Monday, April 21, 2008

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Positive Kody Comments

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Positive Daniel Comments

Monday, April 7, 2008

title: Elephant Run

author: Roland Smith

One day a fourteen year old boy named Nick lived in London with his mom. There was a war going on and London was getting bombed at the time. One of the bombs landed on Nick’s apartment while Nick's mom was at work. His mom decided that Nick should live with his father in Burma where it was safe. The next morning a girl named Mya and her brother Indaw showed up at Nick's house to take him to Burma. When he arrived at his father's house in Burma he was disappointed that his father was not there. Before Nick went to bed his father finally came home and gave Nick a present. The next day Nick was walking around the Elephant Village. Suddenly, Nick heard a metal hitting metal sound. The next thing he saw was a fourteen foot tall elephant standing in front of him. The elephant hit him in the ribs with his trunk and sent Nick soaring through the air. Read this action and adventure filled novel. Also find out what happens to Nick as he lives with his dad and the elephants.

Thank you,
Marcus

Thursday, April 3, 2008

title: The Million Dollar Shot

author: Dan Gutman

Whisper, a young girl, was playing soccer for the first time and she scored in her own goal. Whisper has this mental videotape that was about scoring in her own goal. She could fast forward it, she could make it go backwards, and in slow motion. One thing Whisper Nelson couldn't do was erase her mental videotape. Whisper’s Dad works as a pilot for the Wiley Post Airport and he flies jumbo jets. Whisper Nelson's mom was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Whisper's mom is now in a wheelchair. Whisper's sister Briana is very good at sports and has a lot of trophies in her room. Whisper and Briana go to Donut City where Briana sees a contest to win a million dollars. That person has to make a new slogan for the Kick a Professional Women's Soccer Team. Briana was too young to enter the contest so she put Whisper's name on the form. A few days after Briana entered Whisper in the contest a man named Joe Fine called Whisper and told her she won the contest. Joe Fine told Whisper that on June 5th she would go to Taft Stadium for the chance to win one million dollars if she could get a soccer ball past the Kick's goal keeper, Carmen Applegate. Briana was waiting for her friend Jennifer to come pick her up for her soccer game when the door bell rang. Briana opened the door and Bobbie Frisk, the news lady, said she came to interview Whisper. Later Whisper, her mom, dad, and Briana went to Taft Stadium so Whisper could meet Carmen Applegate. Whisper wore a soccer jersey and said she looked like a walking lollipop.
Whisper and her mother go to Rogers High School to get help from the soccer team. Whisper goes home to her house from the High School and she was upset because the High School soccer girls were mean to her and made her cry. After Whisper got back to her house Jess Kirby came to show Whisper something on his computer. Whisper Nelson was working on her homework when all of a sudden there was a knock on her front door and her mom answered the door. There was a girl at the door and her name was Ellie Gonzales. Ellie wanted to help Whisper out because the other high school girls on the soccer team would not help her. Whisper went over to the high school to meet Ellie Gonzales. When Whisper got to the high school Ellie was not there yet. So Whisper waited. Ellie was taking Whisper to the old YMCA for her practice. Ellie put a rubber band in Whisper's hair and put her hair in a ponytail. Whisper didn't want her hair in a ponytail because it showed her ears and Whisper thinks she has big ears. Ellie tells Whisper to practice one hundred shots at her garage door and to be careful to use the right form for kicking a soccer ball correctly. Later at home, Briana came running into the kitchen with the newspaper. It was open to the sports section. Briana showed Whisper and her mom the sports article that said the Oklahoma City Kick was going to get rid of Carmen Applegate Whisper showed the article to her dad. He said it was a psych-out trick.
It was now May, Whisper's school was coming to an end. It was only a week left before Whisper had to take the million dollar kick. Ellie told Whisper that she saw construction equipment over by the YMCA building so they had to practice in Whisper's driveway. Ellie and Whisper played a game called Sock Bowl. Briana was running around the house screaming "Whisper is going to be on TV"! After seeing Whisper on TV Jess called Whisper and told her she looked great. He asked Whisper if he could videotape her at her practices. After practice Whisper, Jess, and Ellie went inside Whisper's house to watch what Jess videotaped. Suddenly, on the videotape, they saw someone in the window. It was Carmen Applegate. When Whisper found out that Carmen Applegate was spying on her, she was in a huge shock. Whisper wondered how long had Carmen Applegate spied on her, and Jess, Ellie. Whisper's family told her that it was because Carmen Applegate was afraid of her. When Whisper got home from the woods she saw that Carmen Applegate was there. Whisper was eating her cereal and watching TV. Then Whisper heard on the news that Carmen Applegate was injured from a tornado. After the news report was over Whisper's mom called the Oklahoma City Kick and they said that the show must go on. Ellie was the backup goalie. Whisper saw that her coach was the backup goalie and Whisper was scared. Whisper did not know what to do. Ellie had taught her everything she knew. When Whisper looked at Jess he mouthed to her stick with the plan. Whisper was ready to take to million dollar kick and she aimed for the left. Whisper hit the ball very hard to the left but Ellie nipped the ball away and Whisper was sad. But then the referee said that Ellie went off the line before the ball was kicked and Whisper got to retake the shot. This time Whisper aimed for the right side of the net. Will Whisper make the shot? Will her fear take control of her? Find out when you read The Million Dollar Kick.

