The Reading Writing Connection

You must read this biography called, A Child Called It.  The author and main character of this book is Dave Pelzer.  When Dave was a little boy he tried to get food when his mother was out, but it was too late.  His mother caught him.  “SMACK!”  Dave fell straight to the ground.  The problem was that Dave’s mother was a drunk and treated him like a slave.

The solution to his problem came when the school nurse began checking up on him due to bruises.  The school nurse called the police.  They took Dave to a police station.  They called his step-mother and said he wouldn’t be coming home for a while.  The police explained that he was free.  They dropped him off at some juvenile day care place.

This isn’t like any other book that I’ve read.  This is about abuse.  I don’t know how it ends yet, but I know it is a very sad book.  Dave has to learn his mother’s games, and if he doesn’t then he gets no food and slapped around.  If he can’t do what his mother wants he is forced to break the mirror with his head and has to say that he is a bad boy over and over again.  But, when his dad is around he is safe and won’t be abused.  His Dad did not know that his mother was abusing him.  I’m sure Dave’s father will find out some how.  Think about his life and compare it to your life!

Santa Fe Railroad submitted an article about the last steam locomotive to “Trains Magazine.”   

In summary, Santa Fe railroad steam locomotive 5371 was built in 1928 and its last trip was in 1957. It was taken to the San Bernadino restoration shops. Years went by, and In 1981, Santa Fe wanted to take 5371 back to Los Angeles. So they did. But, in 1991 Santa Fe wanted to take a last trip with 5371. So one cool, early 1991 morning, people got on-board passenger cars and Santa Fe 5371 departed Los Angeles Union Terminal. People stood by the railroad tracks photographing and videotaping all the way to Barstow. There were two FP45 “War Bonnets” diesel locomotives behind the tender for extra power in case 5371 brakes down. The train stopped at San Bernadino Train Station and the locomotives were decoupled and taken to an engine shed. The passengers stayed in the station. In the morning, 5371 was greased and its tender was filled with coal and the FP45′s were refueled, Then everyone got back on the train and the train departed to Barstow.

     Want to read a hysterically, silly comedy? Then you must read Muggie Maggie written by the insightful Beverly Cleary. This is a very popular series that is read by many children all over the world. In chapter two, Mrs. Leeper, Maggie’s teacher, announces to her class that they will begin to write in cursive that week. Maggie can not believe her ears at thehorrifying news. Maggie absolutely refuses to do cursive. The following afternoon Mrs. Leeper has tried everything to convince Maggie to write in cursive, but she just will not give in. Mrs. Leeper decides that if Maggie can tell her that she hates cursive  then Maggie can tell Principal Galloway the news. Mrs leeper demands Maggie to go to the Mr. Galloway’s office. As Maggie walks down the hall she wonders, ”What did I do?” Maggie sadly enters Mr. Galloway’s office and she has a  seat at his desk waiting to hear what he has to say. What happens?  Who knows . . .you will have to read the rest of the book to find out what happens in Muggie Maggie by Beverly Cleary.

      This interesting and humorous book Lizzie McGuire Case at Camp Get-Me-Outtie was adapted by Lisa Banim from the hit television series Lizzie McGuire.  This realistic but fictional story is about how Lizzie and her friends Gordo and Miranda go to Camp Bunsen Burner.  Now I’ll be the first to tell, Lizzie and Miranda absolutely HATE Camp Bunsen Burner…all because Gordo just had to blab to Lizzie’s parents about this science camp.  Lizzie’s parents in turn call Miranda’s parents when they read the brochure and discover the educational value.  I would have screamed if I had learned that I was going to science camp!  This would have been an ordinary story if the author had not introduced another character, a cute counselor named Steve, to divert the girl’s attention.  This “Hottie” definitely sets Lizzie and Miranda’s minds on fire.  Science never sounded so fun!   The rest of the book is just too good to tell.  You must read it for yourself.