The Curse of King Tut

This book The Curse of King Tut is, as the title says, about the supposed curse of King Tut. There are many deaths supposedly caused by the curse. All the deaths were of people who had something to do with the tomb. The first death attributed to the curse was that of George Herbert, Lord of Carnarvon. He started studying Egyptology while recovering from a nearly fatal car accident. He wanted to find a great tomb but was a poor archaeologist so he started financing the digs of Howard Carter. For five years Carter found nothing but a few ancient jars with Tut's name. Carter was convinced that Tut had been buried in the Valley of Kings after the discovery. Lord Carnarvon however was discouraged and told Carter he might stop financing the dig. Carter convinced him to finance it for one more season. Finally, on November 3, 1922 Howard found a tomb near that of Ramses IV. Layout of King Tut's Tomb http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/king-tut-tomb-1.gif Two weeks after sent a telegram to Lord Carnarvon in England he arrived. On November 24 Carter's workers cleared the debris from the entrance . Carter eventually saw the name Tutankhamen imprinted on the plastered doorway. The tomb was found nearly intact. They opened the tomb and entered the antechamber and found hundreds of ancient treasures. It took nearly 10 years to get all the treasures out because they needed careful handeling and care. Lord Carnarvon in Egypt http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e5/Carnarvon.jpg Right after the opening of the tomb Lord Carnarvon went to Cairo to meet with the head of Egypt's Antiquities Service. On the way there he was bitten by a mosquito. The bite got infected and he fell ill with a high fever. He died on April 15, 1923. Other people who's deaths were attributed to the curse were those of George Jay Gould who took a tour of Tut's tomb. Another strange death was that of the Antiquites Service head, Mohammed Ibraham who died after getting hit by a car. Another notable death was that of Richard Bethell's father. Richard was Lord Carnarvon's secretary. His father committed suicide and while he was being taken to a crematorium his hearse struck and killed an 8 year old boy. For many years people have been looking for explanations for these deaths. Some suggest Egyptian magic. A notable explanation is that the Egyptians placed poisons in the tomb. The poison could have infected the items inside. That can explain the deaths of people who handled the artifacts but never even went to Egypt. These poisons could have been anything from quicksilver to arsenic. But many still believe it was the Pharaohs' curse. King Tut's Burial Mask http://bikyamasr.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/tutankhamun-golden-mask.jpg

Girl In a Cage

Ms. Bennett
6th Grade English
Room 14

"Girl In a Cage" by Jane Yolen is about the young daughter of Robert
Bruce, heir to the throne of Scotland, during the English reign of
King Edward the "Longshanks". Anyone who has seen the movie
"Braveheart" knows about the trouble between Scotland and England
during the early 1300's. The story picks up after Wallace's death and
is seen through the eyes of Robert's daughter, Marjorie, who is
growing up a princess to a country constantly under the threat of
invasion by the English. Told in flashbacks after she is taken
hostage and locked in a cage by by King Edward as bait for her
powerful father, she reveals to herself and to the people who come to
know her what it truly means to be a princess.

I loved this book not only because the characters were beautifully
written but because the historical reality of Marjorie's situation was
truly chilling. Jane Yolen kept me in suspense, wondering whether she
would be rescued or murdered by her father's greatest enemy.

