In Hollow City by Ransom Riggs, Emma Bloom is one of the main characters. She is a peculiar child with the ability to manipulate fire.
Emma was introduced in the first book in the series, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. When I first "met" her, I thought she was rude and evasive. Every time Jacob (one of the other main characters) tried to talk to her, she would run away before he could get to her. Emma would also speak bluntly and abruptly to Jacob. She seemed wild, contumelious, and impudent.
However, I have come to realize that Emma is none of those things. She is actually a very caring leader that looks out for others. The literal fire within her causes her to be bold and passionate. She helps her friends to stay out of danger; she keeps her friends from getting hurt. She is a strong pillar in the group.
The reason Emma came off as being a bit cold in the beginning was because she was suspicious that Jacob was a Wight (an enemy to the children). She did not want him to discover her friends or their home. She was trying to protect them.
After the group of peculiar children stayed with some Gypsies they met along their journey, Emma talked to the leader of the Gypsies. She said, "But at the risk of seeming rude, we can't possibly stay with you any longer" (Riggs, 136).
This demonstrates Emma's character because she's displaying her gratitude. It also helps to show how she is a motivated leader. The children just finished dinner with the Gypsies, and now she is already talking about moving on and continuing their journey to London to save their headmaster. Emma thinks not about how others can motivate her, but how she can motivate others.
If you would like to learn more about Emma, here is a link to a Wiki devoted to Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children with information about Emma:
http://thepeculiarchildren.wikia.com/wiki/Emma_Bloom
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Post #7: The best thing about my book is…
I'm currently reading Hollow City by Ransom Riggs. The best thing about my book is the suspense and unexpected plot twists.
The main characters in the book are all children that have peculiar traits, talents, and abilities. After their home was bombed, people tried to hunt the children down because of their peculiarity. After nearly getting kidnapped by their enemies, the children had to escape from their home on an island and paddle for more than 6 hours to safety. There were several storms at sea. Multiple times, their boats almost flipped. Then, once they reached the shore, they were almost discovered by their enemies.
After meeting some peculiar animals that could talk, the children were given directions to navigate the island they had landed on. On a path headed toward a train station, they came across a group of Gypsies. The children secretly hopped onto the back of their covered wagons so they would arrive at their destination quicker. However, after the Gypsies stopped to put up camp, they discovered the children. The Gypsies put the children in a cage and were going to hold them there until they figured out what to do with the children.
But, once again, things didn't stay that simple. The children's enemies stopped by the Gypsies' camp after hearing reports of children walking on a trail earlier in the day. They demanded to search the Gypsy camp to see if the children were there. Upon the enemies' arrival, the leader of the Gypsies said, "Hide yourselves under the hay and don't make a sound!" (Riggs, 131). This was another twist in the plot because just moments before, the Gypsies were threatening the children, and now they were trying to protect them!
Just from the few plot events I described, you can see that there is a lot of action in my book. Something new is always happening, and there are many unexpected twists and turns. If you like suspense and action, I recommend that you check this book out!
Also, here is a link to a list of books that are also said to have a lot of action:
http://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/action-adventure
The main characters in the book are all children that have peculiar traits, talents, and abilities. After their home was bombed, people tried to hunt the children down because of their peculiarity. After nearly getting kidnapped by their enemies, the children had to escape from their home on an island and paddle for more than 6 hours to safety. There were several storms at sea. Multiple times, their boats almost flipped. Then, once they reached the shore, they were almost discovered by their enemies.
After meeting some peculiar animals that could talk, the children were given directions to navigate the island they had landed on. On a path headed toward a train station, they came across a group of Gypsies. The children secretly hopped onto the back of their covered wagons so they would arrive at their destination quicker. However, after the Gypsies stopped to put up camp, they discovered the children. The Gypsies put the children in a cage and were going to hold them there until they figured out what to do with the children.
But, once again, things didn't stay that simple. The children's enemies stopped by the Gypsies' camp after hearing reports of children walking on a trail earlier in the day. They demanded to search the Gypsy camp to see if the children were there. Upon the enemies' arrival, the leader of the Gypsies said, "Hide yourselves under the hay and don't make a sound!" (Riggs, 131). This was another twist in the plot because just moments before, the Gypsies were threatening the children, and now they were trying to protect them!
Just from the few plot events I described, you can see that there is a lot of action in my book. Something new is always happening, and there are many unexpected twists and turns. If you like suspense and action, I recommend that you check this book out!
