Shooting Kabul                                                                                                 by N.H. Senzai 

              Shooting Kabul by N.H. Senzai, is a book about a family from Afghanistan who move to California because they were under the Taliban rule. They decide to move and take a truck which will take them to Peshawar,Pakistan. When the truck arrives, some of the Afghans hear the noise and see

the lights of the truck and than they fight there way to the truck because they realize the the truck will get them out of Afghanistan and free of the Taliban. Chaos starts happening really fast. As the truck gets ready to leave, 11 year old Fadi was ordered to watch his 6 year old sister,Marium, while them and Fadi's parents and his older sister,Noor, get in the truck before the Taliban come. Fadi accidentally lets go of Marium's hand and she gets left behind, leaving Fadi and his family in misery. When they arrive to California, Fadi feels guilty of losing Marium. He decides to enter a photography contest at school,where the winner will win a trip to India. Fadi thinks that by going to India, Fadi can fly from India to Pakistan and find his sister. Fadi needs to win this contest in order to bring his little sister back. 

                                       The theme in the book is family. Fadi's family  help him when he gets bullied at school and also when Fadi feels upset about Marium. For example, on page 56, Uncle Amin let Fadi's family stay at his house with his family untill they find a place. Another example is on page 131, Noor gives Fadi fifty dollars to join the photography contest. Also, on page 188-189,Fadi's family helps him when he gets bullied at school. That's why I think the theme is that family is important.   

                                                                        I would recommend this book to 7th graders. The reason why is because this book has so many details and you can really see it in your head. Another reason why is because this book is very heartwarming and is very touching on how much Fadi cares for his little sister. Also, this book teaches you lessons of what Fadi experienced and learned. I would recommend this book to 7th graders.

About the Author- N.H. Senzai lived in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. She spent her childhood in San Francisco and went to London for high school. This book is based in part on Ms. Senzai's husband's experience fleeing Afghanistan in 1979. She currently lives in San Francisco Bay with her husband and son.

I got my picture at    http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2010/07/new-voice-nh-senzai-on-shooting-kabul.html                                                                                       

  

                              

Chew On This
By Eric Schlosser and Charles Wilson

Chew On This, by Eric Schlosser and Charles Wilson, is about fast food. In this book, you learn about the different people who made fast food restaurants that we see today. It also explains some interesting facts on how fast food is made. This book mentions lots of people and their history with fast foods. This book teaches you about health. It explains how your health will be effected if you eat fast food. When you read this book, it will make you not want to eat fast food ever again!
                 The theme I chose for this book was if you make a small choice, it can lead to a big impact. For example, if you say no to eat McDonald's French fries, it can save you from all the calories and fat that’s in them. Another example, if you say no to going to a fast food restaurant than you can say no to fast food more often. Also, looking out for your body and taking care of it can lead to a bigger thing. That’s why I chose that theme.
                                  I would recommend people to read this book. It’s a non-fiction book, so you learn many things. This book can be very gross, but it keeps you reading more. This book influences you to eat healthier and not eat fast food. That’s why I would recommend this book to people.
            After reading this book, my diet changed. I no longer had the desire for fast food. If I ever want a cheeseburger, I am making it myself. It made me not want to go to fast food restaurants. My diet really changed.
               The author, Eric Schlosser has been in the food industry before. Charles Wilson had his own farm and raised cattle. Charles has written for several newspapers. Eric Schlosser has written in several magazines and newspapers also. Both authors wrote this book to become aware of fast food.
          
 I got my picture at http://booknook.marbleheadcharter.org/2012/01/24/chew-on-this/

Dialogue Story

                             Stay in School

       It was a cool , November night and I was eating dinner with my sister and my dad. My mom was at work. We were eating some potato soup that my dad made. It was 7:00 pm and it was quiet. The only noise there was was the T.V because my dad was watching the news. Then, my dad started talking.

            "How was school today?"
            "It was wonderful. I took my science test that I studied for all last night."

                                     My dad seemed interested. He loved it when I talked about school and good grades.

