Monster by Walter Dean Myers (contemporary realistic fiction) AND Your Move by Eve Bunting5/29/2015
23 Comments
Marnie O'Daniel
7/28/2015 12:10:08 pm
“What the easy reader provides is a neatly shaped experience maximized for pleasure and success. It helps you learn the happiness not just of reading, but of finishing” (Sutton, 101). It captivated me mostly because I am completely indifferent about it. I am the type of person that the minute I start a book, I will finish it. I can’t handle starting a book and being in the middle and not finishing it, no matter how much I dislike the book. However, on the other side reading a book is the happiness. I don’t think that you need to learn to be happy to finish a book. You should feel like you have succeeded but never be proud just to finish.
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Ashley Smith
7/31/2015 06:01:57 am
I also liked the way Monster was written, I believe it makes it easier to visualize, since it is written like a script. I like how you plan to use this book in your classroom, it is great to use it as a moral lesson for your students. I agree with you that my pleasure reads have always been fictional stories.
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Emily
8/2/2015 08:30:42 am
I also mentioned the difference of hoe Monster was written, this idea just came to be but you could do an entire section on how there are different ways of writing and reading. You could have a book that is thought to be normal reading style, Monster, and even a comic book/graphic novel. Showing students and everyone for that matter that reading does not have to be the same for every book.
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Paige Ward
8/2/2015 09:50:11 am
When I was younger I also didn't find pleasure in reading nonfiction. Usually in school the reason I was reading a nonfiction book was because it was for a report in school. But then in sophomore year of high school I read Ann Frank's Diary and ever since then I enjoy reading a nonfiction novel every once in a while.
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Brenda Pidgeon
8/2/2015 01:14:14 pm
While I agree that this book is great and think it teaches more than just "sticking up for ones self." Other themes in the book include race, identity, and prejudgement of others. He was accused and because he was black, was already perceived as being guilty. I think it is important not to overlook this. Although these topics may be more uncomfortable for a teacher to discuss with students, does not mean it should be avoided. The best growth and learning comes from being just outside the comfort zone.
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Ashley Smith
7/30/2015 06:10:14 am
“We have found that although students frequently can provide a definition for the concept of stereotyping, they often have a harder time finding stereotypes in the books they experience (Leland, Harste, & Clouse, in press. Pg 87). I feel this quote can be used with either of the readings for this week, Monster by Walter Dean Myers, and Your Move by Eve Bunting. The idea of stereotyping can be seen in Monster. Steve is seen as someone more likely to have committed the crime just because he was in the area when the crime was committed, and, because he is an African American teenager. This book would be a great way to show how stereotyping happens and it taking place in a book.
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Jacqueline Aldridge
8/2/2015 05:11:48 am
The first quote you talk about, really hit home with me as well. Until I read that chapter, I never really thought about how it would be hard for students to find examples of stereotyping in books. I agree that both texts this week are great examples of stereotyping. With Monster, students can discuss the way Steve is stereotyped by the attorneys, including his own attorney at the end when they win and she turns away from him, his mother, father, and those testifying for and against him. I think this is a great way to tie in what is happening around the country and how the media and our society stereotypes.
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Emily
8/2/2015 08:35:26 am
I really think Your Move could talk about more about individual choices. Just because everyone is doing it, doesn't mean that you have to do it. You could talk about the "what ifs" James decided to take the Lakers hat? What if he passed, but his brother kept it? What would their lives be like it they choose that path instead?
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Marvelle Ilko
8/2/2015 11:05:36 am
I liked your choice of the quote, "We want children to see that real life is complex and messy, with few easy answers." Isn’t that the truth? Children (and sometimes adults) can be impulsive and act quickly without truly thinking through the consequences of their actions. What seems like a simple choice can really turn into a nightmare, as seen in the book, Monster. Kids often see things as being “black and white.” I agree with you that both of the books we read are great pieces of writing that help depict that life is messy and unclear. I also really enjoyed that the author did not make it clear as to exactly what role and knowledge Steven had in the robbery. He left that up to us as readers, causing us to think more deeply. Especially with older students, that is an important trait to look for when choosing literature.
