Writers and Advice Corner
Meet the TruthFinder!
Have no fear, TruthFinder is back this year! Did you know that you can receive anonymous advice by submitting questions to the TruthFinder box in the Library? We are also working on getting a box in the cafeteria. Submit your question in the advice box today!
Dear TruthFinder,
Why are students so mean?
- Wondering Sixth Grader
Dear Wondering,
Middle schoolers, especially sixth graders are in a new environment that may take some getting used to. Students may react to this change and transition in different ways. Some of these ways may include being mean to other students. Other students may just not realize how mean they are being, or how they are hurting the people with whom they interact with. There are lots of reasons for people to be mean in general, and I recommend that students talk to a counselor if situations get hard. Also, staying positive motivates others to be positive more as well!
- TruthFinder
Dear TruthFinder,
What should I do if I sit by people who talk too much and the teacher keeps thinking I’m the problem?
- I Need Help!
Dear I Need Help,
Don’t let other people around you pull you down! If you are around distractions and students with negative behaviors, you should talk to your teacher. Avoid arguing with your teacher. Instead, find a better time to discuss the situation. After class, during lunch, or after school are great times to meet with a teacher and let them know what’s bothering you. Maybe the teacher will be willing to move your seat or someone else’s seat in order to lessen distractions. Talking to the teacher is not “snitching,” so don’t let other students talk you out of making good decisions. Talking to the teacher is the best way to make sure that you stay out of trouble. Also, stay focused on the lesson and do well on your assignments. This will also help the teacher see that you are on the right track in class.
- Truthfinder
Bookworms' Book Reviews
The best of the books from avid readers.
Zero Day, by Jan Gangsei
By Mira Whitaker-Kanner, Monticello - Grade 8
If you’re looking for a good spy thriller, then Zero Day is the book for you. Focused on 16 yr old Addie Webster, the President's daughter, who was kidnapped when she was eight and recently appeared again. To most, she appears a poor, innocent girl. But to some, there's something strange about her sudden appearance, as well as the mysterious terrorist attacks happening in Washington. Is Addie really what she seems? Good book with an exciting premise, and revelations that will have you gasping. The pace of the book is a bit fast, but that will just mean you’ll want to read it in one go.
Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry
By Margo Burke, Roxboro - grade 7
The book Number The Stars by Lois Lowry is about a young Danish girl named Annmarie whose home country has been occupied by Nazi soldiers who are dead set on getting all the Jews out of Denmark. Annmarie’s best friend Ellen is Jewish and her whole family is suddenly in danger of being deported. Unless the Danish Resistance can find someway to save the Jews of Denmark, and Ellen!
Number The Stars is a touching book about the true meaning of patriotism and bravery. It displays lengths people will go to to save the places and the people they love. This story of love, friendship, loss, and hope will force you to reflect on your decisions and ask yourself: What does make a person brave?
Dragonsong, a Harper Hall of Pern Novel by Anne McCaffrey
By Anna Fisher, Roxboro - grade 7
Menolly of Half-circle sea hold has been forbidden to play music or sing because she is not a boy. And to make matters worse her knife slips when she was gutting packtail. Then one day she snaps, she just can’t be around music any more. So she packs up and leaves, and with thread from the Red Star due soon it is very dangerous to do so...
This book is amazing! I’ve read it several times and it never gets old.
The characters are well-rounded and interesting. It's an easy but fun read. I recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy or is just excited for a good read.
Poetry Corner
Powerful poetry
“4th Quarter Advice”
By Mariyah Gulley, Monticello - grade 8
School’s almost over
But keep your grades up and try
When summer comes, “Bye!”
“Cleveland is my Home”
By Jayden Honaker (grade 7 - Monticello)
I live in a city called Cleveland,
But you may know it as Believeland.
This town is full of a lot of mysteries,
Along with successes that have made history.
IT’s a place to have fun and enjoy,
And work at a job and employ.
You can do whatever you want all the time,
And drink famous beers and wines.
Cleveland is my favorite city ever,
I'll remember it for its seasonal weather.
As I rest to soon pass away later on,
CLeveland will never, and I mean, never, be gone.
“Paradise Indeed”
By Jayden Honaker (grade 7 - Monticello)
I’ve got to a city called Vegas,
A city that is very famous!
Full of shock and entertainment,
In which you dream of many arrangements.
A city full of riches and lights,
With the whole year great to fly a kite!
Located in the Western U.S near a desert,
Empty of rain with no alerts.
Las Vegas is fantastic indeed,
In which kids will plead their parents “please!”,
As I arise back to Cleveland I know,
I will keep on praying and blow!
“Nature”
By Christian Horton (grade 7 - Monticello)
A tiger roars loud
A butterfly spreads its wings
Nature is the best
Trees grow skyhigh and plants too
Nature is spectacular
“Ode to a Cat”
By Anna Fisher, grade 7 - Roxboro)
Pitter Patter
On the floor
Then you hear a clatter
Then a roar
The cat sits on the floor
His eyes a plead
Because of his fault
He is of need
Attention he craves
Good and the bad
You wonder how long
To put up with his games
Cuddles he gives
And the purrs as well
He thinks he has you
Under a spell
Then, ZOOM!
He's gone!
Due to the faintest sound
Or the opening of a door
And there you find him
Under the table
Staring at you from
The black depths of his cave