Aza's best selling point is that she has a wonderful voice. It's fabled throughout the opening that she was born singing. Today, many people enjoy music; listening, playing, writing, and dancing. Even if you don't think you like music, everyone listens to it at some point or another. I know I don't really listen to much (much less write or play it!), but I do have quite a sundry on my iPod for when I can't have a book in my hand.
So, why do people sing? For Aza, I think a lot of it has to do with the way she looks; it's a connection to people when they don't otherwise look past her her image. For many people, singing is an emotional relief. During the days of slavery, slaves would make up songs about their lives and hardships --set to happier tones so that their foremen and owners wouldn't listening too closely to what they were singing about.
Today, people sing for similiar reasons. There are lots of shows revolving around people who are good (and bad) at singing, including American Idol, The Voice, and Glee. Over the years, lots of shows have also done "musical" episodes including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Scrubs, Xena, That 70's Show, and Grey's Anatomy. Even some of your favorite cartoons have done musical episodes, like The Simpsons, Futurama, Kim Possible, and who could forget the epic Batman: The Brave and the Bold with the Music Meister (voiced by Neil Patrick Harris)?
What kind of music do you like to listen to? Do you have a favorite song or artist?
I'll share one of my favorite new stars with you, Darren Criss from Glee! Darren started playing music when he was young and went to school in Ann Arbor, Michigan for an acting degree. In his senior year of college, he and his friends wrote, produced, and performed "A Very Potter Musical", which some of you may have seen on YouTube. He also wrote all of the music (and starred) in the sequal, "A Very Potter Sequal", both of these (and StarKid's new musical, Starship) can be found on YouTube and have been extremely successful. Darren auditioned for the first season of Glee, but wasn't offered a role until the second season, playing Blaine, the star of a rival glee club.
Here's a video of Darren from his pre-Glee fame, singing one of my favorite Disney songs (he does a lot of those!):
Share some of your own favorite songs, or one you've written yourself!
Samma
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Fairest Discussion: Fairy Tales and Folklore
Even if you haven't started reading yet (truth-be-told, I haven't either...), it's fairly obvious that Fairest is a loosely based fairy tale --compared to Snow White in most cases.
Growing up, I loved fairy tales --still do in fact. I read all of them: the Grimm Brothers, Hans Christian Andersen, British, German, Greek, Japanese...anything I can get my hands on. That includes the picture books, YA novels, graphic novels, manga, and so on. Over time, I've probably worn out three or four large collections of fairy tales, and I'm always picking up the new takes on old stories, like Alex Finn's Beastly, which I just recently finished.
Everyone has read or heard a fairy tale at some point or another, even if you aren't as big a fan of them as I am. What was/is your favorite fairy tale? How do you feel about the new takes on old stories (like Fairest, Ella Enchanted, Beastly, Fables, etc). What's your favorite way to read a fairy tale? A collection, a graphic novel, picture book?
I found a whole slew of Fractured Fairy Tales from the old Rocky and Bullwinkle Cartoons (don't worry if you've never heard of it; I'm sure your parents have!)
Check out "Leaping Beauty":
Be sure to share in the comments.
Samma
Growing up, I loved fairy tales --still do in fact. I read all of them: the Grimm Brothers, Hans Christian Andersen, British, German, Greek, Japanese...anything I can get my hands on. That includes the picture books, YA novels, graphic novels, manga, and so on. Over time, I've probably worn out three or four large collections of fairy tales, and I'm always picking up the new takes on old stories, like Alex Finn's Beastly, which I just recently finished.
Everyone has read or heard a fairy tale at some point or another, even if you aren't as big a fan of them as I am. What was/is your favorite fairy tale? How do you feel about the new takes on old stories (like Fairest, Ella Enchanted, Beastly, Fables, etc). What's your favorite way to read a fairy tale? A collection, a graphic novel, picture book?
I found a whole slew of Fractured Fairy Tales from the old Rocky and Bullwinkle Cartoons (don't worry if you've never heard of it; I'm sure your parents have!)
Check out "Leaping Beauty":
Be sure to share in the comments.
