Voices of the Alamo

This book was so revealing for me. I was in the "Texas" section of the nonfiction area of the library, trying to find some informational books on my future state of residence. I passed over this book. After I had done some research about award-winning nonfiction books, I found this book on a list of recommended titles. And I would recommend it to anyone.

The different perspectives really revealed a different view of the Alamo. I am glad I know more of the background of this historic landmark. I have to admit that I didn't know much about the Alamo, except that most everyone I met in Texas over spring break asked "Did you see the Alamo, yet? It's really small. You'll understand why we lost." Truthfully, I didn't even know "we" lost. Not many books go back so far as to include native people before the historic event occurred. Knowing the information I know now, I have a better sense of what happened at the Alamo. Because the book was written form the different perspectives of individuals involved, I understand how the different sides of the war felt and what they went through. I also learned a lot about the area of San Antonio before settlers came to live there. I usually have a hard time identifying with characters of different backgrounds than my own, but this book really helped put myself in other's shoes.

The illustrations are beautifully done an add a sense of historical significance to the information. The color palate reflects the colors of San Antonio and Texas. I can't wait to visit the Alamo now when I move there!

"Remember the Alamo!" (and "Don't Mess With Texas")

Joyful Noise, Indeed!

I have to admit that I was not too happy when this assignment came along. I have never loved poetry. I attribute that to high school when we were made to read difficult poems and then analyze every last word. How are we supposed to know what the poet was saying; I didn't write the poem.

Now that I have read Joyful Noise, I'm beginning to like poetry, as I did when I was younger. Although I'm the type of person that likes things to be neat and tidy (and poems to rhyme), I really enjoyed this book. It took some imagination and determination to read each poem because I don't have another voice. It is a very interesting and fun way to read and write poetry.

My favorite part of this book of poems was the personification of the insects. I felt like they were humans talking to me instead of bugs. I think the Book Lice (pictured at left) were the funniest of all the "characters". They were telling me a love story, how they met and what they loved about each other and how they get along even though they have differences. It was cute and sweet (I don't think I'm supposed to use those words, but that's exactly how I felt). It was like an older couple recalling their first meeting and how their lives are just so complete (Think: When Harry Met Sally, all the couples sharing their stories).

I did have a few other thoughts, and maybe someone who did read this with two voices could help me. In the poems, there were several instances where both "voices" had lines to read simultaneously, but they were different words. I was thinking, would you be able to hear each of them or would the words blend together? If it did blend, do you think that was the intention of Fleischman? (Here I go again: trying to analyze what the author was thinking!) What kind of mood did that create in the poem?

I Had Seen Castles

Let me begin by pointing out that historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. I become transported to another place and time and I live there with the characters. I try to imagine what it was like during that time, and then I think about doing some research about that time period. I have actually read a few historical fiction books in the past few weeks and I was reminded of how much I enjoy reading them.

I Had Seen Castles was no different. I had to keep in mind that this was a young adult fiction book. I read through it in one sitting because I was engrossed in the story line. I have to admit that I kept having to remind myself that it was written by Cynthia Rylant. Most of her other works have not captured my attention as this book did. The language was appropriate for a man telling of his past. He recalled some details with longing to be that boy again, and some details that he would rather not be reminded of. There were a few scenes that I questioned the author. How could a woman ever know the thoughts of a man in war? I suppose she could do research and interviews, but could she ever really know what it was like. Apparently she did.

I really lived in the '40's while I read this book. I recalled movies and television shows I have seen that depicted this time period. I tried to place myself in the dirty, smelly, crowded streets of Pittsburgh surrounded by men in uniforms. I put myself in Ginny and Diane's shoes. Thinking of how I would cope with letting go of men that I grew fond of, especially those who I had made plans for the future with, was difficult. Although I've never truly experienced this to such an extent, I drew from my experience of a significant other being on deployment for several months. And honestly, I related to Ginny not receiving letters back from John; a relationship with so many plans just ending through a letter (or in Ginny and John's case, no letter at all). I actually reflected on how a young man could break a young girl's heart without much consideration or turmoil. Not until the end of the book did I realize there was consideration and turmoil in John. He knew he made a mistake that he could never take back and that forever changed his life.

I also tried to remember learning about WWII during high school and college, but not much came to mind. I wish that I had had a book such as this to read while I was learning about this part of history. I think more of the information would have stuck with me. I understand the importance of using literature in all content areas.

Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman

Personally, I think of many events from other's points of view. My mind always wanders to the inevitable "what is he or she thinking?" I am a people watcher. That might sound a bit creepy to some, but my roommate and I think that it is completely normal. On a Friday or Saturday night, you can usually find us sitting in a crowded bar watching all the events happening. I am relating this to Seedfolks because I would love to be a people watcher near that garden. To be able to see all these different people interacting over a garden. They weren't fighting or ignoring each other, they actually helped each other. That would be a miraculous thing to witness; people might change completely before your eyes.


Something interesting happened yesterday after I had read this book. My mom is very involved in our church at home and does a lot of outreach in the community. She called, full of excitement, to tell me that she had contacted a woman who works with pregnant teenagers. My mom really wanted to put together Mother's Day baskets, with the help of members of our church, for these young women for the coming holiday. The woman was overjoyed! She was excited that these young women would receive items for themselves instead of for the babies. Almost automatically, I made a connection to Maricela in Seedfolks. I would think that not many people take time to have a conversation with pregnant teenagers because many people would have a negative impression of them immediately. However, there are some people that would reach out a hand and help these young women. My mom, the woman working with the pregnant teens at home, and Penny look at these young people through different eyes. They know that these people need care and attention, much like a plant in a garden, and they cannot be neglected.

McMenamy's Burgers (or The Van Gogh Cafe)

When I was reading the description of this cafe, it made me think of McMenamy's burger place at home. There is all this random memorabilia, kind of like the sign above the register and the hen at the Van Gogh Cafe. It is a tiny place, on the side of a busy road and it used to be a general store, probably around the same time period as when the Van Gogh Cafe was a theater. The people at McMenamy's are always friendly, there are many, many people there from the town, the cook comes out and talks to everyone, and I think it might be magic, too (because you can get a burger, fries, and a soda, all made when you order it, for under $4 and it isn't McDonald's! Now that is magic!)

I thought this was good story. I'm not sure if I would put it on my top 10 list of books, but it was fun and easy and quick to read. The magic in the story made it quick to read, you wanted to keep going through the next chapter. That might be because Rylant left you with the ... at the end of most of the chapters. You couldn't help but want to read more. I guess I can compare that to DiCamillo's language in Depereaux, addressing the reader. Because she sometimes left you "hanging", you just wanted to read on to see what was going to happen.

I enjoyed how short this book was, honestly. It had great stories within a story, and it was quick to read. I love to read, but isn't it nice to find something great in a little package some times? Didn't I just describe something every girl wants... ha ha.

The Tale of Despereaux

What a great book! No wonder why it won the Newbery!

I absolutely fell in love with the language of this book. It just captivated me and wouldn't let me go! I was especially intrigued by Roscuro's dialog with the other characters. Who thought a rat could be so intelligent and use such sophisticated words? As many other readers, I thought it was clever of DiCamillo to actually speak to the reader in order to draw you further into the story. When an author actually acknowledges you, you feel a sense of importance and might actually picture yourself in the events of the book, as an observer, instead of an outsider.

The character of Despereaux was completely lovable. You couldn't help but cheer for his accomplishments and cry for his disappointments. Doesn't everyone love to support an underdog? (I'm going through that right now by cheering for the W&M men's basketball team in the CAA tournament this weekend. :) ) Despereaux had such courage and he was just a little mouse. He was different in every way.

My favorite line of the story came at the end. "Even in a world as strange as this one, a mouse and a princess cannot marry. But, reader, they can be friends." It gave me a sense of hope. I knew that Despereaux could not marry the princess, but at least they could still spend time together and go on many adventures. This was just one of the many wonderful morals I took away from this story. It is one I can put on my list to read to my kids when I have them.

Bridge to Terabithia: The Movie

So it has been a little longer than I wanted since I walked out of the movie. But there were things to do and weights to lift! Haha!

I thought the movie was pretty decent. I said when we were in the lobby that I wished I had brought a notebook so that I could write down everything I was thinking before I forgot it. I think every thought left my mind with the tears streaming down my cheek. I was only mildly disappointed. The magic aspect of the movie was the only thing I wish had been different. I guess I just didn't like how it fit in. I tried to watch the movie thinking as a movie executive would think: how can we make it appeal to different audiences, how can we make it into a feature length film, how can we add slight changes that we think make it better. That is what I had in mind when I watched the magic scenes.

Although I didn't like the magic, I did enjoy the name Hairy Vultures for Gary Fulcher. I thought that was pretty amusing.

I'm not sure if there was anything else I would have changed. The actors were great, especially Bailee Madison, who played May Belle. The characters stayed true to the book and I really felt Jess's pain, I think that goes with out saying. I was pretty nervous about the movie, but I wasn't let down. I enjoyed the movie as a movie and the book as a book. I don't think you can ever capture the same feelings you feel when you read a book and create your own images, but I still give the filmmakers an A for this movie.