Banning books? Something people never expecting to occur has become a reality today. Many books have been challenged and even banned from schools and libraries nationwide. One book that is frequently challenged for its “inappropriate” content is Fallout by Ellen Hopkins. This book is told from the point of view of three different teenagers. The one thing connecting all these teenagers is their mother, Kristina. Kristina is a drug addict and does not play a very positive role in her children’s lives. This book shows what affects addiction has on a family and teenagers. It is no doubt that this book is dark and handles tough subject matter, but it does give some teenagers who are struggling with addiction some much needed insight. This book shows that choices have outcomes and bad choices have consequences. Even though some people believe that drug addiction and alcoholism is an inappropriate subject for teenagers, but it helps teenager who are struggling with addiction by showing them the outcomes of choices encouraging them to end their addiction.
One reason why Fallout by Ellen Hopkins should not be banned is because it helps teenagers who are also struggling with addiction. Many teenagers are through tough times that they do not know how to handle, as a way to deal with it and escape from reality they drink and do drugs. Whilst reading this book they are shown the horror and aftermath of drug and alcohol addiction and how it can negatively change someone’s life unintentionally. An example of this would be at one of Ellen Hopkin’s book signings she claims that; “The room emptied and one lovely women remained... She shared her own story. How she started getting high in middle school, mostly as a way to deal with her alcoholic mother’s absence... But one day she found that book. She saw herself in those pages, and suddenly realized she didn’t want to be there. Today she’s been sober for two years, is graduating high school, and has embarked on a modeling career.” This is an example of how people struggling with addiction can relate to this book and how the book can encourage people to end their addiction. Also, Ellen Hopkins says that she “receives tens of thousand of messages from readers, thanking me for turning them around, giving them much needed insight, and even literally saving their lives.” This shows how many teenager’s lives can be turned completely turned around by reading this book.
Another reason why Fallout by Ellen Hopkins should not be banned is because it shows teens the consequences of bad choices. It gives examples of how big of an impact choices you make can have on your life. For example, in the book Kristina makes the bad choice of doing drugs and becoming addicted. She carelessly is having children with different men and this really has an affect on her children’s lives. Not to mention it tore up her family. This is an example of how the book shows you how bad decisions can have a huge impact on your life and the lives around you. In defense of her book, Ellen Hopkins says claims that her book; “ Bring young adult readers a middle-aged author’s broader perspective. They show outcomes to choices, offer understanding. And each is infused with hope. This shows that the book can give you a more broader perspective on choices that you make and make you think more about the outcomes of that choice.
Despite all this, some people disagree and say that Fallout by Ellen Hopkins should be banned because they believe the tough subject matters of drug addiction and alcoholism are an inappropriate topic for teenagers to be reading about. A lot of parents fear that reading this book may have an influence on their child. Parents have been working to get Fallout and all other Ellen Hopkins books to be banned from school libraries and fairs. For example, “A parent challenged one of my books for “inappropriate content.” She demanded it be pulled from all middle school libraries in the district. And also that no student hear me speak.” Ellen Hopkins says about an event that she was supposed to attend. “The superintendent, who hadn’t read my book agreed, prohibiting me from speaking to any school in the district.” This infuriated Ellen Hopkins and many other writers. They believe that “Censorship cannot be allowed to flourish in America. If you don’t like content in a book, don’t read it. If you don’t want your child to read a book, take it away. But you do not have the right to decide “appropriateness” for everyone.”
In conclusion, Fallout by Ellen Hopkins should not be banned. Despite it containing tough subject matter such as drug addiction and alcoholism, the book it helps teenager who are struggling with addiction by showing them the outcomes of choices encouraging them to end their addiction. The book shows readers struggling with addiction the horror of drug and alcohol addiction, this helps them realize what they are doing to themselves and realize that’s not what they want for themselves. Also, this can educate readers on how to make smart choices and to think about the outcomes of those choices. By teenagers reading this book they are shown the consequences of bad choices and this teaches them not to make the same mistake. These examples prove that Fallout by Ellen Hopkins should not be banned.
Bibliography
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ellen-hopkins/banned-books-anicensorship-manifesto_b_744219.html
Fallout by Ellen Hopkins
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Monday, November 24, 2014
To Kill or Not to Kill?
