Milkweed - Literary Luminary

For todays meeting my group, Nina, Claire, Arabela, and I have read up until the 70th page of Milkweed, by Jerry Spinelli. For this meeting I have taken on the role of Literary Luminary, and have chosen five passages from the book that I deemed most important, and my reasons for thinking so.

Paragraph 1:

He was dragging me, running. He was much bigger. My feet skimmed over the ground. Sirens were screaming. His hair was red. We flew through the streets and alleyways. There were thumping noises, like distant thunder. The people we bounced off didn't seem to notice us. The sirens were screaming like babies. At last we plunged into a dark hole.

Page (the paragraph was found on): 2

Paragraph (number of the paragraph from all on page): 1

Reason(s) (for choosing this paragraph): I chose this paragraph as one of the five most important in the first fifteen chapters of this book, because it was the first time 'Stoptheif' met Uri. And that meeting got the entire book started, it lead to its main events.

Paragraph 2:

And now the deep grumbling was getting louder and beginning to overcome the drum beat of the Jackboots. I had always looked to the sky for thunder, but this thunder was coming from beneath my feet. The street itself was trembling. And then I saw them...

"Uri!" I cried.

Page (the paragraph was found on): 19

Paragraph (number of the paragraph from all on page): 7

Reason(s) (for choosing this paragraph): I chose this paragraph as the bond that started to grow between Uri and 'Stoptheif' started getting more and more clear in this passage. The bond between the two started when Uri started acting as a guardian would towards 'Stoptheif', and I thought it was an interesting phenomenon when two boys who didn't even know each other a night ago could be so close at this point.

Paragraph 3:

Colossal gray long-snouted beetles - the tanks roared up the boulevard four by four and the sky shook on its hinges and I saw at once how silly it had been to try and stop them with ditches and sandbags and machine guns. I clamped my hands over my ears. A single white flower flew out of the crowd. It bounced from the iron flank of a tank and broke into petals. I had no flower, so I threw my cheese.

Page (the paragraph was found on): 20

Paragraph (number of the paragraph from all on page): 1

Reason(s) (for choosing this paragraph): I chose this paragraph because the metaphor of the flower being thrown at the tank was really touching and I greatly enjoyed reading it. I thought that by choosing it for one of my paragraphs as the literary luminary, it would shed some more light on how greatly written this paragraph was, at least in my opinion.

Paragraph 4:

On the first day that the light went out, Uri said to me, "Okay, this is who you are. Your name is Misha Pilsudski."

And he told me the rest...

I, Misha Pilsudski, was born a Gypsy somewhere in the land of Russia. My family, including two great-grandfathers and a great-great-grandmother who was one hunderd and nine years old, traveled from place to place in seven wagons pulled by fourteen hourses. There were nineteen more horses trailing the wagons, as my father was a horse trader. My mother told fortunes with cards. She could look at cards and tell you how you were going to die. She could look into your eyes and tell you the name of the person you would to marry.

Page (the paragraph was found on): 29

Paragraph (number of the paragraph from all on page): 3

Reason(s) (for choosing this paragraph): This paragraph is one especialy important because it signifies the start of 'Stoptheif's' new identity as Misha Pilsudski. And as he is the main character this change is very imporant, and cannot go unnoticed. Right after hearing the full story Misha stated "I love my story. No sooner did I hear the words than I became my story.", signifing that this would most probably result to some, even if small, character change. 

Paragraph 5:

Then I said, "Are you a Jew?"

She made her mouth like a fish and drew in her breath. She put her finger to her lips and shook her head. She cupped her hands about my ear and whispered into it. "Yes. But I'm not suposed to tell anyone."

Page (the paragraph was found on): 34

Paragraph (number of the paragraph from all on page): 8

Reason(s) (for choosing this paragraph): From the moment I read this passange I knew the her character would be a very important one in the story. For Misha had made one of his very first friends, not counting Uri and the boys, and she just so happen to be a Jew. Seeing as they would probably become close, since the character of Misha countiues to visit her garden day after day,  it would be a problem that she was a Jew.

