Our First Guest Blogger!!

Hi all! Please give a warm welcome to Emolaylay! She's one of my 8th grade scholars that has *excellent* taste in literature. Listen to her...this chick knows her stuff!! Without further ado...

Pendragon : The Merchant of Death is what I read this weekend. The fantasy was so much fun to read! I couldn't put it down, I read every moment I had! The Pendragon series will definitely be a second-time-around kind of book. The thrilling adventure will keep the reader enticed the whole way! Here's the back description of the book:

Bobby Pendragon is a seemingly normal fourteen-year-old boy. He has a family, a home, and even Marley, his beloved dog. But there is something very special about Bobby.

He is going to save the world.

And not just Earth as we know it. Bobby is slowly starting to realize that life in the cosmos isn't quite what he thought it was. And before he can object, he is swept off to an alternate dimension known as Denduron, a territory inhabited by strange beings, ruled by a magical tyrant, and plagued by dangerous revolution.

If Bobby wants to see his family again, he's going to have to accept his role as savior, and accept it wholeheartedly. Because, as he is about to discover, Denduron is only the beginning....

Guess what? The Pendragon series are in our library this very minute! Go get it before it's gone! ....Hurry!

~Emolaylay

Time For An Update, Don'tcha Think?

Hi all. I know, I know…the blog has been quiet. I suppose that’s because we were reading Stormbreaker in homebase and I waiting for something interesting to write about. Well, wait no further!

I finally finished reading All The Lovely Bad Ones by Mary Downing Hahn. Talk about creeeepppy!! It’s about two middle school aged kids, Travis and Corey, who aren’t allowed to go back to their summer camp because they had caused so much trouble there in the past. They end up spending the summer at their grandmother’s house. Only, their grandmother doesn’t live in a house. She lives in an inn that has been featured in all of the ghost sighting magazines. Their grandmother has never seen a ghost and doesn’t believe in them. When Travis and Corey learn that people come to the inn to see ghosts, but leave disappointed, they decide to become the ghosts and scare the guests. Unfortunately, they wake up the dead and the inn becomes infested with the spirits of the dead that use to live on the property when it was a poor farm. All the lovely bad ones are the ghosts of the kids who use to live there, and do they know how to torture the living!! Then there’s the ghost of Miss Ada, the one who used to be in charge of the kids on the poor farm, and she’s *pure* evil! How are Travis and Corey going to put all of the ghosts to rest?

All the Lovely Bad Ones is absolutely bone chilling and the perfect ghost story for the month of October. However, it is definitely NOT for the weak of heart. This story gave me nightmares! If you’re interested in the book, we have it in our school media center. If it is already checked out, you should look into other Mary Downing Hahn ghost stories. She an award winning author, and I’m positive that her other ghost stories are just as scary! Read on, my lovely bad ones…if you dare!!
Mrs. T…hompson

Comfort Books

Have you ever heard of the term “comfort food”? If not, comfort food is food that gives people a sense of security, contentment, home…comfort. For some people, it’s anything with mashed potatoes or anything that has been gravy-fied. (Note: The term “gravy-fied” is my own Thompsonism. It means anything that is smothered in gravy. YUM!!!). For other people, comfort food is something special that only their mama or nanny can make. Well, other people can technically make it, but it won’t taste as good or even taste the same. Still for others, comfort food can be something as simple as chocolate or a special candy. Did you ever consider that there could be comfort books?

I was feeling mentally blah lately, and nothing seemed good to read. Nothing. I have loads and loads of books, and most of them I haven’t even read yet, but still nothing seemed to catch my attention. Just when boredom seemed inevitable, I reached for my battered, torn, but well loved copy of Winnie the Pooh. My copy of this book is O.L.D.!!! It was my mum’s when she was a kid. I curled up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate despite the fact that it was 90 degrees out, and was instantly transported to the Hundred Acre Woods. I *love* that place!! (Have you been there? If not, you absolutely must take a trip; it’s enchanting!) After I was done with the book, I tried to remember how many times I’ve read those stories. I can’t even count; it’s just too many. I realized that Winnie the Pooh is probably my ultimate comfort book. I have others that I reach for again and again. To Kill a Mockingbird, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and Eclipse are probably my next three. I don’t know; there’s just something about these books that make me feel relaxed, at home, complete, and I’m perfectly satisfied to read them over and over.