Treasure Island

Dominic English period 2 One of the most interesting books that I have had the pleasure to read is Treasure Island by Robert Louise Stevenson. I was given this book to read by a seventh grade English teacher as an assignment. At first I was not excited that I had to read this book because the English dialect was difficult to understand. But once I started reading it I was lured by the conflict between characters and excitement throughout the story. I selected this book for this book review because it is an interesting and fun read that I would recommend to other students in middle school. The story is very detailed and it described in detail each characters identity. The two main characters in Treasure Island are Jim Hawkins and Long John Silver. The story goes deep into the relationship between these two characters describing a very complex love-hate relationship. In the story Long John befriends young Jim Hawkins all along plotting to betray his companion to get what he is looking for. In the story Long John Silver is a courageous man with one leg and a parrot on one shoulder, but he is a pirate none the less willing to do or say anything for his own survival, who had previously served on the notorious Captain Flints Ship. On the other hand, Jim Hawkins is a young boy troubled by the recent death of his father. Jim is also courageous and wiling to do whatever it takes for whatever is right in his mind. Long John and Jim are brought together by one thing their desire for treasure but in this search for treasure is a complicated relationship between the two that will draw any reader to the book. "He was plainly blind, for he tapped before him with a stick, and wore a great green shade over his eyes and nose; and he was hunched, as if with age or weakness, and wore a huge old tattered sea cloak with a hood, that made him appear positively deformed. I never saw in my life a more dreadful-looking figure" (Ch. III, pp. 28-29). This quote is a descriptive of Pew the blind beggar from Jim's perspective. I feel that it is importance because it shows the level of descriptiveness used throughout the book. Also this descriptiveness is what would draw most readers to this book, because it allows the reader to have a deep understanding of each character and scenario as if you knew them or were in the scene yourself. My rating systems has one apple as being the lowest rated reading material and meaning you should not read the book. Two apples means that it is an okay rated book and you might be interested in reading it. Three apples means that the book is a must read book for everyone. I chose apples as my rating system because Jim Hawkins is in the apple barrel hiding when he discovers that Long John Silver and his crew of pirates are going to try to take over the ship they are traveling on. Treasure Island is definitely a three apple. I recommend this book to everyone. It was interesting, fun to read, and it captures the reader and as the reader I wanted to read more. The plot and the conflict between characters captured me. In addition, I feel that this book allows you to understand the physical traits of the character and as much as their emotional traits. I really felt that I was inside each character. I feel that anyone who reads this book can draw these characters on paper because of the high level of detail. Reading this book was like being in the story yourself. It captured my imagination and I think it will capture any reader's imagination. I recommend this book to all audiences as it is a classic must read for everyone. The only warning I have is that the dialect is different but don't shy away from it because it helps the reader get into character, and it makes the storyline more interesting and fun to read.

Treasure Island

Dominic

English Period 2

Treasure Island 

One of the most interesting books that I have had the pleasure to read is Treasure Island by Robert Louise Stevenson.  I was given this book to read by a seventh grade English teacher as an assignment.  At first I was not excited that I had to read this book because the English dialect was difficult to understand.  But once I started reading it I was lured by the conflict between characters and excitement throughout the story.  I selected this book for this book review because it is an interesting and fun read that I would recommend to other students in=2 0middle school.  The story is very detailed and it described in detail each characters identity.

The two main characters in Treasure Island are Jim Hawkins and Long John Silver.  The story goes deep into the relationship between these two characters describing a very complex love-hate relationship.  In the story Long John befriends young Jim Hawkins all along plotting to betray his companion to get wh at he is looking for.  In the story Long John Silver is a courageous man with one leg and a parrot on one shoulder, but he is a pirate none the less willing to do or say anything for his own survival, who had previously served on the notorious Captain Flints Ship.  On the other hand, Jim Hawkins is a young boy troubled by the recent death of his father.  Jim is also courageous and wiling to do whatever it takes for whatever is right in his mind.  Long John and Jim are brought together by one thing their desire for treasure but in this search for treasure is a complicated relationship between the two that will draw any reader to the book.

"He was plainly blind, for he tapped before him with a stick, and wore a great green shade over his eyes and nose; and he was hunched, as if with age or weakness, and wore a huge old tattered sea cloak with a hood, that  made him appear positively deformed. I never saw in my life a more dreadful-looking figure" (Ch. III, pp.  28-29).  This quote is a descriptive of Pew the blind beggar from Jim's perspective.  I feel that it is importance because it shows the level of descriptiveness used throughout t he book. Also this descriptiveness is what would draw most readers to this book, because it allows the reader to have a deep understanding of each character and scenario as if you knew them or were in the scene yourself. 

