Critique:
The characters in this book are really interesting. Even the minor characters play their roles well, appearing for specific purposes and yet working together almost seamlessly. Lyra is such a wonderfully written lead character. It’s as if she never had innocence, thrown into an adult life from the very beginning having lost her parents and living among the scholars at Jordan College. But from this she gains independence and a knack for figuring things out on her own, discovering her surroundings and enjoying every thrilling minute. She makes connections to people in different ways, but maintains them well. Starting with Roger’s disappearance, Lyra and Pantalaimon venture out on a journey full of the unknown and false realities. Whether Lyra is being groomed by Mrs. Coulter only to find out that she is the head of the Gobblers, taken in by Ma Costa, whom she had previously played childish pranks on, or put in the position to save the kidnapped children and stop the separation of child and daemon, the young girl is head-strong throughout all of it. We feel her confusion as she realizes who her parents are, we feel her horror and emptiness when Pan is too far from her, we feel her curiosity when she learns how to use the Alethiometer, we feel her exhaustion when she travels north, we feel her shock when she sees Lord Asriel kill Roger. Pullman does a great job of making the reader truly understand Lyra’s emotions because of how well her character is written. She is so multidimensional and at the same time very believable as a young girl on a journey of self-discovery.
The setting of this story is perfect for the book. It has enough realistic elements that it feels like we have been there, and yet it is intermixed with other worlds and dimensions that immerse us in its fantasy. The distinction between land people and water people is intriguing, and the lives of the humans, witches, bears, and daemons brings a depth to the fantastical elements that is really exciting. Although certain elements of the plot were predictable, not many were; Pullman was able to carry through with a story line based on nicely placed clues without giving too much away. I was shocked when Mrs. Coulter and Lord Asriel were working together at the end. I love how it felt as if we, as readers, discovered things right along with Lyra, which made the flow of the book wonderful and engaging.
In general, I thought this book was wonderful. There were certain parts I had to re-read, especially at the end because everything was thrown at us so fast, but overall it was a great read. I had to force myself to stop when we were supposed to, and even then I still read ahead. I plan to read the following two books in the series this summer, even if I have to re-read The Golden Compass to really be able to follow along. :)
Monday, March 29, 2010
Synopsis: The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman
The Golden Compass. ISBN: 0-440-41832-1. Phillip Pullman. 1995. Ages 12-18. Upper-class scholars, gypsies, witches and other mythical creatures.
Synopsis:
Tremendously clever and mischievous, Lyra Belacqua has the run of Jordan College. Orphaned and taken in by its scholars, Lyra is intelligent but lacks formal education. She befriends the town’s children of all sorts, enjoying being a leader among them. Her need to be in places she is not supposed to unlocks a world and a whole new meaning of knowledge. This newfound knowledge takes her, and her daemon, Pantalaimon, on a journey that can equal no other. Guided by the Golden Compass, aka the Alethiometer, Lyra goes on this journey as something she knows she must undertake. The Gobblers have begun taking children of all backgrounds, Lyra’s friend Roger included. To get him back, Lyra must travel North, along a dangerous and exciting path. Her uncle, Lord Asriel, plays a crucial part in this journey, as he has been captured at Svalbard by the bears. Mrs. Coulter, who Lyra finds out is in charge of the General Oblation Board aka GOB aka the Gobblers, tries to use Lyra in her scientific research. She later finds out that despite everything she has ever known, that these two people are her parents. Along with help from Iorek Byrnison, John Faa, Farder Coram, the Gyptians, the witches, and Lee Scoresby, Lyra finds a way to rescue the children who have been captured; she not only rescues them, but their daemons, who Mrs. Coulter has found a way to separate from each other. In the end, Lyra must continue her journey alone, with only Pan to keep her company. She ventures into the unknown to find the truth, a truth Lyra will only know when she sees it.