Question: Do you have any comfort books? If so, what are they, and why do you suppose that you keep coming back to reread them?

Keep rockin’ the reading!!
Mrs. T…hompson

New Beginnings

Welcome scholars! Can you believe that we made it through the hectic first day of school? I don’t know about you, but I am utterly exhausted!! What was your favorite part of the day? Did you get the classes you wanted? Did you make any new friends? Did any of your old friends change and surprise you? I’d love to hear about it in the comments section (with your first name only, last initial and block. There’s more about using your name on this blog further down in the post). No, it’s not for extra credit…yet. Be patient, we have a long school year ahead of us and there will be many, many, many (probably too many) opportunities for extra credit. If you have any questions for me, you can ask them now (since I assume we’ll be reading this together in class), or you can leave them in the comments section and I’ll answer them in another post.

Guess what?! Did you know that I’m willing to share my rockin’ blog with all of you? Be a guest blogger! Do you have a book that you positively love or hate? Write a book review. Maybe you have a poem you’ve written, and you would like some feedback. Do you think you know the “real” meanings behind some of your favorite songs or poems? Have you ever considered writing a short story?

There are two ways to be a guest blogger. You can either write out your submission on paper and I’ll type it for you, or you can email them to me. I’ll post them right here on the main page. I’ll put you’re name on it ONLY if you want me to; otherwise, I’ll keep your anonymity. If you do want your name on it, I’ll only put your first name, last initial and block. You MUST NEVER use your last name here. In fact, you should NEVER, EVER use your last name anywhere on the internet, but that’s another lecture for another time.

Well, that should do it for now. I’m oh so excited about this school year, and I hope that you are too!!
Mrs. T…hompson

I just don't like it. Why? Because.

Since the school year is rapidly coming to a close, I thought this would be the appropriate time to throw a little extra credit your way. We’ve talked about your favorite books and genres. Let’s explore what you dislike with a passion. Tell me what is the worst book you’ve read and why it was horrible. Give this some thought and don’t write the lame review of, “I just didn’t like it”, “Because” (like in a plain “because”; you can use the word “because” if you’re explaining yourself.) “I don’t know…” I want solid details!! This assignment must be completed by Friday, May 21st. 
Until next time!
<3 Mrs. T…hompson

The ULTIMATE in Random Rhyming

Hoodoo voodoo, seven twenty one two
Haystacka hostacka, ABC
High poker, low joker, ninety-nine-a-zero
Sidewalk, streetcar, dance a goofy dance
Blackbirdy, bluejay, one, two, three, four
Trash sack, jump back, EFG
Biggy hat, little hat, fatty man, skinny man
Grasshopper greensnake, hold my hand
Hoodoo voodoo, chooka-chooky-choo-choo
True blue, how true, kissle me now
Momma cat, Tommy cat, diapers on my clothes line
Two, four, six, eight, I run and hide
Pretty girl, pretty boy, pony on a tin can
I'll be yours, you'll be mine
Hoodoo voodoo, chooka-chooky-choo-choo
True blue, how true, kissle me now
Jinga jangler, tinga lingle, picture on a bricky wall
Hot and scamper, foamy lather, huggle me close
Hot breeze, old cheese, slicky slacky fishy tails
Brush my hair, kissle me some more
Hoodoo voodoo, chooka chooky choo choo
True blue, how true, kissle me now
Hoodoo voodoo, chooka chooky choo choo
True blue, how true, kissle me now
Kissle me now
Brush my hair
And kissle me some more

Anyone want to try to top this one?  Give it a  whirl in the comments section...if you dare.  Muaaahhhhh!!!
<3 Mrs. T...hompson

Random Rhyming!!!

Pie in the sky...oh my!!
Tomato red, potato brown...I like Almond Joys not Mounds
Blue, shoe....MOO!!

