READING RESPONSE: RUNNING ON THE CRACKS BY JULIA DONALDSON

I have finished 'Life of Pi' by Yaan Martel, and I have begun 'Running on the Cracks' by Julia Donaldson, and it appeared very interesting. In the first few chapters I've read, I can gather that the main character is called Leo, and she has run away from her family. I'm still not sure why she ran away, but I assume I will learn soon. Finlay, a paper boy, comes across Leo when reading a section in the news labeled 'Missing Persons', and is determined to help her. At first, Leo was wary of him, and what his true intentions were, but now she trusts him. Finlay and Leo have already gone on many adventures, trying to avoid the police looking for Leo.

The inquiry question I chose for this book is 'Whose perspective is missing in this text? What would it be like if we put it back?' This book is mainly the perspective of the main character, Leo, although some chapters feature her sexually abusive uncle. The perspective missing is that of Leo's cousins, who bullied her, which is also another reason of why she ran away. I think it would be interesting to include these opinions, as it would show their reactions and whether or not they show remorse for driving Leo away.

I predict that Leo will be caught by the police or someone aware that she is a runaway. She has already had many close encounters and had to hide out at Finlay's house for a couple days. Leo probably won't last much longer without someone noticing her. I wonder how her family will react.

The author, Julia Donaldson, is a particularly interesting writer. This is her first young adult book, as she used to write children's books. Her most popular books are 'The Gruffalo' and 'The Gruffalo's child'. She also writes the book in different perspectives, such as the protagonist Leo, her sidekick Finlay,one of Finlay's relatives, Kim, and Leo's uncle.

So far, this book has been an amazing read, considering it is her first young adult book. I highly recommend it.

READING RESPONSE: LIFE OF PI BY YANN MARTEL

I am reading a very interesting book called the Life of Pi by Yann Martel. Although I am barely five chapters into the story, I can already see the book's potential. Using my knowledge so far I know that the book is told from the perspective of an Indian man looking back and reflecting on his past, starting from when he graduated college. This man is called Piscine Molitor Patel and he is narrating the story and informing the reader about his life when he was younger. 

Piscine, the main character, is a very clever (he graduated with double majors in religion and zoology) and thoughtful person. I predict that Piscine will tell us about his earlier years and will lead up to his great past adventure. I can relate to Piscine, and his yearn to reveal his past and the good times he had. I sometimes have the similar feeling of wanting to dive into the depths of my fondest memories of the past, and to embrace and reflect on them.

The social issue question I chose for this book was 'how does this text address the points of view (perspective) of other groups, especially those who usually don't get to tell their side?' This book largely focuses on the perspectives of the animals that Piscine is trapped on the boat with. Although the animals don't physically speak, the author focuses on their actions to show how they feel.
 

The author, Yann Martel, is an extremely descriptive writer. He makes the vibrant colors and feelings of the character's past come to life and explode in a shower of remarkable writing.He manages to somehow grasp the exact description of each moment and make it seem s real. I love reading his work because it makes me feel as if I am actually in the moment, and experiencing all the same feelings and thoughts as the main character.

I think Yann Martel wants us to comprehend our pasts and wonder about our futures, just like Piscine.  I think about the interesting way the author sets up the book, starting from the past and leading up to the future, but in the end, I actually makes the book more enjoyable. 

READING RESPONSE: THE PRINTER'S DEVIL BY PAUL BAJORIA

Currently, I am reading Paul Bajoria's "The Printer's Devil". This story takes place in Victorian England with a young orphan boy named Mog Winters. He embarks on a mystery involved with a ship's cargo, a murderer, and all the criminals in London. An important part in the book is when the main character Mog, discovers thieves stealing treasure and pursues them, only for them to kidnap him, which puts him on the trail of the mystery. This shows that Mog is an adventurous, curious, and daring character.

I admire his impulsiveness and how he relies on his instincts.I predict that with his now extensive knowledge of the mystery, he will be faced with many tricky and dangerous situations, and will meet another character to aid him on his mission. I can relate to Mog and his constant yearn for adventure. 

He also reminds me of another character, in the book "The Ruby in the Smoke" by Phillip Pullman. This book also takes place in victorian England, but with a spunky female lead who gets caught up in a mystery as well. 

Paul Bajoria uses many adjectives and descriptive actions in his book, which allows the story to become more exciting and suspenseful. I believe the author wants the readers to think about the experiences and joys of childhood, just like what Mog is going through in the story.

I often ask myself questions about Mog's recklessness and why he listens to his heart and not to his mind, but in the end I realize it is because he is still young and is trying to live his life to it's full potential. Throughout the story, after going through countless dangers, Mog becomes older and wiser, and his wisdom often comes from past experiences. This book is very touching but still tough and action filled, and I am enjoying it very much.