Prediction

Author's Note: This is my prediction on how I think the story ended:) Enjoy!

I have always been into very action pact books, anything else I'd read I fall asleep estimation, I find it hard not to turn it into a wild adventure or a big drama. So when I was assigned to assume what was going to happen once he opened the purple jar I couldn't help but think it was going to come out and attack him. In the beginning of the story the author did I good job with making it surprising. I defiantly couldn't tell what was going to happen next. Once it got to the part with the purple gunk in the jar my big imagination took charge and pictured a big purple monster coming out and trying to kill him, but just before he can Mr.Mason tells him to stop. I pictured that Mr.Mason was using that as a threat and that if he doesn't stop the inappropriate attitude he wouldn't stop the monster and would let him devour Troy whole. 

I can't say I was happy with the end of the story, I didn't like it to be true. I would've liked it if they gave a little more of an explanation. If you ask me I think that he ended up being just like Dale, the boy that had the same think done to him. He never was the same and learned his lesson.

High School Musical

Author's Note: This is an essay on my first lead role in a play. I hope you enjoy!

November 7^th  2011 was one of the most memorable nights of my life. It was the beginning of a new obsession, a new passion. It was the premiere of High School Musical Jr, I was Sharpay Evans, it was a time of learning and victory for me. It was my first real role.

Late September 2011, I found out news that would change me forever. I was in math class, not even focusing on my work. All I could think about was what name would next to Sharpay on the cast list. All day kids would say they’d have to go to the bathroom or to their locker and really just go see if the list is up yet. I was different, I didn’t want to go look. What if I didn’t get Sharpay? I’d be running out embarrassed and a crying mess. I knew eventually the news would spread and I’d hear someone say either, “I’m sorry you didn’t get Sharpay Emilee” or “Emilee! You got Sharpay!” And that’s exactly what I heard. While I was sitting in class my friend Michelle runs up and screams to me that I got Sharpay. I freaked out but at the same time this could be a horrible trick! “You better not be lying, Michelle!” I screamed as we raced out of the room, not even bothering to ask our teacher. I slowly walked down the stairs and suddenly saw what seemed like millions of eyes on me. Everyone was smiling and congratulating me. Right then and there I knew this wasn’t some horrible trick that Michelle pulled on me, I got Sharpay!

Later on in the day I couldn’t take it any longer, I had to just e-mail my mom and dad the news. They responded in all caps, freaking out. My dad even joked around and said “I know I heard it on the radio! You’re famous!” I was still in shock once I got home and couldn’t believe that this actually happened, that I was Sharpay. That night at home was awesome, my grandma was over and I was calling my family in Illinois and they all said they wouldn’t miss it for the world.

The next day was our first rehearsal, we all went through the whole script as a cast. After that everything went by so quickly. November 7^th came too fast I felt like I was going to pass out from all of the pressure. The night of the premiere I was a nervous wreck! My hands were shaking and I felt like I was going to vomit right there backstage. Then I saw my family in the audience, it made me want to cry! I was so overfilled with joy, I knew I’d be great and I was going to do it for them. Our last performance came and we were all hugging before the show, we were a family. “Let’s make this our best one!” We would all say. And it was.

All of that hard work really paid off, we didn’t make one mistake in any of our shows. I really liked acting and I found out I’m pretty good at it too. This year our school in doing Annie, and I’m proud to say  I got the role of Annie! This year I’m going to work even harder and be even better! I can’t wait for the more shows to come and the casts I’ll meet.  Hopefully I’ll be acting my whole life and never stop. Acting is my not my hobby or activity, it’s my passion.

Conflict and Resolution

Author's Note: This piece is about a conflict Katniss faced in The Hunger Games and how it was revised in the end.

In the book The Hunger Games Series there are more than just one conflict to be revised, but the main one is the fact that Katniss is forced to go into the arena and fight to the death. This conflict is not yet revised until the end of the series. Katniss struggles to fight for freedom for her family and her beloved District 12. In the second book, Catching Fire, the rebellion begins. Throughout the whole book there are many little conflicts that you can't keep count. In the end of the three books Kantiss does get her victory and demolishes the capitol. If you decide to read  the series The Hunger Games then you will be able to experience many more different Conflicts and Resolutions.

Patriots Pen

Author's Note: This is my Patriots Pen. I wrote it in a form of a letter written to George Washington, I hope you enjoy.

