Point of View

The story of The Witches comes from one narrator. He speaks in the first person because he is telling a story that has happened to him. This kind of narration works for a few reasons. First, we get to hear the story from the point of view of a kid.  The first-person narration adds to the childlike wonder of the whole thing.  Also, it gets us as close to the story as we can possibly be. The person who lived it is the one telling it.  In class we talked about the point of view of this story and other stories that you are reading independently.
A story can also be written in third person where all different characters are telling the story.  This is probably the most popular way a book is written.  There is point of view which is the rarest way to write a book, it is a story written in second person.  In second person the narrator refers to the reader as a character, making you feel like you are in the story.
Now tell me about the story you are reading.  Tell me what is the point of view of this book and give me examples that proves it.

The Witches

The book The Witches starts with a discussion about its own genre.  We discussed this in class and decided that the book is an adventure and a fantasy.  Adventure and fantasy can go hand in hand.  Adventure is something exciting where there is a risk involved.  The story is also a fantasy because it takes place in a world that is not like our own. 

Tell me what the genre is, in the book that you are reading independently, and give me examples from the story.

Characters

The development of characters is usually very important to a story. Some characters will be main characters and others will be minor characters. A main character has an important role in the story. Another way to classify characters is to look for the protagonist and the antagonist. The protagonist is the main character of a story. Sometimes the protagonist is the “good guy,” but not always. The antagonist is the character who causes problems for the protagonist. Think of a book you have read recently and the development of the characters. Choose a character from the book and tell me if this character is a protagonist or antagonist and explain why. Make sure you tell me the name of the book first.

You as a reader

Please share with your classmates what your favorite genre of books is and what you are currently reading. Also, tell us where is your favorite place to read.

The Best Worst School Year Ever

Herdman Havoc!: The Herdmans are known for being “outlaws” and creating havoc wherever they go. Think about all of the different ways the Herdmans created trouble for others and make a list of these misfortunes. Answer this question: What would you do if you ever encountered one of the Herdmans? Write ways in which people might be able to handle the Herdmans’ mischievous behavior.