Graceling By Kristin Cashore CTQ- #9

     In today's society being unique is something to worship. But is it the same everywhere? In the book Graceling by Kristin Cashore, being different isn't always a good thing. Katsa (main character) lives in a world where some have their own ability or grace. But what makes Katsa so different from others with graces? Katsa has a killing grace, meaning she can kill anyone with her bear hands; because of this people fear her and her power. "Katsa caught the child's eyes and stared her down. The girl gasped and backed up a few steps, then turned and ran from the hall". Katsa is 11, meaning that even others her age are scared to even look at her. This leaves Katsa very lonely causing her to be very independent and refuse marriage, since they could marry at young ages. Unlike many, there are however others who trust and admire Katsa. "The women held her gaze, as no other than Raffin, Oll, or the king did". No one in the castle ever looks at Katsa, servants, guests, nobody. Although, Katsa doesn't want to admit her lonliness, Katsa admires Helda (the women) for giving her the company and getting to know Katsa for who she is and not stories that have been told about her/ not fearing her grace like the others. Her whole life, Katsa did nothing but obey the king who is also her uncle. That all changes when Prince Po reaches the castle in search for his grandfather, he encourages Katsa to do what she wants in life and not let others control her. "Po thinks you have the courage. Pretend that you believe he's right. Believe him, for just a moment". In this moment Katsa is about to tell the king how she disobeyed is order and will leave the castle to live her own life. Po has been a good influence and a good friend to Katsa throughout his time in the castle. She has finally learned to trust him as he trusted her. Being different has its ups and downs in the world this book revolves around. Having a killing grace has changed Katsa's life forever. For most of her life she's done nothing but sit alone at her dinner table or sit in a room all by herself. You're judged by your looks and what others think or have heard about you; not who you really are as a person. Under all that power Katsa is a girl who wants to be loved, but doesn't want to believe it herself. Being unique is what makes you special. Would you stand up for yourself or hide in the shadows like everyone else? You choose...

Argument Essay- 2nd Draft

Many teens have dealt with problems like being a high school dropout or have given into peer pressure. “The Adolescents Substance Abuse Knowledge Base reports that right around 30% of teens are offered drugs in middle school and high school” according to familyfirstaid.org. Alfred, the main character, is a high school dropout and also goes through peer pressure throughout the story.  However, because of the positive message Alfred sends to the audience I came to the conclusion that “The Contender” by Robert Lipsyte shouldn’t be banned.

Mr.Donatelli gives Alfred a speech which encourages him to fight for what he wants and to make something of himself “- It’s the climbing that makes the man. Getting to the top is an extra award” (Lipsyte p35). This shows that fighting for what you want will make you a stronger person but accomplishing it is like a gift in return for the hard work. In this part of the text Alfred refuses to join Major and the guys to break into a store; even when his best friend is going too.  “You coming? Alfred shook his head- you coming James or you gonna be a slave too?” (Lipsyte p7). This shows to not give into peer pressure, even if your friends are part of what ever bad thing they’re going to do. In this part of the text James (Alfred’s best friend) gets in deep trouble with the cops and Alfred is there to the rescue. “Why you wanna do all this? Because I know I can. And you’re my partner. Ready?” (Lipsyte p.226). The way Alfred is treating James and helping him out compared to how James has been treating him shows that friendship is important and that no matter what you need to be there for each other through thick and thin. 

However, my question is… why would people want to ban a book with so many great lessons for young readers? Throughout the books there is violence, racism and drug/alcohol use. For example, “You just a slave.  You was born a slave. You gonna die a slave” (Lipsyte p.5). To others referring blacks as slaves is an offensive term and encourages the audience to use such foul and racist language to others. An example of violence is,“-four of them were in a tight pile of swinging arms and legs, kicking, cuffing, punching “(Lipsyte p.16). This may give the younger readers that violence us okay and might use it on others. This is  an example from the book when drugs and alcohol is being used/ described in the text. “The red bulb burned out, and it was pitch-dark in the clubroom. Wine bottles kept coming around, and the cigarettes” (Lipsyte p.18).  This part of the text might also encourage the young readers to drink and take drugs and smoke cigarettes.