Dear George Washington,

I’m writing to you with much respect, you helped shape this wonderful country and will always have an impact on each and every citizen. I thank you so much for all of your hard work you put towards your presidency and the country.

In the beginning of the  making of our country slavery was a often spoken topic. I couldn’t agree more with your decision in 1790 when you signed the Naturalization Act to welcome people of the other race to become a citizen of America or when you played the first act of banning slavery. You, George Washington, helped save the country from more tragedy to strike and slavery was just the thing to cause it.

Slavery was a very upsetting topic you had to face during your presidency but there were many other very uplifting. For example, you were the one to confirm the Bill of Rights. If it weren’t for you people would running around crazy! I appreciate that you did that. Another example of  a major act you may have done may be when you played a big part in helping end the revolutionary war.

I’m assuming you know about your time period, so I thought maybe you’d want to hear about mine! Presently our president is Barak Obama. He isn’t a bad president, but I don’t think he had enough to offer our country. A popular business was made called Apple, they have phones, I-pods, and I-pads. Not that you’d know what those even are. Besides that years ago they invited something that practically saved me from not missing the school bus every morning, microwaves. All I have to do is a pop a microwavable waffle in their click 60 seconds and there’s breakfast!

I hope that my letter has brought you comfort knowing everyone in America is doing just fine. There’s always going to be some type of struggle but we just have to stick together and fight through it. As the first president I’m sure you had to do that quite a bit. Buck up and fight! Because that’s what you have to do sometimes to keep things in line. I thank you for being a good row-model to all of the citizens. I don’t think we could’ve had a better person to start this country up and running. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your fight you put towards this country and for not giving up.

                                                                               Sincerely,

                                                                                         Citizen of the United States of America 

Cause and Effect

There were many wonderful cause and effect situations from the book "The Secret Life of Bees". For example, Lily tells her true story to August and what actually happened in the past. This is a very important part in the book, because it's when August finally hears the truth about Lily's story and why she's there. Then when August comforted her and told she forgives her is the effect, if the effect were to go a different direction, I think that August would have kicked her out for lying and not telling the truth for such a long time. 

Get the Mosquito Spray!

Camping every summer was an annual vacation my family and cousins took. Running into the lake with your phone in your pocket was just the beginning of the fun that the week of camping had in store for me and my family. There was one particular moment on that trip that had everyone on their backs gut laughing. My little brother Gabe, my cousin Seth, my mom, and I all were sleeping in a small tent in the middle of a large and loud woods. You could hear the winds roar louder and louder. The sky was completely dark, the only light was a lantern given to us by our grandma. Our eyes where all getting heavy and tired, then we fell right to sleep. In the middle of the night we all happened to wake up at the same time covered in mosquito bites! Everyone was itching and scratching. I asked Seth if he would grab the mosquito spray outside of the tent on the picnic table, about 10 feet away. He looked at me with a straight face. I could tell he was kind of scared to. Seth unzipped the tent and started walking toward the picnic table. Since we was so freaked out I thought I mine as well scare him even more. I told him "Seth slowly walk back to the tent! Don't look back!" I defiantly got him! Seth took about 2 steps and then we dove in mid air for the tent! I've never seen anyone dive so long in my life. He was so scared and his face was priceless! I had such a fun trip and even though we are all growing up, I will always remember the great times I've had with my cousins.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

I read the poem "I know why the caged bird sings" and the conflict is that the bird is imagining a free bird flying over water and flying through the sunset. Then it shows him in a cage with his wings clipped and behind these bars. The bird starts to sing and he starts to feel free, but all he could ever do is just imagine freedom.

"I know why the caged bird sings" can also be an inspiring poem. The story of a bird wishing for freedom, but he lost his feathers. The bird encourages himself and sings his way to freedom, closes his eyes and dreams of flying above the clouds and feeling the wind. Then he opens his eyes and comes to face he'll never be free.

Secret Letters From 0 to 10 Advertisement

Secret Letters From 0 to 10 is about a young boy, Earnest who meets a girl named Victoria. She encourages him to step out of his comfort zone and find his dad and figure out what happened in the past. This is a great book for people who like happy uplifting journeys!

By: Susie Morgenstern Genre: Non- Fiction

Kidnapped

Author's Note: This is my District Writing assessment about a teenage girl who is kidnapped and her escape.