Synopsis:
Tremendously clever and mischievous, Lyra Belacqua has the run of Jordan College. Orphaned and taken in by its scholars, Lyra is intelligent but lacks formal education. She befriends the town’s children of all sorts, enjoying being a leader among them. Her need to be in places she is not supposed to unlocks a world and a whole new meaning of knowledge. This newfound knowledge takes her, and her daemon, Pantalaimon, on a journey that can equal no other. Guided by the Golden Compass, aka the Alethiometer, Lyra goes on this journey as something she knows she must undertake. The Gobblers have begun taking children of all backgrounds, Lyra’s friend Roger included. To get him back, Lyra must travel North, along a dangerous and exciting path. Her uncle, Lord Asriel, plays a crucial part in this journey, as he has been captured at Svalbard by the bears. Mrs. Coulter, who Lyra finds out is in charge of the General Oblation Board aka GOB aka the Gobblers, tries to use Lyra in her scientific research. She later finds out that despite everything she has ever known, that these two people are her parents. Along with help from Iorek Byrnison, John Faa, Farder Coram, the Gyptians, the witches, and Lee Scoresby, Lyra finds a way to rescue the children who have been captured; she not only rescues them, but their daemons, who Mrs. Coulter has found a way to separate from each other. In the end, Lyra must continue her journey alone, with only Pan to keep her company. She ventures into the unknown to find the truth, a truth Lyra will only know when she sees it.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Critique: Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Critique:
Annemarie’s character is well-written and makes us feel the confusion she faces during difficult decisions she must make. She is introspective, careful of what she says and who she says it to, and reflects on the changes she sees happening in Copenhagen. She is close with her family, even her deceased sister Lise’s boyfriend, Peter, who remains connected to the family. She is very responsible, not only being aware of her parents’ struggles, but also making sure her little sister, Kirsti, is safe and stays out of trouble. Because of this, and the war evolving around her, Annemarie must grow up quickly, and prove herself at the end of the book when she must save her friend, Ellen, and Ellen’s family.
I love Peter’s character, as well as his determination in the Resistance to save Jews and combat the Nazi’s as best he can. Lise is killed by the Germans, and Peter risks his life to make sure it doesn’t happen to others. Annemarie sees this determination and strength and uses it as a model for when she feels overwhelmed by her growing responsibility.
Annemarie looks to her father’s bravery and her mother’s strength to save her friend, and play the role of devoted sister to Ellen, who pretends to be a member of the Johansen family. Along with Annemarie’s uncle Henrik, her mother’s brother, Annemarie’s mother shows her how sacrifice is worth saving the lives of loved ones. Lowry writes Mrs. Johansen realistically, showing her caring but stern side during times of great pressure and potentially deep consequence.
The book takes place in Copenhagen, Denmark, which is a great setting. I like how Lowry focuses on the war through the eyes outside of Germany, especially because the war affected many countries. They are outsiders inside the tension, inside the danger, but they are immersed in the war just as much as those in Germany. Although the Johansens are not Jewish, they are friends to those who are, so the Jewish struggles become their own as Mr. and Mrs. Johansen, along with Peter, fight for their freedom.
Number the Stars is one of my favorite childhood books. I have read it dozens of time and recommended it to many students over the years. Lois Lowry really has a talent for story-telling, and this book really captivates a terrible time for youth during the Holocaust. I appreciate this book for so many reasons, and am glad we had this as one of the two Lowry pairings for our class.
Annemarie’s character is well-written and makes us feel the confusion she faces during difficult decisions she must make. She is introspective, careful of what she says and who she says it to, and reflects on the changes she sees happening in Copenhagen. She is close with her family, even her deceased sister Lise’s boyfriend, Peter, who remains connected to the family. She is very responsible, not only being aware of her parents’ struggles, but also making sure her little sister, Kirsti, is safe and stays out of trouble. Because of this, and the war evolving around her, Annemarie must grow up quickly, and prove herself at the end of the book when she must save her friend, Ellen, and Ellen’s family.
I love Peter’s character, as well as his determination in the Resistance to save Jews and combat the Nazi’s as best he can. Lise is killed by the Germans, and Peter risks his life to make sure it doesn’t happen to others. Annemarie sees this determination and strength and uses it as a model for when she feels overwhelmed by her growing responsibility.
