@CherylVDM on Litsy

Johnny Tremain | Esther Hoskins Forbes

#UCFSSEJOHNNYTREMAIN If you‘re new to Litsy simply refer back to this post or the hashtag above to see what we are saying about the book. If you post, you just use the hashtag so that we can see what you‘ve said. You should follow each member once they post. We will formally begin on Monday, January 20th.

heidimc8 I have been very interested in historical fiction books, lately! I am 3 chapters in and loving it so far. 4y

Holmes28 It has been a very interesting read so far, Johnny‘s view on John Hancock and Sam Adams was great you can tell he is interested if only a little bit into the rebellion that is starting. 4y

mslentz87 About halfway through and this work of fiction would be a great introduction to some of America's founders. The descriptions and interactions make me want to dig deeper everytime I see a familiar name. I am also really enjoying the maturation in Johnny's personality as the book progresses. Learning to "count ten" before acting would be a good lesson for many young students. 4y

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CherylVDM @mslentz87 I agree that you could do some amazing “knowledge building” with this text. It might prove valuable for students to try to separate fact from fiction. I think this could be done in an engaging way. 4y

heidimc8 This book could be used for so many things. I also like that his character shows growth through out the story.
There are many engaging activities that can be done with students. The first one that came to mind was readers theater. Students could decide which character they wanted to take the role of and act out different scenarios with in that time period.
There are many references to Sam Adams, Paul Revere, John Hancock.. 4y

heidimc8 All of which can be researched further. There is so much great information to be pulled from this story! 4y

heidimc8 As I was reading, I couldn‘t help but wonder what it would have been like to endure everything that Johnny did at 14 years old. Being head of the household, losing the ability to be a silversmith, injuring himself, running away from home, etc.. also, being apart of something that‘s such a major part of history, The Boston Tea Party. I think it‘s cool to reflect on how times have changed. (edited) 4y

heidimc8 The ending of this book had me picturing Johnny standing there on the Lexington Green, overlooking everything he had been through. 4y

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CherylVDM

Chains | Laurie Halse Anderson

#UCFSSECHAINS If you‘re new to Litsy simply refer back to this post or the hashtag above to see what we are saying about the book. If you post, you just use the hashtag so that we can see what you‘ve said. You should follow each member once they post. We will formally begin on Monday, January 20th.

aramirez68 I just got the three books in this series a couple of days ago! I know it's a bit late to start reading but l I'm hoping to start tonight I can't wait to start reading!!! I'm hoping to get through the book by Thursday or Friday. I also got the audiobook so I can listen when I'm driving to work!! (edited) 4y

aramirez68 I'm currently in chapter 11 for this book and I felt the beginning was a bit intense. But to see isabel grow and over time. She has over come so much so for in the book. I have loved reading this book and I bought the two other books in this series. I can wait to read them #ucfssechains 4y

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CherylVDM

Sophia's War: A Tale of the Revolution | Avi

#UCFSSESOPHIASWAR If you‘re new to Litsy simply refer back to this post or the hashtag above to see what we are saying about the book. If you post, you just use the hashtag so that we can see what you‘ve said. You should follow each member once they post. We will formally begin on Monday, January 20th.

Otisboatis I like this book so far! The opening chapter made it intriguing. I am bit less than halfway through and plan on making some time today to read some more! 4y

Jen_H I'm currently on chapter 7 and agree that I'm enjoying the book. It has kept me interested and wanting to read more. 4y

CherylVDM This is one that I hadn't read yet. I am really liking it so far. I like that there is a strong female figure. I can't wait to finish. 4y

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CherylVDM Just finished... not going to spoil for others so I'll wait to comment. 🙂 4y

F.dennison I am on chapter 8 and I think this book is awesome. I am glad to read a book about history with strong female figure in it as well. Hopefully, I can finish it within the next day! It is so intriguing! 4y

Zoe_Swanson The book is good so far, a few chapters in! I'm looking forward to reading more! 😃 4y