Alrighty then...here's some words for you to do (you...to...do...hehhe) for some RANDOM RHYMING!!  Try to use the funniest phrases you can think of.
Lilac Rain
Mrs. Thompson
purple
orange
complementary
khaki
zapit
wriggle
yeast
zither
I'm oh so excited to see what you guys come up with!!
<3 Mrs. T...hompson

It's About That Time Again

The new marking period has started, report cards are going out, and we're prepping our bottoms off for the E.O.G.  Are you feeling a little stressed?  Need something to take the edge off of that headache that you get whenever you come to my class?  How about some extra credit?  Just post a comment and it's yours!  You need to post by Friday, May 7th.  I bet my remedy beats Tylenol 10 to 1. 
May your stress be relieved...for now.
<3 Mrs. T...hompson

Awesome Anonymous Poem

Never say I love you if you really don't care:
Never talk about feelings if they aren't there:
Never hold my hand if you're going to break my heart:
Never say you'll always plan to love me  if you never plan to start:
Never look me in the eyes if all you do is lie
Never say hello if you really mean goodbye
If you mean forever then say you'll try:
Never say forever cause forever makes you cry...
LOVE DIES

Leave some feedback in the comments for the author!  I think this poem RRR....OOCKS!!!
<3 T...hompson

Tell Me A Story

How did you become a reader? Who influenced you/taught you to read? Why do you read? If you could only have ONE book to read for the rest of your life, what would it be and why. Think *very* carefully about this question. Your response has to be 10 sentences and be submitted to the comments section by Monday, April 3rd for extra credit.
You rock!
<3 Mrs. T...hompson

Let's play a game, shall we?

It's called "Would You Rather..."  This book is quite interesting.  It gives you two choices about what you would rather do.  I'm interesting in seeing what you have to say.  I might even post them on the front page of this blog!  Let's play!!
Would you rather...
...eat a little and be too hungry or eat a lot and be sick?
...be bitten by a shark or a pit bull?
...be thirsty or have a full bladder and not be able to relieve yourself for an hour?  (Remember how your bladder works!!)
...have hot itchy feet or have hot itchy armpits?
...eat dog food or cat fool?
...make a difference in the world without being noticed or be famous for doing nothing?
...be the person who vomits or who cleans it up?
My answers are in the comments section.  Your answers should be there too...hint, hint, hint!
<3  Mrs. T...hompson

Deadline for Extra Credit

I forgot to assign a deadline for the last post's extra credit!  Well, we can't have that now, can we?  Let's see...comment time, Walmart time (for tissues, remember!)...hmmm...let's say Friday, April 23rd. 
Read, Read, Comment, Read!!
<3 Mrs. T...hompson

I just finished reading “Love, Stargirl” and I have to admit that I am oh so happy that no one was around to witness my reaction to the ending. Now, I’m not going to give any spoilers; all I’m going to say is that it made me cry horribly, I had a terrible case of a snotty nose, and NO TISSUES!! Luckily, I didn’t see anybody in the halls as I scrambled to the bathroom!! I use to think that Stargirl and I were extremely alike, but after reading this book, I realize that I still have many barriers to overcome, that I have to be even MORE open-minded, and that I have to live for today, today, today, and not fret about tomorrow. Like Cat Steven's song:
“Take your time,
 think a lot,
 Why, think of everything you’ve got,
 For you will still be here tomorrow,
 but your dreams may not.”
So, I need to post some extra credit, right? I mean, it’s been forever since I’ve done that! Alright, for extra credit, I need you to 1. In the comments section, tell me a little about someone, real or fictional, that has made a difference in your life and what they did that inspired you and 2. Bring in a box of tissues!
Rock the Reading!
<3 Mrs. T...hompson

Not Much Of A Rock Star Blogger

Okay, I know...I know.  It's been quiet on the blog.  People, you need to work with me here!  My reading time was slowed down, and now with company at the house, it's hard to fit in reading time without being exceptionally rude.  Anyway, I'm almost done with "Angus, Thongs, and Full Frontal Snogging."  Up next is another Cirque Du Freak book.  After that, Lilac Rain has insisted that I need to read the next book in the Whimpy Kids series.  Riddle me this...what are you reading this Spring Break?
Take a Spring Break not a READING Break!!
<3 Mrs. T...hompson
P.S.  I think I'll be exceptionally rude to my visitors and take my own advice!  ;)

Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging

I am *LOVING* this book. For those of you who are in my home base, you probably heard me giggling all through SSR. Yes, this book is that funny!! This book is the first in a series about the confessions of Georgia Nicolson, and it’s written by Louise Rennison. Just to give you a preview here’s what’s on the first page. Now, remember, I’m not plagiarizing because I’m giving the author full credit and I am not claiming that any of this is my idea. Understand?

