8th Grade Language Arts

This Place Will Never Be My Home

1/24

Author's Note: In the song Home, Phillip Phillips sings about how he is giving comfort to someone, he’s telling them that everything is going to be alright. I decided to change the lyrics of the song, so that the person with the opposite point of view is singing. When reading, really pay attention to the message being given. The original lyrics are italicized, and mine are in regular font.

Hold on, to me as we go
As we roll down this unfamiliar road
And although this wave is stringing us along
Just know you’re not alone
Cause I’m going to make this place your home

I’m so scared, for what is to come
No one’s there to help me hold on
And I know there can’t be anymore hope
I’m just so lost right now
So I’m going to need some help somehow.


Settle down, it'll all be clear
Don't pay no mind to the demons
They fill you with fear
The trouble it might drag you down
If you get lost, you can always be found

Please help, the pain is massive
This is a life that I never
Wanted to live
I must find a way to escape
From this image I cannot reshape.


Just know you’re not alone
Cause I’m going to make this place your home

I feel like I’m alone
Cause this place will never be my home.

Oh-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Settle down, it'll all be clear
Don't pay no mind to the demons
They fill you with fear
The trouble it might drag you down
If you get lost, you can always be found

Please help, the pain is massive
This is a life that I never
Wanted to live
I must find a way to escape
From this image I cannot reshape.

Just know you’re not alone
Cause I’m going to make this place your home

I feel like I’m alone
Cause this place will never be my home.

Oh-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o



When I read Phillip Phillip’s lyrics, I could easily see what message he was trying to get across. I could tell that he was comforting someone and letting them know that he would always be there for them because of the lyrics:”Hold on to me as we go”; “Just know you’re not alone”; and “If you get lost you can always be found.” Now, I had to think of what kind of person he was talking to: possibly a little girl or someone innocent who needed help. I tried to picture what kinds of things a little girl would say if she were scared. So, I came up with lyrics such as, “Please help, the pain is massive”; ”I’m so scared for what is to come”; and “No one’s there to help me hold on.” My lyrics don’t necessarily tell you what the person is scared of---that depends on your imagination. Instead, it expresses how he/she feels. In the process of making the lyrics, I took these simple sayings/ideas and tried to add on to the thought. The hard part was making it all rhyme and have good syncopation. In the end, these lyrics made the most sense with what my goal was.

(Recording of my sister singing the song)

12/21

Courageous 

Author's Note: Everyone in this world is afraid of something, whether it's spiders or being claustrophobic, there are things that we as people can't stand. Yet, some people are gifted with courage, which is the ability to stand up to your fears. In the book, "My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Picoult, the main character, Anna, has a lot of courage. You will learn how she was able to use this trait once you read this essay. 


I was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia when I was two years old. Over the course of my lifetime, I’ve undergone countless surgeries that have helped me survive the past 14 years. Most doctors had never expected me to last as long as I have, but thanks to my sister Anna, I’ve challenged their standards enormously. I can’t thank the Lord God enough for Anna, who made it possible for me to go to school, have my sweet 16 party, and even live through thousands of family memories. Recently though, I’ve gotten tired of living because of the stress it puts on my family. So if Anna can win her case, maybe everything will end up how it was supposed to. Anna was practically in control of Kate’s life: either she could continue to have procedures, or she could decide not to, leaving Kate to die. Whatever the outcome, her family’s connection would change immensely. In the heartwarming story “My Sister’s Keeper”, by Jodi Picoult, the main theme is courage because of the strenuous circumstances that two loving sisters face.

