is desperately wanting to keep hidden. Since Luce considers herself a “stalker” she questions if she is right, or wrong throughout the novel, but within the book you realize that it is a mystery.

The three themes of Fallen are mystery, loss of innocence, and family. Ever since a horrible accident with one of her close friends ending in death, Luce is accused for the murderer since she was with him that night. Her parents don’t believe her and sent her to a boarding school filled with “freaks” and nobody believes her. Everybody thinks she is a killer or a psycho person, but when her parents sent her there, it was like they were scared of her. They knew they could only talk to Luce once a week and they were okay with that. The theme is family because her family leaves her and in Sword & Cross her friends are her new family.

Second, the other theme is loss of innocence. Luce lost her innocence when she was accused of killing her friend, and got shipped off to her new school. She lost her innocence because it was murder, but it wasn’t a crime she committed.

The last theme is mystery. Luce is in love with this boy named Daniel, but he is holding a secret. It is a mystery what the secret is, but also nobody knows what Luce will do next… She is unpredictable, and that’s what makes it a great read. Although through the whole book there are secrets, lies, and crazy actions, it keeps you guessing.

A connection I can make is Luce is accused of things she didn’t do by her parents, and my parent also accuse me of a lot of stuff I don’t do or that m brother does.

Motherly Advice

Author’s note: I am writing a response on “Mother to Son” written by author Langston Hughs. My purpose of writing is to identify the mood, tone, and figurative language throughout the story.


When you have a poor relationship with your father, I’m sure great advice from your mother would mean a lot. In the short poem “Mother to Son” by Langston Hughs, the poem is from the mother, to the son about never giving up. In a way, the tone, which is the expression the author has, is motivational, because of the way the mother is looking out for her son, only wanting the best. How the author wants you to feel is inspired, reasoned because even if you have ‘tacks’ in your life, or have been broken, always persevere. I thought the figurative language was amazing, because life can’t be a crystal stair, and your life can’t be “boarded up” but those were great ways of explaining how she felt at certain points in her life, and that’s how the figurative language was meant to be in this poem.

It's Not All About the Looks Edited

Author’s note: I am writing about the description of the main character in the book “Monster” by Walter Dean Myers. My purpose of writing is to understand the way people look, as well as how they are treated.

When you read a book do you even pay attention to what the main character actually looks like? In the book “Monster” by Walter Dean Myers, the author demonstrated a great job of describing what the main character Steve Harmon looks like; mostly because the setting is in jail and the whole story is written out as a screenplay or diary format. In his description there is a file report of his profile which tells you all about the main character. Steve is prosecuted for robbery and murder, but to the reader, it is still unclear whether he committed the crime or not.

First of all, Steve Harmon is a young sixteen year old African American teenager who got arrested for supposedly being the look-out in a robbery that took place at a local drug store in Harlem, New York ending with the clerk lying dead. Who Steve really is, not even he knows, but within the book he rediscovers his identity. He is tall, like a skyscraper. Steve has dark brown eyes like the bark of a weeping tree in the shade, and has dark brown hair spiked up like needles sticking out of his head. Despite what he looks like, the way he is treated makes you wonder if it’s because his skin color, because he is a very nice young man, hanging out with the wrong people.

How Steve is treated is a whole other story. Think about an innocent young man being accused of being a helper during a robbery, and even a murder. This has been really hard for Steve and even though he is the main character, being on trial is not his only role throughout the novel. He is very strong inside like a little boy fighting cancer; all they can do is stay strong. I would imagine that anybody else would break down from all the pressure. Adding to that, he is still just a kid. Basically the only thing that is keeping him sane at the time is writing his life in a movie plot line on paper almost as if it were a script for a movie. This is his way of understanding and coping with everything that is happening at the time.

It's Not All About the Looks

When you read a book do you even pay attention to what you character actually looks like? In the book “Monster” by Walter Dean Meyer did a great job of describing what the main character Steve Harmon looks like mostly because the setting is in jail and the whole story is written out mostly as a screenplay or diary format. In his description there is a file report of his profile which tells you all about the main character. It is unclear whether he robbed the store or not.


First of all, Steve Harmon is a young sixteen year old African American teenager who got arrested for supposedly being the look-out in a robbery that took place at a local drug store in Harlem, New York ending with the clerk lying dead. Who Steve really is, not even he knows, but within the book he rediscovers his identity.

How Steve is treated is a whole other story. Think about an innocent man being accused of being a part of robbery, and even a murder. This has been really hard for Steve and even though he is the main character, being on trial is not his only role. He is a very strong person and I believe that anybody else would break down from all the pressure being such a young age. Basically the only thing that is keeping him sane at the time is writing a movie plot line on paper almost as if it were a script. This is his way of understanding and coping with everything that is happening at the time.

