Compare and Contrast- Post #1

Both novels are told using a first person point of view.  Discuss the similarities that occur in the novels because of this point of view.  Also discuss the differences between the two narrators and how this shapes the details of each novel.  Use examples to support your ideas.

Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes- Post #3

Sarah’s scars are an outward sign of tremendous pain and suffering, both physical and emotional. But her classmates, for the most part, are not sympathetic to her plight. Why do you think people turn a blind eye to the suffering of others?  Are there other characters who have inward scars?  Are these easier to hide or ignore? Explain.

Hope was Here- Post #3

Writing seems to be very important to Hope - she writes poems, keeps a diary, and writes letters, even ones she doesn't send. Explain why you think writing is so important to her. Use specifics to support your response.  Can you relate to Hope?  When you write about an event, what does the act of writing compel you to do?

Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes- Post #2

Eric and Sarah Byrnes call their underground newspaper Crispy Pork Rinds, a name which had personal significance for them and which Eric later finds himself explaining to Ms. Barker, the school secretary.  Explain the significane of the the title.

If you and your best friend/s were to create and underground newspaper, what would you name it? What three school issues would you address in your paper’s first edition? Why?

Hope Was Here - Post #2

No political parties are mentioned in the novel. Why do you think I did this? Would mentioning Democrats, Republicans, or Independents have changed the story?  If you had to guess what political party G.T. is a member of what would you guess and why?

Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes- Post #1

Eric mentions that when people ask “What went wrong?” with him, they usually attribute the “problem” (his weight) to his mother’s spoiling her son as a means of compensating for his father’s absence. Why do you think people ask what went wrong when they see an overweight person? How much control do you think parents have over how much their kids eat (or whether they smoke, et cetera)? If you have children, will you consider it your responsibility to keep them slender?

Hope Was Here- Post #1

Explain why Hope is a more fitting name than Tulip. Summarize the ways in which Hope tries to live up to her name.  If you had to choose a new name that better reflected your personality, what would you choose and why?

New Posts Coming Soon!!!

If you are checking the website so you can start posting for the summer reading -RELAX!!!  It is the first day of summer break.  Ride your bike, go to the beach, take a nap, but don't worry I will be posting the first blog questions sometime next week.  Happy Reading.  Mrs. Wallace