Otisboatis Almost done! I found it so interesting in the beginning when Sophia was talking about how Benedict Arnold was her hero! I thought, oh no! I guess she isn't up on her history! :) It is funny how one's perspective of a person can change depending on what year in history they live. 4y

brennaduffy I am just getting into the first few chapters of this book. Enjoying it so far! Love that the setting is in NY. One of my favorite places to visit! 4y

Otisboatis Okay, so.... I finished the book the other day and don't know how I feel about the end. Maybe a bit disgruntled. Once everyone is done, I will elaborate, but I would also like to know how everyone else felt about the ending. 4y

kristenlugo99 I am a few chapters into the book, and I am really enjoying it! I am excited to keep reading and come back to share thoughts :) 4y

brennaduffy I am over half-way through the book. Something interesting is the relationship between Sophia and the soldier. You will have to read to find out what happens with them. 4y

CherylVDM @brennaduffy I don‘t know if I trust the British soldier. There is something that is just not right about him. 4y

F.dennison I have about a quarter of the book left. I find this book very interesting to hear the war through the eyes of a young girl who does not follow the Loyalist point of view. Also, I find Sophia's interest with John André quite interesting because it shows that there is always a fascination with someone you are not able to have. 4y

moneill92 I just finished the first chapter yesterday! It is very interesting! Onto the next after I complete more homework. 4y

Zoe_Swanson Hello all!
Got a lot more reading done this week! I agree with the idea of Sophia's interest in John being a very interesting level to this book. I like that we get to see how things are happening through her eyes. A very fun and different way of learning this history. 4y

brennaduffy I finished the book. I did not like the ending. I felt like there was not enough detail with the characters. I will not elaborate until everyone else is finished. 4y

Isabella.kinley I have finished part one so far and I am enjoying it. It is the kind of book that does not lose your attention. I am kind of disappointed about Sophia's brother. I really feel for Sophia and seeing it from her point of view helps me relate to her easily. It is always fascinating to gain insight into another time period. 4y

Jen_H I'm now up to chapter 38, I was not expecting her brother to die, I thought that the book's direction was going in the way that she would be the one to save him from the prison, but I was wrong. I'm now anxious to see what happens as she begins her new adventure. 4y

7 likes18 comments

CherylVDM

Alex & Eliza: A Love Story | Melissa de la Cruz

#UCFSSEALEXANDELIZA If you‘re new to Litsy simply refer back to this post or the hashtag above to see what we are saying about the book. If you post, you just use the hashtag so that we can see what you‘ve said. You should follow each member once they post. We will formally begin on Monday, January 20th.

jvillafuerte1 Reading and almost finished! This is an amazing book so far!!! (edited) 4y

CherylVDM @jvillafuerte1 It is a trilogy - I'd only read this one. I liked it because some of the places that they talk about are very close to where I grew up.
4y

Brendahicks7 Yes, it‘s so good!! 4y

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Smurphy01 I am definitely enjoying the read and thankful that it's a good book. 4y

gracebielfelt I am six chapters in, and I am excited to see how this plays out... I am not super familiar with Alexander Hamilton‘s life so I‘m curious to see how accurate it is to history. :) 4y

Kbaby523 I'm so excited for this series! My sister is obsessed with Hamilton and told me this book is amazing. 4y

Msonia Great book almost finished reading it! 4y

SamFoc I was a bit late to start the book, but I am in love with it. I have read half of it in one sitting. 4y

Ameyer32 I find Eliza and her sisters to be much like me and my sisters. The personalities and the banter. It is quite funny! I am just 2 chapters in as I got a late start but hope to be at least 2 chapter 7 by the end of the night. Do any of you have sisters or close friends who remind you of the sisters in the book? (edited) 4y

patriciasmoot I'm just finishing up the book and I chose this book because I love a good romance and facing the choices between family obligations and love ❤️ is something I think almost everyone can relate to. 4y

gracebielfelt Just finished reading it this morning! I love the way the author incorporated the history of what was currently happening into their love story. The book held my attention, and I have even recommended it to a few people. I love the bond of the sisters; I am one of four girls in my family so I loved to see the similarities between the sisters in the book and my sisters. Great read! 4y

lmcmurrer Just finished reading! I liked the book, it is kind of similar to my all time favorite Gone With the Wind. Eliza and her sisters remind me of Scarlett and hers, only nicer. To be honest, I didn‘t think I was going to like it at all and that I would get bored but it turned out to be a great read! 4y

patriciasmoot I love a good love story, the conflict between love and family is something that surprisingly is more common then we might think. Nowadays people say that you marry the person and their family. But in the case of this love story Eliza and Alex faced so many obstacles in their love. Eliza's family had arranged a marriage of financial security for the family and Alex had obligations to the service as a soldier. I don't want to give away too much. 4y