Milkweed (Discussion Director_Nina)

Last week my group and I started Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli. Since then we have read 70 pages. Also, this time I will be the Discussion Director. Here are the questions I have come up with regarding the novel:

1. Why does Jerry Spinelli (Author) begin the story with a 'memory'?

My Answer: I think the author began the story with a memory because he wanted to be respectful to all the people that died during the holocaust. Furthermore, I think that he also wanted the reader to be aware of what a horrible period that was how people lived or at least tried to live then.

My Groups Answer: Like myself, the rest of the group said the same thing. The author most likely wanted to remind everyone of what a terrible period that was and that we are lucky living in todays even thought, flawed world.

2. What does the flower which is tossed  at the tanks symbolize?

My Answer: The author most likely wanted to symbolize the desire of all people for peace as this is an important aspect.

My Groups Answer: The people, besides wanting peace might have also wanted to recognize all the people killed in the cold war as well as the fact that many families have lost their beloved ones due to power.

3. How are the Jackboots portrayed by the author?

My Answer: On one hand, the Jackboots are portrayed as different, and on the other, the protagonist of this novel, Misha, is afraid of them, but at the same time looks up at them as well.

My Groups Answer: Misha looks up at them, although at times is also scared of them.  Nonetheless, this question was debatable  within the group.

4. Why isn't Misha happy about the birthday cake and candles?

My Answer: From my perspective, Misha is not happy due to some bad memories that he is recalling when seeing the cake and candles.  Perhaps, something that he doesn't have, or something in his past that has happened that he was not too fond of.

Groups Answer: Misha is not happy to celebrate his birthday because it reminds him that he is getting older and with that there are different responsibilities. Further, that he is also reminded of something bad that has happened or even someone he lost or loved.

5. Why does Uri resist admitting  to having faith in something?

My Answer: Uri doesn't want to admit having faith in something because he wants to keep it to himself, or is afraid someone might judge him or treat him differently because of it.

My Groups Answer: Uri does not want to confess to having faith in something because he does not want to feel or seem weak.

Milkweed -Spinelli (Illustrator_Claire)

For this Literature Circle meeting, our group read the first 70 pages of Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli. I had decided to be the illustrator, so I made a drawing of a soldier asking "Are you a Jew?" and Misha Pilsudski, the protagonist of this book, answering that he is a Gypsy. I drew shadows beside the Jackboot soldier to emphasize the darkness of war, and I tried drawing Misha appear innocent.

Ana thought the soldier appeared evil and I characterized it well. Arabela thought that the drawing symbolized the fear of Misha against the Jackboots.
Nina thought that the sketch represented eye contact and hatred.

Gwendy - Milkweed Discussion Director

This week our literature circles group finished the book Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli. I was the discussion director for this time and therefore chose five questions to pose to the rest of my group.

1. Why do the flops (Jewish soldiers on the Nazi side) fight with the Nazis, against the Jews, when they are Jews themselves? 
My answer: The chances are, they get bribed through money, food and shelter to 'support' the Nazis. I suppose it would be worth it if the other option would be to be treated unfairly as an inferior person.  Unfortunately, because of the treatment of the Jews by the Nazis, I wouldn't be suprised if they killed them later.
Additional answers from group: They helped the Nazis since the believed that they would be safer if they did so. (Ashley)
Why I chose this question: I chose this question since it intrigued me why the Flops would fight against their own race, especially in such an extreme manner.

2. Why doesn't Janina want to run away?
My answer: Probably Janina doesn't want to run away with Misha because she's afraid of leaving Poland, her home and the place she is used to. Of course, she probably hasn't realized that the ghetto isn't actually the safest place to be and that they aren't going to create a better future for her.
Additional answers from group: Maybe she doesn't want to leave her dad since she probably would never see him again. (Ashley)
Why I chose this question: I chose this question because I found it strange how Janina was reluctant to leave the ghetto when the aim of the Nazis putting the Jews in the ghetto was to eventually kill them.

