Danae+McCoy


 * Give a short summary of the story without giving away the ending.**

A boy is kidnapped and taken to a boot camp to learn to respect his parents. The children at the camp are abused physically and emotionally until they are broken and molded to their family's wishes. Some accomplish their transition in six months, others may take years, as long as they aren't 18 years or older. The children do not need to break a law to be sent. The reason can be as simple as the family does not like their love interest or their child doesn't participate in enough extracurricular activities.

The main character Garrett is extremely intelligent which leads to many complications in his re-education. As the months fly by and he follows the rules he learns that there are two ways to get back home. 1.) Admit that his life was doomed for failure and possible death before his loving parents sent him to Lake Harmony based on his choices, which he firmly disagree with or 2.) Escape.


 * What did you like about the book? What did you dislike?**

The book was written very well and never had a dull moment. Finished in a day, couldn't put it down.

No dislikes about the book itself, but it tears me up to know that this form of abuse is not stopped and that families pay 40,000 on average for this form of education.


 * Write three essential (higher level thinking) questions that you might use in a culminating discussion of this book. (6 pts)**


 * 1) What other alternatives could parents try that would work?
 * 2) Why was it so much harder for Lake Harmony to break Sarah?
 * 3) Why do you think Garrett kept being called to Mr. Z's office?


 * Comprehension Activity:**

Create a “FakeBook: (not Facebook) page for the main character or one of the main characters from your Contemporary Realistic Fiction Book. Use the instructions provided in a separate attachment to help you.

I created a Fakebook Page for Garrett. You can access it at

http://www.classtools.net/fb/34/3AEBM6

Title: Kill You Last

Genre: Mystery/Survival/Adventure

Author: Todd Strasser

Date of Publication: 2011

As far as mysteries go this novel was awesome. I was constantly analyzing the situation and events trying to figure out who the bad guy was supposed to be. Shelby's personality was developed really well. It was easy to feel for her and want everything to be okay.

What I disliked was the character Gabriel. He worked for Shelby's father. The guy was just creepy in a gross way with how he was flirting with Shelby especially since I had the impression that he was much older that Shelby and it was likely illegal for him to be involved with a teenager because of their age difference.


 * 1) Do you think Shelby's father's absence in the house lead to the family issues? Why do you think his priorities weren't addressed by his wife or daughter in regards to spending more time with the family and putting them first?
 * 2) Why does Shelby keep getting involved with older guys rather than boys her own age?
 * 3) Why does Shelby not report her threatening emails and texts to the police? How come she doesn't even consider this?

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Artifact #1 – Family TV

I chose this because... Every morning, every evening and even in school the whole community is watching the news waiting to hear the latest verdict on the case of the three missing girls and how Shelby's dad and family is involved. Several times Shelby gets to school and the whole school will already know some thing new about Shelby's father that just doesn't make sense but everyone at school will believe it because it was on TV.

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Artifact #2 - Professional Camera

I chose this because... Before Shelby's father was ever questioned in regards to the missing girls, cameras are a big part of her families life. Though now they aren't a positive anymore. Know Shelby is practically being stalked by paparazzi with each passing day and every new tidbit of information getting released into the press!

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Artifact #3 - Cell Phone

I chose this because... Shelby like most teens relies on her cell phone for everything. It's the way she is able to find out quickly that someone is sending her threatening emails. It's also the way she is able to stay in contact with her friends and suspects while trying to solve the case and prove her fathers innocence. Though also putting herself in harms way. Also it is the form in which she learns her life is now on the line if she stays involved and that the person sending the emails and texts will Kill Her Last.

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Artifact #4 - Red Ferrari

I chose this because... Shelby's fathers career is the reason they are able for him to afford a red Ferrari for himself and luxuries for his loved ones. His pride pushes him to scam his clients to his family can continue to live in this lifestyle. Though his choices send him down a path their family may never recover.

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Artifact #5 – Web Cam

I chose this because... every morning Shelby wakes up she hops on her computer and talks with her best friend Roman. Its through this connection that they try to solve her fathers case and hopefully prove his innocence.



1.Book Title (1 pt.) : Clock Work Angel

2.Genre: Fantasy

3.Author (1 pt.): Cassandra Clare

4.Date of Publication (1 pt.): 2010

5.Write a brief summary of the book you read without giving away the ending! (3 pts.) A girl has lost everyone in her family expect her brother. He writes her asking her to meet him in London by train in 1878. As she arrives she is taken to live with two bizarre evil women. They teach her how to change her appearance and to take on another individual after holding an item of theirs. They are preparing her to meet the man in charge. Though she is a prisoner and not a guest. In time she is rescued by an egotistical pric named Will. He is a Nephilim, meaning he has the blood of an angel in him. It is his job to defend mankind from demons. Though he sees himself as better than both classes. In time she begins to have feelings for Will, and they get to be closer due to a mission they much embark on together.

