House on Mango Street prompt (growing, maturing)

How is growing into a teenage body (physically, mentally and emotionally) like moving into a new house/apartment? Compare the experiences of moving into a new house/apartment to the experiences of being a teenager.

1st use of iGoogle

Please read my blog entry: http://21cdavis.blogspot.com/ regarding what I observed of student iGoogle usage. I would like feedback to see if you really did like using this tool, if you liked be able to choose what to read for reading strategies practice, and if you enjoyed briefly hearing snippets of news.

As always, use good spelling and grammar, proper sentence structures, and be thorough with your entry. Read others' responses so you can agree or disagree.

Thanks!

Book Review

Steps for Writing a Good Book Review

1st Paragraph:
1.1 Introduce the subject, scope, and type of book

1.2 Identify the book by author, title, and sometimes publishing information

1.3 Specify the type of book (for example, fiction, nonfiction, play). Helps your readers to review with perspective.

1.4 Mention the book's theme.
1.5 Sometimes you will need to include background to enable reader(s) to place the book into a specific context. For example, you might want to describe the general problem the book addresses or earlier work the author or others have done.

2nd Paragraph:

2.1 Briefly summarize the content—1 to 2 sentences
2.2 For a nonfiction book, provide an overview, including paraphrases and quotations, of the book's thesis and primary supporting points (Communist Manifesto for example)
2.3 For a work of fiction, briefly review the story line for readers, being careful not to give away anything that would lessen the suspense for readers.
2.4 Provide your reactions to the book

3rd Paragraph:

3.1 Describe the book: Is it interesting, memorable, entertaining, instructive? Why?

3.2 Respond to the author's opinions: What do you agree with? And why? What do you disagree with? And why?

3.3 Explore issues the book raises: What possibilities does the book suggest? Explain. What matters does the book leave out? Explain.

3.4 Relate the book to larger issues: How did the book affect you? How have your opinions about the topic changed? How is the book related to your own course and project?

3.5 Give a recommendation of who you think would like this book. For example, this book would be good for someone who enjoys relationships and romance. --Or--this play needs to be for a student that understands satire, irony, and British humor.
3.6 Give advice for students on their project and for reading this book.

4th Paragraph:
4.1 Close with a direct comment on the book, and tie together issues raised in the review.

End with a Works Cited:

DeCandido, G.A. “How to Write a Decent Book Review.” GraceAnne’s Home Page. 1998.

GraceAnne A. DeCandido. 24 October 25, 2005.

http://www.well.com/user/ladyhawk/bookrevs.html

Welcome Freshmen!

You have begun your high school career. How has your expectations and fears mirrored or divurged from your original ones? (Be specific, tell a story, share a happening, etc.) Think about:

• the moment being dropped off
• first time in the cafeteria
• finding your locker
• finding your classes
• the crowded hallways
• cross country, volleyball, golf, or soccer
• marching band
• Link Crew
• Student Council