Just Jemi: April 2012

Monday, April 30, 2012

Z

As a writer, my A to Z challenge is going to be about books, characters, TV shows and movies that have impacted me somehow. Enjoy! Be sure to check out Lee’s blog to find more bloggers taking on this challenge!

Zombies? Zorro? Zero. Zip.

Yup. I've got nothing. Not a darn thing. Well, not quite true. I’ve got exhaustion! And sore fingers from all that typing. A lot of great memories. And a lot of new bloggy friends. So, thanks so much to Arlee Bird and his merry band of followers! It’s been a great month and I’m SO glad Lee talked me into signing up this year. Just one more thing...

Zzzzzzz......

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Yoda

Yoda

“Do or do not. There is no try.” Love that quote and love the character. Jim Henson was an incredible genius. I LOVED the Muppets when they were on when I was a kid – Animal, Fozzie, Beaker, Pigs in Space... Fabulous characters and stories. When I heard Henson was going to be responsible for a character in the Star Wars series, I was beyond thrilled. And Yoda met every expectation.

Are you a muppet/puppet fan? Who is your favourite?

Friday, April 27, 2012

X-Men

X-Men

I read comics when I was a kid – but mostly the Archie type series. Don’t know why I didn’t do the other kinds because I love all of their stories. So, I’d never heard of X-Men until the movie came out. Loved all the characters and their abilities. And of course having Patrick Stewart & Ian McKellen in it was a HUGE added bonus! Such great imagination and yet another story with many layers and many insights into humanity’s character.

Who’s your favourite X-Men character? Did you read comics as a kid?

Thursday, April 26, 2012

(A) Whale for the Killing

A Whale for the Killing

(source - GoodReads)

This is the last Farley Mowat book on my list. As you can tell, his work really impacted me. This is another true tale – this time of a whale that gets trapped by the tides. This book shows us all sides of the human experience. On the one hand we have people working desperately to save this poor, scared creature. On the other, we have people having fun with their guns using it for target practice. Details of whaling practices are interspersed with the narrative – sometimes enough to make you ill. Another powerful read. Another powerful message that we’re not nearly the species we should be.

Any favourite reads of yours have environmental/social messages?

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Virunga

Virunga

(source)

This is another Farley Mowat masterpiece. It’s the story of Dian Fossey’s life and death and it combines Mowat’s narrative with excerpts from Fossey’s diaries. Fossey spent most of her life studying the mountain gorillas in Africa. She was an incredible woman with strong passions. Her life wasn’t easy – and she didn’t always make it easy for those around her. This book is filled with powerful messages and strong themes and is one book I wish everyone would read. Her murder has never been solved, probably because there were so many people who profited from her death – and so much money (& politics) working against her. This is a hard hitting book – we need to treat ourselves, other people and species and our planet much better than we do.

What's a hard hitting book you think everyone should read?

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Underground to Canada

Underground to Canada

(source)

Barbara Smucker wrote this fabulous book. This is another one I read aloud frequently to my students. If they read it themselves, they usually don’t have the background knowledge required to love the book. When I read it, we can discuss as we go – and, boy!, do we discuss. They find the whole situation incomprehensible. How could people think they could own people? How could they treat people like that? How could they be so cruel? How could they...

This is another book where I have kids cheering at some points and with tears in their eyes at others. Powerful emotions. If the kids in my classes are any indication, we’ll never have to worry about this horrific chapter of human history being repeated. Trust me, there is wonderful hope for the future.

What's your favourite historical book?

Monday, April 23, 2012

The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz

(I know, I know – we don't normally count The, but I filled up my W already! Shhh!)

The movie. I liked the books well enough as a kid, but for me, this is one example of the movie surpassing the book. I remember watching it on TV every year growing up. I couldn’t wait for it to come back. I loved it all – even the flying monkeys! Judy’s voice blew me away and the magic of Oz was undeniable. And the scarecrow? Best of all. I still get a thrill when Dorothy opens that door into a world of colour and wonder.

Do you have any movies that were favourites when you were a kid that you still love today? Or movies you like better than the book(s)?