My rating systems has one apple as being the lowest rated reading material and meaning you should not read the book.  Two apples means that it is an okay rated book and you might be interested in reading it.  Three apples means that the book is a must read book for everyone. 

 

20         -  Must Read

            -  Okay to Read

                -  Do not Read

 

I chose apples as my rating system because Jim Hawkins is in the apple barrel hiding when he discovers that Long John Silver and his crew of pirates are going to try to take over the ship they are traveling on.  Treasure Island is definitely a three apple. 

I recommend this book to everyone.  It was interesting, fun to read, and it captures the reader and as the reader I wanted to read more.  The plot and the conflict between characters captured me.  In addition, I feel that this book allows you to understand the physical traits of the character and as much as their emotional traits.  I really felt that I was inside each character.  I feel that anyone who reads this book can draw these characters on paper because of the high level of detail.  Reading this book was like being in the story yourself.  It captured my imagination and I think it will capture any reader's imagination. 

I recommend this book to all audiences as it is a classic must read for everyone.  The only warning I have is that the dialect is different but don't shy away from it because it helps the reader get into character, and it makes the storyline more interesting and fun to read.    

IT

Servellon, Alan
English, Period 2
September 13, 2009
 
"It"

The title of the book that I read a while ago is "It"
by Stephan King. I selected the book, because Stephan King
delivers horror books which I love. The reason I picked this
book from others, because once you read the first eight pages
you can't stop reading. And its about a monster.

The characters of the book are Bill Denbrough, which is
the older brother of George Denbrough. George Denbrough was
six years old, and his brother bill gave him a paper boat to
ride, so, he did. Later, a clown pops out which is named "
Pennywise the Dancing clown." he offers his boatback if he
reaches for, so, he did and something happens you should read.
Bill and his friends start getting weird flashbacks from the
past.

My favorite quote is " GET OUT!!!" Bill stands up to
some bullies with his friends. I fell the reason I picked this
because he was brave. At the beginning he was a wimp,but he was
brave which was awsome. Also the bullies bother them a lot,so I
thought that's why its important.

I would rate this book from 1 to 10. I would give it an
8, because it had those boring moments. Also, the book had a
lot of suspense sometimes. I would recommend it for you if you
don't get scared often. This book is good, but its scary, look
who's writing it Stephan King the horror guy. So, you should be
over 11 to read this if you want.

The reason I recommend this book is, because it has
some suspense. The book is horror which does have blood. Also,
it takes the kids into flashbacks from their past which you
could see what happens. In the story they change characters. I
recommend this book, because its by Stephan King.

EMAILING FOR THE GREATER GOOD Join me

The Capture

 

The Capture

 

I chose to do my book review on The Capture by Kathryn Lasky.  It is the first book in one of my most favorite series, The Guardians of Ga'Hoole. I chose this book because I read it in fourth grade and from that moment on, I was hooked. I loved every second of it and am currently reading the 10^th book in the series. I also decided to choose this book because I have many friends who enjoyed reading it as well. Even my little brother asks me to read it to him.  It is a very entrancing fantasy book with plenty of action and mystery

            The book's setting takes place in the far future after many species have died out, including the humans. Owls are now the most advanced animals on the planet. The story centers around a young Barn Owl named Soren. He lives with his mother, father, older brother, little sister, and nest maid snake in a fir tree hollow. Soren had just hatched three weeks ago and doesn't know much about the world around him. He overhears his parents talking about how owl eggs and hatchlings are going missing more and more often. Then, one night, Soren suddenly falls from his nest onto the dark, damp forest floor below. He is sure that this is the end as he will most likely be eaten by a raccoon, when out of nowhere, a huge Great Horned Owl snatches him up and flies away. They fly far away to a dry rocky desert with huge mazes of canyons. Soren is taken down into these canyons to a place called St. Aegolius Academy for Orphaned Owls (St. Aggie's for short). There are many other kidnapped owlets there and Soren quickly makes friends with a little Elf Owl named Gylfie. She soon tells Soren the horrifying truth that the workers of St. Aggie's are slowly erasing the minds of the owlets. Will these two young owls be able to escape before they become slaves to the evil that is St. Aggie's?