Thank you,
Daniel

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Positive Shaina Comments

Thursday, March 13, 2008

title:The Miraculous Journey Of Edward Tulane

author: Kate DiCamillo

Once there was a rabbit made of china, his name was Edward Tulane. He was owned by a young girl name Abilene. Edward was treated like part of the family. One unfortunate day the Tulane family went on a cruise. As soon as Abilene set Edward on a lounge chair, two boys decided to throw Edward around. Then one of the boys threw him over board. Edward sank to the bottom of the ocean and remained there for months. Till one day a storm began to make the water churn. It lifted Edward off the ocean floor and he was caught by a fisherman’s net. The fisherman thought that Edward would make a nice gift for his wife because she was feeling depressed. Where is Edward going? Is he in trouble? Is Edward ever going to see Abilene again? To find out read this adventurous book.

Thank you,
Kyle

title: Leap Day

author: Wendy Mass

Josie was born on February 29, Leap Day, and now she's sixteen. Technically it's her fourth birthday because Leap Day only comes once every four years. Josie can't wait until tonight because when you turn sixteen, your friends throw you a huge party at "The Lake". She also can't wait until she leaves school because she's taking her driver's test. As she's getting ready for school Rob, Josie's brother, yells through the bathroom door for her to hurry up. When she opens the door she finds her parents and brother standing right in the middle of the hallway. On the door knob was a balloon that read "Happy Sweet Sixteen". When Josie walks in her room she notices something under her extra pillow. She walks up to it and finds a car key to "The Shark", an old gray van. As she's jumping up and down screaming in excitement, Rob watches from the doorway. After she's done he asks her if she wants a ride to school. Usually he drives his friends to school but he figures he could be nice since it's her birthday. As usual Josie takes the bus with her friends. When she walks into class she notices that the board says "HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSIE". As she's waiting for the period to end she remembers that she didn't give the note to the office about her leaving early for her test. Josie starts to get nervous as the time comes for the driver's test. Read "Leap Day" to see if Josie passes the test and what happens during the party at "The Lake". This is an amusing book and one of the best that I have ever read.

Thank you,
Shaina

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

title:Maniac Magee

author: Jerry Spinelli

One ordinary day in the summer the biggest trolley crash happened. The P & W Trolley crashed because the motorman was drunk. He took the high trestle over the Schuylkill River right into the water. Jeffrey Magee's parents were on the trolley and no one survived the crash. Jeffrey now has to live with Uncle Dan and Aunt Dot who he hates. Jeffrey got his nickname Maniac when he was young because he was always running. Aunt Dot and Uncle Dan hated each other, that's why they needed two of everything. Maniac hated that so much he left their house. Maniac heard about the Cobbils knot and if you can untie the knot they will give you a free pizza. Maniac was able to untie the knot. He won the pizza and scarfed it down quickly. but he was very allergic to it. Maniac met Amanda Beal She was so nice to Maniac that she took him to her house. Amanda and Maniac were so close that they were almost family. One day they got into a very big fight. Maniac met Grayson when he was running away. Grayson took Maniac to dinner, bought him new clothes and his favorite butterscotch crimpets. Grayson also bought books so Maniac can teach Grayson how to read. Grayson and Maniac went to the Thanksgiving dinner at the homeless shelter. Grayson and Maniac moved to a apartment, but seven days later Grayson died. Amanda saw Maniac on the street and offered him to live with her and her family once again. Amanda and her family raised Maniac until he was old enough to live on his own. Will Maniac be able to survive by himself? Will he need help from his friends. This is an inspiring book for everyone to read.

Thank you,
Steven

Thursday, March 6, 2008

title: City of Ember

author: DuPrau

In a underground city lived two young friends called Doon and Lina. At the age of twelve they get jobs. They don't like their new jobs, so Lina and Doon switch with each other. So now Doon works in the pipeworks factory and Lina works as a messenger. Lina has to send messages to people. If Lina gets the message right she gets 25 cents for each one. Lina also has to take care of her sister Poppy. Lizze, Lina's friend, knows that the mayor is stealing food and giving the leftovers to the people in the underground city. Lina tells the guards about it. Lina thinks there is another city above them. Doon,on the other hand, finds a special door in the pipeworks' factory. Doon and Lina go through the door and finds matches and boats. When they go back to the city, they find out the guards are looking for them for spreading rumors about the mayor. Lina grabs Poppy and goes back to the hidden door. Will Doon, Lina, and Poppy make it to the new city? This is a great mystery book.