There are

Six Things

Very wrong with my life:

(1)

I have one of those under the skin spots that will never come to a head but lurk in a red way for the next two years.

(2)

It’s on my nose.

(3)

I have a three year old sister who may have peed in my room.

(4)

In fourteens days the summer hols will be over and then it will be back to Stalag 14 and Oberfuhrer Frau Simpson and her bunch of sadistic “teachers.”

(5)

I am very ugly and need to go into an ugly home.

(6)

I went to a party dressed as a stuffed olive.

In another part of the book, Georgia’s friend, Ellen, talks about being kissed at a Christmas party, and Ellen describes the kiss as, “A bit on the wet side, like a sort of warm jelly feeling.”
If you’re interested in this book, our school media center has the series. Trust me, they’re hysterical!!  Oh, and don't forget we have another book report this marking period!
Read on!
<3 Mrs. T...hompson

Th1rteen R3asons Why

If you check my “Currently Reading” list, you’ll see I’m reading Th1rteen R3asons Why. This book is completely awesome and almost impossible to put down. I’ve already given all of my classes a summary, so I’m not going to repeat myself. However, this book has made me ponder if I can pinpoint thirteen reasons that influenced specific decisions I’ve made in my life…either good or bad.

Here’s my list of 13 Reasons Why I Decided to Date/Marry My Husband:
1. The first time he said, “Hello”, I *swear* I saw my entire future life flash before my eyes…wedding, working at the same radio station, buying our first house, what it looked like…everything.
2. Since I was sort of freaked out about the whole “hello” thing, I avoided going on a date with him, so he called my house and left such a message on my answering machine, that my grandmother made him peanut butter cookies and MADE me go out with him. I guess the reason I put this here is because he thought I was someone special and didn’t give up asking me out until I said (was made) to say “yes”.
3. For our first date, he saved up 2 weeks worth of his paycheck to buy us excellent seats to a Pistons game, even though it meant that the only food he would be able to afford was soup during the 2 weeks.
4. On our first date he didn’t even try to kiss me goodnight because he respected me that much.
5. He helped me land my first job as a radio D.J.
6. He watches cheesy romantic comedy movies with me and doesn’t complain.
7. He surprised me with our first puppy.
8. He encourages me to be *me* and not somebody else.
9. When we go to a concert, he lets Lilac Rain and I stand in front of him (before Lilac Rain came along it was just me), so we can see the musicians and not get smooshed by the crowd.
10. He always remembers to bring me a coat or sweater when I forget.
11. He proposed to me on Christmas Day as soon as it struck midnight, on the basketball court he played on as a kid, and didn’t even laugh when I slipped on the ice and fell on my bottom from jumping up and down with excitement.
12. He forgave for not saying “yes” right away because I was so excited I forgot.
13. He calls me his princess.
That last one was so sweet, it almost made me puke! So, think about it and maybe you could leave a list of 13 Reasons Why you were influenced to do something.

Consider reading the book Th1rteen R3asons Why. Even though Hannah’s outcome is devastating to everyone she knew, the book really makes you think about how the actions of others influence decisions.  This is a book I need to own and I will definitely read it again and again.
Read on my little rock stars!!
<3 Mrs. T...hompson

In Which...I have the crud

I'm completely, totally, utterly, and entirely infused with the crud.  It's awful.  I'm feverish.  I'm about to fall over.  AND I'M STILL AT SCHOOL!!!  Must go home...find bed...whine a little...read.  *Sigh*  The fever is starting to take over my brain...how about some extra credit?  Send me a get well wish in the comments and I'll give you like 10 points extra credit or something.  Oh, and the get well wishes need to be posted by 3/16 midnight. *sniff, sniff*

Well...