Annemarie looks to her father’s bravery and her mother’s strength to save her friend, and play the role of devoted sister to Ellen, who pretends to be a member of the Johansen family. Along with Annemarie’s uncle Henrik, her mother’s brother, Annemarie’s mother shows her how sacrifice is worth saving the lives of loved ones. Lowry writes Mrs. Johansen realistically, showing her caring but stern side during times of great pressure and potentially deep consequence.
The book takes place in Copenhagen, Denmark, which is a great setting. I like how Lowry focuses on the war through the eyes outside of Germany, especially because the war affected many countries. They are outsiders inside the tension, inside the danger, but they are immersed in the war just as much as those in Germany. Although the Johansens are not Jewish, they are friends to those who are, so the Jewish struggles become their own as Mr. and Mrs. Johansen, along with Peter, fight for their freedom.
Number the Stars is one of my favorite childhood books. I have read it dozens of time and recommended it to many students over the years. Lois Lowry really has a talent for story-telling, and this book really captivates a terrible time for youth during the Holocaust. I appreciate this book for so many reasons, and am glad we had this as one of the two Lowry pairings for our class.
Synopsis: Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Number the Stars. ISBN: 0-440-40327-8. Lois Lowry. 1989. Newberry Medal. Historical fiction. Ages 9-12. Jews living in Denmark and throughout Europe.
Although the protagonist of this story is 10-year-old Annemarie Johansen, Number the Stars revolves around the Jewish family of Annemarie’s best friend Ellen Rosen. Ellen’s family is Jewish, living in Denmark during World War II, and Annemarie’s family helps them hide and escape from the Nazis. Annemarie’s family risks their lives to save Ellen’s, even pretending that Ellen is Annemarie’s dead sister Lise when the Nazis come looking for them. The Johansens take the Rosens to stay with Annemarie’s uncle, a fisherman on the coast whose plan is to safely transport the Rosens to Sweden. Annemarie’s emotional, and at the end physical journey of trying to save her best friend’s life is inspiring as well as honest, making it one of my favorite books to this day. Although the story itself is fictional, the telling of Jewish people escaping the Nazi regime with the help of non-Jewish friends is one that can be told over and over and is still remarkably personal and heartbreaking.
Although the protagonist of this story is 10-year-old Annemarie Johansen, Number the Stars revolves around the Jewish family of Annemarie’s best friend Ellen Rosen. Ellen’s family is Jewish, living in Denmark during World War II, and Annemarie’s family helps them hide and escape from the Nazis. Annemarie’s family risks their lives to save Ellen’s, even pretending that Ellen is Annemarie’s dead sister Lise when the Nazis come looking for them. The Johansens take the Rosens to stay with Annemarie’s uncle, a fisherman on the coast whose plan is to safely transport the Rosens to Sweden. Annemarie’s emotional, and at the end physical journey of trying to save her best friend’s life is inspiring as well as honest, making it one of my favorite books to this day. Although the story itself is fictional, the telling of Jewish people escaping the Nazi regime with the help of non-Jewish friends is one that can be told over and over and is still remarkably personal and heartbreaking.
In-class Yopp & Yopp activity for The Giver
Contrast Chart
Source: Yopp & Yopp, page 31
The contrast chart strategy is used as a pre-reading strategy in Yopp & Yopp to help students think about a more in-depth topic in the book they will be reading. For this case, however, I think it is a great tool to use as a post-reading activity. It is very simple to set up because students just need to put a title at the top, and make two divided columns underneath.
The purpose of a contrast chart as a pre-reading strategy is to show differences within a text in order to help predict what might happen. As a post-reading strategy, a contrast chart is a great way for students to analyze the text at a deeper level. A different version of a contrast chart could be a Venn diagram, where not only contrast is shown, but also similarity. With this kind of chart, students can use the middle section to bring together two categories and decide how to analyze them. For example, with The Giver there might be some similarities between pros and cons, like “Gains insight into the truth.” Students could then discuss why this statement is a similarity instead of merely a difference. The statement can be a pro because Jonas learns the truth and is able to better understand his surroundings and those around him. But it is also a con because with that truth comes immense pressure to expose it and do the right thing.