Samma
FAIREST by Gail Carson Levine
(A review from School Library Journal) In a world in which elegance, beauty, and singing ability are revered, Aza is bulky, awkward, and homely. Her saving grace is that she can sing and has a gift of voice manipulation that she calls illusing. Through a chance meeting at her familys inn, a duchess invites Aza to act as her companion and accompany her to the palace to attend the kings wedding. When the beautiful new queen discovers Azas gift for throwing her voice and for mimicry, she sees a way of protecting her reputation and disguising her own lack of talent. Pressured by the womans threats upon her family, Aza deceives the court into believing that Ivi is a gifted singer. When the ruse is discovered, Aza is forced to flee the castle in order to save her life. Through her adventures, she discovers her own strength of character, learns about her true heritage, and decides that her physical appearance is not worthy of the stress and worry she has wasted on it.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Swindle Discussion: Questions and Suggestions
Well, we've (hopefully) reached the end of Swindle! Like a real book group, I've come up with a few conversation topics. Feel free to answer any or all of them in the comments and bring up questions/comments of your own. If you haven't finished yet, don't worry! Just don't read this post yet! Lots of spoilers inside, and I wouldn't want to ruin the book for anyone!
1. What did you like about the book?
2. What didn't you like about the book??
3. Do you think it's really possible for a group of middle schoolers, like yourselves, to pull off such a heist?
4. Did Ben's secret suprise you?
5. What would you have done, if you were in Griffin's situation?
6. If you were Mrs. Winnifred Rockford-Gates, who was the rightful owner of the card, what would you have done with it?
7. Did Darren Vader get what he deserved at the end?
I liked the character developments throughout the book. Griffin has a solid personality, as do Ben and the others. The addition of Luthor was clever, and him being adopted by Stephanie at the end was a great tie.I thought that Ben having narcolepsy was an interesting add-in. It didn't really add anything to the story, but it explained a lot about Ben's personality. Some of the things I didn't like about the book however, were the switching points of view. I think it would have been better if it had stayed squarely on the kids, rather than occasionally flipping to the inside workings of their plans (such as Palomino getting the tickets for the hockey game).
I'm not sure if I believe that kids could pull off such a heist --at least not in such a short amount of time. They only had a few days to put this together, and with the Darren Vader Problem, it was bound to be a catastrophe. If I had been in Griffin's situation, I probably would have done some research on the card first to find out how much it was worth. THEN, I would have made sure that no one could claim ownership on it.
If I were Mrs. Rockford-Bates, I would have given the card back to Griffen for finding it. I doubt very much that she knew Darren very well, or she would have known he was such a jerk. However, I think it was a good thing that his parents made him donate the money --with the stipulation for the skate park. In the end, I was glad that Griffin and his friends got the project that they had been lobbying for, that started the whole mess in the first place.
If you liked Swindle, Gordon Korman has an entire series dovoted to The Man With a Plan, all of which are available through MORE. If you're looking for some simliar stories, I suggest Robin Hood (call # J 398.2 PHIL), and NoveList came up with The Boys Start The War by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, and books by Jeff Kinney (Diary of a Wimpy Kid) and K. L. Going (Fat Kid Rules the World). Some movies I would suggest include Catch that Kid, and Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging.
If you can think of anything else, feel free to share. Join us next week for the beginning discussion of Fairest by Gail Carson Levine. Copies are available in the library. Ask at the front desk, or find them located on top of the magazines, in front of the J-Non-Fiction. There will also be copies of Swindle, Fairest, and our other two books for the summer if you're behind, or want to get ahead.
-Samma
1. What did you like about the book?
2. What didn't you like about the book??
3. Do you think it's really possible for a group of middle schoolers, like yourselves, to pull off such a heist?
4. Did Ben's secret suprise you?
5. What would you have done, if you were in Griffin's situation?
6. If you were Mrs. Winnifred Rockford-Gates, who was the rightful owner of the card, what would you have done with it?
7. Did Darren Vader get what he deserved at the end?
I liked the character developments throughout the book. Griffin has a solid personality, as do Ben and the others. The addition of Luthor was clever, and him being adopted by Stephanie at the end was a great tie.I thought that Ben having narcolepsy was an interesting add-in. It didn't really add anything to the story, but it explained a lot about Ben's personality. Some of the things I didn't like about the book however, were the switching points of view. I think it would have been better if it had stayed squarely on the kids, rather than occasionally flipping to the inside workings of their plans (such as Palomino getting the tickets for the hockey game).