Alternate Ending to "Bud, Not Buddy"

Author’s note: In this essay I am writing about what I think would happen if Bud found his real father in the book “Bud, Not Buddy” by Christopher Paul Curtis.


If you were on the search to find your father, how close would you get to finding him? The main character Bud, from “Bud, Not Buddy” went on the adventure of a lifetime, looking for his father. Bud never really knew who his real father was, but four years after the death of his mother, Bud was determined to find his dad. Following the flyers his momma gave him before she passed, Bud finds himself in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Before Bud’s mother died, she gave him a couple of clues that would lead to him finding his father- flyers for a band called “The Dusky Devastators of the Depression!” Although constantly switching orphanages wasn’t enough, Bud decided to run away. On his journey from Flint, Michigan, to Grand Rapids, Michigan, Bud had met some really interesting people along the way, such as Herman E. Calloway. Herman was in the band that Bud had flyers for and when he noticed Bud’s talent for music, Herman wanted but in his band and was willing to do anything to get him in his band but when Bud found the missing piece to himself was he wanted to be in a circus, Bud joined a circus event and he participated as a clown. Because Bud needed to find his father, he figured he needed some money, and he discovered it was fate how there was a circus that he could become a part of, just around the same time he arrived in Grand Rapids.

Though Herman was angry that Bud took the road of a clown, and not a musician, he still let Bud live with him.
“I have an extra room in my house. I live with the rest of the Dusky Devastators of the Depression! If you want you can always tag along with us to performances.” Said Herman. He kept insisting on Bud coming with for a performance on stage when the truth finally came out.
“Okay, Bud. Listen, and you better listen well because what I’m about to tell you will change your life. I know all about your search to find your father, and I know who he is.”
Bud was so shocked, all he could say was
“That’s great! Who is my father? Oh but one more thing, how did you know I was looking for him?”
“Because one thing lead to another and I knew about the flyers and your momma guiding you here with little clues, and Bud, I know one thing and that you are looking at him.” Bud was speechless. He had finally found his father. This was a great moment for him and both Bud and Herman started hugging and crying. Out of excitement Bud said to his dad
“Why? Why for all these years not come visit me or at least let me know that you’re okay? I have gone my whole life not knowing who my father was and knowing now that you knew about me, it hurts. I am very happy but it has just been a mixed up day.”
All Herman could do was stare into the heart broken child’s glossy eyes and question himself in regret.
“It was a… complicated time between your mother and I. I know you wouldn’t understand and in the time, forgive me. I know you are angry, and have mixed emotions, but Bud one thing I know is I love you and never meant to hurt you. Please forgive me it was a terrible mistake. You are such a great kid from what I’ve seen from you these past couple of weeks.” But had forgiven him and decided to look past the mistake that his dad made, being really happy that he finally has a place to call home.

Bud Caldwell- Dynamic Character

Authors note: I am writing about how Bud from “Bud, Not Buddy” by Christopher Paul Curtis, is a dynamic character and how he changes throughout the entire story. The purpose of my writing is to understand how Bud is a dynamic character.

What’s the difference between a static character, and a dynamic character? A static character is a character in a book that doesn’t really change at all through the entire time that you are reading. A dynamic character changes, in such as your view on people, realizing more information, and so on. The main character of “Bud, Not Buddy” is Bud Caldwell- a ten year old boy who has his life ahead of him, all by himself. Bud is a dynamic character. Throughout the novel, Bud makes an impact on the people in his life. Bud is a dynamic character because he constantly changes his personality, he found a lot out about himself and his judgment on his surroundings.

Although some of Bud’s new friends are static characters, he changes so much from cover to cover. One reason why Bud is a dynamic character is because he changes his personality. He just matured and it was noticeable throughout the book. In the beginning Bud was very immature but he is just a kid. Being on his own I think is what matured him the most because he didn’t have anyone to protect him so he had to face his fears. When Bud joins The Dusky Devastators of the Depression that’s when you notice a big step in the level of his maturity. At first, he was scared of sleeping in the little girl’s room he thought was dead, and because of that he thought there were monsters in the closet, but in the end he realizes that it was just his mother’s old room and had nothing to be afraid of.

Through Bud’s journey to find his father, he realized some things about himself that he never really knew. He found out that he is a strong young boy, when his newly discovered grandfather Herman was crying; he found that he has been strong for the past four years after the death of his mother. Another thing is he is amazing at playing the recorder but not so good with the saxophone, but with practice he will be perfect.
“I’ll let you hear me in three weeks when we’re all on the stage” said by Bud (p.231) to his band mates who had just bought him a baby saxophone.

