The blue mustang looms like a shark.

...and I bet anyone who has read The Outsiders can tell me why that's true.

Similes help show understanding of complex things, relationships, and ideas. I was really impressed by some of the similes you all wrote about different aspects of the book. Creative, clever, and carefully considered...nice job.

Log on and share your best similes and metaphors. I know that we mentioned specifics from the books like the blue mustang, Darry's slap, Johnny's switchblade, but you can come up with your own topic too.

Get creative and think deep. The assignment wasn't easy, and you worked hard, so I think you should show off your best work!

Log on and post the best simile you wrote about the book The Outsiders.

Welcome to the Outsiders!

PONYBOY, SODAPOP, DARRY, DALLY! I love all of the greasers--some more than others, of course.

Now that you've started The Outsiders, tell me what you think. I have three questions:

Do you like Ponyboy? What do you like about him?

Of his two brothers, which one do you like? Darry, the oldest? Sodapap, the easy-going one?

This one is a BIGGIE!: Do you think the conflict between the Socs and the Greasers is realistic? Tell me why or why not?

MEA=Plenty time to read!

I hope everyone is enjoying MEA break. I have to admit, I didn't go to the convention in St. Paul, but I have been reading.

1. Like all the other Michael L. Printz award winners (Looking for Alaska, A Northern Light, Airborn, American Born Chinese), the book Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy is a winner. The writing is brillant, the main characters are lovely and human and comlicated, and the plot teaches pwerful lessons. The book stands for everything the Michael L. Printz award represents. Get out there and check it out! Me, I'll probably finish it later today and be sad, sad, sad that it is over...

2. The Twilight series has everyone talking, doesn't it? Maybe we should invite Stephanie meyer rather than John Green to come to our class?

3. I love that you all have reading goals. In class next week, you are going to have to re-assess your goal one week later. So make sure you start this weekend!

4. There's so much else to say; I feel like I should scroll through and respond to the questions and comments that have been posted, but I would rather be reading! If anyone of you have a reading concern, please approach me in class. I will be your Reading Guide, your Reading Friend, and your Reading Partner in Crime!

Take care, all.
Stenson

Okay, the truth is...

Puckett doesn't really like to read. I do, and I have been. And while I read, she just stares, wondering why I won't take her outside for a little fetch or a walk. I will do that soon, but for now, I'm content here on my favorite chair with a stack a good books nearby.

The other truth is my 8th graders read. They read a lot and they read regularly. Some of them blog, most of them bring books to my class every day, a handful of them share books they've discovered and look out for fellow readers in many other ways too...the truth is they like, respect, and even get excited about reading.

Earlier I asked them what about their goals for reading in the month of October. Two weeks later, I want the truth...

a. What was your reading goal for October?
b. How is it going?

Read on,
Stenson

One Month In

Well, can you believe it? My 8th graders are one month closer to HIGH SCHOOL! I have really enjoyed get to know these SMART, FUN, and ENERGETIC students. What a great start to the school year.

Here's what I want to know this week...

What's the BEST thing you've read recently? You must pick ONE book. What is the very BEST thing you've read?

Can't wait to hear what you've got to say! The best thing I've read is The Abundance of Katherines, but I'm really excited to hear what you have to say!

Talk to you soon, 8th grade readers/scholars/huskies!
Stenson

The End of September.

It's another Race to Read Friday! Some kids hate these reading days, some kids love them. Today's highlights will be...

1. One magazine written for girls by girls! It's called New Moon. I'll get the link to the website on here too. It's awesome because girls decide what goes into the magazines, what themes to have, what articles to include---they decide everything. It's not one of those magazines that only talks about boys, make-up, and fashion. It's actually got realistic information, news, and material for regular girls!

2. Another magazine is Sports Illustrated. The topic is obviously sports, but the articles are written by some of the most talented journalist currently working. One of this week's articles is about a man who plays minor league baseball. One day, he hit a line-drive foul ball down the first baseline. It hit his first-base coach and killed him on the spot. The article gives you a glimpse of what this guy has been struggling with ever since he stepped out of the batter's box and realized what just happened. Powerful story,

3. Then we'll go to the Media Center. Bring your books, but if you aren't thrilled with your book, find a new one. There are lots of recommendations on last week's blogs. Or ask a friend. I'm willing to help you find a good book too.

Here are my 2 questions: What is your reading goal for the month of October? Do you want to read 1 book? Do you want to try to read for 20 minutes every day? Tell me one goal you have about reading!

What would you like to add to Reading Days? Is there anything else you'd like to do during our one day of READING?

Happy Reading Day, 8LA. Enjoy!
Stenson

¡Soy muy feliz!

Did you see all those comments?

Can you believe what can happen when a bunch of smart and fun 8th graders come together and share their thoughts and ideas?

So many comments are thoughtful, so many inspire more questions and comments, so many make me smile!

I could go on and on, but this blog is about you...so back to books for you!

1. Art, Jeff, Tony S. and others mentioned the Alex Rider books by Anthony Horowitz. A great bunch of books about a 14 year old M5 spy (M5 is England's CIA).

Thank you, Art, for recommending the other Horowitz series. I am not as familiar with those boks, but you can click here to read about them.

2. As many of you stated in your comments, Madeline L'Engle, may she rest in peace, wrote fantastic fantasy books. I think what makes them so good is that they seem like fairy tales too.

If you really liked them, try Shannon Hale's Goose Girl. Not so much fantasy, but definitely fairy tale. It looks like Cassie B. read it if you want more info.

3. I also noticed references to realistic fiction about teenage life. I have two great suggestions:

For Girls: A Brief Chapter in my Impossible Life by Dana Reinhart

For Boys: Drums, Girls, & Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick

4. Lastly, I noticed many of you agreed that reading makes you smarter. You're right. Challenge yourself with some good books. Conor's list made me think of other good books that you'll hear a lot about and probably have to read one day. Add Lord of the Flies to that list. It's short, easy to read, but the themes and motifs are challenging.

I resisting the urge to carry on and on, but I sure don't want you to stop. Keep logging on, keep blogging on.

Reading makes all the difference!
Stenson