I'm not sure if I believe that kids could pull off such a heist --at least not in such a short amount of time. They only had a few days to put this together, and with the Darren Vader Problem, it was bound to be a catastrophe. If I had been in Griffin's situation, I probably would have done some research on the card first to find out how much it was worth. THEN, I would have made sure that no one could claim ownership on it.
If I were Mrs. Rockford-Bates, I would have given the card back to Griffen for finding it. I doubt very much that she knew Darren very well, or she would have known he was such a jerk. However, I think it was a good thing that his parents made him donate the money --with the stipulation for the skate park. In the end, I was glad that Griffin and his friends got the project that they had been lobbying for, that started the whole mess in the first place.
If you liked Swindle, Gordon Korman has an entire series dovoted to The Man With a Plan, all of which are available through MORE. If you're looking for some simliar stories, I suggest Robin Hood (call # J 398.2 PHIL), and NoveList came up with The Boys Start The War by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, and books by Jeff Kinney (Diary of a Wimpy Kid) and K. L. Going (Fat Kid Rules the World). Some movies I would suggest include Catch that Kid, and Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging.
If you can think of anything else, feel free to share. Join us next week for the beginning discussion of Fairest by Gail Carson Levine. Copies are available in the library. Ask at the front desk, or find them located on top of the magazines, in front of the J-Non-Fiction. There will also be copies of Swindle, Fairest, and our other two books for the summer if you're behind, or want to get ahead.
-Samma
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Swindle Discussion: Backgammon and Rock Climbing
Due to the power outage at the library and across town on Saturday, I lost the crime links I was going to share with you today. Hopefully I can find them again, and I'll post them with Saturday's post.
However, until then, here are a few thoughts to tide you over.
In prepration for the big break-in, Logan Kellerman goes undercover to distract Palomino's nosey neighbor Mr. Mulroney. In order to keep him distracted, Logan gets him to teach him how to play Backgammon. eHow, one of my favorite websites for simple information, was nice enough to post instructions on how to play. With some help from Mom and Dad, they also have instructions on how to make your own personalized board and peices using plywood, paint/leather, clay, and wood glue. You can also draw one out easily on paper with markers and using checker peices.
What are some other "old timey" boardgames you like to play?
One of the other characters, Pitch, enjoys rockclimbing with her family. ITStactical, on YouTube, has posted several videos above climbing and the equipment needed to do it well and most importantly --safely. Here's a link to their Rapelling Equpiment and Set-Up videos, or look at their page for others.
If you find any sites about board games, backgammon, rock climbing, or anything else to do with Swindle, feel free to share in the comments. If you haven't started reading yet, several copies are available at the front desk of the library.
Happy reading!
Samma
However, until then, here are a few thoughts to tide you over.
In prepration for the big break-in, Logan Kellerman goes undercover to distract Palomino's nosey neighbor Mr. Mulroney. In order to keep him distracted, Logan gets him to teach him how to play Backgammon. eHow, one of my favorite websites for simple information, was nice enough to post instructions on how to play. With some help from Mom and Dad, they also have instructions on how to make your own personalized board and peices using plywood, paint/leather, clay, and wood glue. You can also draw one out easily on paper with markers and using checker peices.
What are some other "old timey" boardgames you like to play?
One of the other characters, Pitch, enjoys rockclimbing with her family. ITStactical, on YouTube, has posted several videos above climbing and the equipment needed to do it well and most importantly --safely. Here's a link to their Rapelling Equpiment and Set-Up videos, or look at their page for others.
If you find any sites about board games, backgammon, rock climbing, or anything else to do with Swindle, feel free to share in the comments. If you haven't started reading yet, several copies are available at the front desk of the library.
Happy reading!
Samma
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
What would you collect?
To go along with Samma's information on Babe Ruth, Baseball Cards, and the idea of collecting, I've found a presentation which provides further information on collections. What items make a good collection? Do you have to spend a lot of money to gather a collection? What are some fun things that people have collected over the years? The Smithsonian has put together a lot of information on the topic.