Thank you,
Andrew

title: The Dead of the Night

author: John Marsden

After Ellie found out that her town was invaded, they found their friend from school named Chris. Chris always wrote poems in his notebook at school. He also was one of the smartest kids in school. When Ellie found Chris she told him to come with them. They all headed for their campsite. On the way back they stopped at a couple of houses to get food and supplies. At the campsite Chris started writing in his notebook. Homer and Robyn were making pens to hold the lambs. Later that night they all had lamb for dinner. They sat around the fire and talked about their next attack. They planned to blow up all the houses on Tuner Street. Tuner Street was where the invaders kept their head quarters and where half their people stayed. Lee told everybody to get a toaster. Everybody left and came back ten minutes later. They all went to a house and turned on every gas stove and heater they found. Using the toasters' heat they blew up all the houses. Half an hour later the whole street blew up and caught on fire. This book is the second book in the Tomorrow Series. This is a adventurous and thrilling book.

Thank you,
Marcus

title: Tomorrow When the War Began

author: John Marsden

One day a girl named Ellie lived in a small town called Wirrawee. Ellie asked her parents if she can go on a camping trip with her friends for a week. Ellie's parents said yes if she brings at least five friends. Ellie called Robyn, Lee, Fi, Homer, Kevin, and Corrie. All her friends’ parents said they can go on the camping trip. Elli also asked her dad if she can take the Land Rover since it has the most room for all the camping bags and food. Her dad said she can take the car but she is the only one who can drive it. Ellie and all her friends got the Land Rover packed up and ready to go the next day at her house. They all headed off for the mountains to a placed called Hell. At Hell there lived a man, his wife, and their three month old child. The man killed his family and left to a different country and no one has seen him since. They all got their bags and headed into Hell. They walked till they found a big open spot to stay at. They unpacked their bags and got ready for dinner. All week that they were camping they slept, talked, and swam in the lake. They got their bags ready and headed back to their houses. When they got back to Ellie’s house there was no one home and her three puppies were dead. There was no power in her house. Ellie soon found out that nobody was in town. There were army people walking around the town. They were wearing different uniforms then the Country’s. Ellie found out that the town was invaded. Read this awesome, adventurous, and mysterious book. Also find out what happened to the people in town.

Thank you,
Marcus

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Daniel Craig PodCast

PodCast:
Book: Rhymes and Reasons
pages: 234-239 "Daniel Craig"

Monday, February 25, 2008

title: The Big Book of Horror; 21 Tales to Make You Tremble

author: a collection of authors

This book is about stories of horror written by many authors such as Edger Allen Poe, Charles Dickens, and William Hope Hodgson. You will find stories of death, disease, and evil. My favorite story is Sir Dominick’s Bargain, written by Sheridan Le Fanu. This short story is about Sir Dominick, who becomes in debt and owes a large sum of money. A good friend of Sir Dominick tells him a legend. If you go in the forest at night the devil offers you money, but makes you sign a paper that has ancient writing on it. Nevertheless, Sir Dominick was very desperate and in need of money, so he went into the forest to make a deal with the devil. To find out what happens next read the rest of this scary and disturbing book.

Thank you,
Kyle

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

PodCast:
Book - Rhymes And Reasons
page 25 - "Who's Afraid"

Kody Poem wav

Kody Poem mp3

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

title: Skateboard Tough

author: Matt Christopher

Brett, a kid in Springtown, is trying to get the town to build a skate park. Brett writes a letter to the newspaper. He is skateboarding on the sidewalk because it’s illegal to skateboard in the street. Everyone is mad that he and his friends are skateboarding on the side walks. Then Brett gets a phone call to know if they’re getting a skate park. Brett’s mother, father, and sister thought it was a terrific idea. Brett’s father and mother are on the town committee and his parents voted yes. Brett doesn’t know everybody else voted yes or no. Read this book to find out if the town gets a skate park.

Thank you,
Ashlee

title: Suddenly Supernatural School Spirit

author: Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

Kat’s Mother is a medium, a person who sees spirits. On Kat’s thirteenth birthday she starts to see them also. Kat and Jac are working on a history project in the library, when a book falls off the shelf. When they put it back, it falls off again. As Kat is flipping through the pages, she notices a picture of a girl who is holding a flute. She reads the name Suzanne Bennis. Kat read that Suzanne had died as a senior in high school in 1960. After they were done with the book, Kat saw something out of the corner of her eye. It was a figure which happens to look just like Suzanne Bennis. She was holding a flute just like the girl in the picture. Was this Suzanne or was Kat seeing things? Should she try to help the spirit or just run? Read “Suddenly Supernatural School Spirit” to enjoy this chilling yet exciting book.

Thank you,
Shaina

Thursday, February 14, 2008

test:

Shaina

Ash

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Positive Parents/Guardians Reflections


Dear Parents/Guardians,

Your children have been writing beautifully and have written some wonderful thoughts this week. If you could take a few moments, please read their posts below and if you wish, leave your own comments. This is strictly optional, don't feel obligated.