So what did you think about the Mad Tea Party?  This was my first year trying the activity out, so I need some feedback.  What did you like?  What could be changed to make it better?  Any suggestions and comments are welcome, and I promise I won't hold them against you...maybe.
<3 Mrs. T...hompson

Love Story

Well, we’ve just completed our Cinderella mini unit. I love cheesy love stories! You know the ones…stories that have a happily ever after ending and it’s all wrapped up in a delicate blue box with a white ribbon on top (okay, so I’m talking about a package from Tiffany’s, but it still applies to here too!). Now, I know that I said that I wasn’t giving extra credit on the blog until next marking period, but this assignment will be due next marking period, so *technically* it’s a next marking period extra credit assignment. I want you to create your own Cinderella story. In order to get credit, you need to have a beginning, middle, and happy ending. Each section needs to be two paragraphs with 10 complete sentences in each paragraph. I won’t take off for improper paragraph structure since this is a creative writing assignment. The assignment needs to be typed, and have correct spelling and grammar. It needs to be submitted to me by the end of the school day on Friday, March 26th. Do not tell your peers about this extra credit. They should be checking the blog everyday to figure it out for themselves.  I can’t wait to read your stories!!!
Happy Writing,
<3 Mrs. T…hompson

Favorite Song

Everyone has a favorite song that speaks to them just like poetry.  Did you know that lyrics are just poetry put to music?  Post the lyrics to your favorite song, why you love it, and I'll pick one at random and post it along with your response on the main page.  After watching the modern day Cinderella story, I was reminded of one of my all time favorite love/heartache songs.  After each stanza, I'm going to post why I love it, or what it means to me.  You should do the same thing with your song, so we all know you're interpretation of it.  Remember, there is no right or wrong answers.  It's all about how the song speaks to YOU.  Here's my example:

I'll Be by Edwin Mccain *sigh*  (another rock star boyfriend!)

The strands in your eyes that color them wonderful

Stop me and steal my breath
And emeralds from mountains thrust towards the sky
Never revealing their depth
(He's obviously describing her beauty, while saying that she has mystery in her eyes.  He knows she's not letting him see the real her completely.)

And tell me that we belong together
Dress it up with the trappings of love
I'll be captivated, I'll hang from your lips
Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above
(Hmmm...this one is a bit more difficult.  I love the way it sounds, but what does it mean?  I think that it means that he wants to *know* that she truly loves him, but he's willing to accept it if she's just pretending by"dressing it up with the trappings of love".  Remember the mysterious eyes?  Maybe she's not quite ready for a full commitment.  The word "gallows"  means a frame from which criminals are hung.  I think that the last line means that she's been hurt many, many times before since the gallows "hang from above".  The criminals are her past boyfriends that have hurt her.  It's almost like she's gotten past them, but the heartache is still there.)

And I'll be your cryin' shoulder
I'll be love suicide
And I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life
(He's saying that he'll be her friend to try to get through the pain of the past.  However, the lyric, "I'll be love suicide" seems to suggest that he's destined to follow the same pattern as the other boyfriends...that even though he *thinks* that he loves her, he knows he's not mature enough to have a long lasting relationship.  Next, the line "and I'll be better when I'm older" suggests that he's telling her that once he grows up, he believes that he'll truly love her and think the world of her because he will have become a mature and better person.) 

And rain falls angry on the tin roof
As we lie awake in my bed
And you're my survival, you're my living proof
My love is alive, and not dead
(I believe that the angry rain is a sign his tears.  He realizes that he's been hurt in the past too, and maybe isn't over his own heartache, which makes him upset.  When he says that she's his survival and living proof that his love is alive and not dead, it seems that he's beginning to accept that he *is* ready to have a meaningful, long term relationship...that he *thinks* he's past the heartache because he never thought that he could *really and truly* love again.  Also the line
"my love is alive and not dead" suggests that he realizes that he's been numb the whole time, but didn't know it until she's come along.)

And tell me that we belong together
Dress it up with the trappings of love.
I'll be captivated, I'll hang from your lips
Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above
(Now, he is looking for reassurance that they really should be together.  The sides have switched and the gallows are *his* past relationsips and breakups.)

And I'll be your cryin' shoulder
I`ll be love suicide
And I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life
(...but maybe it still won't happen.  He seems to be struggling with his emotions.  GRRRRRRRR!!)

And I dropped out, I burned up, I fought my way back from the dead,
I tuned in, I turned on, remembered the thing that you said.
(Obviously he is referring to his past relationships, his growing maturity, and the way he is starting to feel true love again as he reflects on the conversation they had in the past stanza...the one with the rain falling on the tin roof.)

