A Long Way Gone Journal 1

A particular scene in “A Long Way Gone” that’s memorable to me is the beginning of chapter two. In this scene, the narrator, Ishmael, uses very descriptive writing to portray the various smells, sights, feelings, and emotions throughout the piece. Due to the descriptiveness of the writing, upon reading it was very easy for me to picture the commotion that was taking place. Another factor that aided in my selection of this scene was the fact that it was actually a dream.
In his dream Ishmael is pushing a wheelbarrow containing a body through a town where he describes the smell of the air as being filled with, “the smells of blood and burnt flesh.” He then goes on to describe the horrific state that the corpses are in. As he rolls through the carnage he then states that his extremely distressed crapes or sneakers are “soaked with blood.” He realizes that the blood is running down his army shorts but is unsure weather he has been wounded or not. When he finally arrives at the cemetery to bury the body spots of blood began to show through the white sheet that covers it. He begins to unwrap the cloth from about the body and then the face and to his and my surprise the face is his own.
If I were Ishmael and I had a dream like that I would be terrified than I already was. If you were Ishmael how would you feel? Also what was a particular scene that stood out to you in the story so far? If not a scene, what quote?

Sincerely Breanna

I Know Why The Caged BIrd Sings Journal 7

Dearest Tarannum,
A particular scene that is memorable to me in the story is when Daddy Clidell took Margeuerite to make the acquaintance of what he explained to her as "the most successful con men in the world." It is very memorable to me because as with other numerous scenes in the book, I've had similar experiences. In the scene she was introduced to Stonewall Jimmy, Just Black, Cool Clyde, Tight Coat and Red Leg. Tey were going to tell her about some games so that she would never be considered "anybody's mark". In my expereince I was introduced to some of my Uncle Tommie's and his son Gerrell's best friends. My family and I were taking one of our many weekend trips down to Austin to visit our family. Since I was the only girl, save for major family functions, I had the privalige of having Gerrell all to myself. Often times when I wasn't able to spend much time with him, he would say to me, "Stay up Brea, we'll spend the night." And I would reply to him smillling, "I stay up anyways", and he would smile back and say, "Dont make me wake you up."
Once everyone was sound asleep he would peek into whatever room was arranged for me to sleep in and to his surprise everytime I'd already be at the door. A typical night consisted of us riding around in his car talking,listening to music,eating, and laughing.Other times he'd take me to his house which always happened to be full of people and I would watch him start on a new peice of art or help him put the finishing touches on exsisting ones. Some how I'd always end up spending the night.During these nights I was the recepient of advice, ecperiences,and thoughts on cetain things from his friends. They would tell me "I refuse to let you be a fool to anyone. Thats why I tell you the things that I do." Much like the con men telling Marguerite their games so that she wouldn't be "anybody's mark."
Was there a particualr scene in the story that was memorable to you? If so why was it?

Sincerely, Breanna

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings Journal 5

I think the big ideas in the book are finding out who you are.The ways in which others affect your life and how to deal with all of it. In the storyMarguerite is very shy, sensitive, and gulliable.As the story progresses she is still all of these things but not as much. All throughout the book Marguerite is finding out who she truly is. Although she seems to have a good sense of self she is very gulliable.I think she is gulliable because she gives people the benefit of the doubt.She does not think that everyone is bad.Everyone that she has came into contact with so far has affected her in some way or another.Weather it was by thought,feeling,or action she was affected. Eventhough people's actions towards her may not have been positive and nor did they affect her in a positive way, she always seemed to come out a stronger person because of it. I think that because she had such a loving,caring,and concerned family she was able to deal more efficiently. I think Marguerite dealt with her situations like anyone else would have. In some cases I felt that she dealt with them in an excellent way.Especally with the Mr.freeman incident.If I had to endure what she did I don't know what I would have done. I know for a fact I would not have been able to testify in court and deal with the lawyers and Mr.Freeman. How would you have dealt with the Mr.Freeman incident at such a young age and testifying in court against him and dealing with the lawyer? What do you think the big ideas are in the book? Do you agree with me and what do you think of Marguerite now compared to how she was in the beginning of the story? please express to me me your thoughts, feelings and opinions.
Sincerely Breanna.

page numbers 144-226

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings-Journal 3

Dearest Tarannum,

Marguerite and her day with Mrs.Bertha Flowers reminds me of the time i spent with my cousin Gerrell before he passed. Just as Mrs. Flowers was "the aristocrat of Black Stamps",my cousin Gerrell was the aristocrat of the younger generation of my moms family. He was very well educated, diplomatic, responsible, inspiring and the list continues on. Much like Marguerite Gerrell was one of the few gentlemen that I have ever known, and has also remained throughout my life the measure of what a human being can be. Also like Marguerite I was a soft spoken child that often shied away from attention. But at the same time longing to be liked just because i was Breanna. Marguerite's day with Mrs. Flowers is very reminiscent of my time spent with my cousin before he passed. Just like Marguerite i was surprised that i was singled out by him. Just as ashewas to be by Mrs.Flowers. Does the plot are any of the characters remind you of any thing in particular about you, your life , or anything of the kind? If so let me know.What do you think of my comparrison? Please express those thoughts to me also.

Sincerly,Breanna Thomas
page numbers 1-146

Amari

The main character that I would like to have as a friend the most would be Amari.
She is very strong willed and has a positive outlook even in her toughest situations.
Even when she came across her former futuer husband Besa, scared and with a broken spirit.
When she came across him she was on her way to freedom. She asked Besa to,"please come with her."His reply was,"there is no such thing as freedom." To which she replied, "i have been raped.I have been beaten.I have been made to feel like iam nothing.But I live." When she says "But I live", I feel as if she is determined and steadfast in her goal of attaining freedom eventhough she could have given up.

Copper Sun

In the story Copper Sun by Sharon Draper,the main character is Amari. A15 year old African girl from the Ewe tribe. One day Amari's village is approached by visitors with "skin the color of goat's milk"They carried long sticks.

Everytime the village is approached by visitors a great celebration is held.The visitors were welcomed with open arms and they exchanged gifts with the village.

When the celebration was winding down the visitors fired their"long sticks".