Compare & Contrast

While reading the book Where things come back by John Corey Whaley I've noticed a similar connection between it and the book Somebody up there hates you. One major thing I've noticed is that both of the main characters aren't scared of death. In Where things come back, Cullen's cousin dies; he's taken into a room to identify if that's actually him and Cullen seems calm and string about it. In the book it said, "Yup, that's him. He looked pale, and had something white coming out of his mouth." In Somebody up there hates you, Richard has cancer and lives life to the fullest and is expecting death soon. In the book it said, "This was the most fun I've had in a long time, but I knew this was all going to come to an end soon." One difference they had was that Cullen wasn't the one dying, but Richard was. In Where things come back it said, "Didn't your cousin die from drug use?' 'Yes' he only came home for money or food." In Somebody up there hates you it stated, "You only have a few more days left, what's the plan?" All in all,mi think these books are similar but have their difference. 

Meeting the character

Hello, my name is kamran smith and I'm from Phoenix, Arizona. I am in highschool and I can't wait to join the army like my brother Darius. Life hasn't been the easiest for me these past couple of days. Darius has been identified as a terrorist. He's seen on video as the bomber of the US embassy in Turkey. I myself, have been trying to get my family and i out of the government jail. 

I would describe myself as caring because as I stated in the book, "this is it. My only chance to save my brother." I would also describe myself as wise because in the text i said, "I had to think quick. Maybe she won't notice." I think others would describe me as brave. Personally, I think they see me this way because of how I saved my brother. In the book it said, "I flinched, but the soldier hadn't shot me."

One big conflict that I have faced is that my brother was accused for being a terrorist. This was a problem because they've got it all wrong. In the text it stated, "I didn't have time to care about anything except proving that Darius wasn't a traitor. One plan I have for the future is to raise awareness to people that are accused of something just because of their race. 

How can you make a difference?

Someone can make a difference in the world by starting off small, and slowly but surely building off of that. Someone can make it known by telling people about it because if they don't understand, they most likely will be against it. As long as someone were to get the word out there about something, then it would also be up to the people whether or not to tell others about it. 

Some strengths I can use to make a difference in the world is sharing whatever the cause may be. I would get my voice heard someway and somehow. 

Aha moment - code of honor

As I continue to read the book code of honor, I've started to noticed an aha moment with one of the characters. It was when kamran realized he could escape his cell to help his brother. In the book it said, "this was it. My only chance to escape. My only chance to find my brother. To save Darius. I had to." At this moment kamran realized that he was done being a bystander and decided to stand up for what was right. I don't want to give too much away but, he does end up escaping. Do you think he will get caught?

Code of Honor

Kamran Smith seems to have it all; he’s got a beautiful girlfriend, he’s on top of his football game AND his best friend just scored them free tickets to the Super Bowl. But suddenly, life takes a sharp turn for the worse. Kamran’s older brother, Darius, who had been fighting loyally in the US Army in Afghanistan, is identified as a terrorist. He’s seen on video as the bomber of the US Embassy in Turkey. A few days later, he releases a video ranting against infidels and declaring his mission to wage holy war on the United States.

I've noticed a lot of conflict through out reading. In the book it says "That Arabic kid doesn't deserve to live anymore." Throughout the book, Darius is bullied for his nationality. In the story he gets threatened because they think he's a terrorist; hes the only Arabic in the army.  I think that the other people think that of Darius because they're currently fighting against Iraq. 

How long will I cry?

How long will I cry is about short stories of youth violence. For example one of the stories talked about how this girl named Kim grew up around bad things. Her parents were drug addicts so in her teen years she joined a gang and eventually got pregnant. In the end she ended up being a single mother working for other gang members by selling drugs. A valuable lesson that she learned was to think before you make your decisions. 

I think this book has a lot memory moments; the whole book is about people talking about their past. For example in the book it said, "I remember it like it was yesterday. The sound of the gunshot still lingers in my head." This short story was about the day the guy almost got shot due to gang relations. Not all of the short stories are related to gangs; in one story it said, "My father put a knife to my mothers throat, and man, I thought it was over." This also shows how different characters remember their past; partially why they're telling it. 

Flat Broke : Invisible Lines

While reading "Flat Broke", I have noticed various similarities between this book and "Invisible Lines". One thing that really stood out to me is that both of them talked about making money in some way. In flat broke, the main character Kevin, try's to find different ways to make money to take his crush to the dance; he stated, "Girls love flowers right? Well I need money to buy them." In the book invisible lines, he tries to make money to support his family; he stated, "I was making 50 cents every shoe I did graffiti on. In no time I'll have enough to buy soccer shoes." Some differences about the two books is that in flat broke, he makes money to impress someone; and in invisible lines, he makes money to support his family. I don't know too much background information about Kevin, but he doesn't seem like it's very important to have or get the money he wants. However in invisible lines, trevor needs to make money because his family lives in poverty and he wants to help his mom that has to work in unsafe conditions. 