CherylVDM I enjoyed reading it because I grew up in upstate NY in the capitol district. I have visited many of the places in the text. Quite a few are on the historic registry. I love that I was able to make connections between the text and my own experiences. 4y

Atnordin97 I just finished reading! This was a great book. I am usually so fascinated with Nicholas Sparks love stories, but I liked this one a lot better. I loved learning a little bit about Alexander Hamilton, because I did not know much about his history before. I think incorporating a love story with war, was interesting. The love story itself kind of reminded me of a mix between Romeo and Juliet, and Dear John. I may read the other books in this trilogy 4y

Smurphy01 @CherylVDM , that sounds like a great adventure! I love when one can see actual things from the story come to life. 4y

Smurphy01 I was actually really surprised when it was revealed in the book that Alexander had red hair. When I was reading, I imagined him with dark hair especially since he was born on a southern island. I would speculate the red hair came from his father whom was a Scot. 4y

CherylVDM @ATnordin97 I‘m thinking about reading the others in the trilogy too. I‘m wondering how the author will continue to weave history into the story. 4y

Fgomez16 @Ameyer32 Hey, yes I have a sister and reading this book reminds me so much of me and my sister also. 4y

Fgomez16 I am a little late and started to read the book 3 days ago and I have to say this book is really good. At first I felt I wasn't going to like it and now I cant put it down. 4y

Kristaladkison I am currently reading this book and I notice me trying to fact check the information to see how historically accurate it is. So far the background on Alexander Hamilton's life has been proved on other accounts. I am looking forward to see what else I will learn through this book. 4y

Smurphy01 It was really intriguing to hear how the inoculations were administered. I never knew that when they were first administered, they were done in such a way. I'm thankful for shots these days because getting inoculated by a rake-like fork, scoring across my wrist, does not sound pleasant in any way! 4y

Ameyer32 @Smurphy01 Right? This book is really telling us information about things that we take for granted nowadays. :) 4y

Kbaby523 I just finished the book! I am so looking forward to when “Love and War,“ as well as “All for One,“ comes in the mail! I love the way this love story is crafted!

I think one of my favorite scenes in the book is during Chapter 9 when Eliza succumbs to Alex's warmth while riding Hector into town. The visual from it reminded me of Anna curling up to Kristoff riding Sven in Disney's original movie Frozen.

Does anybody else have a favorite scene? 4y

Msonia I really loved this book, I finished reading it a couple of days ago.!
4y

Msonia @Ameyer32 Eliza's sisters remind me so much of my friends back in high school. 4y

Msonia Can't wait to read the rest of the trilogy! My favorite part has to be the prologue because you get what the story is going to be about, and also I love reading a good romance novel. 4y

Smurphy01 It was such a great read. I loved the historical aspects of it and the plot in between. I'll definitely be purchasing the set. 4y

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CherylVDM

My Brother Sam Is Dead | James Lincoln Collier

#UCFSSEMYBROTHERSAMISDEAD If you‘re new to Litsy simply refer back to this post or the hashtag above to see what we are saying about the book. If you post, you just use the hashtag so that we can see what you‘ve said. You should follow each member once they post. We will formally begin on Monday, January 20th.