3. Why does Misha/Jack's wife leave him?
My answer: A possible reason that Jack or Misha's wife would leave him could be that she suspects that he his in love with another woman (Janina in this case) or if not, loves her more than his wife.
Additional answers: Maybe she left him because she couldn't comprehend the extent of the things Misha experienced.
Why I chose this question: I found it odd that she left Misha especially since she was 5 months pregnant with his child at the time.

4. Why does Misha change his name to Jack? 
My answer: If people knew his real name it would give away his true identity and the Nazis could find out he escaped and track him down easily. Also, Jack is a more western name and therefore he would fit in more easily when moving to America.
Why I chose this question: I was interested in what my group would say about this and whether they would have any further opinions on the matter.

5. Why do you think the book starts with 'I was running?'
My answer: It symbolizes that Misha, the protagonist is always running from somewhere, trying to get somewhere where he can settle and be happy. And at the end he finally is capable of this.
Additional answers: It was his first memory in the book.
Why I chose this question: I chose this question because I was certain that it symbolized something and connected the ending, where Misha is finally reunited with his family to the beginning in some way.

Literary Luminary - Ashley

We have finished the entire 208 pages of the book.

These are the five paragraphs and sentences that truly made me think and feel.

1. page 142 - 143 paragraph 4 - 5

"Milkweed," I said. She plucked it from my shirt. She held it by the seed up to the light. She dusted her nose with it and giggled. She stood on tiptoes and held it as high as she could and let it go. It sailed toward the sky. "That's my angle." she said.

I chose this paragraph because before, Janina stated that she hated Misha's angel. She despised his ideas; most likely due tot he fact that she could not see her angel. They did nothing to help her. Yet, this, this milkweed puff  between her fingers is real. It represented the freedom that some would never achieve.

My group's reactions...

Ewa: It was touching. Misha wasn't really attached to anyone in the beginning and this reminded me of how he had a family now.

Gwendy: ...Aww.

2. page 146 paragraph 2 - 3

      I wondered why the hanging body had stopped her. It was not the first she had seen. Death was as familiar to us as life. Even those still breathing, walking-they looked as if they were waiting for someone to tell them they were dead.

     So why was my heart hammering my chest? Because the body, I could see now as I stopped beside her, had one arm. It was a boy. It was Olek. A sign was hanging across his chest. In the moonlight it was easy to see the words, but I could not read. Flat on the ground, his shadow was hanging too.

When I read this, the description truly made my heart hammer my chest as well. The solemn, grave way that Olek's death was portrayed set a gloomy, heart-stopping scene for me.

Everyone was silent for this piece of text.

3. page 148 paragraph 1 + 2

He was smiling, showing the world his brown teeth. His hand came down on my shoulder. "Misha...Misha...Is it not a beautiful day?"
   I looked around. It seemed like any other day to me. Gray. Up the street a man was banging his head against a stone wall.
   But I was an agreeable fellow. "Yes." I said.

This is one of the few parts of the book that made me laugh. It is hard to describe why, but the blunt language and picturing the man banging his head on a wall while Misha is saying it is a beautiful day was humorous and funny.

4. page 158 paragraph ...none.

"No." he said. He tapped my chest. "Happy is here." He tapped his own chest. "Here."

This was Gwendy's favorite because it is blunt but full of so much meaning. Reading this made me happy as well.

5. page 204 paragraph 1

She smiled and nodded and said, "We hear you. It's enough. It's over." And they walked on, and I went another way...

This made me feel like it was the end of the book. The fact that someone heard him made so much of a difference.

The Diary of a Young Girl-Anne Frank (Discussion Director)

This week, Nina, Ana, Arabela, and I read the last 180 pages of The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank.  I was the Discussion Director, and asked 5 questions that seemed important to me.