Lastly, Bud changes his judgment on the people around him because at first when he met Lefty Lewis, he thought he was a vampire. What Bud learned is to not so quick to judge people and a lesson is to not judge a book by its cover. Since Bud is black in the time of 1936, he could relate to being judged and he didn’t like it and realized he needed to stop.

Furthermore, a connection I made is that I see people get judged all the time. New kids are constantly to my school and a lot of people judge them. I think that this is wrong because there is a big chance they could be really nice but when you judge them you never get to know them.
In conclusion, there are many reasons why Bud is a dynamic character.

"When One Door Closes, Another Door Opens"

“Bud, I want you to always remember, no matter how dark the night, when one door closes, don’t worry, because another door opens.” The main character Buddy Caldwell- a 10 year old boy in 1963 got this advice from his mother on (p. 43) of the novel “Bud, Not Buddy” by Christopher Paul Curtis. I think this quote is important because it is really inspiring.

The part of that quote that I find the most interesting is when she said “when one door closes, another door opens.” It shows that no matter how hard something is, there is always faith is other opportunities. This reminds me of another quote- “When you’re in the dark, follow the Son” I really like that quote as well, because it’s not referring to the sun in the sky, but the son of God. Both quotes have powerful meanings that are great for motivation, even in the darkest of times.

What Bud’s mom said really stuck in my head. It really revealed that Bud didn’t understand what she meant about doors opening and closing, but as well, it stuck in his head too. A few years down the road, he remembered exactly what she said to him. He also remembered she said “Bud is your name, and don’t you ever let anyone call you anything outside of that either. Especially don’t you ever let anyone call you Buddy.” This was also found on page 43, but this is also very important just like the quote “When one door closes, another opens” because throughout the entire book, whenever someone asks what his name was he’d say “Bud, not Buddy.”

Both these quotes have really strong meanings and I think the novel has many great quotes and that’s what makes it a book worth reading.

Predicting "Bud, Not Buddy" Speech

When troubled Buddy Caldwell is determined to find his father, he has a journey ahead of him. Being a motherless 10 year old boy, it was hard to be happy at his bad foster home, because everyone thought he was a bad kid, when really in his eyes, all he wanted was to see his father so he escaped. He carried all his belongings in a suitcase and headed off from Flint, Michigan, to Great Rapids, Michigan. I Predict that on his search to find his father he will get kidnapped and forced to become a slave being African- American in the times of the "Great Depression".


I think Bud is going to be kidnapped because, in those times, slavery wasn’t illegal, and it is a realistic thing to happen.

Alternate Ending "Thank You, Ma'am"

Author’s note: I am writing an alternative ending to “Thank You, Ma’am” by Langston Hughs. What I am writing is if the lady Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones hadn’t taken the young boy who was a thief Roger in then where he would be. The real beginning story is in italics and my ending version is in regular font.



She was a large woman with a large purse that had everything in it but hammer and nails. It had a long strap, and she carried it slung across her shoulder. It was about eleven o’clock at night, and she was walking alone, when a boy ran up behind her and tried to snatch her purse. The strap broke with the single tug the boy gave it from behind. But the boy’s weight and the weight of the purse combined caused him to lose his balance so, instead of taking off full blast as he had hoped, the boy fell on his back on the sidewalk, and his legs flew up. The large woman simply turned around and kicked him right square in his blue-jeaned sitter. Then she reached down, picked the boy up by his shirt front, and shook him until his teeth rattled.

After that the woman said, "Pick up my pocketbook, boy, and give it here." She still held him. But she bent down enough to permit him to stoop and pick up her purse. Then she said, "Now ain’t you ashamed of yourself?"
Firmly gripped by his shirt front, the boy said, "Yes’m."
The woman said, "What did you want to do it for?"
The boy said, "I didn’t aim to."
She said, "You a lie!"
By that time two or three people passed, stopped, turned to look, and some stood watching.
"If I turn you loose, will you run?" asked the woman.
"Yes’m," said the boy.
“Then go. Run, but you won’t go far.” Responded Mrs. Jones
“Why?” said Roger.
The women then had pulled out her cell phone and immediately called the police. A few minutes later, Roger had been taken away to jail.