"This was the most horrid despicable, thing he had ever witnessed. A coldness that had began in his gizzard seemed to creep through Soren from his new tail feathers up to his wing tips and down to his talons. He realized that he would rather see this little owl dead than alive in St. Aggie's. They had to get out. He and Gylfie had to get out. They must learn to fly." This quote describes Soren's feelings after he sees a stolen owl egg hatch at St. Aggies. The little defenseless owlet is pulled from its shell and thrown into a pile. Then it is given a number instead of a name. After that it is just another one of the thousands of owlets at St. Aggies. No mother, no father, no love. Just a number in a sea of slaves. I think this quote is important in the story because this moment in particular really opens up Soren's eyes to what St. Aggies really is. He sees that it is a ruthless organization that manipulates and controls innocent owlets. There are no feelings and no mercy. Soren realizes he and Gylfie have to do all they can to escape and warn the rest of the world.

I  Give The Capture five out of five owl feathers. It is an amazing book that I truly loved. It had great description and it always kept me focused. I never got bored of it. It wasn't too short or too long. Overall this is, and always will be, one of my most favorite books. I chose to use owl feathers as my rating system because this book is all about owls and flight. One of the main struggles is when Soren and Gylfie are learning to fly. They must wait for all of their flight feathers to grow in.

 

 

 

 

 

I would recommend this book for many reasons. One is that this book has a very unique story and setting. So if you are tired of the vampire scene this might be a good refresher. Another reason is that the series has 15 books so there is plenty too read. And finally I would recommend this book because it is just great overall. It has a very magical feel to it and takes you into another world. It has action, adventure, fantasy, and mystery. It is a real page-turner and leaves off with suspenseful cliffhangers. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to explore other worlds. My only warning is that there is some violence. I absolutely loved this book and I hope, if you read it, you will love it too.

 

The Clique

                                                                                                          Stephanie

                                                                                                          English, Per 6

                                                                                                          September 16, 2009

 

The Clique

 

 I read the book The Clique by Lisi Harrison. I chose this book when someone I knew recommended the book. They told a short story about the book and thought it sounded interesting. I went ahead in reading the book.

 

This book is about a 12- year old girl named Claire Lyons. Her father's friend, William Block, is very rich and lives in a mansion in Westchester, New York with his wife and daughter. They let Claire and her family live in their guesthouse until they bye a house. The daughter of Mr. Block, Massie Block, is the most popular girl in OCD, the all girls' school she attends. She has a popular, alpha clique of 3 other girls: Alicia Rivera, Dylan Marvel, and Kristen Gregory. She is the best and exclusive to the people she hangs out with but is forced to hang out with Claire, a simply nobody with no friends. Claire just wants to fit in but thinks Massie is just being mean so she tries to give Massie a taste of her own medicine.

 

There is a quote in this book that is important to the theme that I would like to share. "Claire noticed the girls in the pictures… 'I can't wait to meet everybody.' (Claire). Massie lifted her eyes like if she was peeking over a pair of sunglasses. 'Our friends and I have our own thing going and you'll probably feel weird if you try and join in.' (Massie)" I chose this quote because this quote shows that Massie would not accept Claire. These words are the words that show when Massie started being mean and ignoring Claire.

 

The rating system in this book will be shown with 5 rings:JJJJJ. J= boring, JJ= somewhat interesting, JJJ= interesting, JJJJ= take it some places with me, and JJJJJ= lost in the book. I give the book 5 rings. I chose rings because the girls in The Clique are very fashionable and wear a lot of jewelry.

 

The Clique is a very interesting book to read. It is really interesting because it gives you a look into the lives of 5 interesting girls. This book shows you not only the perspective one girl, but also the perspective of all of the girls. It explains every detail of the story, from their thoughts to the clothes they wear. I recommend this book to girls of 11 years and older. There might be some speech that you might find rude in this book.