RULES

In the latest chapter we read, we are beginning to see a bit of a friendship develop between Jason and Catherine.  They seem to have made up from the time she drew him.  They start to chat a little, and at first Catherine is scared and doesn't know what to do.  Eventually, she makes a card with her name on it and puts a picture of her with it.  This gets her mind flowing!  She sees that all of this cards are black and white and have no detail.  Jason asks Mrs. Morehouse to make more cards with pictures and she says she can't.  So Catherine jumps in and says she will, but she has no idea what to do.  If you were Catherine, what would you put on his cards?  Why would you put those things?  What would they look like? 

RULES

We just started this book, but you found out a lot about the character Catherine in it.  Tell me about her. 

Where the Red Fern Grows

Saddest story I have ever read.  I was completely heart broken by what happened to Billy's dogs.  This story really shows the connection you can have with a pet.  Losing something like Billy did would be extremely difficult.  Especially if the things you lost were the result of them saving your life.  I think it would be different if they dogs were old and they had a chance to do everything together their whole lives.  But their lives were cut short and they didn't get that chance.  His dad made a great point that GOD didn't think they should be separated as a family and that is why they were taken from him.  Maybe that's true.  I still believe he would have preferred to live out their lives together.  I want to know how you felt about the book. 

Beauty Contest

During this last chapter, Billy is finding out what it is like to be part of a "band" of hunters.  The contest is all he hoped for, but also very unfamiliar to him.  At one point, he finds out there is a "Beaut Contest" for the best looking dog.  I really don't think Billy has any idea what a beauty contest is or how to prepare for one (he ends up using butter to groom his dogs).  But in the end, his true love for his dogs shows and it even helps him win the contest.  Little Ann ends up walking straight to him and everyone goes crazy when this happens.  He ends up winning the silver cup.  Even though I have read this book 20 times, it still makes me feel so proud and happy for Billy when good things happen because of all the hard work he has put in.  What are your thoughts about the Beauty Contest?  How are you feeling as we read this story? 

The Bet

An extremely interesting event happend in our story Where the Red Fern Grows.  Billy and his grandfather decided to take the bet that the Pritchard boys made.  All in all, it seemed pretty harmless.  Three boys hunting the elusive Ghost Coon.  But we know from the story the Pritchard's aren't very well behaved kids.  As the scene evolves, Billy and his dogs don't tree the Ghost Coon so he pays off his part of the bet.  Suddenly, the dogs find the Ghost Coon, but Billy doesn't have the heart to kill it.  This is where the story takes quite a turn.  They Pritchards start to beat up Billy, but Billy's dogs end up fighting with the Pritchard's dog and almost kill it.  Then the unthinkable happens.  Rubin, who had taken Billy's ax, goes after his dogs to kill them.  He trips over a stick and lands on the ax and dies. 

I don't know what I would do in this situation.  Shock is they only way I could describe how I would feel.  I want you to tell me your thoughts as you heard these last two chapters.  What was going on in your mind? 

First Racoon

The big day has come, and Billy has treed his first coon.  Now the problem is, the tree is absolutely huge!  He tries to cut it down but he can't.  He's just a small boy and cutting it down is too much for him to handle.  I always felt bad during this part because he has worked so hard, and now can't get the coon down.  But his good old grandpa comes down with a great idea to keep the coon in the tree.  I always love how he helps him out when he's in a tough situation.  Do you have anyone like that in your life?  I also love Billy's determination and grit!  I don't know if there is a character that I have ever read about that is like him.  In my mind, everyone should have to go out into the woods and cut down and big tree like him.  If you have ever done it before, you know it isn't an easy task.  You have to be determined to get that done.  If everyone had the same traits as him, they would all be very successful.  How would you describe Billy after these first few chapters? 

I've written a lot.  Now it's your turn!

Dog Training

I always enjoy this chapter.  I find it interesting to find out how he caught the raccoon.  When I first read this book, I didn't think his grandfather's trick would work, but it did!  When his dad killed the coon, I always felt bad.  I guess I have a soft side!  I also love how hard he worked to train his dogs.  I think it is always important to put the work in when it comes to training his dogs.  I want you to make a prediction and say if his work will pay off.  Will his dogs be good hunting dogs or not?  Why do you think they will be?  Let me know any of your other thoughts on this. 

Where the Red Fern Grows

LOTS of happenings in this chapter!  It is amazing to me to see how hard he worked for his $50.  It shows how determined he was to have hounds of his own.  I think you all would find it very difficulty to save that kind of money.  I love they way his grandfather reacted to seeing all the money!  It again shows how much he cares for his grandson.  I think he reacts this was because he never thought anyone could work that hard or save that much over a 2 YEAR PERIOD!  I want to know what you think about this chapter?  What part was your favorite?  Do you think you could ever do something like Billy?  Share your thoughts!

Splendors and Glooms

Tell me about this book!  I want to know what you thought of it and what you thought about the ending?  I am wondering what Parsefall meant by saying "I have somekin to tell you."  That has me thinking.  I think he is very mischevious and will make things difficult for the Wintermute family.  What do you think? 

Latest chapter in Deadend in Norvelt

Well it seems to be that Mr. Spizz isn't such a bad guy after all.  I was surprised at what he said when he went to Jack's house and actually seemed nice!  I always thought he was a bad/mean guy.  Then at the store, his nose started bleeding again!  OH NO!  I was really hoping it was fixed!  This would have made him mom so happy!  Do you think he will let Mrs. Volker fix it again?   I was also surprised that his mom saw him.  I felt bad that he had to give up his get out of jail free card.  What are your thoughts about Mr. Spizz and also his nose?