It is Tessa’s goal to learn of what she is and to find her Brother.

6.What did you like about the book? What did you dislike? (3 pts.) The characters were interesting and I enjoy magic and fantasy being a large part of a story. It allows for a reader to escape daily life and escape into a dream

Overall I had a hard time reading the book, it was very long for the fact that not much happened. Also it left me very frustrated.

It was not one of this authors better stories.

7.Write three essential (higher level thinking) questions that you might use in a culminating discussion of this book. (6 pts)

1.) What did you think of the lifestyle and manor of women/girls in these days? Would you say Tessa’s personality broke the cultural standards for a women in her shoes when compared to Jessamine?

2.) Do you believe her brother was brainwashed or drugged or is it possible his greed truly led him down the path he “chose”?

3.) Why does Henry allow for his wife to treat him in such ways, especially when it is far from normal even in that societies standards?

Comprehension Activity: Click on the link to see my newspaper article.





1. Book Title (1 pt.) Matched

2. Genre: Science Fiction

3. Author (1 pt.) Ally Condie

4. Date of Publication (1 pt.) 2010

5. Write a brief summary of the book you read without giving away the ending! (3 pts.)

The novel Matched was based on a futuristic view of America. In the futuristic times everything is strongly regulated, jobs, relationships, and life expectancy. The people are matched to their life partners at the age of 18 years old. The main character has an odd accident occur when she learns she has two matches. The story then continues exploring her dilemma that two different boys could equally be perfect for her in every way. During these emotionally trying times Cassia looses her Grandfather a family member she has a strong connection to, but has only been allowed to see on limited occasions. Upon her grandfathers death at the age of 80 she has rebellious notions lightly suggested to her before his final minutes.

With Cassias Grandfathers arranged death and the conflicts of her heart she is beginning to question the perfect life that the Officials regulate for them, wondering if through their perfect lives, are the people truley missing out on real life?

6. What did you like about the book? What did you dislike? (3 pts.)

I felt the story was written very well. It was a very intriguing novel based on it's ideas and concepts. The book left me wondering if there regulated lives might actually be better in some ways. With the restrictions there were actually very little stress to their individual lives. Many of the people appeared happy and content with what their life entitled. While decisions were made easy based on the knowledge of the people; the computer system was able to determine exactly what each individual needed to live a fulfilling life. This really seemed to work for almost everyone. Though there were definite restrictions that shouted out wrong to me. For example while people were very limited in their choices some limitations seemed geared more towards control rather than being best for the humane race.

My dislike would be that I didn't always agree with the main characters choices. She was far more rebelious in nature than I would have been. I feel I would have been happy and content with the life the system had provided if I had been in her shoes.

7. Write three essential (higher level thinking) questions that you might use in a culminating discussion of this book. (6 pts)

What are your thoughts on the ending of Cassia's Grandfather? Is the ending of life at age 80 something you could understand? What is your opinion on this as Cassie versus her Grandfathers position?

Why was Cassia so intrigued by her second Match? Would you have reacted in the same way or would you have conformed to the system?

Do you feel Cassia's Grandfather wanted Cassia to take action based on the poem he gave her on his last day? If so why didn't he take action himself at some point while expecting her to take action?



1. Book Title (1 pt.):The Red Umbrella

2. Genre: Historical Fiction

3. Author (1 pt.): Christina Gonzalez

4. Date of Publication (1 pt.): December 13, 2011

5. Write a brief summary of the book you read without giving away the ending! (4 pts.)

This novel was about a family and there cultures struggles that took place in Cuba around 1961. At that time Castro was starting a Revolution that was changing the way the people lived t heir lives. People that didn't celebrate the changes or faught against them were made a public example. The family I read about did not go along with the changes taking place. In fact their father worried about saving their memories hid their jewelry under the floor boards. Shortly after their father was given a warning for the hiding of their jewelry.

The parents finally come to the decision that it is safer to send their children away for the time being to America till things blow over.

6. What did you like about the book? What did you dislike? (4 pts).

I really enjoyed seeing a different perspective about a culture and time in history other than my own. I am aware of the negative attitude people have towards Cuba but I never truly understood why that was.

7. Write three essential (higher level thinking) questions that you might use in a culminating discussion of this book. (6 pts)

Why did Lucia's best friend from Cuba change so much and give up on her dreams? Why would parents agree to Castor and sending their children away rather than just trying to leave?

I really received the impression that Lucia's culture was very structored and dedicated to the raising of their children. In such a case how can a child grow up to be so unbalanced; why did Lucia's crush try to take things to far? Why did he expect more out of her?

If you were living in Cuba during these trying times do you think you would have followed the new change or would you have tried to leave like Lucia's family?



