Today I spent the day with a group of teachers that have decided to spend their time learning how to be better writers, learners, and teachers. I will be participating in this group until the end of July. At the end, I will be a Teacher Consultant for the National Writing Project.
The first day was a little like the first day of class. Norms/expectations were established, the schedule was reviewed, and the students got to know each other a bit. There was also a lot of writing--an important piece when we are discussing what it means to be a writer!
I'll be sure to let you know how it goes!
Monday, June 29, 2015
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Book #3: The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau
Let's get serious for a minute.
I loved this book.
I can tell you that if you like The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, you too, will love. this. book.
It is a dystopian novel, set in the United States after the Seven Stages War decimated the world as we know it. As the novel progresses, you learn more about the war itself and the landscape that it has left behind. Each year, a group of graduating students are selected to participate in the Testing. It is a four part exam that takes place in order to find the future leaders of the United Commonwealth. If you make it through all four parts, you go on to the University. Only those that pass are able to attend higher education.
Malencia (Cia) Vale is selected with three other students from her colony to take part in the Testing. They are the first students selected from the Five Lakes colony in ten years. Just before departing, her father warns her to trust no one (he passed the Testing) and that most isn't what it seems.
The author wrote this book with vivid imagery, allowing you to truly picture what this world of ours looks like. You can easily visualize the different colonies, the devastation, the emotions...it's wonderfully written. There is a lot happening in this book and the writing keeps the story taut.
Cia--she's a heroine that I can appreciate. She's strong, determined, focused, compassionate, curious...all of the character traits you would recognize as a strong role model. She faces challenges head on and honors her personal convictions. Cia makes sure that she feels for those around her, forcing herself to remember where others want to ignore or forget.
The book is a slow start. As I moved through the first few chapters, I was a little nervous that the book wasn't going to captivate me. Once I got into it, I didn't want to put it down (and basically didn't...)! I enjoyed this book so much that I picked up the second, Independent Study, today. Hope that the conclusion is a strong one that doesn't destroy my perceptions of the lead characters.
I loved this book.
I can tell you that if you like The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, you too, will love. this. book.
It is a dystopian novel, set in the United States after the Seven Stages War decimated the world as we know it. As the novel progresses, you learn more about the war itself and the landscape that it has left behind. Each year, a group of graduating students are selected to participate in the Testing. It is a four part exam that takes place in order to find the future leaders of the United Commonwealth. If you make it through all four parts, you go on to the University. Only those that pass are able to attend higher education.
Malencia (Cia) Vale is selected with three other students from her colony to take part in the Testing. They are the first students selected from the Five Lakes colony in ten years. Just before departing, her father warns her to trust no one (he passed the Testing) and that most isn't what it seems.
The author wrote this book with vivid imagery, allowing you to truly picture what this world of ours looks like. You can easily visualize the different colonies, the devastation, the emotions...it's wonderfully written. There is a lot happening in this book and the writing keeps the story taut.
Cia--she's a heroine that I can appreciate. She's strong, determined, focused, compassionate, curious...all of the character traits you would recognize as a strong role model. She faces challenges head on and honors her personal convictions. Cia makes sure that she feels for those around her, forcing herself to remember where others want to ignore or forget.
The book is a slow start. As I moved through the first few chapters, I was a little nervous that the book wasn't going to captivate me. Once I got into it, I didn't want to put it down (and basically didn't...)! I enjoyed this book so much that I picked up the second, Independent Study, today. Hope that the conclusion is a strong one that doesn't destroy my perceptions of the lead characters.
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Book #2: The Heir by Kiera Cass
Since I finished one series, I figured I should finish another. When the book was over, I realized that the series is actually not finished after all.
The Selection series by Kiera Cass originally consisted of three novels: The Selection, The Elite, The One. This fourth book is set twenty years after the conclusion of The One with the main characters, America and Prince Maxon, living their lives with their family. Just as the first three books, it was an easy read and I finished it quickly.
I had high hopes for the main character. The oldest daughter (by 7 minutes) is depicted as a spoiled, self-serving Princess. Eadlyn is determined without fault which causes her to carelessly dismiss those around her and not think about the consequences that result from her actions. I wanted to love such a strong female lead, but that attitude was hard to ignore.
