I recently read these works in a Political Science class, where our main discussion was on true Justice. We expounded on the principal of justice as we evaluated the actions of each protagonist. I really enjoyed this class, because it involved Literature to makes the classes political point, instead of a lecturer and information. Class participation was increased because the Literary work was interpreted by different perspectives.
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![]() After completing the Novel The Crazy Man I noticed many aspects which could be related to this specific read. It brought attention to what post war life was like in a rural setting, where dependence upon crops meant the difference between eating or not. It also showed am accurate world perspective upon Mental Illnesses in Canada during the 1960’s. One could also relate this novel to the inner strength of the young girl as she faced the outcome of a horrible accident which changed her outward image and also changed her family dynamic. Each character played an important role in order to move the plot along and to see the perspectives it shows. The main character, even though she has suffered from the fallout of her accident, is an example of a strength, determination, acceptance and standing for her own beliefs and convictions. Her actions through the novel can stand as a role model for everyone to accept that just because it is doesn’t make it right. For me, this novel reminded me of the times I would be gone all day with my own father in a hot stuffy tractor, as he planted, or harvested our own crops, which was a happy memory. However, a sad memory was the time lost with my father because he was always working in the fields and the stress those fields caused. I really appreciated the acceptance of the Angus into her family and how his difference was overlooked and he became an important person in Em’s life. Acceptance of what is not normal or which cannot be explained is important to me, and I believe as we emulated that belief the world can become better. Pamela Porter’s style of free verse poetry is also unique, which is not commonly seen. I could use this source in a poetry unit because it is fresh and in this time era. Which would give students a different perspective on Poetry, other than the classics. ![]() High Stakes follows the dealings of a Luke Calloway as he seeks his revenge against a powerful Politician and dangerous outlaws, for the murder of his Parents. At 14, young Luke is forced into a life of necessity and caution. When time presents himself to avenge his parents death against the outlaw, he is unable and his forced on the run from assassins. While running, he encounters a young girl, slightly younger then himself, who is also running from a situation unbecoming. Together they run and learn from each other as they grow in character and learn that the road of vengeance is hard. Will the this path, the politician out to see him dead or his own actions be the downfall of Luke Calloway? So many times in my life, I have felt wronged and wanted a type of retribution, however, we cannot always control our surroundings and the surroundings of others. We need to accept that we cannot always control the outcome from others' decisions. We are only responsible for ourselves and the actions we create. Just because it is doesn't mean it should be. High Stakes is the companion to the book Wild Card, as Frank was a part of the outlaws gang and crossed paths with Luke in both a negative and positive way. Their paths both similar drove them to become the men they are as the left their boy hood squabbles behind. Jeanie Hansen has dedicated her life to her family, her children, her grand kids, teaching and writing. While writing and editing in her town Paper, she found joy as a librarian. She has had a lucrative carrier as a writer of Young Adult and Young Teenager literature. ![]() Wild Card is about the travels of a young boy. After running away from home, life isn't all what Frank expected it to be like. After making choices that he is not proud of leads to a moment of regret and hardship. As he grows into a young man, his past haunts him and keeps him from going home. When an unexpected tragedy leaves him with a new perspective on life, he is more determined to put the past behind him and confront his future. However, not everyone likes this plan because they are linked to Frank's past as well. Will they let him change or kill him before he can set right his wrongs? Jeanie Hansen has written many books for Older teenagers and Young adults. She deals with issues concerning the heart, forgiveness and perseverance. She has been a teacher in different auxiliaries all her adult life and is a mother and grandmother. We all have moments we regret in life, and so I feel connected to this book because I too wish I could change past actions. While my actions are completely different than Franks I understand that my past makes me who I am, and I am a stronger person because of them. This book is connected to High stakes because the characters not only cross over into this work, but the young men are very similar in countenance and action. I encourage everyone to read and travel these amazing journeys. ![]() Shanghai Escape, by Kathy Kacer Just as they thought they were safe, because they left Vienna in the middle of the night to live in Asia, Lily and her Jewish family's world is changed forever again, when the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor and take control of Shanghai, China. Now her life is living in the ghetto, scrapping for food and warmth. Will her biggest fear come to life, of losing her family, as more and more news of the Holocaust reaches her ears? Will the Japanese finish what Hitler started? Who will save them now? ![]() A Friend in Need, by Kathy Kacer This short novel continues the story of young Margrit as her growing family has adopted a young Polish girl who is a refugee of the Holocaust. This young girl has struggled in order to keep her life as she slept in closets and eat minimal food, so that the Nazis could not find her. As much as Margrit tries to help her and become her friend, the young girl resists all motives Margrit makes. Will Margrit be able to reach this young girl in time, or will it be too late? ![]() Home Free: Margrit Book One, By Kathy Kacer This short story experiences the journey of a young girl, who leaves her native home with her mother, in order to flee the control of Nazi Germany. They leave behind her father, who was taken into custody by the Nazis. Margrit deals with a new life in a foreign country, where some of the residents do not want them. She needs to learn a new language and enter a new school. On top of all this, how will she cope with no news of her fathers well-being? Will they be a complete family again? ![]() Africa is my home, by Monica Edinger This short novel deals with historical issues that our world continually encounters. A young girl, taken from her home, sold and abused works toward reaching her homeland and family once more. This novel can be related to many incidents that continue in our day. The fact of the literacy problem in much of the world has an effect on many individuals and families. Then the enslavement of an individual is still a problem in the 21st century. How do we solve a problem that has existed longer than us? ![]() Insurgent, by Veronica Roth This novel is the sequel to Divergent. We see the continuing path of Tris, as she continues in the teachings of her parents, as she becomes more dauntless and courageous in her journey to find the truth and best solution for their community. Her character continues to develop as you see her compassion and vulnerability become her motivator and her strength. Many times in this world today, we are told that the worth of being different is not accepted. However, I am different and many others are different and it is okay to stand up for those differences. Whether those differences are religious, spiritual, physical or intellectual, we have a right to stand up for ourselves. For what are you willing to stand up? ![]() Farm Boy, by Michael Morpurgo Have you ever wondered what became of the War Horse Joey, after a young man risked all to be reunited with him in a war torn world? Well this sequel shows the next chapter of Joey's and his master's life, through the eyes of the next generations. Does Joey still have the same spirit that drove he before the war, and helped him survive it as well? |
J. Chantal BeazerI am a Professional Educator with a Bacholor degree in General Humanities, my stream of study was in Native American Studies and French and Spanish Literature. Archives
November 2016
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