Thank you. Mr. Thatcher

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Follow-Up Postings to 02/11/08 Assignment



My brother Kyle is special to me because Kyle and I go trail riding in my brother's 4x4 truck. My brother has a paintball gun, he does not let me use it but I still love him. My brother and I also go to Dunkin Donuts to get something to eat. My brother Kyle is special to me.

by: Kody


My Pop Pop is special to me because when I was growing up he was always there for me. I loved him very much. He would always remember to bring home a gift for me every time he goes on a trip. He knew that I was shy and he would tell me not to be afraid and do the thing I really wanted. He also helped me with my homework every night. I leaned a lot from my Pop Pop and I miss him very much. I think of him now as my guardian angel. I know he is sill there for me. I will never forget my Pop Pop.

Jenna


My grandmom is special to me because she makes me cookies. My grandmom is nice, kind, and happy when I see her. I love to go to my grandmom's to see all my friends. I used to live in my grandmom's neighborhood. There was a huge park right in front of my house. It was great living in my old house.

by: Marcus


My mom is special to me because she takes good care of me. My mom is special because she helps me do some things in the house. My mom takes me places. She makes me all kinds of foods. She loves to play with me all of the time. She also likes to play board games with me. My mom does a lot of things for me.

by: Cassie


My mom is special to me because she is what makes me happy. I love my mom very much. I always like it when I come home from school. I like to hug her when I get home from school because I missed her. I know that she loves me a lot.

by: Dan


My Mom is special to me because she was always there for me. She always helps me with anything I need help with. My mom loves to ride just like me. My Mom likes to hunt like me too. My Mom likes the same music I do.

by: JC


My Mom is special to me because when I am sick she takes care of me, I love my mom because she always makes sure that I have food in the morning, I love my mom because when I feel bad she cheers me up, I love my mom because she can be a mom and a good friend.

by: Kyle


My mom is special to me because she likes music and brings me to places. My mom takes care of me and lets me go over my friends' house all the time. My mom gets me lots of stuff for my birthday and Christmas, she does not make me do chores.

by: Andrew


My Uncle Jesse is special to me because he takes me places. Sometimes I get to spend time with him all day. My uncle is special because he loves spending time with me and hanging out. Sometimes he picks me up when camp is over during the summer.

by: Ashlee


My Mom is special to me because she is always there for me. She's a great cook and has good taste in cloths. My mom is also very protective and gives me great tips. I don't now what I would ever do without her. Some kids have lost their moms and I don't know how they could live. That's why my mom is special to me.

by: Shaina


My mother and father are special to me because they do so many things for me that they don't have to do. They like to take me to races, buy me new dirt bikes and much more. I'm so thankful that I have loving and caring parents.

by: Steven H.

Monday, February 11, 2008

02/11/08 Homework Assignment

Fifty words
paragraph,

My ____________ is special to me because.........................

Thursday, February 7, 2008

title: The Music of Dolphins

author: Karen Hesse

This book I read is very weird. This book is about a little girl. This little girl lives in a hospital because she was on a plane with her mom and dad and got lost at sea. The little girl did not see her mom or dad after that plane crash. Someone found her and got her out of the sea. She was brought to the Boston Hospital. The girl's name is Milla. When Milla was lost at sea dolphins came to her. Since Milla was a little girl she still remembers about the dolphins. She always talks about them. She always talks about the sounds they make. When Milla went to the hospital she met a girl name Sandy. Sandy and Milla were best friends. They talked about the things they like. Milla always talks about dolphins. Milla wanted to go to in the water with Sandy because that was another thing she liked to do. To find out if Milla goes back in the sea, read this book.

Thank you,
Cassie

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

title: The Music of Dolphins

author: Karen Hesse

This is a weird story. This is a story about a little girl who was riding a plane and was lost at sea. The Coast Guard came and looked for survivors and they found one survivor. The Coast Guard came and picked Mila up and took her to a hospital. The doctor’s name was Doctor Beck. Doctor Beck was very nice. Doctor Beck made a deal with the government for Mila to stay with them. The hospital Mila lives in is in Boston. Mila met a girl named Sandy. Sandy is a very nice girl to Mila. Mila remembers the dolphin family she was with. Mila talks about the noises the dolphins made. Doctor Beck let Mila listen to some tapes. The tapes are about the dolphins noises. Mila loves to hear the noises. Read this story to find if Mila goes back to the sea.

