Compare Maycomb - Primary Source Analysis

Delano, Jack. Houses in the Nigro Section of Eutaw Alabama. 1941. Library of 

          Congress, Eutaw.

                    To me, this picture represents Maycomb in many ways. Maycomb is a tired old town with clay roads and grass on the sidewalks. When I look at this picture I instantly notice the lack of buildings and people. In the book, it says implicitly says that Maycomb is a small town. The fact that there are many people in this photo, made me think this was a small town. Since there aren't many people in this photograph, it makes the area look almost deserted. I also noticed that there is lots of grass around, which makes me think there is a farm nearby, which also ties this place in with Maycomb.

                    I think this picture was made for people to see this place. I believe that the person who took this picture found inspiration in this image, and that's why he/she took this picture. Maybe this person found this inspiring, and they wanted to share their inspiration with other people, and maybe even inspire them. 

          If I had to guess, I would say that this picture was taken in the 30's or 40's. Just by looking at it I can tell it is hot, which makes me think it is in the South. I also look at this picture and think these people are poor, based on where they live and what their house looks like. Their house looks run down and their clothes look old and dirty. Either from working very hard, or because they don't have many clothes, so they can't always put on a clean pair.

          The main reason I chose this picture to represent Maycomb, is because the area looks like a old, tired, unpopulated town, which is exactly what I would image Maycomb to be like. The area looks like it could include farms, and house, and a main townhall-like building, just like the real Maycomb.

Theme Blog - Paper a Towns

          I would say that the theme of Paper Towns is to chase after what you want in life, no matter what has to be left behind. I think this because of the development of characters, setting, and plot throughout the story. There are different ways the story shows this theme, and the main in way is through the characters. 

          The character, Margo, always travels to places without notifying anyone, and in this book, she disappears suddenly without any explanation why. This has left Quentin, the main character, in confusion. Margo has left clues to show Quentin where she has gone. When Quentin finally finds her, she reveals that she never meant for Quentin to actually find her. This shows that Margo intended to leave abruptly without telling anyone, because she was trying to find something more meaningful and exciting about life. In doing this she has left everything and everyone behind, and unlike all the other times she has left, she is not coming back thins time.

          Parts of the setting also help this theme. Margo has disappeared to New York, which is far away from her friends, school, and life back in Flordia. This shows that she has chased life, and it has taken her far  Which shows that she is willing to leave many things behind, considering her far distance from home. This also shows that she is not scared or afraid to leave her life behind to chase after life.

Quarter 1 Reflection Blog

     I do not believe my bogs have changed much since August. I pretty much write the same. I wouldn't say this is a bad thing. Though it might not seem like my blogs have gotten "better", I still continue to write in a way that I consider good, and I am proud of that. I do believe that my blogs will continue to progress as the school year goes on. They will surely start to improve once I start learning and using some new vocabulary words.

     I would say that my research skills have improved a little bit. If I were to compare now with a few years ago, I would say that I have done great in developing my research skills. I have learned that it is best to check multiple sites for information, because you always have the chance of getting incorrect information. I consider that to be one of the most important pieces of information I have learned.

     I have learned so many things about the world, and I hope to learn more in the future. I like that I get to learn what's going on around the world, and what important things are happening. Although I have not leaned many positive things, I enjoy learning the negative things, because those things are also important. Also, I like to know what's going on around the world I live in. 

Paper Towns

Writing Prompt: Write a journal entry as if you were a certain character form your reading

          Once I found out that Margo was in the Paper Town of Algoe, New York, I knew I had to go. I had to go now. Even if that meant missing graduation. Surprisingly, my parents understood, and let me go. I was all ready to go in my brand new car, that my parents bought me for graduation. I thought I was going alone, but then I found out that my two best buddies, Radar and Ben, were ready to come with me. Along with Ben's girlfriend, and Margo's best friend, Lacey.

