Shadow Children Series: Among the Impostors # 2

Among the Impostors is the second book in the Shadow Children Series by Margaret Peterson Haddix. This is another science fiction story that picks up where Among the Hidden left off. Luke has made the important decision to come out of hiding and try a real life with a fake identity.  He assumes the identity of a young man who tragically died in an accident, Lee Grant.  Mr. Talbot, a Baron neighbor, helps Luke by enrolling him in Hendricks School for Boys. At first Luke has a difficult time "blending in." Prior to this experience, Luke had never left his home or his family so he faced many new challenges.  He didn't know how to get around, what classes he was supposed to go to, or what any of his teachers were talking about.  Luke did not only struggle in the classroom but he also struggled with the other boys who seemed to be picking on him.  The only other boys he had ever interacted with were his older brothers, so this was a scary thing for him.  Eventually, Luke takes risks that pay off and his experience at Hendricks turns positive.  An old friend returns to help Luke and Luke is forced to make yet again, another life-changing decision.

If you enjoyed Among the Hidden, I highly encourage you to continue the series because the storyline gets even more interesting.  I cannot wait to start Among the Betrayed next!

Shadow Children Series: Among the Hidden # 1

Prior to the holiday break, our classes read the novel Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix. Among the Hidden is the first book in the Shadow Children Series. The story is science-fiction and discusses several themes including population trends and policies, natural and manmade resources, supply and demand, government power, friendship, family relations, etc.  The story takes place in a society that is dictated by the government and enforces a strict two-child policy.  Many families in the society exceed the two-child limit and are forced to hide their additional children.  The lives of the third children are heartbreaking, as they are forced to hide and are not able to participate in society like everyone else.  These children cannot leave their homes, go to school, or even play outside because the danger of being caught as an illegal third child is high.  Death is the traditional consequence for any third children who are caught by the government.

The main character of this story, Luke, is a young teenage boy who knows what it's like to hide. He has two older brothers that he must watch go to school, play out in the yard, and experience the rest of the world while he hides in their attic.  As the days pass, his parents enforce even stricter hiding rules for Luke and eventually his life in the attic becomes so depressing that he risks everything to make a change.  You'll need to read the story to find out what Luke decides and whether or not it pays off.

My 6th grade students really enjoyed this book and many of them are continuing the series to really find out what happens with Luke. While reading the book, we had a lot of great discussions together and the students participated in a debate over the One Child Policy in China that really turned out amazing. I would highly recommend this book to any adolescent reader.

The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott 1/18/13

The Dressmaker is a historical fiction novel written by Kate Alcott, and was released in 2012.  The story takes place in 1912, the year of the tragic sinking of the Titanic.  A young woman, Tess Collins, experiences the Titanic sinking and survives to tell her story afterwards.  The aftermath for some of the survivors wasn't as glamorous as one might expect. Questions started floating around..."Why did so many wealthy passengers survive? Why were some of the lifeboats only partially full? Why didn't they go back to pick up people from the icy waters? Tess must choose what story to believe, while trying to start a new life in America as a dressmaker and juggling her love life.  Follow Tess on her exciting journey and find out how she makes it.  This is a great read for those who enjoy history, feminism, love stories, and page turning drama!

Introduction 1-16-13

Hi, my name is Mrs. Jones and I teach middle school Language Arts and Literature. My students and I are starting a new journey this semester where we will be doing most of our writing on our own personal blogs. Each student has chosen a topic of interest to blog about and will post to his/her blog 2-3 times each week.  Students may include text, images, pictures, scans, podcasts, etc. when posting to their blogs. They will be graded each week on their spelling, capitalization/punctuation, grammar, and the writing traits.  Each student has an online rubric in their Google Drives that they may access to continuously watch how their blogs are being evaluated. These blogs are intended to encourage personal expression through writing and give students an opportunity to practice their writing skills.

I will be posting to my own blog as well during this journey, and I have chosen to write a blog on reading and books.  I will provide reviews on books my students and I are reading as well as information on books in the media! I may include new releases from the Barnes & Noble website and other reading recommendation lists!

www.CartoonStock.com.