True Stories of Crime & Detection, Prompt: Do you like what your reading? Why or Why Not? 12/15/2014 - 12/19/2014

True Stories of Crime and Detection

By:Gill Harvey

Blog By: John Zalazinski 

12/15/14 - 12/19/14

I absolutely love this book, as I've been reading it has been getting better and better, and here's why. The stories that are told are interesting crimes that were committed really lures you to read more. Although it only (so far) has told stories from the late 1800's and early 1900's it is still a really good read if you plan on being a crime investigator. It is based on True Stories as you can tell clearly  by the title so if you are more of a fiction person would recommend to steer clear of this book.

It does get confusing at and you might yourself losing your spot every once and a while but you'll catch up quickly. My favorite story in the book so far is about a police force that was setup by a former French criminal who escaped an unescapable prison twice and wanted to stop living that life and start anew. If I ever get a chance to do a report on that specific group I would be more that really proud to do so. It just interest me a lot to know that people can change in a moment's time. 

 

For people who aren't big fans of reading this might be the ticket to get hooked. I really had no idea 

what to read when it was time for homeroom, but now I do and hopefully more stories to come. I would really love to similar books to this but it may be really hard to find. If really have nothing to do spare time, please if a local library is close to you see if they have it.

 

Loser, Prompt: Are the characters realistic? Why or why not? Week of 12/8/14 - 12/12/14

Loser 

By: Jerry Spinelli 

12/10/2014

John Zalazinski

Prompt: Are the characters realistic? Why or why not?

The characters are realistic and relatable here's why. Zinkoff he feels lonely at times then when he is appreciated he feels the best feeling in the world. He can relate to a living, breathing, person right now, maybe because they feel invisible even when they are seen and don't JUST want to be recognized they want to be recognized for something special. Its like when Zinkoff got an A+ on a test an everybody loved him. It was like when Zinkoff on 5th grade field day when he just stayed at a neighbor's house(sorry spoiler). 

There is also the Waiting Man. A lot of people can relate to him, mostly because they're wanting for their returning solider to come home and be with their family. I hope none of them have been waiting for over thirty years, but if they are they have really good patience and a lot of hope. The Waiting Man can relate to my grandma because when my dad was gone she hoped and hoped he would come back and he did. I hope the Waiting Man will get his wish, the only way to find out is to... READ ON.

  

Only a few people can relate to the "leash girl" who is on a leash because her parents couldn't handle her. Kids like that are referred to "leash kids" because if you turn around or blink for one second they are already gone. That was how Claudia was described and she might get lost (wink wink) later in the book. Hopefully she and other kids like that are going to be better soon.

Loser, Prompt: Do any of the characters feelings change as you read? Explain why or why not. 12-1-2014 to 12-5-2014

Loser 12-3-2014(Week of 12-1-14 to 12-5-14)

By: Jerry Spinelli

Blog By: John Zalazinski

Prompt: Do any of the characters feelings change as you read? Explain why or why not.

Donald Zinkoff feelings change a lot during the book. One chapter he's sad, but then the next he's happy. For example, when he is the only person in his class to get an 100% on his test everybody wants to be around him, but when Field Day comes he's left out and forgotten. This might mean there will strong chance of the reader getting confused. You don't have to worry if you do get confused because that's normal. 

I don't know about Andrew though. Andrew is one of the characters in the story that stays in the background but does have something to do with the story. You couldn't really tell the expression Andrew has when he met back with Zinkoff because his voice is neutral I guess. His feelings are neutral because you couldn't tell if he was sad, happy, or even angry because he has the same tone of voice. For example, when he asked Donald (Zinkoff) "....your dad still a mailman?" there's no expression because the book doesn't mention if he says it with a smile or even laugh. 

Donald's dad you can if his feelings change easily. When his "new" car breaks down there would be a low tone, gloomy mood to his voice. You can tell when he wants to encourage Zinkoff and when he is unsure of his son. It makes the book a little more interesting than it already was because his dad is such an interesting  and "colorful" person.