Thank you,
Kody

title: A Taste for Rabbit

author: Linda Zuckerman

In the town of Stonehaven lives Harry Fox. Harry's little brother Isaac is in need of food and so is the town. Isaac offers to pay Harry to spy on a group of rabbits living behind a wall. Behind those walls lives Quentin Rabbit, Quentin, Frank, and Zack go to a cafe where they talk about a number of disappearances of rabbits. Soon after Quentin goes back to his home to meet up with Frank and Zack, Zack is the first to arrive. A while later Frank comes busting through the door saying that his family is missing. Frank said that he was going to jump the wall to go find his family, Quentin tried to convince Frank not to jump but there was no stopping him. So Quentin and Zack jumped with Frank to make sure that he doesn't get hurt. Meanwhile Harry stays at The Forest Inn, where he bumped into a weasel named Gerard. Gerard decided to talk to Harry, He asked where Harry was going. Harry responded with '' I am going to go in search of rabbits''. To find out want happens to Harry and Quentin, read this excellent book.

Thank you,
Kyle

title: Clubbing

author: Andi Watson

Charlotte and her boyfriend Howard, a groundskeeper, are on a life and death misson. They are trying to figure out who murdered a person and why he or she dumped the body in the lake on the golf course. Charlotte and Howard find mysterious coins on the ground. Charlotte looks up information on the computer about symbols from the coins. She figures out the murderer’s secrets. Charlotte and Howard work together to bring the murderer to justice. Charlottes’ boyfriend suspects that it was her Grandfather who killed someone. This is a strange "graphic" novel. Read "Clubbing" to find out who the murderer is and what happens to Charlotte and Howard.

Thank you,
Ashlee

title: There's a Bat in Bunk Five

author: Paula Danziger

This story is about Marcy and how she hates her father and how she wishes she was at camp. Marcy is getting ready to go to camp but she's already homesick. Marcy arrived at camp. She met so many new people at camp. Marcy got introduced to her bunk and all the people in the bunk. There was this one girl that always wanted to go hiking. There’s a new girl and her name is Ginger. No one likes Ginger so someone put a marshmallow in her hair. It is only Ginger's first day. Marcy and Ted sneaked out to see each other. Ted is taking Marcy on a date to Woodstock. Some one is playing pranks on all of the people at camp and no one knows who is doing it. There is a bat in bunk five and Marcy had to get rid of it. Marcy was so afraid of the bat because she thought that it was a vampire. In the morning, they saw a letter saying Ginger has run away. The whole camp was looking for Ginger and they finally found her. Marcy finally realized why Ginger had left .Ginger left because no one was nice to her. Ginger was the person playing pranks on all the people at camp. It was finally time to go home at the end of the summer. It was a fun and an exciting summer for most of the campers.

Thank you,
Steven

Thursday, January 31, 2008

title: The Fire Within

author: Chris D'Lacey

One day a boy named David was looking for a room to stay at while he went to college. The house he finds was full of clay dragons. The owner was a nice lady named Liz Pennykettle and her daughter Lucy. Liz and Lucy make clay dragons and sells them at the market on the weekends. Lucy tells David all about Conker. Conker is a squirrel that has a badly scratched eye. David finds out that a huge black crow clawed Conker's eye. Liz tells David that Lucy's birthday is next week. David writes Lucy a story about squirrels since she loves them. Liz gives David a clay dragon that is holding a pencil and a pad of paper. David names the dragon Gadzookie. Liz tells David he must love the dragon or it will die. David gives Liz a funny look and she walks away. It was raining that day so David started writing Lucy's story. The door bell rang and a girl named Stephanie from the Wild Life Center came and asked about Conker. Stephanie gives David her phone number and tells him to call her. Read this awesome mysterious, adventure book. Find out if Conker lives and also find out if David goes out with Stephanie.

Thank you, Marcus

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

01/30/08 Homework Assignment

Hello,
This is from Mr. Thatcher. Your homework assignment for tonight is to follow these directions.
You will go to the "comment" section and write three good descriptive sentences in a small paragraph explaining one of your favorite things to do during the summer. Remember to leave your name.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Creative Writing


Soccer

Our soccer season last year was fun and exciting. The team and I won our first soccer game. The team and I were happy. The next day we went to soccer practice for an hour. I had fun at soccer. That year we did many fun things. I went to the store for new soccer balls. I was playing soccer and I slipped in the mud it was funny. I went home and got ready for the soccer game and went back to play soccer.
I ran for the ball and I flipped on my back. The next practice we had was fun because we all got to play in the mud. I had fun that year playing soccer because all my friends were there playing too.

Jenna


One Snowy Day

It was cold and windy outside. Six of my friends and I were inside my house playing xbox. We were drinking hot chocolate and playing Halo 3. I was having so much fun hanging out with my old friends. I was winning like always and my brother was playing too.
My brother and I were on the same team. I was surprised that he was doing so well. He was better than most of my friends. I was shocked. So it was my brother and I versus my friends. After we were done we went outside to play in the snow. We ended up having a snow ball fight.
We were all wet from the snow and went back inside the house. We drank hot chocolate and played Halo 3 again. Today was one of the best days in a long time. Even if it was cold, windy, and snowy outside, we had fun.