                                                   "I think I got a 3 though," I said.
                                                   My dad said, "Next time, make sure you get a 4 on your next  one."
                                                   "Okay."
                                                   " You know how important it is to get good grades."
                                                   " Okay,dad. Can I ask you something?"
                                                   " Sure, anything."
                                                   " When you were in the seventh grade, did you get good grades?"
                                                   " I got straight A's from all the way to the 8th grade. After, I started not caring much about school. Now, that I am older, it was a big mistake. School is very important. I now just realized how important it was."
                                                   " Wow, I never knew that."
                                                   " Well, it's true. That's why I want you to do good in school. I want you to have a good job. I don't want you to worry about money and not having enough of it when you're older."
                                                   " Did you ever get bad grades when you were in school?"
                                                   " Yes, I did. It was a huge mistake."
                                                   "Is that why you really care about my grades?"
                                                   " Yes. You and your sister."
                                                   " Did grandpa want you to do good in school, when you were in school?"
                                                   " Yes. He wanted me to do great. He didn't like it when I got bad grades. He wanted me to be really smart."
                                                   " Was that the same with Grandma?"
                                                   " Oh yes, she wanted me to do better than I already was."
                                                   " Was she more strict?"
                                                   " A little bit more, yes. She had high expectations."
                                                   "What happened when you got a bad grade?"
                                                   " Well, I got yelled at. My parents weren't harsh, but they were mad."
                                                   " Did you ever get grounded?"
                                                   " No. Even when I got into trouble. They never grounded me."
                                                   " They thought grounding me wasn't going to teach me anything," my dad continued.
                                                   " Is that why you never grounded me?"
                                                   "  Yes. Anyways it's getting pretty late. You should go to sleep."
                                                   " Okay, the soup was great. Goodnight."
                                                   " Oh, remember. The more you know, the better. Remember that. Good night."

                                     I went over and kissed my father goodnight. Afterwards, I brushed my teeth and went to bed. As I was sleeping, I was thinking about what my dad said. The more you know, the better. I kept thinking about it and it inspired me to set some goals, and that's what I did.            

I got my picture at http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photos-drop-out-stay-school-sign-options-image18975193

                   

        

The Lost Hero
By Rick Riordan







      The Lost Hero, by Rick Riordan, is about this boy named Jason who wakes up in a bus and doesn't remember anything about himself. Apparently, he goes to a wilderness school, a school for bad kids. He is best friend with Leo, who is great with machines and tools, and has a girlfriend named Piper, who has a big secret to hide. The problem is that he doesn't remember anything. Jason and his friends are headed to a field trip to The Grand Canyon with other students and their coach, who is strict and annoying. When the three friends go to The Grand Canyon, trouble happens! A storm arrives! Not just any storm, a big storm! A storm which has storm spirits! Things get bad when they find out that their coach is actually a satyr (a.k.a. a faun). The storm spirits capture him leaving Jason, Piper, and Leo in shock. Then, a girl named Annabeth appears whose boyfriend,Percy Jackson, has been missing. Annabeth takes Jason Piper, and Leo to a camp called Camp Half-Blood. There Jason, Piper, and Leo, are assigned a cabin in which what Greek god they are related to. The three friends later find out that they have to rescue Hera , Zeus' wife, who has been captured and needs to be rescued before the winter solstice. Jason,Piper,and Leo have to go on a quest to find the goddess. They  find new places,secrets,people, and find out which god they are related to.
              As I was reading the book,I came across a theme. The theme was to always have friends with you when trouble comes. On pages 1-8, Leo and Piper care about Jason losing his memory. Also, on pages 465-466,Jason gets hurt by the giant,and Piper is there to comfort him. Another, is on pages 475-479,after Piper finds her dad, and gets emotional and Jason comforts her. That is why I chose that theme.
                        I would recommend this book to 7th graders.  The reason why is because this book is full of adventure and surprise. It also has Greek mythology, which lots of people love. This book is full of amazing characters and great details. That is why I would recommend this book to others.


About the Author:
Rick Riordan is the author of The Heros of Olympians and The Kane Chronicles. Also, Rick Riordan wrote The Percy Jackson series. Rick Riordan lives in San Antonio,Texas, with his wife and his two sons. Rick Riordan loves to read and write. He has always dreamed of being an author.


I got my picture at http://disney.go.com/disneybooks/heroes-of-olympus/series.html

 