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Emily Peregrine
7/30/2015 01:29:50 pm
First off let me start with WOW, I picked both of these books because I found them both in a used bookstore for really cheap. After reading "Your Move", it seemed strangely familiar reading the back cover I realized the author also wrote "Smoky Night". I could definitely see myself or my English teachers using this book as an introductory tool for POV.
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Marnie
7/31/2015 04:13:49 am
Emily,
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Ashley Smith
7/31/2015 05:52:39 am
I love how you chose the quote I had brushed on in my blog as well. It is such a strong piece, that he is "more likely" to be guilty because of his race. This piece of literature would make a phenomenal read for students in all age classrooms. I also adore the quote you chose about all the tomorrows in your life. This could even be used as a cornerstone value in the classroom.
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Paige Ward
8/2/2015 09:58:01 am
I am most likely going to be teaching young kids so it probably won't be appropriate for me to put his in my curriculum. But any teacher teaching high school kids should definitely have their students read these books. Monster was so intriguing to me and it also opened my eyes on how people can be judged by their race. It's really sad that our judicial system is set up that "you are guilty until proven innocent" even though its supposed to be the other way around " innocent until proven guilty.
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Marvelle Ilko
7/30/2015 01:39:28 pm
One of the books I read was Monster by Walter Dean Myers. This was different from most of the books I have read, and those differences are the most notable parts of the book. First, the most obvious stray from the conventional is the format in which the story is told. It is written as though Steve Harmon (the main character who is on trial for murder) is writing a screenplay of his trial. The camera and stage directions are very obvious and serve to help the reader create a very clear mental picture of the scenes. The way the text is broken up by speaker helps readers, especially those who are intimidated by long passages of text, move through the story more easily. Second, the readers get a rare inside perspective of the criminal justice system as told by a kid. The honesty and forthright way Steve discloses his fear and thoughts is respectful of the young readers. It is not “preachy” or condescending; therefore, it has a greater impact on the reader. Third, the discussion of violence and sexual brutality in prison was handled well. The horror and constant fear of both was not trivialized, but mentioned several times; however, it was not too descriptive or gratuitous. Fourth, the “street” language was interesting. It adds a level of interest and authenticity to the text. Lastly, the underlying message that you can be judged by those you “hang out” with is a very true one.
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Jacqueline Aldridge
8/2/2015 05:15:30 am
Monster was a different read for me as well. It took some getting used to, but I think the author did a great job! I can definitely see why it is award winning. I think it's great that our professor has chosen these books for us to read. To be honest, I probably would not have picked this book up to read, due to the way it is written as a script.
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Marvelle Ilko
7/30/2015 01:41:46 pm
Being able to look at any issue from various perspectives is a skill we need to have our entire lives. It may begin in questioning what they read, but it certainly will not end there.
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Marnie O'Daniel
7/31/2015 04:07:23 am
Marvelle,
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Brenda Pidgeon
8/2/2015 01:30:33 pm
I really like your description of the novels structure and format. I think it offers an engaging format that is nice and different from the familiar or "standard" story structure we sometimes become accustomed to reading. While you can be judged "by who you hang out with," there are many other themes in the novel as well. I would not just select one to discuss, but many. Your discussion questions are great and I think they are a great way to delve into a deeper more meaningful discussion of the text.
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Brenda Pidgeon
7/30/2015 01:56:42 pm
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Brenda Pidgeon
7/30/2015 01:58:16 pm
” are the first words on the back cover of the book, clearly indicating that this book is meant to address the fact that race still plays a role in our lives. Leland (2013) makes a valid point by stating “No matter how authentic or politically correct books appear, we still have the obligation to teach our students to question, interrogate, and “trouble” any texts we read” (Kindle). If books are not challenged, they are not being used to there full potential. This book, has been validated as an award winner, but should still be seen critically by readers. This book has a lot to offer, but I would want to know that it would not make black students feel uncomfortable to discuss the themes with there peers of other races, as bias (whether intentional or not) still exist.
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Jacqueline Aldridge
8/2/2015 05:04:32 am
Brenda,
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Jacqueline Aldridge
8/1/2015 12:09:07 am
Sutton Quotes
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Marvelle Ilko
8/2/2015 11:43:20 am
I really like your ideas about ways to use Monster in your class. The points of view and setting discussions sound like they will be very engaging!
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