Spring

What I'm looking forward to this spring break, is going to the skate park. If you didn't know already, I love to skate. I know how to Ollie, shuvit, pop shuvit, frontside and backside 180, and I'm learning to do a kick flip. I also am good with ramps and flat bars. 

Flat broke: Plot

"Flat Broke" is about a 14-year old boy named Kevin. His allowance has been cut off and he has no spending money. Kevin comes up with a way of money-making and starts to put those ideas to work. Not all of his money-making ideas are completely thought out, but he is trying to become rich. 

I think this books plot is that he can't make enough money. I know this because in the book it talked about all the ways he thought of, but never would've really worked. 

I like this book so far because it's short and sweet. Flat broke is more of a lower level boo, but great for when you need a break from longer books. It has 120 pages, and is fiction. I would recommend this book to grade school kids, getting used to reading. 

Somebody up there hates you: theme

As I begin my book project I've real side a theme. My personal thought in what the theme of this book is, is to make the best of everyday. I thought this because Richard doesn't think about dying so much, he's the type of kid that tries to stay positive in his toughest situations. The doctors gave him a certain amount of time to live; in Richards eyes, he had to get out of the hospital and experience some things. For example in the book it said, "Dying is pretty boring, if you get right down to it. It's living here on earth that's interesting."

Sign Post

As I continue to read, "Somebody up there Hates you" I have noticed a sign post in the book. This sign post is called "Memory Moment" meaning, when you're reading and the author interrupts the action to tell you a memory. One memory that stood out in the book was when Richard remembered how he used to spend his Halloween. In the book it said, "This time of year was always my favorite: the best kid-holiday in the world, followed directly by the buildup to my birthday, November 12 -- I mean, that is kid heaven." This specific memory is significant to the book because on Halloween (now), Richard had the time if his life. By this, I mean that he got drunk, high, and went to a bar and met a girl. 

Anne Frank

In the play about Anne Franks Diary, she faced some difficulties in hiding. Some of those include: staying dead silent for 8 hours, going into hiding, living in an attic for about 2 years, and not being the perfect daughter her parents wanted. 

Somebody Up There Hates You

"Somebody up there hates you" by Hollis Seamon is about a smart-mouthed and funny, teenaged-boy named Richard Casey; in most ways, he's a typical seventeen-year-old boy. Except he has cancer, and he's spending his final days in the hospital. His mother, doctors, and the hospital staff are determined to keep Richard alive as long as possible. In this place where people go to die, he has plans to make the most of the life he has left. 

Reading this book so far has had me thinking of what will be next. I think sooner or later, one of the nurses will find out that his uncle took him to the bad side of town (where Richard was restricted to go) and i think Richard and his uncle will get in big trouble. I predict this because in the book it said, "Well, well. What we have here?' Sylvie's father is standing over me, swaying and red-eyed and giving off heat like a chimney. He reaches down and tears my mask off. His spittle sprays onto my face. 'Could it be? Our little wise-ass punk? Out of the hospital? Not so sick, after all? You lying fake." This is when Richard got caught in the bar, where he was not supposed to be. What I think would happen to him is that the nurse that let him out, would be fired. According to him, she's one of the good nurses too, making it worse for Richard for loosing a great nurse.

Holocaust

I think they were bystanders because they didn't want to get in trouble and possibly put into the camps with them. Once there was a person who actually stood up, it opened other people's eyes to do the same. If I was in this situation I would've been an up stander because I feel that it's right to stand up for what's wrong. I would hide some Jews in my house and help them in ways as much as I can.  

A Place to Travel

If I were to travel to one place in the world, I would travel to the Bahamas. The Bahamas has cristal clear waters. You can swim with the Dolphins, collect sea shells, go snorkeling, and a lot more. Personally, I would also like to go to the Bahamas for their food. My favorite is Bahamian style macaronni and cheese. One of the best attractions is the paradise island. This is a resort with hotels, water parks, and tours. If I were to go to Paradise Island, I would personally go on the water slide that takes you underwater. While you are underwater, you are still in the tube, and you can see sharks swimming around you. Here's a video showing the resort:

New Year Resolution

My New Year resolution is to get better at basketball. The steps that I will take to peruse this is: work on being better at defense, practice different dribbling skills, and practicing my shots. Some things to have that will be beneficial is gaining leg and arm muscle. Something that I am looking forward, besides getting better at basketball, is being more positive and making a better life style for myself