There are many benefits and many hardships Jonas must endure when he is chosen to be The Receiver of Memory. List some positives that come out of his experience in the first column, and then list the negatives in the second.
The Giver: Pros and Cons of receiving the community’s memories
Pros of receiving memories
-
-
-
-
-
Cons of receiving memories
-
-
-
-
-
What is it about this strategy that makes it a “scientifically based best practice?”
This strategy is best practice because students must use their prior knowledge of the book to fill out the chart. This helps with comprehension because depending on the topic, the students must look for and think of specific information to contrast with each other. This chart can be used at any level; for lower grades a topic like “What is good vs. what is bad about what the cat in the hat does to the children’s house?” could be used, and for upper grades a topic like the one above about The Giver could be used. This kind of chart stimulates deep cognitive thinking about the similarities and differences between topics within a text, and can be used to make text-to-text or text-to-self connections.
List the Procedures you will go through to teach your strategy. Follow the Cognitive Apprenticeship (Watch It Do It Know It, Direct Teaching model)
First I will introduce the strategy to the group and explain its use. I will guide them through the example I have laid out, followed by the reasons behind the answers I filled out on the chart. I will explain that good readers go back to use the text to look for information they need, and that the reason behind this is to strengthen comprehension. Then I will explain what I want them to do (see below under “Materials Application”) and ask them to work together to fill out the chart. Following this, I will ask them to share their answers and then apply them to the questions I have written that will lead to a deeper understanding of the text.
What questions will you ask to stimulate discussion of the effectiveness and further application of your strategy?
-Did you enjoy this strategy? Why or why not?
-If you could add or subtract an element of the strategy, what would you change?
-Do you like the column chart or the Venn diagram better? Why or why not?
Source: Yopp & Yopp, page 31
The contrast chart strategy is used as a pre-reading strategy in Yopp & Yopp to help students think about a more in-depth topic in the book they will be reading. For this case, however, I think it is a great tool to use as a post-reading activity. It is very simple to set up because students just need to put a title at the top, and make two divided columns underneath.
The purpose of a contrast chart as a pre-reading strategy is to show differences within a text in order to help predict what might happen. As a post-reading strategy, a contrast chart is a great way for students to analyze the text at a deeper level. A different version of a contrast chart could be a Venn diagram, where not only contrast is shown, but also similarity. With this kind of chart, students can use the middle section to bring together two categories and decide how to analyze them. For example, with The Giver there might be some similarities between pros and cons, like “Gains insight into the truth.” Students could then discuss why this statement is a similarity instead of merely a difference. The statement can be a pro because Jonas learns the truth and is able to better understand his surroundings and those around him. But it is also a con because with that truth comes immense pressure to expose it and do the right thing.
There are many benefits and many hardships Jonas must endure when he is chosen to be The Receiver of Memory. List some positives that come out of his experience in the first column, and then list the negatives in the second.
The Giver: Pros and Cons of receiving the community’s memories
Pros of receiving memories
-
-
-
-
-
Cons of receiving memories
-
-
-
-
-
What is it about this strategy that makes it a “scientifically based best practice?”
This strategy is best practice because students must use their prior knowledge of the book to fill out the chart. This helps with comprehension because depending on the topic, the students must look for and think of specific information to contrast with each other. This chart can be used at any level; for lower grades a topic like “What is good vs. what is bad about what the cat in the hat does to the children’s house?” could be used, and for upper grades a topic like the one above about The Giver could be used. This kind of chart stimulates deep cognitive thinking about the similarities and differences between topics within a text, and can be used to make text-to-text or text-to-self connections.