I opened my eyes to find myself in what looks like a cage. Cold metal bars surround me to me from escaping.  I was laying in my bed and all I remember is a hand, a hand covering my mouth to silence my scream. My breath is slowly but surely coming back to me.  I’m still in shock. Calm down, find a way out and you’ll be fine, you’ll be fine, I repeated to myself. It was time to act strong and tough, I had to face it. I was just kidnapped.

24 Hours Earlier..

Lacey and I were walking home from school obsessing over this sophomore, Blake. “See you tomorrow Sami!” She says as she walks up her driveway.“Bye Lacey!” I reply. I finish my walk home and can’t help but notice someone whispering my name as if they were right by side. I look around real quickly and keep walking. Suddenly I hear a scream in my ear, yelling my name! As if they’re being tortured. It sounds like Lacey! What is going on? I thought to myself. Maybe I’m just tired? I started to walk faster because it started to scare me. And the screams stopped.

I walk through my front door and see my mom cooking dinner with my baby brother on her hip.
“How was your day?” My mom asks. “Nothing really” I reply in a glum voice. “I’m going to go get my homework done” I say as I walk towards the stairs. I sit on my bed, get my homework out and suddenly remember that girls scream. It felt as if I was in the same room as her, like I felt her agony. Who is she? I thought to myself.

A half an hour later my mom yells for me that dinner is ready. I walk down stairs and see my mom, my baby brother, and my dad. “Hey Kiddo!” He says, “How was school.” “She did absolutely nothing, at least that’s what she told me!” They all laugh and I give a small smile. I just can’t get the screams out of my head. I gobble down my food quickly so I can call and talk to Lacey. “Um, I haven’t finished my homework yet, so can I leave now?” I totally lied, I just had to call Lacey.”Sure hun!” My mom says.

I run upstairs and grab my phone. My phone starts ringing just as I was about to dial her number. It was Lacey, I picked up the phone and it wasn’t Lacey. I checked my phone again to be sure it was her that called me or not and it was. It’s a man, but I don’t think he knows that called. I hear a faded cry in the back, then the sound of a man panting over powers the whimper. Then the call ends.

I sit there for a bit and my eyes start to get real heavy, then I fall asleep. I woke up and heard a quiet thump, I spring from my bed and look around. I notice it probably just me being paranoid so I closed my eyes tried to go back asleep. I was half awake and I feel a hand cover my mouth. I open my eyes and see a man is trying to hold me down. I freak. I kick and try to scream, but his hand is over my mouth. I felt something solid hit my head and I’m knocked out.

I opened my eyes to find myself in what looks like a cage. Cold metal bars surround me to me from escaping.  I was laying in my bed and all I remember is a hand, a hand covering my mouth to silence my scream. My breath is slowly but surely coming back to me.  I’m still in shock. Calm down, find a way out and you’ll be fine, you’ll be fine, I repeated to myself. It was time to act strong and tough, I had to face it. I was just kidnapped.

I do my best to remember anything about him. Hair color, eye color, scars, anything, so that if I do get out I can be sure he doesn’t touch another girl again. I hear his voice in a distance, he’s singing. My arms and legs shake, I get chills down my spine, and I feel like vomiting. He approaches the outside of the cage empty handed. He looks at me and smiles. I start crying uncontrollably he walks up to me and touches my chin.”Don’t cry, you’ll be okay.” he says. He’s lying. “You are so beautiful” he whispers in my ear.Who is he? I think to myself. I turn my head in disgust. As I turned my head I found a small solid piece of metal, I hid it in the back of my hand. Then I found out this is what he does. He takes girls, tell them they’re safe and beautiful and worth it and then he... I could get myself to come and face the last part...Then murders them. I become motivated to escape, I refuse to sit here any longer and just wait until he hurts me or even worse.”Your friend Lacey, she was as well” He says. I pause. “How do you know her? What did you do to her? Where is she? I scream for her, “Lacey! Lacey!” He slaps me across the face. I cry in pain.”Yesterday when she came home from school, you were supposed to go to her house too, but you ended up not. I was waiting for you Sam, but you didn’t show up.” Why me? What did I do? Why am I the one he wants? “Lacey” I say quietly, “You killed Lacey.” I took the small piece of metal and jammed it into his temple. I ran as fast as I could from him. He was catching up. “Don’t do this Sam! You don’t want to do this!” He yells. He catches up and grabs my shirt, I’m pulled onto the ground on my back. He has my wrists in each of his hands keeping me on the ground. Before he has the chance I need him in the gut and kick him in the face. I kept running. I ran and ran until I found my home street.