Also, here is a link to a list of books that are also said to have a lot of action:
http://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/action-adventure
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Post #6: A Moment that Epitomizes a Character
In Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, by Ransom Riggs, Emma Bloom is one of the main characters. She is a "peculiar" child with the "peculiar" power to create fire with her hands.
Along with the ability to manipulate fire, Emma has other defining personality traits that help her stand out. She is known as the protector of her fellow "peculiar" friends. She always tries to stay level-headed to make a plan that will get them out of tough situations. Emma is very passionate and is a very strong leader. She is known to persevere in the face of adversity and she pushes all of her "peculiar" friends to do the same.
One example of her willingness to keep pushing through tough times is found on page 107. People were trying to hunt her and her friends down, and things were looking very bleak. Emma went off to the side to have a moment to herself. She felt like there was no way her friends would ever get through the tribulation they were facing. She began to cry and feel sorry for herself. However, after a few moments, she recollected herself and went back to her friends. After they asked her what was wrong, she said, "Yes, yes... had something caught in my eye, was all. Now, everyone gather your things. We must go to London at once, and see about making Miss Peregrine whole again!" (Riggs, 107).
Although Emma felt hopeless, she realized she couldn't just give up. She had to keep trying to save her and her friends' lives. She pushed on and encouraged her friends to do the same. This is one moment that epitomizes Emma's personality.
Along with the ability to manipulate fire, Emma has other defining personality traits that help her stand out. She is known as the protector of her fellow "peculiar" friends. She always tries to stay level-headed to make a plan that will get them out of tough situations. Emma is very passionate and is a very strong leader. She is known to persevere in the face of adversity and she pushes all of her "peculiar" friends to do the same.
One example of her willingness to keep pushing through tough times is found on page 107. People were trying to hunt her and her friends down, and things were looking very bleak. Emma went off to the side to have a moment to herself. She felt like there was no way her friends would ever get through the tribulation they were facing. She began to cry and feel sorry for herself. However, after a few moments, she recollected herself and went back to her friends. After they asked her what was wrong, she said, "Yes, yes... had something caught in my eye, was all. Now, everyone gather your things. We must go to London at once, and see about making Miss Peregrine whole again!" (Riggs, 107).
Although Emma felt hopeless, she realized she couldn't just give up. She had to keep trying to save her and her friends' lives. She pushed on and encouraged her friends to do the same. This is one moment that epitomizes Emma's personality.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Post #5: Vocabulary
meager (52)
waterlogged (52)
wisp (52)
menagerie (54) - 1. a collection of wild or unusual animals, especially for exhibition. 2. a place where they are kept or exhibited. 3. an unusual and varied group of people.
springy (55)
nestled (55)
twinge (56)
forsaken (56)
imperceptible (56) - 1. very slight, gradual, or subtle: the imperceptible slope of the road. 2. not perceptible; not perceived by or affecting the senses.
labyrinth (57)
congealed (57) - 1. to change from a soft or fluid state to a rigid or solid state, as by cooling or freezing: The fat congealed on the top of the soup. 2. to curdle; coagulate, as a fluid. 3. to make or become fixed, as ideas, sentiments, or principles: Some philosophic systems lost their vitality and congealed.
sullen (57)
gelatinous (57) - having the nature of or resembling jelly, especially in consistency; jellylike.
quivering (66)
churning (66)
faltering (66)
coalesce (66) - 1. to grow together or into one body: The two lakes coalesced into one. 2. to unite so as to form one mass, community, etc.: The various groups coalesced into a crowd. 3. to blend or come together: Their ideas coalesced into one theory.
taut (66)
guffaw (68)
inauspicious (68) - not auspicious; boding ill; ill-omened; unfavorable.
writhing (72)
acrid (72) - 1. sharp or biting to the taste or smell; bitterly pungent; irritating to the eyes, nose, etc.: acrid smoke from burning rubber. 2. extremely or sharply stinging or bitter; exceedingly caustic: acrid remarks.
sputter
(79)
jowly
(81)
illustrious (81) - 1. highly
distinguished; renowned; famous: an illustrious leader. 2. glorious, as deeds
or works: many illustrious achievements.
prowess (82) - 1. exceptional
valor, bravery, or ability, especially in combat or battle. 2. exceptional or
superior ability, skill, or strength: his prowess as a public speaker. 3. a
valiant or daring deed.
Here
is the link to Thesaurus.com if you would like to look up synonyms for the words
above: http://thesaurus.com/
I hope you found this list helpful! I challenge you to use some of these words in our upcoming writing units.