And I'll be your cryin' shoulder
I'll be love suicide
And I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life
The greatest fan of your life

(Again, he changed his mind!!  His must have been really hurt in the past!  He's not quite sure if they should be together...double GRRRRRR!!  I thought that girls were the ones who were suppose to be undecided in relationships.  Unfortunately, as listeners/readers, we don't know what will happen to their present relationship; we only know that he feels that *someday* he will totally commit to her, or maybe that it means that he envies the fact that she's moving on, which will make him "the greatest fan of your life".  When he's ready for a commitment, I wonder if she'll be waiting.)

I'm looking forward to seeing what all of you come up with!!!
Keep Writing!!
Mrs. T...hompson
P.S. Please don't forget to read my comments from the post below!  I made a boo boo!!  :(

Poem by Emolaylay

Emily~
This is beautifully written.  Not only is it poetry, it could easily be turned into a song.  I'm not an Adam Lambert fan, so I don't know what type of music he sings, but maybe if you emailed it to him...
Remember to "dream a big ole dream".  Just make sure it's copyrighted first.  Seriously.


Pretty Little Smile

Every moment we must cherish
Every day we must hold near
Cuz’ tomorrow may never come
We could lose somebody dear
To us

Find what it’s like to fall headfirst
Keep away troubles and the pain
And if we hold on
Something magical could happen
But just incase
Keep your pretty little smile on your face

Every day we should be thankful
For what God has given us
Every one we must treat kindly
It’s good that you’ll never lose trust

Find what it’s like to fall headfirst
Keep away the troubles and the pain
And if we hold on
Something magical could happen
But just incase
Keep your pretty little smile on your face

Find what we need to succeed
Dream a big ole dream
Everything hanging by it’s seem
And if something would happen
It’s still just you and me

Find what it’s like to fall headfirst
Keep away the troubles and the pain
And if we hold on
Something magical could happen
But just incase
Keep you pretty little smile on your face

If something should awaken us
From this deep, deep sleep
Called life
Just in case
Yes, just in case
Keep your pretty little smile on your face

Poem By An Anonymous Writer

It's really quite fantastic.  See for yourself.

Lies and myths
Blown out of your mouth
Love taken by manipulation
You make me want to pack my bags and head on south

Screaming to hear your voice
To overpower and control everything
My dad hates me
It's hard to cover up the sting

Secrets seething through the open
Word said that should be silenced
Fists held back
Holding back the violence

Practice what you preach
Before giving the advice
Emotions build up
I don't want to gamble but, you force me to roll the dice

Anonymous asks:
How'd you like it?! Everyone PLEASE give critisism! Lurve you all! <3
Post your feedback in the comments section.

Short and Sweet

I've just started reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid.  Oh my gosh...it's so funny!  I've actually caught myself laughing aloud!  I'm about 10 pages (yes, only 10 pages) into it, but it reminds me so much of my middle school days, and the way you guys act now.  Just thinking about this book and how it relates to all of you is making me giggle.
Read On,
Mrs. T...hompson

The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.



What do you think this poem is about and do you think it could apply to you?  How?
Read, Read, Read~
Mrs. T...hompson

Inspiration Needed

Dudes and chicks,
I need some suggestions about what to read next.  My "to be read" stack is getting oh so low.  So...for extra credit, I'm asking you to post a book that you think I might like.  Don't forget to give me a description, but NO SPOILERS, or I won't read it.  You have until midnight March 4th to complete this mission.
Help me rock my reading!
Mrs. T...hompson

A Gentle Reminder...GRRRRRRR!

People of the Thompson masses,
Since this is an English/book/poetry/WRITING type blog, we need to make sure that we don't use "text" language.  While I understand the loose conventions of blogging and emailing, I do not mind if your grammar isn't perfect.  However, I would really love to read words that are totally and completely written out.  (Ahem...Princess, Popcorn, Emolaylay, Twilight, Super Katy... and the rest of you, you know who you are!)

Don't Be A "Just" Person

The title of this post was inspired by the movie/book Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium. People always ask me what a “just” person is. A “just” person is someone who sees things as they really are. “It’s just a tree,” “It’s just a toy,” “It’s just a book.” All things, at least for me, are not “just” anything, there is always something more.

A book is a perfect example of not being a “just” thing. It’s an escape. A book can take you anywhere in the world. I’ve been to France, Greece, Oregon, and San Francisco. A book can turn you into whoever you want to be. I’ve been a soccer player, an artist, a ballerina, and, of course, a rock star. When I’m reading a book, I’m not longer in a “just” place. I’m exploring to see what things really are.

