Gone
dystopian fiction
dystopian fiction
Imagine, you are sitting in Ms. Battle's classroom and she suddenly disapears. One second there and the next... gone. What would you do? How about if everyone over the age of 18 "poofed" out of thin air? In Gone, you will get to read a first hand account, in a dystopian universe. Will kids be able to survive on their own? When your 18th birthday arrives do you disappear? There are so many questions to be answered. They quickly discover they are trapped in some sory of dome, that they cannot see out of.
Sam has been delagated as the leaded of the community of kids- a job he did not ask for or want. With food supplies dangerously low, secrets come out, and magic is discovered. This is the first book in a 9 book series. Every page keeps you guessing. Follow Sam on his jounrey to find out what is happening in Perido Beach and if the parents ever come back or if the kids self-destruct without suppervison.
Standards Related:
Ms. Battle's Opinion:
I love, love, this series. Besides The Hunger Games, this is my favorite young adult series. I have read all 9 books and own them all if you are interested in reading the series. I recommend this series for 5th grade and older students. As the series progresses, the story becomes dark.
science fiction
"Primrose Everdeen!” Katniss Everdeen heard her sister's name ringing in her ears. In the annual Hunger Games, one boy and one girl are picked as tributes to represent their district in a fight to the death. Katniss was quick to volunteer in place of her sister. District 12 had never had a volunteer before. "Peta Melark" no- not him Katniss thought as Effie Trinket shouted from atop the steps of the Justice building. No one volunteered in place of Peeta. As Katniss is whisked away to the capital she says goodbye to her family for what she thinks will be the last time. Katniss is the main provider for her poor, undernourished family in District 12 of Panaem. Her father was killed in the mine. Her mother to distraught to work and her sister selling milk from her goat for change. Now she will never see them again. Gale will take care of them she reassures herself. As the tributes arrive at the capital, they are given just a few days to prepare to be the last one standing. Katniss knows she has to survive. Much like reality TV today, the game-makers need to make the games more interesting. The lovers from District 12 sounds nice, doesn't it? During interviews, Peeta confesses his undying love to Katniss. Katniss proceeds to hit him after that. Once in the arena, the two are separated until the announcement is made that two people from the same district will be able to win together- this is the first time that has ever happened. Only because they want the drama! Read to find out if Katniss and Peeta survive together. I can't do all the work for ya!
Mrs. Battle's Opinion:
This is my favorite book series of ALL time. I have read all three books multiple times. This series is more graphic than others I have on this site. I would recommend this series for middle schoolers and older. I feel elementary is too young.
Standards Related:
O ELAGSE6RL5: Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot.
O ELAGSE7RL9: Compare and contrast a fictional portrayal of a time, place, or character and a historical account of the same period as a means or understanding how authors of fiction use or alter history.
O ELAGSE8RL7: Analyze the extent to which a filmed or live production of a story or drama stays faithful to or departs from the text or script, evaluating the choices made by the director or actors.
Tragedy struck in 1937, now are all the guest of Hotel Ruby destined for the same fate?
Audrey and her brother, Daniel, just lost their mother three months ago. No one is handing it well. Their dad is shipping them off to live with their grandmother, who they have only met a handful of times. During the trip, the family takes a stop at the Hotel Ruby to rest for the night. They noticed the weirdness right away. Their short detour quickly becomes a three night stay. To a forver stay?
Daniel and Audrey have become fascinated with the longterm guests of the hotel. The workers of the hotel warn Audrey of the strage occuraces and beg her to say away from the guests. Only Audrey is dying to get an invitation to the mystery party that happens every night. Her father and Daniel have recieved an invitation, why hasn't she? She also needs to find out what is going on with creepy concerige. Audrey has a lot of questions before she can leave this hotel. If she can ever leave.
Mrs. Battle's Opinion:
This story is chilling. It left me up at night. I did not expect what happened to happen. In the words of Joey Tribbian, "Put that book in the freezer!!" I had no idea what was actually happening in the story till the final few chapters of the book. I thought I knew- then out of nowhere the truth is revealed.
Standards Related:
ELAGSE8RL2: Determine a theme and/or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to the characters, setting, and plot; provide an objective summary of the text.
This book has opened my eyes to the pain and trials that Central Americans and Mexicans face trying to find a new life in the states. I was under many assumptions about immigration and immigrants. I have learned that many immigrants try multiple times to get into the states. Some are deported back to their home country, turn right around and try again. Enrique tried the jounry 8 times to get to his mother. That is the common goal on this deadly journey, to find the mothers that have left them. Most want to know if their mothers still love their children. It has been 11 years since Enrique's mother left to find a better life in the states. She told her self she would be gone for one year at the most- that was 10 years ago and she has never been back. She sends money, clothes and toys for her kids, but nothing fills the ache in their hearts for their mother. Once Enrique realizes his mother is never coming back, he makes the decision to find her himself. His journey is not easy and left tears in my eyes multiple times. I praise Sonia Nazario, the author, for daring the exact journey Enrique took to find his mom. It is very dangerous, but Sonia did it to have the most accurate account of Enrique's jounrey.
Mrs. Battle's Opinion:
I have a new perspective after reading this book. This journey is one that I did not know occured. I was ignorant to the fact that many mothers leave their children in hopes for a better life.
Standards Related:
ELAGSE9-10RI3: Analyze how the author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or events, including the order in which the points are made, how they are introduced and developed, and the connections that are drawn between them.
ELAGSE11-12RI3: Analyze a complex set of ideas or sequence of events and explain how specific individuals, ideas, or events interact and develop over the course of the text.