Persuasive Five Paragraph Essay

                            Rich People Should Pay Higher Taxes

        Rich people should pay higher taxes because when people are born rich, the proper thing to do is help those who weren't as lucky. Since, rich people make a lot of money, they should pay a lot. Also, the rich can be greedy. Another thing is you cant depend on the rich. It is also unfair that rich people pay less. Rich people should pay higher taxes.
                    Firstly, rich people obviously make a ton of money. It's only fair that they should pay more. It wouldn't be fair to pay less. If rich people pay less, then they will become richer than they already are. If they make more, they should pay more.
            Secondly, another reason why rich people should pay higher taxes is because they can be greedy. Some can be greedy and use it for themselves. Rich people might not even donate money to charity. They can break promises. The rich can be greedy.
           Also, you can't always depend on rich people. They might not want to create jobs. You can't depend and trust them on everything. They may make promises, but they can change their minds, on donating money. You can't depend on the rich.
              Finally, my last reason is that it's not fair. Why should people who make less, pay more?  Why should people who make more, pay less? I think rich people should pay the most taxes, because it's only fair.  It's not fair for the people who pay less, and they should pay more. It is not fair that rich people pay less!
                        In conclusion, rich people should pay highertaxes. If people make more money, then they should pay more. Also, the rich can be greedy. You can't always depend on the rich. It is unfair that they pay less. Rich people better be lucky not paying high taxes, because if I was president, something will change.



I got my picture at http://www.somersct.gov/tax.cfm                          

           Paula- The Best Lawyer There Ever Was!

             















When I grow up I think I'd make a great lawyer. I've always enjoyed getting tons of money. One of my favorite things to do is watch lawyers on the T.V. in court. I even have some even have some experience at debating. I am really good at debate, I love money and I like watching people, therefore, I will be the best lawyer that there ever was!                                                                                                                          
 Being good at debate has always come naturally to me. There was that time when I heard Mr.Allison say, " We will be debating". I'm always ready to debate. Whenever I debate, I feel like a lawyer. Being able to debate is the first step along the path to becoming  lawyer.                                             
Earning money is another thing I really enjoy. It's so exciting to even earn $1.00. When I'm earning money I feel like a money goddess. I am to money, what Quinlyn is to Niall Horan from One Direction. Being able to earn millions of money for the rest of my life would be amazing!
       
Being a lawyer takes special talent. I gained a lot of experience at watching people on T.V. at court debating. I learned a lot about the environment of lawyers. For example, lawyers are mostly at court or their office. The time I spent in a real office is sure to give me an advantage when it comes to becoming a lawyer.
                 
The three most important ingredients required in order to become a successful lawyer are being good at debate, loving money and enjoy watching lawyers, and I've got them all! I want to give justice to people. I'm never so happy as when I'm in the midst of a good case. It's like Quinlyn said, "Paula you'd make a great lawyer."When I am in a court, I start to get all hyper because this is where I am going to be when I grow up, and that's why I'll be the best lawyer there ever was!

I got my picture at  http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=lawyer&view=detail&id=75BA124833E456C29CEE67E646EB01FDCA3B74C8&first=1

Book Review: The Red Pyramid

I recently read the book The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan. This book follows brother and sister, Sadie and Carter, who have been separated ever since their mother's death. Sadie lived with her grandparents and Carter lived with his father, an Egyptologist, Dr. Julius Kane. Carter and his father go to London to visit Sadie for Christmas, and their father takes them to a British Museum, and there they come across trouble. Their father summons a god by accident, and the god is Set, the god of evil, who wants to take over and destroy North America to make it his new empire. Set captures their father and now Sadie and Carter have to team up and go on a crazy adventure to find their father and defeat Set before it's to late. On their way, they meet new gods who help them, long lost family (such as Uncle Amos), and discover their powers.

The theme of the book is to always have your family by your back. Family is really important in the book. On page 511-512, Sadie gets a phone call at the end of the book from her grandparents, asking her if she wants to come back to London and live with them. Sadie rejects them and says she can't because she is already home in Brooklyn with Carter, Uncle Amos, Muffin (a.k.a Bast, her goddess name) and with their crazy baboon, Khufu. Also, in the book Carter and Sadie are annoyed by each other on their way to finding Set but in their mind, they know that they love each other. Also, in the book Sadie's cat, Muffin, turns out to be a cat goddess named Bast, who was summoned by their father and mother to protect their children. That is why I chose that theme.

I would recommend this book to other 7th grade readers, because this book is full of adventure. People who like Egypt mythology and gods would like this book. This book can also be filled with humor because of Carter's and Sadie's attitude and their thoughts. Also, there is a trilogy of this book. The second book is The Throne of Fire and the third book is The Serpent's Shadow. That is why I would recommend this book to 7th graders.

Rick Riordan is not only famous for The Red Pyramid. He is also famous for The Throne of Fire. Those two books won as New York Times best selling books. He is also famous for the Percy Jackson and the Olympian series. If you want to learn more about him, go to his website at www.rickriordan.com.

I got my pictures at http://www.rickriordan.com/my-books/kane-chronicles/books/red-pyramid.aspx and
http://www.rickriordan.com/home.aspx and The Red Pyramid Characters




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