The article "To Kill or Not to Kill" by Patricia Smith is about the great debate for or against the death penalty. It also gives the history of how the death penalty was distributed and how it has changed over the years. The author wants the reader to know about the debate going on nationwide arguing whether or not the death penalty should be banned. She does this by giving examples of scenarios where people have been given the death sentence. Also, she provides different point of views from people on whether or not they believe the death penalty should be banned.
One way that the author made the readers think about whether or not the death penalty should be banned was by giving a history of the death penalty. For example the author informed us of the ways the death penalty used to be distributed. The article states; "The death penalty in the U.S. dates to colonial times... hanging was the most common method. By the 1950s, most were using either the gas chamber or the electrocution. This also shows how the death penalty has changed over time. The death penalty is not as brutal as it used to be.
Another way that the author made the readers think about whether or not the death penalty should be banned was by providing scenarios in which the death penalty would have been given to get different point of views. For example, "Christopher Simmons was 17 when he and a friend robbed, bound, and gagged a women in Missouri, then pushed her into a river." He was given the death sentence. This might help people form their opinions on whether or not the death penalty should be banned.
In conclusion, the authors purpose in writing this article is to make the readers think about whether or not the death penalty should be banned.
One way that the author made the readers think about whether or not the death penalty should be banned was by giving a history of the death penalty. For example the author informed us of the ways the death penalty used to be distributed. The article states; "The death penalty in the U.S. dates to colonial times... hanging was the most common method. By the 1950s, most were using either the gas chamber or the electrocution. This also shows how the death penalty has changed over time. The death penalty is not as brutal as it used to be.
Another way that the author made the readers think about whether or not the death penalty should be banned was by providing scenarios in which the death penalty would have been given to get different point of views. For example, "Christopher Simmons was 17 when he and a friend robbed, bound, and gagged a women in Missouri, then pushed her into a river." He was given the death sentence. This might help people form their opinions on whether or not the death penalty should be banned.
In conclusion, the authors purpose in writing this article is to make the readers think about whether or not the death penalty should be banned.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Field Trip Reflection
Yesterday, November 12, 2014 we took a field trip to The Museum of the City of New York specifically to see the Taking a Stand Exhibit. Whilst exploring the exhibit I found that the topic that stood out to me was about the fight for feminism. This part of the exhibit was about the fight for women to have the same rights as men do. From this part of the exhibit I learned about the history behind feminism and the big movement women went on for equal rights.
I originally did not know very much about the fight for feminism and had not really researched the topic or been taught much about it. I just kind of knew the basic facts, not too in depth. From this part of the exhibit I learned a lot more in depth details about the fight for feminism and was given a more descriptive summary which gave me a much better understanding of the topic/movement. One new thing that I learned was some of the important people that helped with the movement such as Carrie Chapman Catty, Rosalie Jones, and Harriet Stanton Batch whom provided strategies for mass organizing and publicity. Another thing I learned was that reason the demonstrations took place in New York because New York being the media capital could easily attract a national audience to watch these demonstrations. The part of this part of the exhibit about the fight for feminism that I found the most interesting was all of the artifacts they had from the movement/time period on display. I liked this because I could really examine something up close instead of just a black and white photograph.
I originally did not know very much about the fight for feminism and had not really researched the topic or been taught much about it. I just kind of knew the basic facts, not too in depth. From this part of the exhibit I learned a lot more in depth details about the fight for feminism and was given a more descriptive summary which gave me a much better understanding of the topic/movement. One new thing that I learned was some of the important people that helped with the movement such as Carrie Chapman Catty, Rosalie Jones, and Harriet Stanton Batch whom provided strategies for mass organizing and publicity. Another thing I learned was that reason the demonstrations took place in New York because New York being the media capital could easily attract a national audience to watch these demonstrations. The part of this part of the exhibit about the fight for feminism that I found the most interesting was all of the artifacts they had from the movement/time period on display. I liked this because I could really examine something up close instead of just a black and white photograph.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Why is Fallout by Ellen Hopkins Considered a Banned Book?
The book "Fallout" by Ellen Hopkins consists of three different stories told from the point of view of three different people. The characters and their stories are all very different, but at the same time they are very similar. The one thing tying them together was their mother, Kristina. Kristina is a drug addict and does not really play a very positive role in any of her children's life's. This book show the effect that this has on her children's life's and their family. A lot of people find this book inappropriate for children to read and feel it should be banned from classrooms. This book handles a lot of deep issues such as sex, drugs, alcohol, rape, abuse, addiction, depression, law-breaking, and family issues. Some people may find such heavy content too much for children and do not want them reading it.