Personally, I have collected many things over the years: stamps, buttons, frogs...although nothing has been for more than just an enjoyment of looking at each item. (Meaning, there is nothing worth money--like a Babe Ruth baseball card.)
Personally, I have collected many things over the years: stamps, buttons, frogs...although nothing has been for more than just an enjoyment of looking at each item. (Meaning, there is nothing worth money--like a Babe Ruth baseball card.)
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Swindle Discussion: Luthor the Guard Dog
Luthor the Guard Dog was one of my favorite characters in the book. Even though he's a dog (and kind of a scary one at that!), you have to apprecaite Savannah's instance that inside the giant doberman is a puppy, just wanting someone to love him and play.
And Savannah has a point --Dobermans are actually very good family dogs. Because dogs are pack animals, they see their families as part of their pack, and are relentlessly protective, which sometimes gives them a bad rap. However, within their "pack", they are extremely gentle and loving dogs. Below are a few links to learn more about dobermans and other gaurd dogs. I've also included the link for the Kids ASPCA, mentioned in the book. Finally, I recently found that you can watch the last 5 episodes and other excerts of Dog Whisperer (also mentioned in the book!) on Hulu!
If you're looking for some good reads in the library, we have several books in the non-fiction section about dogs including Dogs at Work by Julia Baries (call # J 636.7 Bar at our library), and 100 Things You Should Know About Dogs and Puppies (J 636.7 Dela).
Inspired by Griffin's dad's SmartPick, I also looked up a few books like Inventions (J 600 Mun).
If you need helping finding these, or any other books, just ask at the front desk, and we'd be happy to help you out.
Share any other links, or thoughts on Luthor, the SmartPick, or what you think of the book so far. Check back on Thursday (6/16) for some information on home invasion, crime, and robberies!
Happy reading!
Samma
And Savannah has a point --Dobermans are actually very good family dogs. Because dogs are pack animals, they see their families as part of their pack, and are relentlessly protective, which sometimes gives them a bad rap. However, within their "pack", they are extremely gentle and loving dogs. Below are a few links to learn more about dobermans and other gaurd dogs. I've also included the link for the Kids ASPCA, mentioned in the book. Finally, I recently found that you can watch the last 5 episodes and other excerts of Dog Whisperer (also mentioned in the book!) on Hulu!
Top 10 Best Guard Dogs: http://www.petmedsonline.org/top-10-best-guard-dog-breeds.html
Animal Planet: Dogs 101 (Dobermans): http://youtu.be/-g2IC726Goc
Kids ASPCA: http://www.aspca.org/aspcakids.aspx
Dog Whisper Episodes on Hulu: http://www.hulu.com/dog-whispererIf you're looking for some good reads in the library, we have several books in the non-fiction section about dogs including Dogs at Work by Julia Baries (call # J 636.7 Bar at our library), and 100 Things You Should Know About Dogs and Puppies (J 636.7 Dela).
Inspired by Griffin's dad's SmartPick, I also looked up a few books like Inventions (J 600 Mun).
If you need helping finding these, or any other books, just ask at the front desk, and we'd be happy to help you out.
Share any other links, or thoughts on Luthor, the SmartPick, or what you think of the book so far. Check back on Thursday (6/16) for some information on home invasion, crime, and robberies!
Happy reading!
Samma
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Swindle Discussion: Baseball and Babe Ruth
Even if you haven't started reading it, I won't ruin anything by telling you that Babe Ruth is a major player in the plot to Swindle. Enjoy these websites I found about Babe Ruth, baseball, and valuable cards.
Feel free to also share your own links you've found in the comments!
Samma
Babe Ruth Central: http://www.baberuthcentral.com/
Totally Random Trivia: http://www.life.com/gallery/42172
Babe Ruth Cards: http://baberuthcards.net/
10 Most Valuable Baseball Cards: http://www.infobarrel.com/Top_10_Most_Valuable_Baseball_Cards
Baseball Hall of Fame http://baseballhall.org/
Feel free to also share your own links you've found in the comments!
Samma
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