I sprinted to my home and walked in through the door. Everything after that went by so quickly. We went to the police, I told them everything I could remember. All I could think about was how thankful I am to be alive. Then Lacey comes into my mind and her parents. Later on they were able to find out my kidnappers name, John. That gave me motivation to find him for Lacey. A week later I’m in my bed and struggling with the fact that my friend was murdered and I was supposed to be too.

You killed my friend and a part of me. I will never forget your voice, your eyes, or even your smell. We’re looking for you John. And we will find you.

Grandma and Grandpa Day

Author's Note: This is about my opinion on how there should be a day just for grandparents to show them how much we love them.

Grandma and Grandpa Day

There’s Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, teacher appreciation. Do we forget the many times our grandparents come to our ballet recitals, soccer games, and school plays? If I could create a holiday, it would be one full day for grandmas and grandpas. They would babysit us while our parents went dates and make us cookies and cake for our birthdays. They deserve the best, every single one of them. So why not give them just a day to show our love our appreciation.

Scary Story!

Author's Note: This is a poem about a girl who gets tucked in my by her mom at night, then her mom is taken away and her house is haunted.
 

I kept my ears open
And didn’t make a sound
My feet dragged like rocks up and down off the ground
I’m surrounded by things unseen
Before I can hide I hear a scream
Unknown sounds are ringing in my ear
But still acting strong trying to hide my fear
This house isn’t normal
Something isn’t right
It all started as soon as my mom said goodnight
She shut the door and turned off my light
I saw a black shadow then she was out of site

My Hunger Games

Author's Note: Here is a story about my day at the reaping and being chosen in The Hunger Games.

“Emilee Rebecca Toureene.” Effie says in her puffy purple gown covered in blue sparkle and drastic bows. It must be a mistake. My whole body feels  heavy  like a   barrel of coal being lifted to the mines. My mouth goes dry as the people around me slowly step away making a clear path for me to walk toward the stage. I slowly walk with the peacekeepers hand on my lower back forcing me to walk faster, but without the rest of District 12 knowing. “Don’t be shy” Effie says in her joyful, happy hunger games voice. I enter the stage slightly hesitant . I spot my mother ,I can see her trying to hide the pain inside her starved body. “Drew Richmond.”   Hollers Effie.I don’t recognize him but he looks rather young. I look out in the crowd to see their expressions. I see Katniss Everdeen who lost her father in a coal mining accident years back. My father was there but he was late for duty and just missed the explosion, where he would have been blown to bits. If only I could have her strength and confidence. She could win this thing easily, but there’s always next year. Effie yanks on my arm, “Come on let’s go now! “ I exit through large brick doors.”You will love your experience here, glass chandeliers, velvet curtains.I sit down on the chair and try to sort out everything that just happened in the past forty minutes. “Tonight is the tribute parade.” Effie says most likely knowing we’re both not listenin. Tears slowly start to run down my eyes as I look out the window. I refuse to look into anyone’s eyes, it comes to my senses then that “I am going to die.”

Horror Story

I kept my ears open
And didn’t make a sound
My feet dragged like rocks up and down off the ground
I’m surrounded by things unseen
Before I can hide I hear a scream
Unknown sounds are ringing in my ear
But still acting strong trying to hide my fear
This house isn’t normal
Something isn’t right
It all started as soon as my mom said goodnight
She shut the door and turned off my light
I saw a black shadow then she was out of site

Symbolism

Semantic Devices

Three Brides to Be!

“Ah!” Screams Mada in excitement.I had the excitement and energy of a child on Christmas morning. ”I’m so happy for you, it’s going to be so fun, I am going to be with you this whole journey!” Grace tells me in a loud voice.” We can all engaged buddies!” Mada yells.”Ah!” we all scream.”Okay I was wondering if maybe I could have two maid of honors?” “Of course!” says Grace in an excited tone. The three of us were all determined to have the best weddings ever! We did everything together and would never do any different. Dress shopping, invitations, bridal shower, and the weddings. Then once we get older and we have kids of our own....”We can be pregnant buddies!” oh Mada.