Monday, April 14, 2014
Post #4: Krista Ramsey Columnist Assignment
I chose to read Krista Ramsey's column titled "Still reflecting on act of vandalism on Opening Day". In the column, Ramsey described how a man and his son stood in flowerbeds that lined the sidewalks in order to get a better view of the Red's Opening Day Parade. This act disturbed Ramsey because the people who stomped on the flowers had no regard for the money and effort it took for local businesses to plant the flowers there.
Here is a link to the article:
http://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/columnists/krista-ramsey/2014/04/12/krista-ramsey-vandalism/7659161/
I thought the following lines were two of the best lines written in the column. "Which is where I saw the purple and gold mass of stomped, smashed pansies that surrounded us. It was such a botanical massacre that I immediately looked for the cause." The words 'stomped' and 'smashed' have negative connotations that indicate that the crushing of an object was done intentionally and inconsiderately. These words really help readers to see Ramsey's astonishment at the thoughtlessness of the man and his son who killed the flowers. Ramsey used juxtaposition when she said 'botanical massacre'. The word botanical has a very positive connotation that makes people think of beauty, peace, and tranquility. In contrast, the word massacre usually makes people think of bloodshed, violence, and war. These stark opposites convey the magnitude of the injustice the two people committed in Ramsey's eyes.
Ramsey's writing style is very descriptive throughout this article and the two articles we read in class.
One example of how she was descriptive in the article I chose was when she said, "I was so completely enveloped by taller people that I was stuck catching glimpses of marching bands and floats, and after straining my neck for a full half-hour, finally surrendered and let my gaze drift to the sidewalk." This gave a thorough description of the events leading up to when Ramsey witnessed the flower-smashing.
An example of Ramsey's descriptive style in "For better vision, kids need time outdoors" was when Ramsey said, "Your teenager at the dinner table, waiting for his checkup at the orthodontist's office, sauntering to his car - continually hunched over his smartphone or iPad." Here, Ramsey painted a picture of a typical teenager and their heavy use of electronic devices.
In "Super Bowl QBs score points for great style", Ramsey said, "A pretty dress, well-tailored sports coat, stylish hat elevate the mood and maybe even the conduct." Ramsey provided specific details about each article of clothing to create an image in the readers' minds.
Three questions I would ask Ramsey if given the chance are:
1.) How do you get inspiration for your articles? Is it ever hard to think of something to write about?
2.) How would you describe your writing style? Do you aim for it to be a certain way?
3.) What lead you to your current job?
Here is a link to the article:
http://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/columnists/krista-ramsey/2014/04/12/krista-ramsey-vandalism/7659161/
I thought the following lines were two of the best lines written in the column. "Which is where I saw the purple and gold mass of stomped, smashed pansies that surrounded us. It was such a botanical massacre that I immediately looked for the cause." The words 'stomped' and 'smashed' have negative connotations that indicate that the crushing of an object was done intentionally and inconsiderately. These words really help readers to see Ramsey's astonishment at the thoughtlessness of the man and his son who killed the flowers. Ramsey used juxtaposition when she said 'botanical massacre'. The word botanical has a very positive connotation that makes people think of beauty, peace, and tranquility. In contrast, the word massacre usually makes people think of bloodshed, violence, and war. These stark opposites convey the magnitude of the injustice the two people committed in Ramsey's eyes.
Ramsey's writing style is very descriptive throughout this article and the two articles we read in class.
One example of how she was descriptive in the article I chose was when she said, "I was so completely enveloped by taller people that I was stuck catching glimpses of marching bands and floats, and after straining my neck for a full half-hour, finally surrendered and let my gaze drift to the sidewalk." This gave a thorough description of the events leading up to when Ramsey witnessed the flower-smashing.
An example of Ramsey's descriptive style in "For better vision, kids need time outdoors" was when Ramsey said, "Your teenager at the dinner table, waiting for his checkup at the orthodontist's office, sauntering to his car - continually hunched over his smartphone or iPad." Here, Ramsey painted a picture of a typical teenager and their heavy use of electronic devices.
In "Super Bowl QBs score points for great style", Ramsey said, "A pretty dress, well-tailored sports coat, stylish hat elevate the mood and maybe even the conduct." Ramsey provided specific details about each article of clothing to create an image in the readers' minds.
Three questions I would ask Ramsey if given the chance are:
1.) How do you get inspiration for your articles? Is it ever hard to think of something to write about?
2.) How would you describe your writing style? Do you aim for it to be a certain way?
3.) What lead you to your current job?
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Post #3: About the Author
I am about to begin reading Hollow City by Ransom Riggs. This is the second book in the Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children series.