List the Procedures you will go through to teach your strategy. Follow the Cognitive Apprenticeship (Watch It Do It Know It, Direct Teaching model)
First I will introduce the strategy to the group and explain its use. I will guide them through the example I have laid out, followed by the reasons behind the answers I filled out on the chart. I will explain that good readers go back to use the text to look for information they need, and that the reason behind this is to strengthen comprehension. Then I will explain what I want them to do (see below under “Materials Application”) and ask them to work together to fill out the chart. Following this, I will ask them to share their answers and then apply them to the questions I have written that will lead to a deeper understanding of the text.
What questions will you ask to stimulate discussion of the effectiveness and further application of your strategy?
-Did you enjoy this strategy? Why or why not?
-If you could add or subtract an element of the strategy, what would you change?
-Do you like the column chart or the Venn diagram better? Why or why not?
Critique: The Giver by Lois Lowry
Critique:
Jonas’ journey throughout this book is heartbreaking as well as illuminating. Unsure of what he wants out of life but excited about his given task, this young boy is forced to grow up much more than his peers. When he is first assigned to be the Receiver, he is upset; he does not know what to think except separation from those around him. Jonas has been handed an immense responsibility, one that will affect his entire community. The more he learns, the more confused he becomes. What he has always known becomes foreign to him; the truths he has been told turn into lies, and he must decide what is best for not only his community, but himself. Lowry’s description of Jonas’ is so wonderful; she really shows us how difficult his task is emotionally. As readers, we feel Jonas’ pain when the Giver transfers the memories to him. We see what he sees when colors begin appearing. We understand his conflict of either continuing life as he has always known it or using his newfound knowledge to make his life, and the lives of those around him, better. Jonas’ questioning shows his depth of knowledge even at the young age of twelve, and it is this questioning that proves Jonas was chosen for the right position during the ceremony. Through his connection with the Giver we see how important the past is, and through his connection with Gabe we see how truly important the future is. Jonas is the connection between both, and we learn just how important that connection becomes through his character.
The town Jonas lives in is so multi-dimensional. I love how Lowry shows us both what everyone sees, and then what Jonas sees once he learns the truth behind the scenes. Everything seems too perfect, and that creates a really chilling atmosphere. People are too in sync with each other, and they truly fabricate life around them to be what they consider perfect. I reference George Orwell’s 1984 earlier, because I think the two communities are similar. Both thrive on conformity, both give the appearance that everything is fine; but ultimately, the details that people don’t see (or choose to ignore) are what destroy the bubble that people are used to. People see their lives as jobs, as tasks they must fulfill to keep the community going. When Jonas sees his father releasing the baby, and realizes that releasing is a synonym for killing, he is horrified; and yet his father seems so calm. To his father, releasing is just something he does. The community Jonas lives in and later decides to leave is twisted in so many ways. Because of this occurrence, Jonas realizes that the chance to give life to Gabe is more important than his own, risking everything he has ever known to let Gabe experience a real life.
This is such an incredible book. I never read it as a child, reading it for the first time last year. I was impressed with Lowry’s writing before, having read Number the Stars when I was younger, so I knew I would enjoy this book. I had read 1984 for the first time about 3 months beforehand, and I think doing that enhanced the experience of The Giver even more. The surreal world Lowry creates for Jonas to live in is both comforting for those in it and eerie for Jonas once he learns the truth. The plot is so well-crafted and creative, and it gives new meaning to passing down knowledge from generation to generation.
Jonas’ journey throughout this book is heartbreaking as well as illuminating. Unsure of what he wants out of life but excited about his given task, this young boy is forced to grow up much more than his peers. When he is first assigned to be the Receiver, he is upset; he does not know what to think except separation from those around him. Jonas has been handed an immense responsibility, one that will affect his entire community. The more he learns, the more confused he becomes. What he has always known becomes foreign to him; the truths he has been told turn into lies, and he must decide what is best for not only his community, but himself. Lowry’s description of Jonas’ is so wonderful; she really shows us how difficult his task is emotionally. As readers, we feel Jonas’ pain when the Giver transfers the memories to him. We see what he sees when colors begin appearing. We understand his conflict of either continuing life as he has always known it or using his newfound knowledge to make his life, and the lives of those around him, better. Jonas’ questioning shows his depth of knowledge even at the young age of twelve, and it is this questioning that proves Jonas was chosen for the right position during the ceremony. Through his connection with the Giver we see how important the past is, and through his connection with Gabe we see how truly important the future is. Jonas is the connection between both, and we learn just how important that connection becomes through his character.