Spring Assesment

Imagine living through two times in The Hunger Games, President Snow hating your guts, and at any could come to attack you and everyone else around? Katniss had to face all of that pain, while being the face of the rebels against the capitol. If you have or are reading Mockingjay, It’s almost indescribable how much I loved reading this book series! Suzanne Collins did a stunning job with reeling in the reader and making the reader never want the book out of their reach.  

Mockingjay sure did reel me in, but the detail they put in the book made my eyes glued to the page! For example, the situation with Katniss and President Snow was so cool to read, because while all of the drama was happening, like the bombing of districts, you knew who was all behind it. While Snow was doing all those horrible things he’d act so innocent when all along you knew he was a horrible man. It was very exciting to read little things like that; I believe it adds a lot to a book when an author takes time to sneak extra detail in books.

Mockingjay reminded me of a circus. In the beginning it’s an amazingly flexible lady doing obscure twists and turns, then the big lion jumping through the various rings. The crowds Ooh and Ah! Then you notice how everyone in crowd has their eyes glued to the center stage watching the crazy illusions. Then out of nowhere a woman swinging on ropes as high as the clouds makes her way to center stage. You may not know where I’m getting with this is, In the beginning I it was like little details like, how they’re rebelling in 13, and that little detail is like a little trick leading up to the huge finally. Then out of nowhere there has suddenly been a huge change in the book, exactly like the lady out of nowhere swinging on the ropes above all. Lastly, you come to the conclusion, all the little details or little tricks that helped build up to the conclusion, or in the circus it would be the finally!

There definitely were some very fun and interesting parts from Mockingjay, but you couldn’t help but feel for Katniss when she had lost some of her friends or family. On this journey to rebel against the capitol and the idea of The Hunger Games she lost many of people that meant a lot to her. During the book each character got to tell their story and it’s hard to see them die because you almost feel like you knew them! Katniss must have felt horrible because a ton of them died fighting for her and for her to win the rebellion. In one part of the book they were on their way to kill President Snow and tons and tons of mutts came and started attacking them. That was a very dramatic part of the book because she lost two of her very close friends.

Suzanne Collins did a fabulous job on creating the series The Hunger Games, that now I call my favorite! The end of Mockingjay was so calm and wonderful after such a nightmare that they had lived since their first hunger games. Katniss' eyes were open to new things like love, marriage, and even children of her own. All of the troubles and worries were done and over, and someday she may tell her children about the horrors of her childhood, but for now Katniss, Peeta, and their children are content where they are.   

Oil Drilling in Alaska

Author's Note: I disagree with drilling in Alaska and in this essay I shared the dangers and risks of drilling. Also you will read quotes from different author's and their opinion's on drilling in Alaska.


Why do the majority of people in the U.S think drilling in Alaska will help themselves and their business, when we should also step into the view of the animals and wilderness? I strongly disagree with the idea of drilling in Alaska because of all of the animals that could be hurt. Tim Woody states on wilderness.org, “The first news from Alaska’s North Slope reads like the beginning of a disaster movie. Oil workers on a drilling rig hit a pocket of gas and quickly evacuate to avoid the hazard of an explosion as gas bursts from the ground. The well is out of control and an estimated 42,000 gallons of drilling mud spills onto the Arctic tundra.” In other words drilling may not only hurt the wilderness but the citizens of the U.S. Also if there were to be an explosion, animals and/or people may be injured by not escaping quickly enough.

“The areas have been open for drilling for years and the companies have paid billions of dollars to the federal government for the right to explore for oil and gas on them,” says Steve Hargreaves from money.cnn.com.” As said in the first paragraph, something could seriously go wrong and suddenly lead to tragedy, then not only would we lose work for drilling, but billions of dollars that were put into drill.

Not only is it money that could be a problem, but the transportation. While transporting oil to other destinations there’s a possibility of an oil spill that could hurt many animals in the ocean and cause a lot of extra work for our country. For example, last year in the Gulf of Mexico there was an oil spill that killed 11 workers along with many innocent animals in the ocean.170 million gallons of toxic oil was spilled into the Gulf of Mexico. Everyone pitched in to help wash animals and the beach, but the people of the Gulf still live with it everyday. “We cannot continue to place the lives of our workers, the health of our waters, the survival of coastal economies, and the wildlife of the Gulf of Mexico at greater and greater risk to sustain our costly and dangerous dependence on oil.” Says nrdc.org. There are too many risks we are putting in front of these workers and it needs to stop before it gets too late.