Marcus


My Best Day

I couldn't wait until Saturday. I was just invited to my first Flyers game. I was so exited that I couldn't sleep at all that night. The Flyers are the best team ever and I love hockey.
Ashlee said that are tickets were for box seats. They are the best seats ever. When I walked in, the first thing I noticed was the smell of delicious cookies and brownies. T grabbed a soda and took a seat in the front row. I could see the whole stadium. During the game I could do nothing but thank Ashlee for the best day of my life. I also couldn't wait to try the huge cookies and brownies.
The Flyers were in the lead by the middle of the game. Then it got tough. At the end of the game the Flyers lost and I was devastated. I was still happy to be able to go to the game. By the time I got home it was one o'clock in the morning. My sister was in bed and I was really tired. Mom asked me about the game and I told her everything, including the huge cookies and brownies. After that I crawled in bed and fell asleep. That was the best day of my life and I wished it could happen again.

Shaina


Wrestling

The wrestling match started at 8:30AM in Florida. I was very tired and nervous. I was worried about losing my match. I found out that the boy I was wrestling was 14 years old and weighted 179 pounds. That scared me. The announcer called my name, it was time for me to wrestle.
The ref told us to shake hands and the match started. I waited for my opponent to make the first move. He went for my legs, I sprawled on him. I worked my way around him and got him on his back, He flipped to his stomach. Once again I got him on his back, but he was able to get to his stomach.
I was getting extremely angry. I let him up, and as I did the ref blew the whistle. The ref flipped a coin and said I was down. I got on all fours and the other kid was on top, The whistle blew and I jumped up and grabbed his head and shoved it to the ground. Once again I got behind him and flipped him to his back, held his arms down and pinned him. Ever since then I have won every match. Soon after I went to the Nationals and I felt like a champion. Wrestling is my favorite sport because I use my muscle, and my mind.

Kyle


The Big Race

I have been waiting for this race for so long and it is finally here. I have been preparing myself and my Honda 150 since December. I am so confident that I can win this race. It is not an average race, this is a National GNCC. Another cool thing about this race, it is the same week as bike week. Bike week is the biggest bike show in the U.S. with all the bikes you could think of, street bikes, road bikes, custom bikes, and dirt bikes. The race I'm in starts tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. We leave the Hotel at 6:30 a.m.
I am so tired because I was up all night. My dad and I were preparing my bike for the race. I go up to the starting line, there is a pile up from the class before mine. The race starts in ten seconds. There is a pile up on my line too. I get the holshot and am in the lead but then I crash. Now I am in fourth place. The first place racer is far ahead but I am catching him. The last lap I get the lead. The race is almost over and all the people are cheering me on. I take the win at the National GNCC in Florida. This has been an exciting and fun race for my family and me.

Steven

Friday, January 25, 2008

title: The Loudest Scream

author: R.L.Stine

Diedre’s father has a dream of opening up a park. They test out some of the rides and a tragic accident happens. The Ferris wheel falls and cuts off Diedre’s boyfriend’s head. Later Diedre starts to like Robin and hangs out with him. Robin doesn’t want the Bradleys to open up Fear Park. He does everything in his power to shut down the Fear Park but fails. After a couple of days, bad things start to happen. People start to die. Diedre thinks it’s the “Fear Curse”, but isn’t sure and wants to close the park. After several deaths Diedre’s father still wants his dream to come true. Robin and Diedre start to become more that friends. Is the “Fear Curse” real or is it a hoax? Read “Fear Park Part Two, The Loudest Scream” to find out about this gruesome mystery.

Thank you,
Shaina

Monday, January 14, 2008

title: A Long Way from Chicago

author: Richard Peck

Every summer Joe and Mary leave Chicago to go live with Grandma in her old farm house. It is always exciting and fun at grandma's house. One summer, Grandma thinks ShotGun Cheatham, who had died, moved in his casket. She got her twelve-gauge double-barreled Winchester model 21 and shot at him, but it was really Grandma's cat. Once Grandma, Mary, and Joey went fishing. Grandma stole a boat to fish. Joey fainted because a snake fell in the boat, he was always afraid of snakes. Grandma was rowing down the river when we saw O.B.Dickerson and all of his friends hammered drunk and half naked. They were partying on the shore with beer bottles everywhere. Another time Grandma was getting ready for the town's pie contest. Joe and Mary had to pick gooseberries for Grandma's pie. Grandma, Mary, and Joe went to the pie contest and dropped off Grandma's pie. Grandma switched her pie with Rupert Pennypacer because she thought his was better. Grandma lost the contest. If she didn't switch her pie with Rupert she would have won the contest. As Mary, Joe, And Grandma got older they started their new lives. Joe joined the Army, Mary married Ray Veech, a old friend from Grandma's town. Grandma is still up to the same old, same old ways. Mary and Joe always will have great memories of the summers spent with Grandma. This is an amusing and a humorous novel. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes comical stories