Meganallen1818 Almost done with the book! It was better than I anticipated! :) 4y

SForbes I am still waiting for mine. I hope I like it as much as Megan. 🙂 4y

CherylVDM I liked the book because it made me think about the way we teach American history. History is written by the winners, but there are many sides that need to be considered. 4y

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JonGUCF I have just started reading since I just got the book yesterday, and most of my books for my classes the day before. I have been doing a lot of reading. I was torn between reading this book and Johnny Tremain. Ultimately I bought both books and will read both. I cannot wait to get started because I love American Revolution as well as Civil war stories. 4y

amandamesa@cfl.rr.com My book is on it's way! Looking forward to reading! 4y

Ktyler97 Just got the book tonight! 4y

Brittany1013 Mine should be here any day!! I‘m excited to read it. 4y

kburgess72 Something that I found interesting was what Tim said after Sam left to fight. He said that he knew that there was a war going on, but nothing had changed in Redding. There was talk of the war, but life went on as normal. History certainly repeats itself. I know that after the Iraq war began, there was lots of talk about the war and patriotism. However, in the U.S. our daily lives went on as they always had. #UCFSSEMYBROTHERSAMISDEAD 4y

Faith_DePriest #UCFSSEMYBROTHERSAMISDEAD I chose this book because I remembered the title from the depths of my elementary school memory bank. I also remembered that this book had been banned from public schools for awhile. This book does incorporate a lot of violence, 'vulgar' language, and unpatriotic views of the revolutionary war. Those same reasons are why I came to enjoyed rereading it! For young readers, this is about as accurate as you can get (cont.) .. 4y

savannahisaacs I love how this book is written from a child's point of view, however, I find it very dry and not as good as I thought it would be, which is not everyone else's opinion. I like the book but I expected to like it a lot more. Did anyone else feel this way or is it just me?
(edited) 4y

Meganallen1818 #UCFSEMYBROTHERSAMISDEAD One critique I would have about this book is that it is for more mature readers. Since there is some inappropriate language and clearly death, some young readers may not be able to handle it. Other than that I do think it is easy to follow along with and a good read for most ages. 4y

CherylVDM How would you suggest a study of the American Revolution without discussing the lives lost. I think I might begin study with the Boston Massacre and the death of Crispus Attucks . He is considered to be the first person killed in the war. Additionally, I believe This book shows the struggle within the family when some are pro-America and others support the British. A painful reality of the time. 4y

savannahisaacs You can‘t discuss wars in classrooms without discussing lives lost. I do think this book was an eye opener I just think it was a little slow especially in the beginning. However, I do think it‘s for more mature ages because the vocabulary can be a little hard to read/understand in some parts. 4y

gregao Im glad i choose this book, it was eye opening. Being able to see all sides and points of view of the war is something ive never had the chance to experience. I understand now that everyone is a victim of war especially when it is taking place on your own homeland. It divided families, communities, and friends became enemies. 4y

Jordanp1 I liked this book because it came from a child‘s point of view. I‘m not a fan of history and all but I liked this book because it takes about the war and what it was like from Tim‘s point of view. I do think that this book would be for the higher grades because it talks about wars and death and younger kids wouldn‘t handle it as well as the older students would. 4y

kburgess72 I thought this was a great book. At the back of the book, the authors discussed which parts of the book were factual and which were made up but based on research. Unfortunately, death is part of war so in order to learn about the war you have to read about the deaths and how they died. 4y

kburgess72 The authors also mentioned that the book was written for middle schoolers. However, fifth graders are the ones that read it because they are learning about the Revolutionary War. I think the authors did a great job of giving a realistic depiction of what life was like during this time. Students who read this book will be able to visualize the affects the war had on everyones lives. #UCFSSEMYBROTHERSAMISDEAD 4y

Brittany1013 This book wasn‘t as good as I thought it was going to be. Although, it was an eye opener for me on the topic of war. It discusses concerns of a family trying to survive during the revolutionary war. It was an honest portrait of Revolutionary life. It did not try to cover up any of the difficult decisions and moral dilemmas of war time. #UCFSSEMYBROTHERSAMISDEAD (edited) 4y

alyssarussell20 I thought his book brought on an interesting perspective from a boy whose family's loyalties are divided. The topic of discussing lives lost is inevitable when learning about the war. While it is difficult to talk about death, there is not way to avoid it. Reading this book can help students to understand how everyone is affected by war in different ways. #UCFSSEMYBROTHERSAMISDEAD 4y

