Student Saturday: Super Storms

Super Storms That Rocked the World: Hurricanes, Tsunamis, and Other Disasters – Mark Shulman

Student Reviewer:  Maddy 

From Goodreads:

Life-changing hurricanes, devastating tsunamis, and last-minute tornadoes are just a few recent havoc's that Mother Nature has wreaked upon us. But with "Super Storms that Rocked the World" by Meredith Books, you'll get to take a glance into the devastation of nature before the era of technology. Explore shocking disasters from the past century and the last few years that ravaged nature as we know it today.

Student’s Thoughts:

How many of you out there love storms?  I know I do.  I think this book is perfect for storm lovers.  This book teaches you how storms happen, why, and how they can wreck the outdoors.  This book has a lot of facts about storms.  A lot of storms wreck things, but some do not.  Have you ever seen a lightning storm?  If so that is one that does not usually make destruction.  It is a cloud full of lightning.  If you like storms, read, borrow, check-out, or even buy this book.

Pray for a Teacher

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Today as I head back to school, I am unsure what I will face.  Will we have a lockdown drill?  Will my students want to discuss what occurred last Friday in Newtown, Connecticut?  It is a difficult thing to be a teacher.  That job is made even more difficult after an event such as the tragedy that occurred on Friday.  I teach sixth graders.  They need reassurance.  I remember sitting in a class of sixth graders on 9/11 trying to reassure them.  It is difficult to do so when you yourself are unsure.  They always want to know why.  I don't have that answer.  We've been asked to wear a green ribbon in support of Sandy Hook Elementary School as that was one of their school colors.  As I return today I must rely on the following scripture: Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 (HCSB) I cannot teach this scripture in school, since I teach in a public school.  But I can lean on it all day long.  I don't know why the shooting happened.  I just trust that God was there protecting many, and will continue to be with the families.  I grieve with the friends and family who lost so many loved ones.  It was senseless.  I know as I enter my classroom today and every day I will look at my students differently.  I want them to see me as someone who truly cares about them and know that I am willing to lay my life down for them. This is my mom's biggest fear.  I think most teachers, no matter what grade they teach, think of their students as their own kids.  I even go so far as to tell parents at the beginning of the year that I want their kids to consider me their parent away from home.  I will always do what is best for them while showing them how much I love them.  So, on this day when so many teachers are returning to school I ask that you do one thing.  Lift a teacher up in prayer.  Teachers everywhere face some of the toughest challenges and we do it in the face of events like this tragedy.   Remember to pray for a teacher today.

Student Saturdays: Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief - Rick Riordan

Student Reviewer:  Elizabeth

 

From Goodreads:

Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school... again. And that's the least of his troubles. Lately, mythological monsters and the gods of Mount Olympus seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Percy's Greek mythology textbook and into his life. And worse, he's angered a few of them. Zeus' master lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect.
Now Percy and his friends have just ten days to find and return Zeus' stolen property and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the true thief: he must come to terms with the father who abandoned him; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves

 

Student's Thoughts:

The book Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief is about Percy Jackson, Annabeth, and Grover setting off on a quest to retrieve the lightning bolt and capture the lightning thief.  Their thrilling adventure starts out at Camp Half-Blood and works its way all around the United States.  Throughout their journey, they have to solve a challenging riddle created by the Oracle of Delphi.  They have ten days until Zeus commences a war that will be unlike any others.  Percy Jackson is a typical teenager who lives a normal life, but little did he know he is the son of Poseidon and that he is going to recover the lightning bolt and catch the lightning thief.  As he and his loyal companions travel from one place to the next, they unravel a secret more powerful than they could ever imagine.  When they begin their mission they don’t know what terrifying creature awaits them, all they know is that they need to be armed with weapons of all kinds.

 As they search, they come across places with monsters lurking at every corner.  They also come across ancient monsters and mythological creatures and Percy even confronts a War God named Ares.  It is not the smartest choice that he could’ve made.  As they travel they face various obstacles that could wound them or even get them killed.  Percy and his friends encounter risks they willhave to take.  Along the way they have to contemplate their decisions and avoid quarreling or else Percy and his friends might face drastic measures.  While they maneuver through cities and states they will have to reflect on what they have accomplished during their adventure.  Percy, Annabeth, and Grover also make mortal and immortal enemies.  Throughout their astounding expedition they learn that friends stick together forever.

This book will have you on the edge of your seat, dying to know more.  Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief reminds me of some other books I have read.  They have the same amazing descriptions and it also has to do with fantasy creatures.  Those who love fantasy you will love the mythological creatures, the action, and to top it all off, it has you using your imagination!  I recommend Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief to those who love fascinating, fantasy and I recommend this book to my fellow classmates.  It is full of excitement and it has you thinking.