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Star Trek or Star Wars

Star Trek, Star Wars

How to choose??? I encountered Star Trek first. I loved the possibilities in that series. It was my first taste of science fiction. I’ve loved all of the series and most of the movies (there are a couple of read duds in there though!). I wrote my first scripts (albeit in my head) about Star Trek. And then George Lucas came along. Star Wars was so ‘big’ when it came out. Lucas is brilliant and we’d never seen anything like it on the screen. My favourite characters were always the nonhumans – Chewie, R2D2, C3PO, Yoda. Well Han Solo too - of course! What’s not to love? So, I'm going with 2 this time - I can't choose!

So, which do you prefer: Star Trek or Star Wars?

Friday, April 20, 2012

Ranger's Apprentice

Ranger’s Apprentice

(source - John Flanagan's site)

I only discovered this series a couple of years ago – thanks to Elana Johnson on twitter during a #yalitchat or a #kidlitchat. I asked for books boys in my class would like and she said this was sure to be a hit. She was right – with the added bonus that my girls love it too. The setting is medieval and the main character, Will, isn’t your typical hero. He’s smaller than average, a little bit awkward – and he doesn’t get his dream come true. And that works out really well for him. It’s a great series - tons of adventure!

Do you like stories with medieval settings? How about unexpected story twists?

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Q

Q is a great character from Star Trek: The Next Generation. He also visits a few of the other Star Trek worlds. I love Q because he would drive me absolutely batty in the real world. He’s an omnipotent being who is utterly obnoxious. Yet, you can’t help liking him, hoping for him to (finally) redeem himself. If you’re trying to make your characters flawed, yet not completely unlikable, check out Q – we can learn a lot from him! Villains are so much more fun when we like at least part of their personalities!

Who’s your favourite flawed character?

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Pern

Pern

(source - Anne McCaffrey's site)

Parallel Earth Resources Negligible. That’s the name and the acronym for the planet Anne McCaffrey created. It rivals Middle Earth as my favourite fantasy setting. The dragons and their riders fight a recurring menace from the sky – thread. This thread devours anything alive – and is a fantastic villain. Pern’s society is incredibly complex - and its history is fascinating. If I could live in a book for a while, this is the world I would choose. Dragons. Fire lizards. Telepathic communication. Love it!

Would you like to be a dragon rider?

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Outsiders

The Outsiders

(source - SE Hinton's site)

I didn’t read this book as a kid – and I wish I had. I’ve read this one to all my grade 8 classes over the years. It’s one of those books that can make a reader out of someone who has never found stories that interesting. Ponyboy draws in readers with the contrasting aspects to his personality – tough gang member, sensitive thinker. There’s one scene that will cause absolute silence in a grade 8 classroom and will cause every single member of the class (including me) to have tears in their eyes or on their cheeks. If you’ve read it, you know the scene. That book has made it okay for boys in my class to feel – and to discuss those feelings aloud. Awesome.

Any books you know that make boys comfortable discussing their feelings?

Monday, April 16, 2012

Never Cry Wolf

Never Cry Wolf

(source)

Wow. This book was my first introduction to Farley Mowat’s work. It’s based on his experiences being sent to the Canadian north to find out why the wolves were destroying the herds of caribou. Mowat lived in the remote parts of our country for a year and found out the wolves were doing nothing of the kind. It’s an incredible tale – even better because it’s true. So many great scenes that had me laughing out loud. And it’s another book that will make you think – and quite possibly change your perspective. This is not the only time this incredible author will show up in my challenge posts!

Do you know any of Mowat’s work? Have you seen the movie based on the book?

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Maniac Magee

Maniac Magee

(source - Jerry Spinelli's site)

This is another book I read aloud as often as I can. It’s usually the first book I read in the year. The story has so many layers! On the surface, it’s a funny story about a kid who likes to run and is trying to find a home (his parents died when he was young and his aunt & uncle are too bizarre to live with). But it’s about so much more – love, friendship, courage, and above all racism and family. This is another book that spawns incredible discussions in the classroom. The kids are always amazed at how life ‘used to be.’ And they’re very glad that racism doesn’t exist anymore. And, yes, the students in my room don’t always speak English at home, they have all varieties of glorious skin colours and they don’t understand racism at all. I love my job!