Some economic issues can sometimes be ignored to resolve other issues. Although, when animals and citizens are jeopardy of losing money and possibly their lives that’s something that should be resolved immediately. As paragraphs above, is dangerous, risky, and harmful for not only the animals of the wilderness, but the U.S. Our country is already struggling with money more than we ever have and now is not the time risk it all, meaning our lives, money, and wildlife.

I believe that drilling in Alaska should not be allowed, for the purpose our countries safety. I hope all of the readers see the causes of drilling and immediately change their mind and think of the harmful effect it can have on the wilderness of Alaska. Imagine men and women coming in big yellow construction hats and big tractors and tools about to drill into your neighborhood! Having to watch all of the miserable and confused animals wondering what those workers are doing to their home? I also want the readers to think of the workers and their dangers of spills or explosions. Drilling in Alaska is a dangerous and risky task, and I do not believe the United States is in the right place to do so.

A Selfish King

Author's Note: This is a story about a very selfish frog king, named Toby, who keeps everything for himself and doesn't realize why none of the animals of forest don't like him. So Toby tries to find ways to make it up to the animals.

One day there was a frog name Toby. He was thinking of the forest, never did he have to worry about going hungry, or being cold, or having no where to live. He ruled the enchanting forest but there was on problem, none of the animals thought he was a good king! He would do his best to improve the forest and keep it safe and sound for all of the creatures that have lived amongst the forest since birth. On a dreary evening when everyone was moping around the forest Toby got an idea! He decided maybe the animals of the forest wanted to be entertained? So he went on his way and hired a chorus of turtles. Then Toby looked around to see if anyone was enjoying the music, but its seemed as if no one even noticed the turtles! Toby was very sad. Just when he was about to leave he noticed a group of young porcupines sitting on the ground with a ball in hand and very sad. Then it came to him! We need a playground for all the young animals of the forest, that will work for sure! So he hired the handy man, Monkey Joe, to come put up a play ground for all to enjoy. Once it was up the young animals didn’t even look at it! “Look you porcupines, did you notice the wonderful playground I have put up for you?”, “I don’t really want to play on the playground” moped a down porcupine. “Why I’ve given you everything you’d need to have a enjoyable forest!” Toby said questionably. “What else do you want?” “We want you” said the little porcupine. Me? Why would they want me? Toby thought to himself. “We want a king who cares for us, or who comes to spend time with us and not stay in his castle to play with his fancy things.” Right then Toby noticed he has been selfish, giving himself everything he ever wanted when people in the forest are very hungry, but they never ask for anything and I always ask for new things. From then on Toby would have festivals in the forest every week and would give to the hungry and thirsty animals. Everybody loves the forest now and so does Toby.  

Catching Fire

Author's Note: In this essay I explain the wonderful adventures you face in the book, Catching Fire. This book really realed me in and never once did I want to put it down. This book made me feel I was in the adventures right besides Katniss, Peeta, and the rest of the gang. I hope you enjoy it and it will inspire you to read the series!



You get home after a situation where you’re most likely to be slaughtered. Then the next thing you know, you’re forced back in the arena were you where promised you’d never have to step foot in ever again. The nightmares, memories, both physical and emotional scars that, that arena has brought you, you must and will repeat them. Catching Fire, as some of you may know, is the second book in the Hunger Games series. I couldn’t have thought of a better ending for the book, or both the books for that matter; leaving you running to the nearest book store to get the next book in the series. The Hunger Games series, by Suzanne Collins is by far my favorite series. She makes you really think on what will happen next and has an amazing talent with writing and reeling in the reader.

Suzanne Collins did an incredible job writing the series, one thing she did that made the book as famous as it is today is the character development. I have never been able to imagine a character so clearly in my mind while reading this book. For example, when the capitol started to target her she had to become a real woman and act mature, because it was the capitol of the country she was dealing with and not a friend she's known since birth. Also Suzanne did a beautiful job when she was describing Peeta and his unconditional love for Katniss. Every scene and setting from every chapter seemed so surreal like I’ve been there before. During the Quarter Quell, or the Hunger Games, is when a lot of the setting detail really started to form in my mind. That’s why it was really fun to see the movie trailers, because once it showed all the characters and settings I was so excited I was like, “That’s exactly how I pictured him or her to look like!” I’m very impressed with how great of a job she did and I’m excited to see how it all come together in the movie to connections with how I imagined the setting or characters to be.