Q1: How did you feel when Anne flirted with Peter?
A1: I was empathized into Anne, and I was feeling glad for her when Peter and she went further in relationship. I also have flirted with several guys throughout my life, but I've never went that far. Anne and I are both teenage girls, and are having similar thoughts. I enjoyed reading about Anne flirting with Peter.

Q2: What did you think when Anne was interested in studying Greek mythology?
A2: I was quite surprised when Anne said that she loves reading books about Greek mythology. I am rather enthusiastic in anything related to art, such as music, fine art, and dancing. However, I don't find science, history, or mythology interesting at all. I am fascinated how Anne likes to study Greek mythology. I have once tried to read a book related to mythical tales of Greece, but I found myself drifting asleep as I started the first page. I truly think that it was a myth itself that I've finished the book.

Q3: What has surprised you reading this section of the book?
A3: I was surprised about how mature a 14 year old teenager can be. I've found out that Anne's inward thoughts and feelings were getting very deep compared to when she started writing in her diary. I noticed that the diaries about her thoughts deep inside her heart were increasing, all making sense. I wondered, if I also keep a diary for such a long time, will I also be like her and grow mature in thoughts?

Q4: What would you draw if you were the Illustrator?
A4: If I were the Illustrator, I would divide the sheet into half by drawing a silhouette of a young girl's head(sideways), and I would draw all the good things and imaginations and hopes of Anne in the section of the girl's head, representing Anne's hope and expectations. In the rest of the paper which is outside of the young girl's mind, I would draw grey shadows to represent the reality of war and the world.

Q5: How would you feel if you were Anne Frank?
A5: If I were Anne Frank, I would probably be insane by now if it weren't Peter. I hate being inside, and I can't bear staying indoors on weekends. How would I tolerate being indoors for years? Even though she's not entirely inside the Secret Annexe, I would call it 'wholly indoors for years'. I would be ill of boredom, sickness, depression, loneliness, and frustration.

The Diary of a Young Girl - Anne Frank (Vocabulary Enricher)

By todays meeting my group, Nina, Claire, and Arabela, and I have finished the book The Diary of a Young Girl: Anne Frank. Along with that, for this meeting I took on the role of Vocabulary Enricher, and these are the words that I choose from the book that I either never heard of before, or have not heard of in that context.

#1:

Word: Pricking's
Knew (the word and what it meant): Nina.
Didn't Know (the word and what it meant): Arabela, and Claire.

Definition: Cause mental or emotional discomfort to.

Although there are many more definitions for this word such as:

-Make a small hole in (something) with a sharp point; pierce it slightly,

-Feel a sensation as though a sharp point were sticking into one,

-Provoke to action,

-(of tears) cause the sensation of imminent weeping in (a person's eyes), and

-(especially of a horse or dog) make (the ears) stand erect when on alert.

Page (I found the word on): 184

Paragraph (I found the word on): 4

Sentence (In which I found the word): "After your letter yesterday I have the unpleasant feeling that you will have prickings of conscience when you visit Peter, but really there is no reason for this."

Sentence (That I made using this word): I had a pricking feeling about this ever sine she entered the room. 

#2:

Word: Grudge
Knew (the word and what it meant): Arabela, and Nina.
Didn't Know (the word and what it meant): Claire.

Definition: be resentful, unwilling to give or allow (something).

Although there are many more definitions for this word such as:

-Feel resentful that (someone) has achieved (something), and

-A persistent feeling of ill will or resentment resulting from a past insult or injury

Page (I found the word on): 190

Paragraph (I found the word on): 3

Sentence (In which I found the word): "Daddy doesn't grudge us these times together, and thinks its nice we get on so well"

Sentence (That I made using this word): Lily's parents didn't grudge her going to the party tonight, but were rather excited.

#3:

Word: Pet
Knew (the word and what it meant): Arabela, Nina, Claire (knew of the word pet, although not that it could be used for someone being given special treatment).
Didn't Know (the word and what it meant): None.

Definition: A person treated with special favor or affection.

