Happy Holidays!

Hey everyone!!  I hope that each of you are having a safe and wonderful break with your families and friends.  I have posted all your grades from the time that I was away, so be sure to check those out.  Also if you have missing work I need that ASAP!  Enjoy the rest of your break.

A Day No Pigs Would Die Blog 1

Hey everyone!  Grades are posted to edline for your 1st blog on A Day No Pigs Would Die.  If you do not have a grade, that means that you either didn't post one or I can't see your blog, so make sure to come see me ASAP if that is the case!

Halloween Blogs!

Hey guys!!

I really enjoyed reading all of the Halloween blogs!  Please check to make sure you are getting a comment from me, if not, please see me.  Also, I just updated Edline with your grades from these blogs.  I hope you all are enjoying blogging.  Feel free to blog about what is going on in your life, but make sure it is appropriate!  Happy Wednesday all!

The Art of Racing in the Rain

        The Art of Racing in the Rain was the second novel that I read from the summer reading list.  Let me start out by saying that I am a total dog lover, so this novel was right up my alley.  I really enjoyed reading a book from a dog's perspective even though in the beginning I was questioning how it wasn't going to be a novel for young children, but after reading the first few chapters I was pleasantly surprised!  I found myself staying up into the wee hours of the night just to find out what would happen next, and while doing so thinking about how much do our pets really know about our lives.  I often joke and say that my dog, Roxy, knows when I'm frustrated, happy, scared, or even upset.  Enzo seemed to know everything! 

        Throughout the book I began to see the connection between Enzo, life, and racing.  Enzo teaches us that everything isn't about just going fast, one must have the correct techniques first.  Enzo's life is full of trial and error, but in the end we learn from him that if you pay attention to the people and events that are happening around you, one will gain great knowledge.  Enzo is very observate, maybe this should be a lesson to all.

        Even though The Art of Racing in the Rain ended in a heartbreak, and I must admit that I did shed a few tears, it left me with a heart-warming feeling.

My bundle of joy, Roxy!

My thoughts on Speak

Unfortunately before reading Speak, I already knew how the novel ended.  This knowledge did not completely ruin the novel, it just forced me to read the entire novel in one night.  While reading I was constantly wondering when and how Melinda would actually "speak" out.  I would be devastated if this incident happened to me while in high school.  I don't think I would actually be able to hold the truth in for so long.  I cannot understand how her old "friends" just ignored her.  I don't think if I were in her friend's shoes I could do this.  It's hard for me to hold grudges, therefore I believe that I would not leave my friend to suffer alone and depressed.  Another part of the novel that I cannot stop thinking about is the constant reminder of trees.  Melinda is assigned a yearlong art project on trees, her family has to trim a tree in their front yard, and she was surrounded by trees during the incident.  Did you notice all of the references to trees?  If so, please leave your comments on this constant reference.