Does anybody have a special book that takes them out of this “just” world? I’d love to hear about it!
Rock...I mean Read On!!

Mrs. T...hompson

#12 Poem by Super Katy!!!

Number 12


What is the importance of the # 12? Well to start off ith , with out the #12 we could not get to # 13. Also I would not be 12 years old. No one would be able to to turn 13 years old.!.!.!. I would  not be able to have my 12 best friends or any friends. In softball no one would be able to make it past 12 pionts Plus my birthday would be August 12th, and there would be an egg missing from the carton, you could not buy a dozen doughnuts. You cant even have 12 m-n-m's. Also we could not have Christmas cause it is in the 12th month. Without 12 we would have really short books cause there would be only 11 pages in a book. Now don't you see why the # 12 is important. Well I do.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
~Super Katy

See how easy this is...go Super Katy!!!!!!

Is ANYBODY Checking This Thing?!?

I mean, really.  I only have 4-5 students who regularly read AND comment on this thing.  Remember, this is your blog too.  Write a book review, compose a poem, start a short story or novel, and then email it to me (don't use the comments button) but EMAIL it to me, and I'll post it on the main page.  Sheesh...how many times have I told you that?!?  Oh, and for the millionth time, sometimes there's extra credit on here.  So, to see if anybody really checks the blog without being told here is some extra credit.  I'm giving extra credit to anyone who posts a comment to THIS and only THIS entry by midnight tonight.  Finally, if you're reading this, DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT tell your friends about the extra credit.  I want an accurate count of people who visit here.  If I find out (and you know I will) that you've told anyone about the extra credit, I won't give it to you.  Let's see what happens, shall we?
Reading With My Fingers Crossed~
Mrs. T...hompson

A Tribute For Adam Lambert That's Going to Make Me Puke

So, as you all know, this isn't *just* a book blog; it's a writing and poetry blog too.  Soooo.....Twilight and E.O. this one's for you!

My Ode to Adam Lambert

Oh, Adam Lambert

I love you so dear,

I could die in your arms

If you whispered in my ear.

I gaze at your pictures

every star filled night,

My heart skips a beat

When you’re caught in my sight.

I’m *plotting* a way

we can meet face to face,

I believe in love at first sight
And that is our fate.
Once we meet
we will never be apart,
You and I will have found
A little piece of each other’s heart.
My Cinderella encounter
Will happen upon our meeting day,
I won't be able to speak
Because you take my breath away.
I know it will happen
Oh so soon,
I’ll be the bride
And you’ll be the groom.
We will both be elated
On our wedding day,
We’ll shed joyous tears,
Gently wipping each other’s away.
We’ll have our first dance
Happy tears and all
But your eyeliner won’t smear
It's waterproof afterall.

*Shudder*  *Shudder*  EEEEWWWWEEEEEE!!  I'm going to go read something to erase my memory of that lame poem I wrote.  Do NOT let it haunt me in the future!!
Now, back to our reading!!
Mrs. T...hompson

I've Been Robbed!!

Who would have thought that sweet little Lilac Rain would steal my Alice in Wonderland book? I suppose I can’t get too angry or ground her for swiping *my* book. It is a book after all. *Sigh* I hope she finishes it oh so soon! Until then, it’s Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium for me.  Oh, and by the way, did you know that this novel comes in two (that's TWO, not ONE but TWO) versions?!?  One is for the movie and one is the original version, AND I've just discovered that there's a WHOLE ENTIRE SERIES of Mr. Magorium books!  Hmmmm....now I have to devise yet another evil plan to obtain all of these books and the library isn't an option.  I would like to own them, so I can read them over, and over, and over , and over, and...you get the picture.  "Hello?   Barnes and Nobel?  I was wondering...do you have these books in stock?"
Keep Up With Your Reading Adventures!
Mrs. T...hompson

You're not the boss of me; I'm going to read what I want!

Even though I made a comment to Twilight (Shannon Harris) about being open minded and actually *reading* the Twilight series, really it’s up to her. I mean, I know I’m right about how fantastic the series is (remember, I’m ALWAYS right), but in the end, I’m not the boss of her (mostly) and she can pick whatever she wants to read. That goes for the rest of us, which includes me.