= = =**Book Talk**=



Have you ever wondered if you would find your true love? How would you know they were really the one? What if you had the option to find out who they were, would you believe or would you be skeptical? In the not to distant future __Cassia__, along with the rest of her peers finally turning 18, get to find out who their partner for life will be. In Cassia's Society, Officials decide who your life partner is, what your job will be and at what age you will die. Every part of your life is ran through the system to determine the best possible life you can obtain. At the Matched ceremony each teen turning 18 is introduced to their life partner. Partners have been selected based on compatibility, personality, health and any other characteristics the system can think of to find the perfect match.

As Cassia rides on the train towards her Matching ceremony and her future, she pulls out her compact, a gift from her Grandfather, ( I pull out my personal compact that has a silver circle on the top surrounded by gold detailing and mimic Cassia's actions) as Cassia studies the compact before checking her reflection she wonders what her ancestor would have truly needed this artifact for. Cassia is one of the few families that still possess a family heirloom that has been passed down over the years. Through the generations these heirloom's have lost their original purpose, and with it, their meaning.

After years of dreaming of this night Cassia is finally ready; extremely anxious, but ready!. She has picked a green dress that reflects her eyes and only carries her compact, a privilege provided for this special occasion. As her family sits down to dinner they are awed by the presentation of food. Again, diet is strictly regulated and generous options are rarely provided. On this momentous evening Cassia learns that her match is from her neighborhood and not only does she know him, he is her best friend; the same boy she sat next to on the train.

Xander, Cassia's match is a charismatic, generous, caring, handsome gentleman whom she has known her entire life. All of a sudden every girl she knows is jealous! For the first time Cassia is uncomfortable in her home town.

The next morning Cassia, curious to learn what she doesn't already know about Xander ,logs into the system quickly discovering she has a second Match! At first shock then curiosity takes over. The society **__never__** makes a mistake!

Looking for reassurance from her Grandfather leaves her even more troubled with a passed down family poem and the words of her Grandmother,"did you wonder?"

Page: 137

Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage, against the dying of the light. And as i read on, I know why it speaks to me; Though wise men at their end know dark is right, Because their words had forked no lightning they, Do not go gentle into that good night.

Stunned by her Grandparent's illegal actions of hiding a poem and puzzled by what the poem could mean Cassia spends time in her Grandpa's favorite place, the outdoors. Here Cassia comes to appreciate the freedom in walking the trails of her own mind while finding happiness and love in unexpected places. Though her personal discoveries are not going unnoticed, the Society of Officials are close behind her every move. How much do they suspect? Could her Grandfathers poem put her family in danger? Could her parents be hiding secrets of their own?

Does Cassia fall for the best friend she would have a beautiful life with or the acquaintance who is forbidden?

Title: Matched By: Ally Condie



1. Book Title : House Rules

2. Genre: Non-Fiction

3. Author: Rachel Sontag

4. Date of Publication: March 25, 2008

5. Write a brief summary of the book you read without giving away the ending! (4 pts.)

This novel is about two daughters and their mother all fighting for their fathers affection. As little girls the daughters caught on pretty quickly that their father was not like typical fathers. As the girls were taking a walk to the park one day with their father they past a sign that said no dog admitted. One of the girls made a joke that gee dad I guess you will have to head back home! Their father did not find it funny at all. He asked his daughters, so you find it funny to think that your father is a dog? Right away the girls learned that only their father could tell the jokes in the house and they would always need to find his jokes funny.

The bigger issues began when the girls started to mature. It was obvious that Rachel was his favorite but at the same time he would tell her how terrible of a person she was, especially for trying to come between him and her mother. Rachel and her mother were both reprimanded one day for Rachel borrowing her mothers vest. Rachel's mother was verbally reprimanded for being so weak to allow her daughter her vest and try to take her place as the mother in the family.

The family had very strict rules. No make-up, proper dress attire, having to be home by curfew, etc. What really made this challenging was that Rachel's parents wouldn't pick her up from school or various other occasions. So in order to make it home in time by curfew she frequently had to seek out rides with strangers. If she got home and had forgot her keys no one would open the door if she rang the doorbell. In fact if anyone other than her father opened the door for her they would be in just as much trouble as Rachel. The father hated using the phone and no one else was allowed to pick it up if it ever rang.

Rachel's shares her life story and the complications and emotional struggle her family members tried to survive.

6. What did you like about the book? What did you dislike? (4 pts).

It was a very interesting story to learn about. It was very hard to finish due to the stress of actually reading it but I'm very glad I got through it, it was a very powerful novel! It was very interesting that Rachele's father was a doctor and no one outside of their household except for his brother really had any clue that anything was wrong.

At the same time the story was horrible ; ( it was so hard to read and not be able to say or do anything. All the times Rachel and her family members were degraded emotionally by their father no one ever seemed to really try to correct him or argue the case. All Rachel ever wanted was to just leave the room. I couldn't understand why she didn't use her words to fight back. Or why her mother allowed this to go on and continued to love and support her husband.