While the book wasn't bad...it's hard to find it necessary. The first three were enjoyable, and this just seems like the same situation with a different cast. There were several cliche characters, situations, and lines. Eadlyn is promising, as the book ended with her coming to terms with some of her own personal conflicts and finding a way to appreciate what is happening in her life. Since a fifth book is in the works, we'll see how it concludes. I didn't realize that a fifth book was being written (due in 2016), but it makes sense. If her entire process/story had wrapped up in one book what her parents did in three...well...that would make for a very bland love story.
In truth, Eadlyn does have redeeming revelations and the boys involved in her Selection were likable (even though we didn't get to know many of them). My prediction is that she finds her "soulmate", as this is ultimately a fairy tale and every fairy tale needs its happily ever after.
The Selection series by Kiera Cass originally consisted of three novels: The Selection, The Elite, The One. This fourth book is set twenty years after the conclusion of The One with the main characters, America and Prince Maxon, living their lives with their family. Just as the first three books, it was an easy read and I finished it quickly.
I had high hopes for the main character. The oldest daughter (by 7 minutes) is depicted as a spoiled, self-serving Princess. Eadlyn is determined without fault which causes her to carelessly dismiss those around her and not think about the consequences that result from her actions. I wanted to love such a strong female lead, but that attitude was hard to ignore.
While the book wasn't bad...it's hard to find it necessary. The first three were enjoyable, and this just seems like the same situation with a different cast. There were several cliche characters, situations, and lines. Eadlyn is promising, as the book ended with her coming to terms with some of her own personal conflicts and finding a way to appreciate what is happening in her life. Since a fifth book is in the works, we'll see how it concludes. I didn't realize that a fifth book was being written (due in 2016), but it makes sense. If her entire process/story had wrapped up in one book what her parents did in three...well...that would make for a very bland love story.
In truth, Eadlyn does have redeeming revelations and the boys involved in her Selection were likable (even though we didn't get to know many of them). My prediction is that she finds her "soulmate", as this is ultimately a fairy tale and every fairy tale needs its happily ever after.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Book #1: Horde by Ann Aguirre
Finished book one on my list. I picked this as the first to read because it was one of the few I have checked out from the library and because it is the conclusion of the Razorland Trilogy. I read books one (Enclave) and two (Horde) in the Spring, so I was excited to see what would become of Deuce, Fade, Stalker, and Tegan.
Ultimately, the series is a post societal dysfunction setting. It is the story of humans living in fear, separated from the world they once knew and adapting to what they discover. Freaks/Muties have lead them to live in this world of uncertainty, constantly battling for their lives. The first book begins with the lives of Deuce (our heroine) and Fade living underground and knowing very little of the world beyond their enclave College. The rest of the books follow them in their travels topside, learning that the world above is nothing that they imagined.
It is almost impossible to discuss my feelings without giving away important details. What I can say is that this book is a solid finale that resolves all of the major conflicts that have popped up along the way. There are a lot of "feels" attached to this book, from enthralling excitement to heart wrenching sadness...and bouts of contentment thrown in the mix.
The four main characters have evolved so much throughout the series. The one that hit me the hardest is Stalker. The way that he works through his own mixed emotions shows such an intense internal conflict that you can't help but feel for him. That inner turmoil fuels his actions as the battles intensify, reminding us how hard it is to overcome guilt.
Ultimately, this series is an exciting and engaging story. The situations and circumstances make sense. The characters make sense. The conflicts make sense and the resolution makes sense. You can tell Aguirre has actually thought out why everything is happening and puts in details that support the plot. Deuce is a character you can support and cheer on.
Parents be warned: there are heavy situations explained (without detail, but implied) and the relationships go to that "next level".
Amazon link
Ultimately, the series is a post societal dysfunction setting. It is the story of humans living in fear, separated from the world they once knew and adapting to what they discover. Freaks/Muties have lead them to live in this world of uncertainty, constantly battling for their lives. The first book begins with the lives of Deuce (our heroine) and Fade living underground and knowing very little of the world beyond their enclave College. The rest of the books follow them in their travels topside, learning that the world above is nothing that they imagined.
It is almost impossible to discuss my feelings without giving away important details. What I can say is that this book is a solid finale that resolves all of the major conflicts that have popped up along the way. There are a lot of "feels" attached to this book, from enthralling excitement to heart wrenching sadness...and bouts of contentment thrown in the mix.