I decided to conduct a little research on the author, Ransom Riggs. Here is what I learned:
Ransom Riggs not only writes books, but also makes short films and book trailers. He was born on a 200-year-old farm in Maryland and then moved to Florida when he was little. In Riggs' biography on his website, he described Florida as a place with "lots and lots of old people and not very much for kids to do." Because he was often bored, he had to make up his own stories and his own fun. He also made videos with his friends in his backyard.
To develop his writing skills, Riggs attended the University of Virginia’s Young Writer's Workshop for three summers during high school. He attended Kenyon College to study English, and then went to film school at the University of Southern California.
Here is a link to his bio page:
http://www.ransomriggs.com/bio/
Here is an interview with Riggs about Hollow City:
I decided to conduct a little research on the author, Ransom Riggs. Here is what I learned:
Ransom Riggs not only writes books, but also makes short films and book trailers. He was born on a 200-year-old farm in Maryland and then moved to Florida when he was little. In Riggs' biography on his website, he described Florida as a place with "lots and lots of old people and not very much for kids to do." Because he was often bored, he had to make up his own stories and his own fun. He also made videos with his friends in his backyard.
To develop his writing skills, Riggs attended the University of Virginia’s Young Writer's Workshop for three summers during high school. He attended Kenyon College to study English, and then went to film school at the University of Southern California.
Here is a link to his bio page:
http://www.ransomriggs.com/bio/
Here is an interview with Riggs about Hollow City:
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Post #2: Dear Veronica Roth...
Dear Ms. Roth, April 4, 2014
I'm writing this letter in regards to your book, Allegiant. I am a fan of the whole Divergent series and want to congratulate you on how successful your books have been. I really liked Allegiant and felt that it was crafted extremely well. There were multiple themes throughout the book that were really important life lessons.
Although I wish things could've ended differently with Tris, what you chose to do with her character enabled you to send an important message to readers. You told us on page 526, "Life damages us, everyone. We can't escape the damage. But now, I am also learning this: We can be mended. We mend each other."
At times, it seems as though we've been pushed down too hard to get up. But through Tobias' grief and the support of his friends, you reminded readers that life will go on. Everyone falls down, but through the help of loved ones and those around you, you can go on. Things will get better.
This was something that really hit home with me because one week ago today, I lost my cat to cancer. She was a part of the family and it often feels empty in the house without her. But today, after reading the ending of Allegiant, I was reminded that eventually things will get better and life will go on.
I also appreciated the way you showed the political changes in the city through the physical features of the city. When there were still factions, each section of the city looked different. In one section there were gray buildings with people wearing gray. In another, people wore red and music danced among the treetops. Also, the city was very run-down. The lake turned into a marsh and there were many abandoned buildings.
However, as changes occurred politically, changes occurred physically. People began mixing the colors they wore. New people moved into city buildings and restored them. On page 512, it said, "Some of the former Bureau scientists are trying to restore the river and the lake to their former glory, but it will be a while. Change, like healing, takes time."
Thank you for writing such a wonderful series and for teaching your readers so much.
Sincerely,
Tori Berry
I'm writing this letter in regards to your book, Allegiant. I am a fan of the whole Divergent series and want to congratulate you on how successful your books have been. I really liked Allegiant and felt that it was crafted extremely well. There were multiple themes throughout the book that were really important life lessons.
Although I wish things could've ended differently with Tris, what you chose to do with her character enabled you to send an important message to readers. You told us on page 526, "Life damages us, everyone. We can't escape the damage. But now, I am also learning this: We can be mended. We mend each other."
At times, it seems as though we've been pushed down too hard to get up. But through Tobias' grief and the support of his friends, you reminded readers that life will go on. Everyone falls down, but through the help of loved ones and those around you, you can go on. Things will get better.
This was something that really hit home with me because one week ago today, I lost my cat to cancer. She was a part of the family and it often feels empty in the house without her. But today, after reading the ending of Allegiant, I was reminded that eventually things will get better and life will go on.
I also appreciated the way you showed the political changes in the city through the physical features of the city. When there were still factions, each section of the city looked different. In one section there were gray buildings with people wearing gray. In another, people wore red and music danced among the treetops. Also, the city was very run-down. The lake turned into a marsh and there were many abandoned buildings.
However, as changes occurred politically, changes occurred physically. People began mixing the colors they wore. New people moved into city buildings and restored them. On page 512, it said, "Some of the former Bureau scientists are trying to restore the river and the lake to their former glory, but it will be a while. Change, like healing, takes time."
Thank you for writing such a wonderful series and for teaching your readers so much.
Sincerely,
Tori Berry
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