Tears of a Tiger by Sharon Draper

Sharon Draper might be my new favorite author. I recently read Copper Sun by her (which is going to be one of our read alouds this year) and I just read Tears of a Tiger in like two days. Its heartbreaking, absolutely heartbreaking.

Andy Jackson and Robbie Washington have been best friends for years. They are both on the high school basketball team. After the game one night, they and two other players decide to have a few beers and cruise around town. Andy, the driver, probably had more than anyone else and loss control of the car. This was funny to a bunch of drunk kids, until a concrete wall seemed to appear out of nowhere. They crashed.

Robbie was in the front seat, with his legs propped up on the dash. The other three were thrown from the car, but Robbie was trapped by the windshield with it caved in. Even though they tried to pull him out, they couldn't and the car ultimately exploded with Robbie still inside.

This is only the beginning of Andy's story. The book gives a close look at those left behind--their pain and grief and guilt. This is great book and I highly recommend it.

The purpose of life is to increase the warm heart. Think of other people. Serve other people sincerely. No cheating.

~The Dalai Lama

In honor of Valentine's Day...

The World is Not a Pleasant Place to Be

the world is not a pleasant place
to be without
someone to hold and be held by

a river would stop
its flow if only
a stream were there
to receive it

an ocean would never laugh
if clouds weren't there
to kiss her tears

the world is not
a pleasant place to be without
someone


~Nikki Giovanni

In honor of Valentine's Day...

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

~ e.e. cummings

Macbeth Questions

Post any questions you have about the play here. Check back often for answers!

Macbeth journals now due next Wednesday!

Journals are now due February 22nd. However, no late journals will be accepted. You either have it on the 22nd or you don't. Remember that you have a long weekend to get everything done. DO NOT COME TO ME WEDNESDAY TO TELL ME THAT YOUR PRINTER IS BROKEN!

The following are journal topics that will help you in your analysis of the play, Macbeth. Complete the journals as you read the play to aid in your understanding of the action. Type all journals to present in a portfolio at the end of the unit. All journals must be approximately 300 words, or one typed, double-spaced page.

• Discuss the following quote: "Ambition destroys its possessor."
• Is Macbeth essentially a good character gone bad or was he evil all along? Draw your ideas from the text.
• Shakespeare took precise steps to achieve his goal of becoming a playwright. List the practical steps toward achieving your chosen career goal.
• Examine Macbeth's desires, motivations, and internal conflicts. Write a character profile.
• Think of something you want so much you would do just about anything to get it. Describe what you desire and consider what it would take to gain it. Do you need it?
• (Act III) If you could talk to Macbeth as a friend or confidant, what advice would you offer? Do you think he would take it? Do most people take the advice of friends?
• Would you say that Macbeth has a conscience? Why or why not?
• (Act IV, Scene ii) Write a letter from her husband that Lady Macduff might be reading as Ross arrives. Consider where he has gone, whom he plans to see, and the purpose of his trip. Explain why he has left his family.
• If the events in Macbeth were taking place today, would you want the president to send troops to Scotland to help Macduff and Malcolm? Explain why or why not.
• (Act V) Macbeth desperately wants to be king, but he proves himself to be unworthy of the position. Which characters would actually be right for the job? Complete a chart using "Character", "Skills", and "Personality" as column headings. Who would be the most qualified person? (Does not have to be 300 words)
• Do Macbeth and Lady Macbeth exchange personalities as the play progresses? Find examples from the play.
• What causes Macbeth's downfall--a tragic flaw, errors in judgement, forces beyond his control, or a combination of these? Support your opinion with evidence from the play. (See page 352 for help.)

Remember that no late journals will be accepted--not even for computer problems.

What are you reading?

I have really enjoyed SSR this nine weeks. Its given me a chance to get some reading in.

Right now, I'm reading Memoirs of a Geisha. I didn't see this movie when it came out, because I wanted to read the book. Its so beautifully written! The imagery and similes and language is astounding!

I also read Copper Sun by Sharon Draper. This book examined the life of a slave, from her kidnapping in her African village through her journey to slavery. Its a great book and there are two copies in the library for you to check out!