The four main characters have evolved so much throughout the series. The one that hit me the hardest is Stalker. The way that he works through his own mixed emotions shows such an intense internal conflict that you can't help but feel for him. That inner turmoil fuels his actions as the battles intensify, reminding us how hard it is to overcome guilt.
Ultimately, this series is an exciting and engaging story. The situations and circumstances make sense. The characters make sense. The conflicts make sense and the resolution makes sense. You can tell Aguirre has actually thought out why everything is happening and puts in details that support the plot. Deuce is a character you can support and cheer on.
Parents be warned: there are heavy situations explained (without detail, but implied) and the relationships go to that "next level".
Amazon link
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Loudoun Library Summer Reading Challenge
This year, LoCo libraries have created a Superhero themed reading challenge. There are three in total, one for children, one for teens (grades 6-12), and one for adults (19+). I signed myself up for the Adult challenge and tweeted both out a few moments ago to get my school kiddos involved!
So, if you want to impress your English Teacher, take on the challenge!
Hey Timberwolves! Head to a LoCo Library and signup for the Unmask challenge. @TrailsideMiddle @LoudounLibrary pic.twitter.com/Dt9Bl62QiJ
— Jen Cherry (@trailsidecherry) June 23, 2015
Don't worry adults of @TrailsideMiddle. @LoudounLibrary has a reading challenge for you too! #challengeaccepted pic.twitter.com/NgqtHogXt6
— Jen Cherry (@trailsidecherry) June 23, 2015
It's always impressive to me when kids take up reading over the summer vacation. It's easy to fall into a seamless routine of pool, tv, and video games, so picking up a book or two shows initiative that I appreciate.So, if you want to impress your English Teacher, take on the challenge!
Monday, June 22, 2015
Summer Reading
One of my absolutely favorite parts of summer is that I have time to read for personal enjoyment! The fact that I LOVE books and getting lost in those books is one of the many reasons that I am an English teacher. Even though I am pretty busy, I want to make time for reading. I also want to share that experience with you.
With that, I challenge you all to read, read, read, and write. I hope that you will join me in accepting that challenge.
I am beginning with my first book stack, that I tweeted earlier today
I have two personal stacks and one professional, totaling a whopping 34 books, plus 11 novels written, published, and given to me by my 6th grade students this year.
I also have several audio books tossed on the front seat of my car since I will be travelling to and from Shenandoah University to participate in the Writing Project. I've only recently found an interest in listening to books. There are several that I have given up on within a minute of popping into the cd player because of the voice emitting from the speakers. Those readers really make or break the book.
On tap this week:
Reading: Horde written by Ann Aguire
I read Enclave and Outpost earlier this year, books one and two of The Razorland Trilogy. I really enjoyed both, so I hope Horde is a satisfactory conclusion for the characters.
Listening: Magisterium written by Jeff Hirsch, read by Julia Whelan. I didn't know much about this one when I picked it up, just looked for a book on cd that I might like. We shall see!
With that, I challenge you all to read, read, read, and write. I hope that you will join me in accepting that challenge.
I am beginning with my first book stack, that I tweeted earlier today
My FIRST book stack of the summer. #challengeaccepted #showmeyourshelfie #iteachenglish #canyoubeatme pic.twitter.com/AAxXSvqONu
— Jen Cherry (@trailsidecherry) June 22, 2015I have two personal stacks and one professional, totaling a whopping 34 books, plus 11 novels written, published, and given to me by my 6th grade students this year.
I also have several audio books tossed on the front seat of my car since I will be travelling to and from Shenandoah University to participate in the Writing Project. I've only recently found an interest in listening to books. There are several that I have given up on within a minute of popping into the cd player because of the voice emitting from the speakers. Those readers really make or break the book.
On tap this week:
Reading: Horde written by Ann Aguire
I read Enclave and Outpost earlier this year, books one and two of The Razorland Trilogy. I really enjoyed both, so I hope Horde is a satisfactory conclusion for the characters.
Listening: Magisterium written by Jeff Hirsch, read by Julia Whelan. I didn't know much about this one when I picked it up, just looked for a book on cd that I might like. We shall see!
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