While reading Catching Fire, I couldn’t help but notice how throughout all the chapters of the book during the games, Katniss never once saw an injured tribute and walked away. She would help them up and nurse them back to health with all she had, even though they were put into that arena to compete and win. I really admire her about that and hope that I can be like that and put myself aside to help others when they’re helpless. For example when she saw Mags she couldn't help but fish her out of the lake while she was drowning and help her. In the book she always had troubles finding herself and what her gift is. I believe Katniss's gift is to lay down her life to help others and put them first when they’re in need.

From the beginning to the end of Catching Fire, not only were the characteristics a phenomenal feature in the book, but also the thrilling adventure. As pages and pages went on, I couldn’t help but repeatedly think to myself I wouldn’t be able to put the book down until I found all the answers to my questions. There was never a moment in the book, or even the series as a whole that I was thinking to myself, Okay this part is kind of boring, speed it up. It always kept me entertained and I never felt like I had something better to read.

Catching Fire was a fantastic book; I never thought that I could ever read a book so quickly! It was a concoction of happiness, adventures, and danger. I would recommend it to anyone who’s up for a thrilling ride. To be honest I’ve never been a big reader, but once I got my hands on this book, I felt as if I was a completely different person reading for so much. Catching Fire is a great book for people of all ages, strap your seat belt and get ready for an adventure once again, and maybe you’ll enjoy just as much as I did.      

The Hunger Games

Author's Note: This essay is explaining the joys of reading the book and the excitement it will bring you. You will experience adventure, romance, anger, and joy. I hope you enjoy the thrilling twist and turns the book will bring you.


Death or small chance of life. Those were Katniss’s two options when she faithfully took her sisters place of going into the hunger games. As I was reading The Hunger Games I felt like I was in Katniss’s situation. When she felt sad I did, when she was excited I was too. Suzanne Collins did a wonderful job of reeling in the the reader and giving them the feeling they are right beside Katniss and Peeta in the arena.

In addition to the hunger games, as the book went on I really started to admire Katniss. The way she was known in district 12 is a way that I’m sure everybody wants to be known as. Her bravery and courage really inspired me and it almost made me want to be in the games! There’s something about the way she carries herself, silent but strong, petite but tough. The more I read the more inspiration the book was feeding me, leaving me feel as if I had the strength to climb Mount Everest.

While admiring Katniss’s bravery you can’t ignore the scariness in the book. Out of all of the situations that Katniss and Peeta were put into during the games there were some quite frightening parts during all of the action. The Hunger Games was a life or death situation and as a reader I felt like I was a character and I was also in the danger of the games and that was one of many things about the book that kept me reading.

Comparing is one of the biggest things I was doing while reading The Hunger Games. Before beginning to read the book I was in my big warm home with yummy food in the pantry, but once the second I started reading I was also a character. We were poor and had no food, lived in small houses that when you inhaled you could feel the heaviness from the hot, dirty room. You wake up early every morning and go hunting beyond the legal boundaries. Take your bow and arrow, knife,or spear. Whatever you were more handy with and you would hunt for your families week supply of food. After that you could go to the illegal trading market to trade what you have killed. Then you would go home and rest from a long days of work. Today all you have to do is dive to the nearest market, pick up what you need with no struggle, buy your items and go home. Sure we too have our struggles but its not near as bad as living in a country where everyday is a struggle to survive.

The Hunger Games is by far now my favorite series.The way the book captures you in it’s adventures amazes me and keeps reading. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is in the mood for a thrilling ride facing fear, anger, joy, and also a little bit of romance. This book changed my perspective on reading and now that’s all I ever want to do. I guarantee you will love this book and won’t want to put it down for a single heartbeat until your finished. So sit back grab the book and get comfortable, because you’ll be reading for a while.

Girly Girl

We must always be the fairest of them all
barrettes in curls and days at the mall
Emotional roller coaster mascara all a mess
Girls Girls you couldn’t guess any less
Come on you can’t disagree
The only girl words are me, me and me 

Deserving

I walked with my head down on the street to school. Praying and hoping no one will see my bruises today. My mom has abused me since my father left my mom and I hopeless, no money, food, or hope.My mom started getting involved in drugs and alcohol since, and has taken her stress and anger towards her ex-husband out on me. With bruises up and down my arms I could  tell my friends wondered but never ask. I  started to notice my beatings feel like they’re getting more frequent. Although the aches, bruises, and scars are from the hands of my mom, I still care for her dearly.”This is just temporary”, I lie to myself. I hate to see my mom in this pain, but all I feel I can do is wait. Wait and take the abusive and alcoholic mother. When I didn’t know I had the chance to speak up and leave her. “What if she finds me? What if she punishes me?” The thoughts in my mind are very painful.