According to “Darkness to Visible” book banners say “It has to do with the child’s happiness and tenderness of heart” meaning that books read by young audiences should make them feel comfortable and that the content of the book should be on the right level of maturity for the reader. Book banners also said “Let’s hope publishers do have young people’s interest at heart- and they are not selling books by sensationalizing children’s suffering” according to “Sick-Lit”.  But non book banners have a much different and bigger opinion. “The argument in favor of such novels is that they validate the teen experience, giving the tortured adolescents who would otherwise be voiceless” (Gurdon p.2). Books like these can give young readers a sense of controversial topics like teens being high school dropouts and giving into peer pressure. This book is good for young readers because others in the same situation can relate to Alfred and what goes on in his life in the story. Books like these can also show the young readers what to do and what not to do by learning from the characters mistakes.

Banning books because of strong language, graphic details and maturity takes away the meaning of the book. Books like these are pointed to young readers so they can learn and have a sense of the sensitive topics to teens today. “I don’t want to compromise how kids talk. I don’t want to acknowledge those      f-ing gate keepers” said by an editor responding to “Darkness to Visible”. She meant that people who think it’s appropriate to guide what young people read is wrong and inappropriate. We all have a right to freedom of expression and there’s no law saying kids can’t read what they want without others permission. Books are meant to explain things differently instead of just reading it in a daily paper or a magazine. Books are to help you see and understand and learn about these controversial topics as they are, emotional and painful. Reading about these topics is one thing; imagine living it.

Graduation By Vitamin C- Monday Muses

A song that inspires me is “Graduation (Friends Forever)” by Vitamin C. this song is about graduating high school and going separate ways, but never forgetting memories of each other. “As we go on we remember, all the times we had together. And as our lives change, come whatever, we will always be friends forever”. This tells me that no matter what happens in the future, we will always remember each other and always be friends in our hearts. 8^th grade is all about moving on to our new lives in high school and growing up. Although, being apart from those who used to be there with us every show, every lunch, and every game we will always share those memories in our minds and our hearts. “I keep, keep thinking that it’s not goodbye, keep on thinking it’s a time to fly”.  Just because we’re graduating doesn’t mean memories of all 3 years that we’ve spent together will go away. We’ll always be a part of each other’s lives because “good friends are like stars. You don’t always see them, but you know they’re always there”. 