Although there are many more definitions for this word such as:

-A domestic or tamed animal or bird kept for companionship or pleasure,

-Treated with special attention evoking particularly strong feelings,

-Affectionate form of address,

-Stroke or pet (an animal) affectionately, and

-Treat (someone) with affection or favoritism; pamper

Page (I found the word on): 191

Paragraph (I found the word on): 1 

Sentence (In which I found the word): "When he lies with his head on his arm with his eyes closed, then he is a child; when he plays with Boche, he is loving; when he carries potatoes or anything heavy, then he is strong; when he goes and watches the shooting or looks for burglars in the darkness, then he is brave; and when he is so awkward and clumsy, then he is just a pet."

Sentence (That I made using this word): Most people resented Jill, for she was the teachers pet.

#4:

Word: Blind
Knew (the word and what it meant): Arabela, and Nina.
Didn't Know (the word and what it meant): Claire.

Definition: Something designed to conceal ones real intentions.

Although there are many more definitions for this word such as:

-Unable to see because of inquiry, disease, or a congenital condition,
-Lacking perception, awareness, or judgment,
-Cause (someone) to be unable to see, permanently or temporarily,
-Deprive (someone) of understanding, perception, or judgment,
-A screen for a window, especially one on a roller or made of slats, and
-Without being able to see clearly.

Page (I found the word on): 200

Paragraph (I found the word on): 1  

Sentence (In which I found the word): ""thats a blind," I said to Margot, "anyone can see through that one!"."

Sentence (That I made using this word): I asked my parents if I can go to Jenny's house, as a bind. We were really going to watch a movie

#5:

Word: Gestapo
Knew (the word and what it meant): Arabela, and Nina.
Didn't Know (the word and what it meant): Claire.

Definition: The official secret state police of Nazi Germany that occupied Europe.

Page (I found the word on): 201

Paragraph (I found the word on): 3

Sentence (In which I found the word): ""Now we are lost!" I said, and "could see us all getting taken away by the Gestapo that very night.

Sentence (That I made using this word): Holly was writing her history paper on the Gestapo, and so was I.

#6:

Word: Perplexed
Knew (the word and what it meant): Arabela, Claire.
Didn't Know (the word and what it meant): Nina.

Definition: completely baffled, very puzzled.

Although there are many more definitions for this word such as:

-Make (someone) feel completely baffled.

Page (I found the word on): 201

Paragraph (I found the word on): 1

Sentence (In which I found the word): "The men were perplexed at such impudence, and both Van Daan and Peter felt murder welling up within them; Van Daan beat on the ground with a chopper, and all was quite again."

Sentence (That I made using this word): I could only respond with an shocked "what?", I was perplexed.

#7:

Word: Impudence
Knew (the word and what it meant): Nina.
Didn't Know (the word and what it meant): Claire, and Arabela.

Definition: the quality of being impudent; impertinence.

Page (I found the word on): 201

Paragraph (I found the word on): 1

Sentence (In which I found the word): "The men were perplexed at such impudence, and both Van Daan and Peter felt murder welling up within them; Van Daan beat on the ground with a chopper, and all was quite again."

Sentence (That I made using this word): I was on Johnny's side in this argument, he was not aware that his impedance was offending others.

#8:

Word: Murder
Knew (the word and what it meant): Nina, and Arabela.
Didn't Know (the word and what it meant): Claire.

Definition: Punish severely or be very angry with.

Although there are many more definitions for this word such as:

-The unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another,
-Kill (someone) unlawfully and with premeditation,
-A very difficult task or experience,
-Conclusively defeat (an opponent) in a gamer or sport,
-Spoil by lack of skill or knowledge, and
-Consume (food or drink) greedily or with relish.

Page (I found the word on): 201

Paragraph (I found the word on): 1

Sentence (In which I found the word): "The men were perplexed at such impudence, and both Van Daan and Peter felt murder welling up within them; Van Daan beat on the ground with a chopper, and all was quite again."