7. Write three essential (higher level thinking) questions that you might use in a culminating discussion of this book. This week, I want you to write questions strictly for discussion here – not project ideas (you’ll see why below). (6 pts)

Why do you feel Rachel's father Steve picked her out as his favorite? Why was all of his admiration and negative views directed towards her?

Why didn't the sisters really team up as children against their father and protect themselves?

While Steve's brother suspected there was something wrong going on in their household why didn't he ever do anything about it?

Comprehension Activity: Create your own project that you could assign for the book you read. Your project should be appropriate for middle or high school students. Make sure that you give specific instructions and provide whatever they might need in terms of graphic organizers, etc. Give me an idea of what you would expect from kids. You can do this by providing an example or writing a paragraph that describes what you would be looking for. I do not intend for you to spend a ton of time creating an example. If it is simple to do, provide one. If not, do the explanation.

I would use this project for Middle School; I believe they would be able to get the most enjoyment and understanding out of this assignment.

For your project you will be creating a Scrapbook for Rachele's family.

You will be needing to take notes of their family vacations and outings during your readings.. I would like you to take pictures with your family and friends with props in the background to show what locations they are visiting. Remember that Steve the father took a camera with him everywhere. I want you to think about what these pictures would look like? Who was his favorite at the time? Who was in trouble? How would this be reflected in each individual family vacation! In the vacation with the bad haircut, do no cut your hair, a wig that you manipulate would suffice!

Think about who would be making this scrapbook in the family? Based on which family you member you have decided to be making the scrapbook, make sure you represent them in the book the strongest!

You should not be spending a lot of money on this scrapbook if any at all. Steve was extremely frugal when it came to purchases. What did he use in his household to fix everything?!!! I should definetly see this material in your book!

The numbers of pages in your scrapbook will be up to you to decide based on which character you believe would have made the family scrapbook. Be able to explain your choice for the amount of pages.

You will be graded on Creativity, Accuracy to details, Work Ethic, Craftsmanship, Understanding of Character



1. Book Title : Bloody Horowitz

2. Genre: Short Story

3. Author: Anthony Horowitz

4. Date of Publication: September 16, 2010

5. Write a brief summary of the book you read without giving away the ending! If you are writing about a collection of stories or poems, you need to talk specifically about 2-3 of the selections in the book. (4 pts.)

Most of the short stories in this book had a message that the reader was supposed to get by the end of the story.

1.) In a small town a group of boys had created a gang. They were allowed to get away with anything in their town. Several boys didn’t always agree with the vandalism and theft that was taking place but saw it better than getting picked on. The boys would sneak into movies, vandalise people homes, etc.

Well one day a very nice Porsche was parked on the side of the road. Two of the boys in the gang noticed it on their way to a movie, which they were planning on sneaking into. As they approached the car the nicer boy of the two figured his buddy who was in charge had planned to mess the car up pretty bad before moving on, so he paused so he wouldn’t get in trouble for not taking advantage of the moment. As they approached the car they discovered not only was it unlocked but the keys were in the ignition. The nicer boy of the two saw this as a red flag but kept his mouth shut and got in. As they sped off in their stolen car they quickly decided to drive the car to the beach which was about half an hour away. They parked the car and had lunch and vandalized some of the other cars in the parking lot. The very nice car had a built in GPS that was very weird and annoying, but it also got them quite lost on the way back home.

2.) A boy had been entered into a contest by his family since he was very smart. The small problem was that the winner was the only person who survived the contest. His father believed his son had a really great chance and that the possibility of their son winning and their family being wealthy rich afterwards was totally worth a shot at it!

6. What did you like about the book? What did you dislike? (4 pts.).

Once you got into a story it was very catchy and interesting.

I disliked how soon each story ended. I discovered that short stories are not my cup of tea. I also disliked how obvious the ending would be and what the point of the story was.

7. Write three essential (higher level thinking) questions that you might use in a culminating discussion of this book. This week, I want you to write questions strictly //for discussion// here – not project ideas (you’ll see why below). (6 pts)

Which story did you feel taught the best lesson?

In the story with the gang members do you think it would influence the way a bully in really life would make his choices? Would members of the gang that joined for protection that did know better but chose to look the other way rethink their choices?

What age would these stories be the most beneficial for reading and learning from?

8. How can you see this book being used in the curriculum? For what grade level would it be most appropriate? Give a specific example of how you as a teacher might use the book as part of the taught curriculum. What specifically would you use it to teach and what would you have students do with it? (7 pts.)

I feel some of these short stories or the book in general would be too harsh for Elementary level students. But Middle School students would probably have the best chance at learning from these stories and be able to handle the extreme situations. This book would probably do well in an art classroom. I think the stories would be fun to have the students draw a poster for each story!