Do you know of any other books that handle serious topics with a light-hearted manner?

Friday, April 13, 2012

Lord of the Rings

Lord of the Rings

You knew I had to include this one! I read the books immediately after I finished The Hobbit in grade 5 or 6. I read them multiple times in the years that followed. The scope of Middle Earth is incredible and so beautifully realized. I can drop into that world again, and again and again. When the movies came out, I was terrified. I don’t usually like movie versions. But, wow! Jackson and company captured the essence of Middle Earth. The play of light and shadow in the movies is one of my favourite parts. It echoes the morality of the books and characters, and makes the movies beautiful to watch over and over again.

Which movies do you like to watch because they are so beautifully done?

Thursday, April 12, 2012

(To) Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird

(source - Harper Lee's site)

(Shhh, don’t tell anyone I cheated!!!! But the 2^nd word can work for K! Right? Right! Thanks!)

I didn’t read this book until I was an adult. It wasn’t part of our Canadian curriculum. It should be. It should be part of everyone’s world. Such a POWERFUL book. So many layers. Scout. Boo. Atticus. Reading. Racism. Wisdom as opposed to knowledge. Kindness. Life. Death. Integrity. Honesty. Honour. Love. Justice. And probably a whole lot more. This is a gentle book in rhythm and in heart, but it runs so very deep and touches so very deep.

Any books you think everyone should experience?

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Joey Pigza

As a writer, my A to Z challenge is going to be about books, characters, TV shows and movies that have impacted me somehow. Enjoy! Be sure to check out Lee’s blog to find more bloggers taking on this challenge!

Joey Pigza

(source - Jack Gantos' site)

Such an incredible character! I’ve been a teacher for a long time. I’ve never had a class without at least 1 student with ADHD. In fact, there are usually 3 or 4 kids with this condition. Society has a mostly negative attitude towards people who have ADHD. I try to help kids realize there are lots of positive aspects – creativity, a fluid brain, an ability to make quick and accurate connections between seemingly disparate items. Joey Pigza showcases all of this – all sides of the reality. And to boot, the kid has a heart the size of Jupiter. It's nice for kids to read about such a positive character.

Do you know of any other characters who have ADHD? Or characters who aren't always what we expect?

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

In Death

In Death series

(source - JD Robb's site)

I talk a lot about kids’ books. They really are a passion of mine. But, my favourite books to read for myself are romantic suspense. Nora Roberts/JD Robb does this extremely well. I love the Eve Duncan In Death series. Eve’s one of the most complex characters I’ve ever met. I also love the setting – 2060ish in New York City. Robb has created a very realistic near future – neither utopian or dystopian. I wouldn’t be in the least surprised that many of her predictions turn out to be right on.

What book or show do you think portrays a realistic vision of our future?

Monday, April 9, 2012

(The) Hobbit

The Hobbit

So hard to choose for H! (Harry Potter & Hatchet were my next two top picks!)

The Hobbit was my first venture into the world of high fantasy. My parents gave me a beautiful boxed edition when I was in grade 5 or 6. I fell in love. Bilbo is a fantastic character and his journey (both internally and externally) is a lot of fun to follow. Tolkien's words and lyrical phrasing enthralled me. I've just finished reading this aloud to my class - in anticipation of the movie coming out this year. I love the trailer - looks like this movie is going to be just as good as Lord of the Rings - and that's saying something in my opinion!

Are you waiting impatiently for the movie version of The Hobbit?

Saturday, April 7, 2012

(The) Giver

(source - Lois Lowry's site)

Lois Lowry. Genius. I read this book every 2nd year (I usually have some kids 2 years in a row so I can’t read it every year). This is one of those books with an ending that will blow your mind and make you want to scream. And it will keep you thinking and wondering for days. (If you’re crazy enough to visit me every day in April so far, you know this is a trend for me.) It’s usually the first book my students read/hear that has a utopian world - and this is NOT a place they’d love to be. It's a great opening into dystopian stories for them. We have the most amazing discussions about choices and emotions and love and risks when I’m reading this book. Awesome! It’s also a highly challenged book – a lot of people want it pulled off shelves. More great discussions about that!