Argument Essay- 1st draft

For my inquiry book I read “The Contender” by Robert Lipstye. After finishing this book I came to the conclusion that this book shouldn’t be banned because of its positive message to never give up and to never let anyone define you nor bring you down. Alfred is a high school dropout, who works in a grocery store, and lives with his aunt. Throughout the book Alfred learns how to become a stronger person, a man, a contender. “- It’s the climbing that makes the man. Getting to the top is an extra award” (TC p35). This part of the speech that Mr.Donatelli gives Alfred encourages him to fight for what he wants, and to make something of himself. This shows that fighting for what you want will make you a stronger person but accomplishing it is like a gift in return for the hard work. “You coming? Alfred shook his head- you coming James or you gonna be a slave too?” (TC p7). In this part of the text Alfred refuses to join Major and the guys to break into a store; even when his best friend is going too. This shows to not give into peer pressure, even if your friends are part of what ever bad thing they’re going to do. “Why you wanna do all this? Because I know I can. And you’re my partner. Ready?” (TC p.226). In this part of the text James (Alfred’s best friend) gets in deep trouble with the cops and Alfred is there to the rescue. The way Alfred is treating James and helping him out compared to how James has been treating him shows that friendship is important and that no matter what you need to be there for each other through thick and thin. However, my question is… why would people want to ban a book with so many great lessons for young readers? Throughout the books there is violence, racism and drug/alcohol use. For example, “You just a slave. You was born a slave. You gonna die a slave” (TC p.5). To others referring to blacks as slaves is offensive and encourages the audience to use such foul and racist language to others. “-four of them were in a tight pile of swinging arms and legs, kicking, cuffing, punching “(p.16). This may give the younger readers that violence us okay and might use it on others. “The red bulb burned out, and it was pitch-dark in the clubroom. Wine bottles kept coming around, and the cigarettes” (p.18). This part of the text might also encourage the young readers to drink and take drugs and smoke cigarettes. According to “Darkness to Visible” book banners say “It has to do with the child’s happiness and tenderness of heart” meaning that books read by young audiences should make them feel comfortable and that the content of the book should be on the right level of maturity for the reader. Book banners also said “Let’s hope publishers do have young people’s interest at heart- and they are not selling books by sensationalizing children’s suffering” according to “Sick-Lit”. But non book banners have a much different and bigger opinion. “The argument in favor of such novels is that they validate the teen experience, giving the tortured adolescents who would otherwise be voiceless” (DTV p.2). Books like these can give young readers a sense of controversial topics as a teen like being a high school dropout and giving into peer pressure and can relate to others in the same situation. Books like these can also show the young readers what to do and what not to do by learning from the characters mistakes. Banning books because of strong language, graphic details and maturity takes away the meaning of the book. Books like these are pointed to young readers so they can learn and have a sense of the sensitive topics to teens today. “I don’t want to compromise how kids talk. I don’t want to acknowledge those f-ing gate keepers” said by an editor responding to “Darkness to Visible”. She meant that people who think it’s appropriate to guide what young people read is wrong and inappropriate. We all have a right to freedom of expression and there’s no law saying kids can’t read what they want without others permission. Books are meant to explain things differently instead of just reading it in a daily paper or a magazine. Books are to help you understand and learn about these sensitive controversial topics today. If others can’t handle a book, how do you think it’s like in real life?

Malala- Monday Muses

In class we have a Monday Muses each Monday. For this final blog I chose the one about Malala because of her amazing story. Malala is a very brave and strong teen; for standing against others in her country that dont believe in what she thinks is right and necessary for her community. Malala fights for womens rights and education. Because she spoke up for herself and others that couldn't or wouldn't Malala got shot. They all thought that this would stop her from rebeling against them; but it didn't. When Malala recovered she fought harder and kept supporting her decision on standing up for others rights including herself. What really inspired me when watching Malala's sppech in class is when she said that if the person who shot her was right infront of her and she had a gun, she would not shoot him back. I loved this part of the speech becauses she's telling everyone that violence and revenge is never the answer. Although, that person dangered her life she believes in love and forgivness. Watching Malala give that speech showed me that she is full of hope, peace, courage and love. She believes that everyone and anyone can make change happen. Change won't just come in a matter of seconds, you have to stand and fight for it. Everyone and anyone can make a change; not with violence, but with words. To me she is basically saying revenge is NOT an option; because that is not the right path to go on. She fights for equality, education and peace for others in her country and I think it's great because she's speaking for the voiceless. Everyone, not only men deserve to have freedom, equality and education in their lives; but women too. If a 16 year old can speak up and fight for the rights for people in her country; thhen i believe others can do the same. A voice encourages change, but thousands more can make a difference.