One reason why people might find this book's content too much for children is because it handles drug and alcohol addiction as well as rape and abuse. "The story goes Kristina was date-raped by some low-life druggie life guard dealer." Hunter, Kristina's eldest claims this is the story he was told about how his mother became pregnant with him. This shows how drugs, rape, or just straight out carelessness can unintentionally change someone's life forever. "I'm more of a dabbler then a dedicated fuckup. A little weed, a little coke." This quote from the book shows how Hunter does drugs just like his mother. Even though he is not a drug addict you would still not expect him to do drugs after what it did to his mother and his family. His mother might even have influenced him to smoke.
One reason why people might find this book's content too much for children is because it handles drug and alcohol addiction as well as rape and abuse. "The story goes Kristina was date-raped by some low-life druggie life guard dealer." Hunter, Kristina's eldest claims this is the story he was told about how his mother became pregnant with him. This shows how drugs, rape, or just straight out carelessness can unintentionally change someone's life forever. "I'm more of a dabbler then a dedicated fuckup. A little weed, a little coke." This quote from the book shows how Hunter does drugs just like his mother. Even though he is not a drug addict you would still not expect him to do drugs after what it did to his mother and his family. His mother might even have influenced him to smoke.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Liesel's Emotional Journey in The Book Theif by Markus Zusak
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is set during the Holocaust and is about a young girl named Liesel Meminger. Liesel used to live with her mother, but her mother could no longer look after her. So she was sent off to live in a foster home in a small quiet town. On the way to her foster home Liesel's brother passed away. This made Liesel feel lonely. On top of all of this when Liesel arrived her foster mother was the opposite of welcoming. This made Her feel unwanted and unloved. Over time Liesel begins to feel more and more comfortable and at home. Liesel went from uncomfortable, unwanted and unloved to feeling comfortable, welcome, and at home.
On the way to their foster home Liesel's brother passed away. Once Liesel's mother would have left them at their foster home her brother would have been the only family she had. When he died I feel this made Liesel feel alone, like she didn't have anybody. When Liesel finally arrived at her foster home her foster mother was not very kind and welcoming. "They'd been expecting a girl and a boy and would be paid a small allowance for having them." Not having very much money themselves, her foster mother, Rosa Huberman or Mama was not very happy to find out about the path decrease. This made Liesel feel unwelcome, unwanted, and unloved. "Liesel's mother first shouted when she refused to get into the bath. "You filthy pig!" Mama yelling at Liesel I feel made her feel even more uncomfortable and unloved.
Over time of being at her foster home Liesel begins to feel more and more comfortable, welcome, and at home. I feel the main reason because of this is because of her foster father, Hans Huberman or Papa. Papa really was their for her when nobody else was. When Liesel first arrived she would get horrible nightmares about her brother and wake up "swimming in her bed, screaming." "Possibly the only good thing to come out of these nightmares was Hans Hunerman, her new Papa, into the room, to soothe her, to love her." This shows how Papa really worked to make Liesel feel comforatble, welcome, and at home. Also, the book says when Liesel first arrived, Papa taught her how to roll cigarettes and they would sit there for hours "playing with tobacco and cigarette papers."This shows the close bond Liesel and Papa have and how she came to feel more comfortable and loved.
In conclusion, Liesel's emotions completely changed throughout the book. Lie self went from feeling uncomfortable, unwanted, and unloved to feeling comfortable, welcome, and at home.
On the way to their foster home Liesel's brother passed away. Once Liesel's mother would have left them at their foster home her brother would have been the only family she had. When he died I feel this made Liesel feel alone, like she didn't have anybody. When Liesel finally arrived at her foster home her foster mother was not very kind and welcoming. "They'd been expecting a girl and a boy and would be paid a small allowance for having them." Not having very much money themselves, her foster mother, Rosa Huberman or Mama was not very happy to find out about the path decrease. This made Liesel feel unwelcome, unwanted, and unloved. "Liesel's mother first shouted when she refused to get into the bath. "You filthy pig!" Mama yelling at Liesel I feel made her feel even more uncomfortable and unloved.