What are some of your favourite banned books?

Friday, April 6, 2012

Fahrenheit 451

Fahrenheit 451

(source - Ray Bradbury's site)

Love this book. The first line, “It was a pleasure to burn,” always gives me chills. This was another eye opener for me. We read it in high school and I spent hours thinking about it. Thinking about society and people and thoughts and freedom and technology and not believing everything you’re told. Mind boggling stuff for me – I grew up in a wonderful family, and despite reading so widely and having such great parents, I was ridiculously naive about a lot of things. This book really turned my attention to science fiction, dystopia and all other books speculating about the future. Still love them!

Any favourite first lines you remember without having to look?

And in honour of the letter F, I'm over at From the Write Angle today talking about Reading What you Write. I hope you pop on over and join the discussion! :)

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Ender's Game

(source Orson Scott Card's website)

Love this story. When I first read it, I was blown away. The characters were so real, so different from other books I’d read. I remember thinking that the author’s mind was incredible. How could people think up things like that? The scenes in the zero gravity section were my favourites – just the way of looking at the world – having to realize there was no up or down. Reading Ender’s Game really expanded my thinking and way of looking at the world.

Do you remember the first book making you look beyond what you’d always known?

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Dogsled Dreams

Dogsled Dreams

(source)

This is a recent read of mine. I’d known Terry from her blog before her book came out. I ordered myself a copy and won a copy on another blog. I read the book myself and loved it. I decided to read it aloud to the students in my class. (I’m very selective about the books I read aloud!) The kids LOVED it. There were lots of groans when I finished reading each day – they didn’t want me to stop. Since then, many of the students have reread the book. If I didn’t have so many of the students again this year, I’d read it again. I know the students next year will love it too!

Do you remember any books your teachers read to you that completely sucked you in?

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Charly

(source)

This book is really called Flowers for Algernon, but the cover I read had the name Charly written across the front with one of the letters spelled backwards. I’ve always called it Charly. I read this book in grade 9 or 10 and was amazed by the whole book. It’s written from Charly’s pov and it follows his journey as he is given medication to make him super smart and then his journey back as the meds stop working. It’s heartbreaking and brilliant. And makes you really think about scientific research and its impact on people. Very powerful stuff in this book.

Have you read any other books about scientific research that have scared you? Or inspired you?

Monday, April 2, 2012

Bones

I’d read several of Kathy Reichs' books before I found the TV series. Tempe Brennan is a really great character. She’s brilliant, but she’s so much more. There’s a lot of history in the books that never makes it on screen. In fact, the two versions of the same story are very, very different - even though they have the same bones (sorry, couldn't resist). I like that. The characters and storylines in the books and on TV develop in very different directions, and most of that is because of the format delivering the story. Really makes me think as a writer.

Do you enjoy any books that have been turned into TV shows?

Sunday, April 1, 2012

And Then There Were None

I’ve done it to myself now! In yet another moment of insanity, I signed myself up for Arlee Bird’s Infamous (oops, I meant Famous!) A to Z challenge. It’s not the posting daily which scares me (much), but I’m worried about not keeping up with the commenting on other blogs. So if, I’m not there as often this month, I apologize! Blame Lee and his crew of crazies. (Yeah, yeah, I know. I’m one of them...) :)

As a writer, my A to Z challenge is going to be about books, characters, TV shows and movies that have impacted me somehow. Enjoy!

And Then There Were None.

This is my favourite Agatha Christie book. My mom introduced me to Christie’s mysteries in Grade 6. Thankfully, the library stocked all of her books. I devoured them! I loved this one especially because it really kept me thinking and wondering and guessing. The concept of ten people trapped on an island and being killed off one by one is fabulous. I’ve read this book to every Grade 8 class I’ve had – they love it.

Do you enjoy murder mysteries? Any Agatha Christie fans out there?

(source)