Six months later, Roger got out of jail and he claimed he is a ‘better person’ but when he and Mrs. Jones came face to face with each other once again at the cold city street lights, to her surprise he thanked her. He had never forgotten that face of hers when she was frightened that the young boy would steal her pocketbook. A long six months of every night reliving the entire thing over and over again Roger came to terms that this lady has saved his life. If it wasn’t for her calling the police, if he was stealing purses at age 15 what else would he do when he’s older?
“Thank you ma’am” he said repeatedly.
“Excuse me?” said Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones.
“Remember me? Six months ago on this very night I did something I regret, and you saved my life. I tried to steal your pocketbook but then you called the police. Being in jail has really turned my life around with a great impact, I realize what a horrible person I was and thank you so much for helping me become the person I have always wanted to be” Roger was talking very fast.
All the lady did was stare blankly at him with the expression of her being confused but understanding at the same time.
“Miss?” Roger was getting impatient but he could handle it.
“Oh, yes. You were that boy who tried to snatch my pocketbook! Shame on you” she said.
“I know. I am shamed but thanks.” All he could say was Thank you ma’am.

Retelling of "The Lightning Thief" !

When Greek God Hermes's lightning bolt at Mount Olympus is stolen, he only had to blame his brother Poseidon as the theft. Will the main character Percy Jackson half human, half god get sent out on a quest from the camp he attends Camp Half-Blood to search for the thief and come face to face with his father who had abandoned him or will he be stuck there forever? This amazing novel keeps you guessing throughout the entire book full of Greek mythology full of adventure by Rick Riordan!

The Lightning Thief prediction

Author's note: This is a predicting piece on The Lightning Thief. I am just writing about what I think is going to happen next in the book.

When troubled Percy Jackson went on a field trip to a museum, he realized he was not like any of the other kids at his private school, Yancy Academy in up-state New York. That field trip has changed his life, not in a good way. After coming in a room to talk to his math teacher, Mrs.Dodds, something strange happened. She had turned into some creature that Percy couldn’t believe his eyes seeing. The mysterious creature had flew toward Percy when his Latin teacher Mr. Brunner had came to the rescue and tossed him a pen in which turned into a sword practically vaporizing Mrs. Dodds when Percy had swung.

After that things only got stranger all leading up to Percy eventually ending up at camp Half-Blood; the camp for half human, half god. Yes, Percy is half god, but has no idea who his father is and nobody knows either. Along the way at camp Half-Blood Percy saw his best friend Grover there and he is part goat, finding out that the only reason Grover was friends with him was to protect him. That was his job, to keep him safe before Monsters had got to him. I am almost to the middle of the book and still haven’t found out who Percy’s father is. I am guessing it is Poseidon, the god of the sea. I think this because water has healed Percy, not even by drinking it. After a sword fight with Luke, a director at camp Half-Blood, Percy fell into the water and suddenly his wounds started to heal.

The whole purpose of this book is that Percy gets a quest. The quest is because the lightning bolt at Mount Olympus was stolen, and he must figure out who the thief is. I have no idea who stole it but as a guess I would say Poseidon because that’s who Hades accused. Poseidon is the brother of Hades and is devastated when he got accused of stealing the lightning bolt but I don’t see who else it would be.

Retelling "Dead Man's Path"

"Dead Man's Path" is a short story written by Chinua Achebe. This is a biography about Michael Obi and how his story is told. Michael lived in Nigeria and eventually became a headmaster at a small school where a path of loved ones who passed away and the unborn someone will eventually love enjoy walking through the after-life.The path was calm and beautiful leading to a graveyard. Michael is a very bold person and that being said he blocked off the path, which caused the villagers to get mad. Will he change his mind and unblock it or be too stuck up? Nothing is as it seems in "Dead Man's Path."

The Effects of War

Authors note: This essay is a cause and effect on how back in history, wars and battles effect real life people. I am reviewing the book “Just Jane” by William Lavender, and this novel is very realistic relating to 1776.

Being a wealthy orphan is not something you see every day. Most situations are very different from Jane’s situation. She is an orphan from England and had to move to America due to the current battles. Jane is in very desperate need of a guardian, but lucky for her she has many family members in America, but not so lucky, her whole family is being torn apart which is a horrible thing. This is caused as well because all the talk of the upcoming war and rebellion. As the arguing goes on, Jane matures in search of what to believe, and how to act simply to find who she really is.

While having to go through living with her struggling family, she is still grateful they took her in. Her Aunt and Uncle Robert and Clarissa are English just like Jane, and even though they have lived in America for years they will always remain English. The climax of the story is the war. It has nearly broken the family apart, but Lady Jane is strong. She wants to remain in touch with all her family members; she remembers it is a new life for her to realize what she believes about life.

As the war goes on, Jane’s family realized that the war has ripped their family apart. They used to be close, but because of certain changes, the way people talked everything had gone wrong and went way different than planned. While the hard times went on, Jane wasn’t alone. She became friends with a schoolteacher and found joy and comfort within their friendship.