The Contender - Theme

What do you think about a book with drugs, alcohol and violence?  To be honest I'm reading a book with all those things right now.  "The Contender" by Robert Lipstye takes place in Harlem with a boy named Alfred who's a highschool dropout and works in a grocery store. His bestfriend is sinking into drug addiction and has people after him for their mistakes and are blaming him for it. Alfred wants to be somebody; not just a teen who never made it. He then joins a boxing club at thr gym runned by Mr. Donatelli; hoping that it will get his life back on track.  In my opinion the theme of this story is life is hard but it's what you do with it that makes it better.
   For example, Alfred is always doubting because thats what people are always telling him; that he'll never make it. "You just a slave," sneered Major "You was born a slave. You gonna die a slave". This shows how people in Harlem especially Major see themselves in the Harlem community.  Major is basically telling Alfred to not waste his time on something that will never happen because of his race. Another example, us when the police arrives. "Always lookin' to put his foot on a black throat". The community doesn't approve of others (the whites) because they believe they only want the best for their own race and not doing their job which is supposed to be to protect everyone in the communtiy.
    Although people doubt that anyone can make anything gold of themselves when living in Harlem; Mr. Donatelli thinks otherwise. "You have to start by wanting to be a contender, the man coming up, the man who knows there's a good chance he'll never get to the top, the man who's willing to sweat and bleed to get up as high as his legs and his brains and his heart will take him". This shows how Mr. Donatelli gives hope and knows what it takes to make it. This encourages Alfred to work hard and believe in himself so he can make his dream happen. However, even the smallest things can change your life.
     When Alfred goes out to find James Alfred is then persuaded by Major he does things he later regrets. "- and it was pitch dark in the clubroom. The wine bottles kept coming around, and the cigarettes". This shows how any mistake no matter how big or how small can mess your life up quickly. Your actions your responsibility. 
   Although I haven't finished reading this book the theme is still very clear. It shows how Alfred's ups and downs are what help him succeed in life. Living in Harlem is a challenge and Alfred finally stopped using that as an excuse. Alfred is finally doing something with his life... let's just see if he actually accomplishes something.

Waiting For You by Susane Colasanti (character)

“Waiting For You” by Susane Colasanti is about a girl named Marisa who just began her sophomore year. Already Marisa is looking for a boyfriend; or more like the boyfriend. She has always had her eye on the dreamy and popular Derek and not geeky Nash (her neighbor) who then develops a crush on her. However, along the way feelings and relationships change. Marisa has already lost her friend because of Derek and has already lost Nash once. Will she lose him again? Or will Derek be the one to go? Keep in mind everyone, I still haven’t reached the end of the book, but I have already encountered the theme of the story. I learned from this book that in life it is important to not judge someone before you get to know them. For example, in the story Marisa’s aunt said “You know, there are other things to consider. Like personality? And how a guy treats you?” and Marisa responded “Okay, but what’s the point of all that if you’re not even attracted to him?”. This shows how Marisa doesn’t consider who the boy is as a person because looks are everything in her opinion. Another example, is when she finds out that Nash has a crush on her. “There’s no way I could like him back. He’s not my type. I have no idea whose type he even is, but I know he’s not my type for sure”. Marisa has just started talking to Nash again because they haven’t talked in a long while and she’s already judging him when people can change. But Marisa does change throughout the story. She’s finally dating Derek, but how is it that her relationship with Nash is growing stronger than with Derek? Nash just got dumped by his girlfriend Rachel and Marisa just found out that her parents are divorcing. Instead of going to this with Derek who is supposed to be her boyfriend, she tells everything to Nash because she says she doesn’t want Derek in her problems. Not only that, but Derek is a problem. Marisa gets uncomfortable with Derek interacting with his ex Sierra. Was this relationship really what she expected? In the book she says “How can it fell so perfect with someone one second, but then the next second everything’s suddenly wrong?”. This piece of the text shows to expect the unexpected because she thought a relationship with Derek would be perfect just like she thought he was but that didn’t really happen. Another example, in the text is “Lately when I’m with Derek, it feels like he’s somewhere else or wants to be somewhere else and he has to settle down with me instead”. This shows how Derek isn’t what she expected and that this wasn’t was she expected out of the relationship. With these problems Nash helps her out and does the thing Derek should be doing; which is giving her comfort. Although I haven’t finished reading the book I think Nash and Marisa are perfect for each other. It’s like the saying opposites attract. The fact that Nash and Marisa are different from each other is what makes them perfect. The story could go either way but that was just my guess. Throughout this story Marisa has gone from looks to feelings and a person’s personality. Will this keep going with her to the end or will it end right here? What do you think?