Over time of being at her foster home Liesel begins to feel more and more comfortable, welcome, and at home. I feel the main reason because of this is because of her foster father, Hans Huberman or Papa. Papa really was their for her when nobody else was. When Liesel first arrived she would get horrible nightmares about her brother and wake up "swimming in her bed, screaming." "Possibly the only good thing to come out of these nightmares was Hans Hunerman, her new Papa, into the room, to soothe her, to love her." This shows how Papa really worked to make Liesel feel comforatble, welcome, and at home. Also, the book says when Liesel first arrived, Papa taught her how to roll cigarettes and they would sit there for hours "playing with tobacco and cigarette papers."This shows the close bond Liesel and Papa have and how she came to feel more comfortable and loved.
In conclusion, Liesel's emotions completely changed throughout the book. Lie self went from feeling uncomfortable, unwanted, and unloved to feeling comfortable, welcome, and at home.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Looking for Alaska by John Green (Character Change)
"Looking for Alaska" by John Green is a deep, emotional story about a boy named Miles who leaves his ordinary life in Florida and went off to Culver Creek Boarding School in Alabama. Whilst at Culver Creek Miles completely transforms as a person. Miles comes into the school being a kind of naive and innocent and leaves being much more grown up and mature. Miles makes friends with the Colonel, Takumi, and Alaska, with them Miles starts drinking, smoking, pulling pranks and getting into trouble. He also has his first real crush and girlfriend, two.
One of the main factors that went into Miles's transformation was when he made friends with the Colonel who introduced him to Alaska and Takumi. Miles was a kind of the average straight A teenager untill he meet them. The Colonel, Takumi, and Alaska are the pretty much the kids that sneak off campus to smoke, stash alcohol in their room, skip class, and don't get very good grades. At the beginning of the story you would not imagine Miles hanging out with these kids but throughout the story he transforms into one of them.
Another way miles changed throughout the story was when he started drinking and smoking. Alaska first introduced him to drinking and the Colonel offered him a cigarettes. Before Miles would never have been caught doing any of that. Yet, the Colonel and Alaska somehow pressured into trying it. I feel the reason he gave in and started to drink and smoke was because he really wanted to make friends and fit in. Miles ended up getting drunk a few times and becoming addicted to smoking, which you never would have predicted at the beginning of the story.
I feel the most major change in Miles was when he had his first real crush which happened to be on Alaska. Alaska had many boyfriends and was currently dating someone when she meet Miles. Mikes really liked Alaska and despite having a boyfriend liked him back. Miles also had his first serious girlfriend whilst at Culver Creek, but it wasn't Alaska. But it didn't work out because to be honest I feel Miles still had a crush on Alaska.
Throughout the book you see Miles completely transforms into a completely different person than he was in the beginning. Miles started his new school kind of naive and innocent and leaves having experienced a lot more and become much more mature and grown up. "Looking for Alaska" overall was an amazing, life changing book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
One of the main factors that went into Miles's transformation was when he made friends with the Colonel who introduced him to Alaska and Takumi. Miles was a kind of the average straight A teenager untill he meet them. The Colonel, Takumi, and Alaska are the pretty much the kids that sneak off campus to smoke, stash alcohol in their room, skip class, and don't get very good grades. At the beginning of the story you would not imagine Miles hanging out with these kids but throughout the story he transforms into one of them.
Another way miles changed throughout the story was when he started drinking and smoking. Alaska first introduced him to drinking and the Colonel offered him a cigarettes. Before Miles would never have been caught doing any of that. Yet, the Colonel and Alaska somehow pressured into trying it. I feel the reason he gave in and started to drink and smoke was because he really wanted to make friends and fit in. Miles ended up getting drunk a few times and becoming addicted to smoking, which you never would have predicted at the beginning of the story.
I feel the most major change in Miles was when he had his first real crush which happened to be on Alaska. Alaska had many boyfriends and was currently dating someone when she meet Miles. Mikes really liked Alaska and despite having a boyfriend liked him back. Miles also had his first serious girlfriend whilst at Culver Creek, but it wasn't Alaska. But it didn't work out because to be honest I feel Miles still had a crush on Alaska.
Throughout the book you see Miles completely transforms into a completely different person than he was in the beginning. Miles started his new school kind of naive and innocent and leaves having experienced a lot more and become much more mature and grown up. "Looking for Alaska" overall was an amazing, life changing book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
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