Thank you,
Steven

Friday, January 11, 2008

title: There's a Bat in Bunk Five

author: Paula Danziger

One day a 10 year old girl named Marcy was going away to camp. Marcy wants to be a writer at camp. She is going to Camp Serenity. Camp Serenity is a summer camp. Their bunk number is five. Marcy met up with some guy named Ted. Marcy and Ted are going on a date to the movies, dinner and Woodstock, which is a store. Marcy met a girl named Corrine, who turned out to be very friendly. They all had a bunk meeting about the camp fair. After that they all went to bed. Marcy heard someone scream there's a bat in bunk five! Marcy and Ted ran over to bunk five and asked what had happened. Ted took the broom and wacked the bat down. They planned a funeral to bury the bat. There is going to be a skit for the talent show at the fair. Marcy is running a cotton candy machine at the fair and is going to play some games. The games are basketball, spin the bottle, and the dunking booth game. When everybody got back to their bunk they notice that Ginger had run away. What happened to Ginger? Read this fabulous book to find out what happens to Ginger and the campers at Bunk Five.

Thank you,
Kody

title: There's a Bat in Bunk Five

author: Paula Danziger

Marcy a young girl is getting ready to go to a camp. She is going to a summer camp. She wants to become a CIT and a writer at camp. The camp's name is Camp Serenity. Marcy went to camp and met a girl name Corrine. Corrine and Marcy started to clean their bunk. After that Marcy went outside and met a lot of other kids. Two days later at camp Marcy meet a boy name Ted. Ted and Marcy were best friends. That night all of the kids went to a bunk meeting. When the meeting was over they went back to their bunks. One kid screamed there's a bat in bunk five. Marcy jumped out of her bed and ran outside. Ted grabbed a broom and whacked the bat. Ted killed the bat. The kids in bunk five said we should give the bat a funeral. All of the kids buried the bat and went to bed. The next morning Marcy said to her friends we
should have a carnival to cheer the kids up because of the bat. Corrine and some of the kids clean up camp for the carnival. At the carnival there is going to be a lot of games. The carnival will be soon for the kids. All of the kids are exited for Saturday. The carnival, the carnival, screamed a kid. All of the kids woke up and start playing games. After the carnival was over, everyone went back to their bunks. Ginger, Marcy's friend, ran away from camp. Ted and Marcy looked for her. To find out if Ted or Marcy finds Ginger, read this book

Thank you,
Cassie

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

author: J.K. Rowling

A young child named Harry Potter lost his wizard parents by an evil wizard named Voldemort. Ten years later Harry goes to the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, because Voldemort transfered some powers into Harry. At Hogwarts, Harry learns to do some spells. Harry also becomes friends with Ron, Hermione, and Hagrid the Keeper of Keys at Hogwarts. At Hogwarts the third floor is forbidden. Ron, Harry, and Hermione go up to the third floor and find a room with a three headed dog in it. They look down and see a trap door and quickly leave the room when the dog chases them. Ron and Hermione, who is very smart, help Harry search for a book about Nicholas Flamel. Before Harry's father died, he gave a special cloak to Harry that makes him invisible. Harry is able to go in restricted areas to help with his search. Deep under Hogwarts is the Sorcerer Stone. Will Harry, Ron, and Hermione complete the three tasks to get the Sorcerer Stone? This is a good book to read. A mystery book, it is filled with exciting and thrilling moments.

Thank you,
Andrew and Joe

title: There's a Bat in Bunk Five

author: Paula Danziger

Marcy, a little girl is going to a summer camp. Marcy wants to become a CIT at camp. Marcy meets a boy, his name is Ted. Marcy and Ted are going on a date to the movies, dinner, and WoodStock. They go back to the camp and got their first kiss for the first time. Marcy wants to be a writer. Marcy meets a girl, her name was Corrine. Corrine is a very nice girl. Marcy and Corrine are very good friends. One day Marcy meets another girl in the camp The girl's name was Ginger. One day Ginger ran away because everyone was being mean to her at the camp. Marcy said to Corrine that Ginger had twenty dollars in her room. Marcy ran to the room and ran back again and yelled to Corrine that the twenty dollars was gone. Ted went to go find Ginger. Ted found Ginger at WoodStock waiting for a bus. Marcy and Corrine are happy that Ted found her. Ginger was being mean to Ted because he was going to call her parents to come and pick her up. Later at camp Marcy and Ted are getting ready for the fair. Marcy and Corrine are in charge of the cotton-candy. At the fair there are going to be games to play. The games are basketball and a dunking booth. Marcy and Corrine are going to clean up the fair. At the last day of camp all the CIT and the children can't wait for the next year and summer.

Thank you,
Jenna

title: Changeling

author: Delia Sherman

Neef went to the Soltice Dance, disobeying her mother and the Green Lady of Central Park. If Neef doesn't get things the Green Lady wants, the Wild Hunt will kill her. The Wild Hunt is a group of creatures that come out mostly at night. Neef travels through New York City to find what she needs. On her way she meets a lot of interesting and different people. Neef meets a vampire girl who lives at a vampire hotel. She also meets weird and twisted people. You need to read this book to find out who she makes a deal with. This book is filled with fantasy and adventure.

