Parallel Journeys

What was it like to be in Hitler’s Germany?  Is there one answer to this question?  No.  It depended on how you were classified.  If you were an Aryan, Germany was an awesome place with endless possibilities.  If you were non-Aryan, then Germany (and the countries surrounding it) was a nightmare in which you could not awake.  In the novel, Parallel Journeys, we have the chance to enter the minds of two young people: Alfons and Helen.  Both want to be happy and live life to the fullest.  The problem?  Alfons is an Aryan and a part of the Hitler youth.  Helen is Jewish (non-Aryan).

This is the first in a series of novels that we will read pertaining to genocide–especially the Jewish Holocaust.  As we read, you should make at least 3 posts.  One is a general statement.  The other two are follow-up comments or questions.

Start to make connections to the other novels that we have read and what we are discussing in class.  This semester, blogs are a requirement.  But don’t look at it as another thing to do.  It is a chance to talk freely with others and to hear from students who may not feel comfortable talking in class.

So enjoy yourselves, but remember: everything is moderated and I will delete what is inappropriate or does not demonstrate thought and reflection.

Enjoy!

Mrs. Hampton

Among the Hidden

How would you feel if your entire existence was considered a mistake?  What if you were a “hidden” child?  No chance to go to school, no chance to play outside, no chance to interact with others.  That is Luke’s reality in Among the Hidden.

Think about how the Jews felt during the Holocaust.  Think about the thousands of people around the world who are forced to live a life in the shadows.

What is to become of them?

Your comments are welcomed.

Stargirl

She was elusive.  She was today.  She was tomorrow.  She was the faintest scent of a cactus flower, the flitting shadow of an elf owl.  We did not know what to make of her.  In our minds we tried to pin her to a corkboard like a butterfly, but the pin merely went through and away she flew.

Have you ever met someone so different from yourself, or anyone else you knew, that you honestly didn’t know how to react?  If you haven’t, wait until you meet Stargirl.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we all felt free enough and confident enough to simply be ourselves?

Your comments are welcomed.

Writing, Writing, Writing!!

So now you have 2 posts to which you can blog!

Due to the OVERWHELMING support to the Poetry Portfolio, I have added another post in addition to The Outsiders.  Feel free to blog about what inspires you to write, any ideas that you have, or leave a poem, essay, etc. and let others leave comments and suggestions for you.  Happy Writing & Enjoy!

I can’t wait to read your responses.

Mrs. Hampton

The Outsiders

What do you think of the novel, The Outsiders?   In my opinion, Johnny is the most realistic character.  Actually, all the characters are realistic.  Johnny breaks my heart.  Unfortunately, I have taught students who remind me of Johnny.

Tell me what you think.

I look forward to reading your responses.

Mrs. Hampton