          In the rush to leave, there was no time for packing food or anything. We were on a 21 hour car trip and we forgot to pack food. Radar had calculated that we needed to go at 72 mph at all times, if we were going to make it on time. We only had time for four, six minute stops, for gas and food. Right now, all we have is gum, half a Snickers, and were weren't stopping for another four and a half hours. Along with that Ben really has to pee.

          I'm really excited for this trip. I think it will be a really good time. Honestly, I think it's the most fun I've had since the last time I've spent hours behind a steering wheel of a minivan. I wonder if Margo created this journey for us on purpose. Maybe that's one of the things she was figuring get out, and writing in her black journal. 

Of Beetles and Angels - Life Lines poem

"Always Try Hard"

Our parents told us that we could do anything 

If we worked hard 

And treated others with respect

My brother helped a man find a house and a job,

Encouraged him,

And gave him money when he could,

Even though my brother

Had so little himself

My brother was determined. 

His heart had been inspired by the strength of God. 

He believed God wanted him to try "impossible" things

Of the gifts we give, 

The greatest 

Is to see beauty

In each other

Anyone of us, 

However small and helpless we may feel, 

Can spark unimagined changes

Juxtapose Aow and OBAA

          My article, Refugee crisis divides Europe amid fresh tragedy," is like the book Of Beetles and Angels in many ways. One way they are similar is the different connects between individuals. In Of Beetles and Angels there are refugees, of coarse, and there is also information on refugees in my article. Along with that, my article also includes people who really care about the protection of the refugees. In "Refugee crisis divides Europe amid fresh tragedy" it talks about German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande. The article says, "…vocal supporters of a refugee redistribution program, called on their fellow European nations to help shoulder the responsibility for the unprecedented amount of refugees arriving in the European Union." This shows that these people are doing what they can to help the situation. In Of Beetles and Angels an important person who did their best to help was a girl named Beth. The book says, "Beth found a sponsor, the Bethel Presbyterian Church." It also says, "Bethel went to work immediately on finding us an affordable home…" This shows that Beth did a really good thing to help and her help turned into something even greater.

          Another connection between the book and the article is the events. Both the book and the article include similar events. I include the death of all the many refugees an event. Both, the article and the book, include information on the many lives lost, and the cause of these lost lives. The book says, "Many refugees died from a sickness…" This shows the cause for some of the lives lost. In the article it says, "…at least 13 refugees - six of then children - drowned off the coast of Turkey…" This shows the lives lost during the refugee's walk to their new home. The book also talked about the many children that didn't make it to their destination.

          War in society has nothing but negative effects on the society and its people. As you can see from the book, war caused many people to flee their homes and become refugees. The article says, "…roughly 10,700 asylum seekers walked into Austria from Hungary…" This shows that over 10,000 people have be forced to leave their home. This is information tells you one of the negative effects war can have on people and society.

Bad Girls Don't DIe - Summer Blog 4 7/11/15

Writing Prompt: Why did you choose this to read? Give at least 3 reasons


          One reason I chose this book to read is becuase it seemed very interesting. Once I read the back, I knew right away that this book was going to be as good one. Another way this book made me think it was going to be a interesting one to read, is the introduction. This book has a strong introduction that really pulls the reader in.

          Another reason I chose this book to read is becuase it is by Katie Alender. Before this I read a book called Famous Last Words, which was also by Katie Alender. Famous Last Words was an amazing book that I thoroughly enjoyed. I thought the author did a good job on that book, so I decided to read another book written by the same author, to see how I feel about the author, and her work. I can tell you that after this book, I can list Katie Alender as one of my favorite authors. In fact, I have a few other books written by her.

          A third reason I chose this book to read is becuase it is in the horror genre. Recently, I have taken an intrest in book of the horror and horror/mystery genre. Bad Girls Don't Die is a book that fits into that category, so I thought I would give it a read. I have to say that I am glad I took a chnace with this book, becuase it is definitely a good one.