Thank you,
Ashlee

Monday, January 7, 2008

title: Shamer's Chronicles Final Review (all four books)

author: Lene Kaaberbol

The Shamer's Chronicles by Lene Kaaberbol has four great books. Each book has a wonderful little girl named Dina. Dina has two great gifts, The Shamer's eyes and the Black Master's flute. In the first book, Dina meets a man named Nico. Nico was accused of killing his family. Dina and her mother believes that Nico didn't kill his family. In the second book Dina meets a nice girl named Rose. Rose is only a few years older then Dina. Dina and Rose becomes best friends at the end of book two. In the third book Rose lives with Dina and Dina gets to meet her own father. Dina finds out that her father is a Black Master and can make people fall asleep. In the fourth book, Dina's father gives her his mysterious, magical flute and Dina learns how to play it. Dina's mother does not like Dina playing the dangerous flute. Read The Shamer's Chronicles if you like thrilling, mysterious, and magical books.

Thank you,
Marcu$

title: Shamer's Daughter (Book 1)

author: Lene Kaaberbol

Dina, a ten year old girl, lives in a poor village called Cherry Tree Cottage. No one in Cherry Tree Cottage can look Dina in the eyes. Dina has a unusual gift. Her gift lets her see all the shameful things anyone has done. Dina has no friends that will look or talk to her. One stormy night, a tall man on a huge horse brought a letter for Dina’s mother. Her mother reads the wet wrinkle piece of paper and dashes out the door with the tall man. As she’s leaving, Dina’s mother promises her that she will be back by sunrise. Dina went to bed and when she woke up her mother was not there. Read this great book to see what happens to Dina and her mother. This is an on the edge of your chair kind of book.

Thank you,
Marcu$

title: Shamer's Signet (Book 2)

author: Lene Kaaberbol

A twelve year old girl named Dina lives on a small farm. Dina has a gift that allows her to put shame on people by looking them in the eyes. One day Dina and her mother went out on their horses. A man named Ivain Laclan lead Dina and her mother through the mountains. They were lead in to a huge ambush of mean people. Dina’s mother is shot in the shoulder with a bow and arrow. Leading her mother into the thick woods,
they find a magical tree that heals wounds. They hide in the hole under the mysterious tree. Dina goes back to the house to tell everybody what happen to her mother. The next day Davin, Dina’s big brother, battles Ivain Laclan with swords. Read this great book to find out if Davin and his mother survive.

Thank you,
Marcu$

title: Serpent's Gift (Book 3)

author: Lene Kaaberbol

One day a young man named Davin and his friend Nico were eating breakfast. Davin noticed the fog out side and the sound of music. Dina, Davin’s little sister, told their mother Dina’s pony is missing and there is a hole in the fence. Their mother tells them to go find the rare pony. Dina sees her pony and it is taking her to the beautiful flute music that is playing. Dina sees a man playing a red and black striped flute. The man said his name was Sezuan. Sezuan helps Dina find her pony. After they find the pony Sezuan and Dina return to the house. Dina’s mother sees Sezuan and tells him to go away and never come back. Sezuan walks away sadly. He says "All I wanted was to see Dina, after all she is my daughter." Dina's mother runs inside the house with her family. Their dog was put outside and they lock the front door. The dog bravely yelled. The famly sat inside till the fog was gone. They went outside and found their beloved pet dog dead. The dog's stomach was ripped open and Dina asked her mother why she put the dog outside.
Her mother tells Dina that Sezuan is a black master. A black master is a serpent that makes people see things that are not there and he is seen only when he wants to be seen. Find out who killed Dina’s beloved dog and the mysterious black master Sezuan. So far this is the best out of the three books that I have read written by Lene Kaaberbol.

Thank you,
Marcu$

title: The Shamer's War (book 4)

author: Lene Kaaberbol

One day two guys named Nico and Davin were training with their swords in the barn. Davin thinks Nico is planning to kill his half brother Drakan. Drakan has a army of ten thousand men and ten dragons. Nico wants to stop him before he takes over the high lands. Drakan uses his huge, hungry dragons to eat people that do not work for him. When Nico, Davin, and his sisters Dina and Rose go to Ferness to get supplies, Davin hears Nico talking to a person called The Crow. He owns one of the fastest ships in Ferness. Drakan is offering one hundred gold markers for Nico's head. Nico found out that Davin and his best friend Black Arsh made a bomb. Davin and Black Arsh put the bomb on top of the mountain above the king of dragons. The bomb blew up the snow and rocks on top of the mountain and fell. Almost half of Drakan's army and his most prized dragon die. Nico and Drakan walk into The Ring of Iron made out of swords and they began to battle. Read this great book to find out if Drakan succeeds in taking over the high lands. This is an adventurous and thrilling action book.

Thank you,
Marcu$