JonGUCF After reading about half of this book, I have come to find it interesting that both sides have a viewpoint on the war. It is crazy to think that families could be torn because one side sees the English as the enemy and another as supreme rulers. One thing that I found odd was rebels that were basically attacking Tim's father and asking to relinquish his firearm. It seems as the Rebels were just as ruthless as the English. #UCFSSEMYBROTHERSAMISDEAD 4y

JonGUCF @CherylVDM This statement makes me wonder what English history books say about the American Revloutionary War. 4y

JonGUCF It is also interesting that you cannot trust anyone do to underlying alliances. I also liked how religion played a role in why some people wanted to side with the English because they were under the Church of England. It reminds me today of information that is spread on topics. You have sides that want to side with this media choice and the opposite with another media choice. Both sides believe in their cause though. #UCFSSEMYBROTHERSAMISDEAD 4y

JonGUCF @CherylVDM It is kind of ironic that without teaching about death you would start with a massacre 😂. I think if the war had to be sugarcoated, you could start with the events that led up to the war like the Boston Tea Party, Sons of Liberty and their publishing, etc. Then for the war, you can talk about some of the events that took place like George Washington crossing the Delaware. Also picture depictions could be used without showing death. 4y

SForbes I am torn in my feelings about this book. I think the authors did a wonderful job with the writing, and giving the perspective of Tim being caught in the middle between people he loves and not having enough understanding of adult situations to make his own judgments. I think that the way his mindset about each side shifts from one event to another is a good example of how a person‘s views change as they go through life. 4y

SForbes Sometimes we are changed by the things we learn but even more so by the things we experience. The depiction of the division between both sides reminds me of the constant struggles between “sides” that we still have today. As a mom, I found the story a hard one to read. I had to stop when overwhelmed by emotions. It is important to share all the sides of history with students, even if it hard to do. 4y

amandamesa@cfl.rr.com I always love books and pieces of writing that were written from children's points of view, especially history books. I have always loved history and wondered how children felt during wars. This book shows all sorts of family conflict and feelings about what is going on in the world around them. I love reading about the connections between the family members and how they each handle situations differently. 4y

Ktyler97 I loved how in the book is from a child's perspective who looks up to his big brother, always wanting to impress him. It was interesting to read his thoughts about the troubling situation of the war and not knowing who's side to take. It is also sad when a child in the book has to grow up quickly because of certain events but it also shows how unexpecting life is during a time of war. 4y

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CherylVDM

Half a Chance | Cynthia Lord

This book reminded me of spending my summers at the lake in the Adirondacks. The sound of the looms, the muck at the bottom of the lake under the dock, and the kayak trips early in the morning brought back such wonderful memories. @DrSpalding I'm glad this book ended with hope for the future. Some of the others we have read did not!

DrSpalding Beautiful picture. Your text to self connection sounds wonderful. I too have been in the Adirondacks but for a very short time. I also saw loons on the Saint St. John's.💜 7y

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CherylVDM

The Girl Who Drank the Moon | Kelly Barnhill

Chapter 8 "This is why it doesn't pay to be brave. Bravery makes nothing, protects nothing, results in nothing. It only makes you dead. And this is why we don't stand up to the Witch. Because even a powerful old wizard was no match for her." Parallels to a complacent society?

anakenn Yes. Very timely. 7y

DrSpalding Yes sadly, timely! 7y

3 likes2 comments

CherylVDM

The Girl Who Drank the Moon | Kelly Barnhill

How do you picture the Protectorate? I see grey and dark, the sun never shines, people go about their day to day tasks. I wonder how it got to be that way. There seem to be happy people on the other side of the forest (where the start children are raised) how did they get separated from the Protectorate? Luck?

CherylVDM *star children 7y

anakenn I picture it like the setting in The Giver. 7y

CherylVDM Hunger Games too 7y

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DrSpalding I picture it like Seattle dismal and poor so not like the Giver. Somewhere it says it's poor! 7y

CWalters Yes, and similar to City of Embers... 7y

CherylVDM I forgot all about the City of Embers. 😀 7y

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CherylVDM

Joined February 2017