Hannah+Parkerson-Haden+Brackett

T = Week 4 Adult: Haden Brackett   = Student: Hannah Parkerson Book Title: //Burning Up// Pages Read: 168 through 230 Macey and Austin are closer than ever. They both are finding information on the fire together and are enjoying every part of it. The only thing that Macey hates is that she really cannot find anyone to talk about the fire. She can’t get the real information that they need. Austin starts to become, well, just plain homesick. He misses his parents and his hometown and wants to go back, but he still helps Macey without letting her know any of this, but after a while he cannot hide it any longer and just decides to go home. He leaves and Macey is so upset, she can hardly stand it. But Macey begins to realize that the town she lives in is not as great as everyone makes it to be. Towards the end, it all comes crashing toward her like a speeding train. She finds people who will talk about it and even finds physical evidence. She actually even ends up talking to Mr. Sibley about the fire and he gives her the idea that she has to stand up for what she believes is right and where to start. The story ends with Macey really understanding that that’s true and that she has to make a difference. She even decides that she will be one of the people to give the big speech at the end of the year that no one wants to do. I really liked this book, but I did think it was a little bit short. I would’ve had it keep going. Perhaps Macey giving her speech would also be part of the ending. But other than that, it was a good book all around. I think anyone who wants a story to be able to just sit down and read should pick up this book. I think it’s a good story if you just want any good book to read. It’s short, yes, but it’s well written. Macey really does change throughout the story. She learns to let go and she really opens her eyes to the things around her. She has to let go of Austin and even of her grandparents to some degree. She was sort of blind to the things that happened around her and she really understands that every place and everyone, none of it’s perfect. I think that the theme would be telling you not to dismiss the small things around you, because all the small things make something big. There is pain and love in life and I think the sooner that you realize that, the better it will be. I think that there would be some questions that I would really like to know and have answered. Do Austin and Macey ever end up together? Does Austin really go away and stay away or does he come back? Does Macey give the speech? Does she make a difference? Does she get discouraged and give up? I really think that this would be the perfect book to write a sequel to. There is enough open that the author could add some more on. I will do the Partner Chat as soon as I hear from you.

= Week 3 Adult: Haden Brackett = Student: Hannah Parkerson Book Title: //Burning Up// Pages Read: 79-167

Macey is beginning to get more information on the fire in 1959 that she is wanting. Not much, but there is some. Her and Austin begin to form more of an attachment. There is also some sad news in the mix. They find out by watching the news that Macey’s friend Venita has been shot. She was getting in the middle of a fight and someone didn’t exactly like that. They didn’t even know each other that well, but we find that this event really bothers Macey. The protagonist in this story is Macey. She’s a high school student who is determined. She when she wants something, she keeps pushing until she gets it. I think she might be a bit stubborn too. She’s not afraid to get “down and dirty” I guess is one way to put it. Macey is also very caring for other people and she takes many things to heart and very seriously. Maybe a little bit more than she should, but that’s not always a bad thing. This character actually reminds me of many of my friends actually. They don’t each have all of those traits, but they each have a single trait. For example, one of my friends (I’m not going to name any names) is very caring and always thinking of other people, but she’s not a very stubborn person. I honestly don’t think that there are any traits that I want. I know how that sounds, but I’m a lot like Macey, but different also. I think being friends with this character would be very interesting. You would be able to understand more about her and wonder what she’s thinking. The antagonist in this story is definitely Austin. He plays a major role in this story by helping Macey in some problems that she faces. He is a good friend and helps Macey tremendously. Austin has good common sense and is able to think fast which is a very good quality. Macey makes some of her decisions around Austin, which I think isn’t all that smart, but she’s a teenage girl with a crush. What can you expect? I think that there wouldn’t be a story if Austin weren’t there.

Hi! I really like this book so far. It’s very entertaining and it provides a good read. I think that the climax of this book is going to be amazing and very good! Just the small details and rising actions being this good, I know that there is going to be something to tie the story together. How do you like this book so far? What do think will happen? I think that this Reading Rocks program was a good idea of Mrs. Shull and I’m looking forward to the party. So how are you? Is school going good for you? Are you glad it’s close to the end of the year? I know I am. I cannot wait for those long summer days where I can sit around or have fun outside. Do you have any plans for the summer? I think this summer will be really busy for me. I plan to go to Texas to visit family down there, and then I’m going to have band camp and maybe basketball camp. Then I will begin to detassle from July 10th to August 1st. Do you like to travel? I know that was pretty random, but I love to go places and see new things. I think that everyone should take at least one LONG road trip sometime in their lives. What do you think you’ll be doing over the summer? I’m sorry if these questions seem a little dull, but I like to hear about the little things. I can’t wait to get a response from you and feel free to ask me questions! I like to answer them and hear what you have to say! Thanks again!

-Hannah Parkerson