The town Jonas lives in is so multi-dimensional. I love how Lowry shows us both what everyone sees, and then what Jonas sees once he learns the truth behind the scenes. Everything seems too perfect, and that creates a really chilling atmosphere. People are too in sync with each other, and they truly fabricate life around them to be what they consider perfect. I reference George Orwell’s 1984 earlier, because I think the two communities are similar. Both thrive on conformity, both give the appearance that everything is fine; but ultimately, the details that people don’t see (or choose to ignore) are what destroy the bubble that people are used to. People see their lives as jobs, as tasks they must fulfill to keep the community going. When Jonas sees his father releasing the baby, and realizes that releasing is a synonym for killing, he is horrified; and yet his father seems so calm. To his father, releasing is just something he does. The community Jonas lives in and later decides to leave is twisted in so many ways. Because of this occurrence, Jonas realizes that the chance to give life to Gabe is more important than his own, risking everything he has ever known to let Gabe experience a real life.
This is such an incredible book. I never read it as a child, reading it for the first time last year. I was impressed with Lowry’s writing before, having read Number the Stars when I was younger, so I knew I would enjoy this book. I had read 1984 for the first time about 3 months beforehand, and I think doing that enhanced the experience of The Giver even more. The surreal world Lowry creates for Jonas to live in is both comforting for those in it and eerie for Jonas once he learns the truth. The plot is so well-crafted and creative, and it gives new meaning to passing down knowledge from generation to generation.
Synopsis: The Giver by Lois Lowry
The Giver. ISBN 0-440-23768-8. Lois Lowry. 1993. Newberry Medal. Fantasy. Ages 11 +. Secluded Caucasian community.
Synopsis:
With a premise eerily like that of George Orwell’s 1984, The Giver is a fantastical and yet frighteningly realistic telling of a young boy growing up out of place who eventually uncovers knowledge that forever changes his life. In a world where there is no color, no choice, no real independent thought or action, Jonas is chosen to replace the Giver as the Receiver of Memory, the only keeper of record in the community. Blessed and burdened with this task, Jonas sees the world around him shift as he is shown the past through an almost torturous process. The Giver transfers his memories to Jonas by touching his back and connecting with the boy’s mind, the most extraordinary element of the story. In a place where no one is allowed to lie, the town itself turns into a lie once Jonas finds out its secrets. Knowing what he now does, Jonas has to make a decision that will not only save his own life, but the ones he has grown up thinking he knows. Although it is not allowed, Jonas transfers some of the memories to Gabe, the infant his family has taken care of since birth. In the end, the two of them must flee the community to embark what amounts to be a very serious and strenuous journey in order to ultimately save themselves as well as everyone they know.
Synopsis:
With a premise eerily like that of George Orwell’s 1984, The Giver is a fantastical and yet frighteningly realistic telling of a young boy growing up out of place who eventually uncovers knowledge that forever changes his life. In a world where there is no color, no choice, no real independent thought or action, Jonas is chosen to replace the Giver as the Receiver of Memory, the only keeper of record in the community. Blessed and burdened with this task, Jonas sees the world around him shift as he is shown the past through an almost torturous process. The Giver transfers his memories to Jonas by touching his back and connecting with the boy’s mind, the most extraordinary element of the story. In a place where no one is allowed to lie, the town itself turns into a lie once Jonas finds out its secrets. Knowing what he now does, Jonas has to make a decision that will not only save his own life, but the ones he has grown up thinking he knows. Although it is not allowed, Jonas transfers some of the memories to Gabe, the infant his family has taken care of since birth. In the end, the two of them must flee the community to embark what amounts to be a very serious and strenuous journey in order to ultimately save themselves as well as everyone they know.
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