Gripping Conclusion!

Oh my! This book did not go where I thought it was headed, which is good. I highly recommend it peoples. I think the boys in particular will enjoy the story.
As I wrote earlier, Marty did suffer a massive trauma in his childhood, the effects of which keep rearing their ugly heads. It is fascinating watching the impacts of this. It's a bit of a psychological thriller cos Marty, at times, can't tell what is real or what is a part of his living nightmare.
It is simply written, largish font, and only a couple of hundred pages. Perfect.
C'mon guys. Give it a shot and let's talk about it. Does Marty pull through? Has he a hope in hell of recovering from his past to live a successful future? What do you think????
Miss ^__^

Nightmares and Trees

Almost half way through now and I can't predict how the story is going to end - which is keeping me on the edge of my seat. In recent chapters Marty has been having flashbacks to something that happened in his childhood. From the few fragments written it seems that there may have been an accidental killing of (maybe) a sibling. Marty recalls a late night car trip to a sinkhole where his mum was crying hysterically as something was dragged and dropped into the hole...
On the other hand, Marty has a passion for trees. He is supporting an Iranian family by replanting the saplings that have been decimated by local racist teens. Of course, this brings him into closer contact with the lovely Nariah. Sigh.

Pig Hunting episode

I know a few of you guys go pig hunting so I'd be keen to know if the author has captured the excitement in a realistic way.
Marty releases his three hunting dogs and the chase is on...
     Only Gwab was right there as the pig picked himself up. Gwab rushed in trying to snap at the pig's throat. But the boar was too fast. He spun sideways and lunged forward, lodging his razor-sharp tusk just under Gwab's breastplate... In a split second Gwab was opened up from his chest down to his back legs. Gutted. (p.37)
You think that's bad? Wait 'til you read what Marty did to the pig! It's a gripping read - and the dog's not dead yet!!!

Marty's Shadow by John Heffernan

I picked this one from Taminmin Library as it has a 'short listed' Children's Book Council of Australia medal on the front cover. I'm only one chapter in and the author has given me plenty of reasons to delve into chapter 2. So far there's a couple of abandoned teenage boys, fending for themselves; mum walked out seven years ago and dad is only home on weekends. Next, there's a love interest - Marty is intrigued by the bubbly and energetic new girl Nariah. And finally there's enough foreshadowing to reveal the protagonist as being handy with a hunting knife. There could well be a 'kill' down the track. Watch this space.

2012 Wider Reading

Points to remember!

1. Choose a book that interests you. Ask me - or the librarians - for suggestions.
2. Read, read, read. Take the book with you everywhere. Instead of checking Facebook, read a page from your book. You'll be surprised at how much free time you'll find to do this.
3. Write!

 The best blogs are the ones which offer a personal response. What do you think of the book (and why)? I am not looking for a summary, review or even recommendation. I am looking to see how the book has affected you. What have you learned - from the story? from the style?


Write a short quote which impressed you. State why you liked the words.


When in doubt have a look at some teacher blogs. Make a note of the successful student blogs.  This is a fun unit that is easy to do well in.
Enjoy!!!


Miss ^__^