Sentence (That I made using this word): Sarah was filled with murder towards her friend Lexi.

#9:

Word: Chopper
Knew (the word and what it meant): None.
Didn't Know (the word and what it meant): Arabela, Nina and Claire.

Definition: A short axe with a large blade.

Although there are many more definitions for this word such as:

-A helicopter,
-A butchers cleaver,
-A machine for chopping something,
-A device for regularly interrupting an electric current or beam of light or particles, and
-A type of motorcycle with high handlebars and front-wheel fork extended forwards.

Page (I found the word on): 201

Paragraph (I found the word on): 1

Sentence (In which I found the word): "The men were perplexed at such impudence, and both Van Daan and Peter felt murder welling up within them; Van Daan beat on the ground with a chopper, and all was quite again."

Sentence (That I made using this word): Tony chopped the firewood in half using a chopper.

#10:

Word: Lavatory
Knew (the word and what it meant): Nina, Claire, and Arabela.
Didn't Know (the word and what it meant): None.

Definition: A toilet.

Page (I found the word on): 202

Paragraph (I found the word on): 2

Sentence (In which I found the word): "Next we did three things: we went over again what we supposed has happen, we trembled with fear, and we had to go to the lavatory."

Sentence (That I made using this word): As we circled around the school hallways looking for the nearest lavatory, we stumbled upon a teacher who was able to give us directions.

#11:

Word: Lozenges
Knew (the word and what it meant): Arabela
Didn't Know (the word and what it meant): Nina, and Claire

Definition: A small medicine tablet, originally in the shape of a lozenge, taken for sore throats and dissolved in the mouth.

Although there are many more definitions for this word such as:

-A rhombus or diamond shape, and
-A charge in the shape of a solid diamond, in particular one which the arms of an unmarried or widowed women are displayed.

Page (I found the word on): 216

Paragraph (I found the word on): 1

Sentence (In which I found the word): "Mrs. Van Daan was in such a bad mood this morning, nothing but complaints! First, theres her cold, and she can't get any lozenges, and so much nose-blowing is unendurable."

Sentence (That I made using this word): During the weekend in which I was sick, I was desperately looking for lozenges for my sore throat; although i couldn't find any.

#12:

Word: Swindle
Knew (the word and what it meant): Arabela.
Didn't Know (the word and what it meant): Nina, and Claire.

Definition: Obtain (money) fraudulently.

Although there are many more definitions for this word such as:

-Use deception to deprive (someone) of money or possessions, and
-A fraudent scheme or action.

Page (I found the word on): 226

Paragraph (I found the word on): 1 

Sentence (In which I found the word): "The police and night watchmen  join in just as strenuously as the professionals, everyone wants something in their empty stomaches and because wage increases are forbidden the people simply have to swindle."

Sentence (That I made using this word): John was involved in a million dollar insurance swindle.

#13:

Word: Cognac
Knew (the word and what it meant): Nina.
Didn't Know (the word and what it meant): Arabela, Claire.

Definition: A high-quality brandy, strictly speaking that distilled in Cognac in western France.

Page (I found the word on): 247

Paragraph (I found the word on): 1

Sentence (In which I found the word): "He helped everyone, his art was everything to him, he was mad about cognac and about women, he could not bear to see tears, was a gentleman, would never refuse to do anyone a favour, didn't care about money, loved religious liberty and world freedom."

Sentence (That I made using this word): Jill went to the bar with her friends to have some cognac.

#14:

Word: Appeasement
Knew (the word and what it meant): Arabela.
Didn't Know (the word and what it meant): Nina, and Claire.

Definition: The action or process of appeasing.

Page (I found the word on): 273

Paragraph (I found the word on): 3 

Sentence (In which I found the word): "Convinced at last that appeasement of the German dictator would lead only to further aggression, England and France declared war and prepared for the inevitable attack in the west."

Sentence (That I made using this word): The Smith family had a policy of appeasing.