If you’re paying attention to what I’m currently reading, you’ll notice that I was reading The Hunger Games. I read almost 50 pages of it and had to put it down. The story is extremely well written, but it was just way too suspenseful for me. I was on edge the whole time! When I read, I like to relax and escape from everyday life. That book did the complete opposite for me because it was so realistic and I could see those events as a possibility for the future; not the near future, mind you, but still…

Basically, what I’m telling you is that you NEED to read what YOU want, and if you give the book an honest try, but still don’t enjoy it, then try something different. You can move on to a different author in the same genre or to another genre altogether. Don’t waste your time torturing yourself with a book you can’t stand. Reading is one of the greatest things you can do with your time, so read what you want, escape, and enjoy!
Read On!!
Mrs. T...hompson

Just Curious

What's your favorite book of ALL TIME?  You know...the one that you read over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over.  The one with the worn pages and torn book cover, or maybe it's one from the media center/library that you keep checking out over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over again.  Mine is To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee.  I highly recommend it, and guess what?  It's in our school media center, and guess what else?  There's three (that's T-H-R-E-E) copies AVAILABLE right at this very minute!!   Just a suggestion, don'tcha know?
Read, Read, Read!
Mrs. T...hompson

Bodacious Book Blogs

Dudes and Chicks,
If you go to the right side of my blog and scroll down, you will see a list of Bodacious Book Blogs.  For extra credit, click on the rcms blog, and take the two polls.  Then have your parents write a little note (on paper, and NOT in the comments section of this post) saying that you accomplished this assignment and then you will receive extra credit.  The note must be turned in to me by Friday (February 19th) in order for you to receive credit.
Rock my socks with your reading progress...your book reports are due oh so soon!!
Mrs. T...hompson

Peace, Love, and Schooled

Here’s another book that I think you’ll positively love!

Schooled is about a high school student named Capricorn (Cap) Anderson. He has lived on a farming commune all of his life with his grandmother, Rain. He has long hair, wears hemp clothes, homemade sandals, and practices tai chi on the front lawn. Cap has been homeschooled his whole life, so he has never watched television, never eaten pizza, and doesn’t even know what a wedgie is! One day, Rain falls out of a tree while picking plums; she breaks her hip, and has to stay in the hospital until it heals. Since Cap isn’t old enough to stay on the farm by himself, he has to temporarily live with his social worker, and go to REAL school!! What do you think will happen next? For extra credit, make a prediction about what you think will happen to Cap. It must be submitted before midnight tonight or you will not receive credit. This is a fantastic book for both dudes and chicks that will hold your attention until the end! Anybody who passes up the opportunity to read this book is missing out on a TON of real life experiences and characters.  I'll try to pick up a copy of Schooled this weekend, but I'm not making any promises!  Check your local library; they'll probably have a copy there.
Peace, Love, and Reading!
Mrs. T...hompson

Take the Stargirl Challenge

     I absolutely *LOVE* Jerry Spinelli!  I would call him "my rock star boyfriend" only he isn't a rock star, so let's just refer to him as "my author boyfriend".
     Stargirl is about, well, a girl actually named Stargirl.  She goes to Mica High and nobody can quite figure her out.  She wears bizarre clothes, plays the ukulele, and has a pet rat that loves to ride on her shoulder.  Leo is dealing with his own idenitiy by trying to fit in, but falls in love with Stargirl.  Will she become accepted by her peers?  Will Stargirl change who she is just to fit in, or will Leo turn out just as weird as Stargirl? Stargirl is a book that appeals to both guys and girls.  The girls will relate to Stargirl (obviously) and the guys will see that fitting in with their friends holds some challenges too. 
  On a scale of 1-5 where 1 is the worst and 5 is the best, Stargirl most positively, definitely a 5!!  This is my third (?) time reading Stargirl from cover to cover, and every time I reread it, I become inspired to be who I really am.  When I'm feeling like nobody understands me, I'll pick up the book, flip open to a random page and just start reading.  It gives me the confidence to know that it's alright to just be me no matter how weird I may seem to some people. 
     So, here's the  Stargirl challenge, I double dog dare you to pick up a copy of Stargirl (it's in the school media center), read it, and tell me what you think.  Has it changed you?  Has it changed the way you look at people?  Post here if you're going to take the challenge, and later on, I'll post the comments you've made about the book.
Keep on Reading!
Mrs. T...hompson