I started secretly searching for different ways to escape and ask for help.”Past the barber shop and across Ms. Wilkinson's house.” November 17Th, that was the day. I kept thinking to myself if I was making the right choice. My mom was already left once. “I saw the pain she was in, but then she  took all out on me” I said quietly to himself.

I woke up at four o’clock on November 17Th more nervous than ever. I grabbed my bags and was about to open the door until I thought of my mom. I walked up to her bedroom, sat down and watched her sleep. This would be the last time I would see mom.  It was all for the best and for my safety. I made sure that my mom had coffee for when she woke and I walked out the door. The first few steps were painful, my mind filled with memories. I knew I couldn’t go back now or my mom would hurt me. I went to Ms.Wilkinson’s house, I have recently told her my story and about my mom. I rang her doorbell and she assumed I had ran away.  We sat down and I told her I plan on going to the local orphanage about a half an hour away and I all I need is a good night sleep to start my adventure. She nods with her delicate smile. Mrs.Wilkinson has always been a very gentle old women, with her soft white hair and rosy cheeks. She started telling me her story and how she lost her husband at a young age. One thing she has never mentioned to me before is that she has two kids. Rachel and James. Both young and married, just starting out their lives, and that James is soon going to be a dad. Mrs.Wilkinson teared up saying that Rachel recently was told she wasn’t able to have babies.The more and more she spoke longer I wanted to stay. I felt home.
The next morning I woke up ready to go. Still nervous to start my long trip ahead of me. I left early while Mrs.Wilkinson was still asleep. I walked for about an hour until I saw the orphanage sign. i walked in and told them that I had recently escaped my abusive mother. They showed me to a room of all boys, they looked friendly but quiet, you could tell they all had a long and tough road.
Waking up the next morning I thought of my mom and what she was doing at first I thought she may be too drunk to notice I was gone. The next morning at breakfast a young lady with a pale face and long blond hair wrapped in braid came to tell me I had a visitor. The other kids looked a little angry since it was my first day and I already had someone to see me.I walked out into to the lobby to a beautiful woman with short brown hair and a lit up face, beside her a tall man who looked like he does very well in business. Soft tears started rolling down her face once she saw me. “May I ask who you are?” I said. “My name is Rachel”, she said with a smile. “My mother told me about you and she was very worried. She said you stayed at her house but then you left right away in the morning?”. At first it didn’t click with me that this is Rachel Mrs.Wilkinson’s daughter. I remembered her telling me she couldn’t have kids and a crazy thought came to my mind, but Rachel is most likely just here to visit.” Mrs.Wilkinson, Rachel said, She’s my mother. I was wondering if I could talk to you for a little bit?”
We sat down in the dusty lobby chairs. Then she asked me something that I didn’t think I would hear for a while.”I’m here to ask if you would like to become apart of our family?” A gigantic grin came upon my face.

It was my second and last night at the orphanage. The next morning I planned on getting picked up at noon. That gives me time to shower and get into my nice clothes, we were going to be on our way to court to give them parental rights over me. After all of the boring things I got to see my new home and family. As I walked into my new room I looked up at my new mom and told her “I love you so much.” She gave me a huge hug. “Now come on you’re missing your own party!” I walked down stairs to see my new family and their smiles and joyful tears. I sit down with a cupcake in my hand that my Aunt made. Then I see Mrs.Wilkinson, with my hands touching her cheeks I tell her, “You did something so big I never thought anyone would ever even think about doing for me, you gave me a family.” I kissed her forehead and told she was the best grandma anyone could ever ask for. Walking through my new house meeting my family members I knew were just going to be one of very many wonderful memories made in my new life.

Three years later I sat next to my wonderful dad after a long day of playing catch in the backyard. He sat down with the newspaper and I with my new Sponge Bob book. I peeked at my dad until I noticed a picture in the newspaper. It was my mom she was married on the 24Th of July. I hope she is happy and I wish her the best, and I just wanted to let her know I am doing just fine here in Danville Illinois.