"I used to pretend that I was just passing through this family on my way to my real one. It isn't too much of a stretch, really一there's Kate, the spitting image of my dad; and Jesse, the spitting image of my mom; and then there's me, a collection of recessive genes that came out of left field." (pg. 49) It was nearly impossible for Anna to feel loved by her parents. Most teenagers her age would probably feel the same way if they knew that the only reason they were born was for the sake of someone else. It's true, Anna wouldn't even exist if it weren't for Kate developing leukemia. Being a thirteen year-old with siblings as well, I completely understand why Anna feels betrayed and ignored by her parents. Sometimes it feels as if my sisters steal all of the attention, leaving me behind to "fend for myself". Yet, unlike my sisters and I, Anna and Kate were very close一 “If you don’t want to be my sister anymore, that’s one thing. But I don’t think I could stand to lose you as a friend.” said Kate in one touching event. (pg. 57) Obviously, the girls desperately needed each other if they were ever to live a meaningful life. Anna’s courage needed to be strong against her parents and her will to let Kate die.

While Anna showed her courage by staying true to what she believed in, she also showed this trait by standing up to her family. Being a donor for thirteen years was long enough for Anna, therefore she chose to hire a lawyer...without her parents approval. For a while, Anna’s parents had no idea she was taking charge at all! Throughout the book, the family bickers about their daughter’s unexpected decision. “I clear my throat. ‘I got a lawyer.’ ‘Evidently.’ My mother grabs the portable phone and hands it to me. ‘Now get rid of him.’ It takes enormous effort, but I manage to shake my head and drop the phone into the cushions of the couch.”(pgs. 53-54) Because Anna would not rethink her decision, her family was temporarily separated, Kate was on the verge of dying, and in the end, she lost everything. Consequently, Anna’s choices and decisions reshaped most of the book’s plot.

Not only did Anna use her courage on others, she also did so on herself. When I found out that Anna was planning on getting a lawyer, I was completely baffled. For a girl who once said, “If Mr. Webster had decided to put the word freak in his dictionary, Anna Fitzgerald would be the best definition he could give.” (pg. 9), I couldn’t believe she was able to develop the mental strength to perform such a task! If I were Anna, I definitely wouldn’t have the courage to handle this situation by myself because of the consequences that I’d have to suffer. After her parents found out, she clearly felt the same way一”My cheeks are on fire; my heart starts to pound. I feel like I did the time the principal sent home a disciplinary notice because I drew a sketch of Mrs.Toohey and her colossal butt in the margin of my math textbook. No, actually, scratch that一it’s a million times worse.” (pg. 51) Yet, even with all of this stress and worry in her life, Anna would still be able to fight those evil thoughts that constantly overtook her mind.

Because of the calamities that two sisters face, courage is the most suitable theme for the book “My Sister’s Keeper” by Jodi Picoult. Anna had a lot of courage within her; but it took her thirteen years to finally let it free. The fact that this courage broke loose changed her family’s lives forever, including her own. Once you read this life-changing book, you will realize how difficult it is to follow God’s will, especially when your instinct tells you to do the opposite.






An Eerie Ending

Author's Note: This was my prediction as to what would happen to Cody after he had stolen Clarence's golden hook. What sort of influenced me to predict this was the book/movie "Jumanji". If you have seen this movie, you will see how. 

It had only been a few days before I suffered numerous consequences of my own. First, it was my left hand being crushed by a huge oak tree. Next, it was my imprisonment in the deserted town which Clarence had worked all his life. Thirdly, it was the loss of my soul. 

A few days after the hook was melted into a block, Cody was able to sell the treasure. Later, he returned to the old town to work as Clarence once did. While he did this, his left had was also crushed by a falling tree. Obviously, Cody was suffering the same consequences that Clarence had. 

At the age of 91, Cody, like Clarence, was ready to die:

"I have dealt with enough of these struggles, and there is only one way to get rid of them!"

As he began to dig, a young boy appeared. It looked as if he came from a wealthy community. He said,

"Would you like some help?"

Cody was grateful for the help, for he could only do so much at such an old age. Both continued to dig until the hole was large enough to contain Cody's body. As he lowered himself down into the grave he said, 

"If you want a future, you best listen to me. As you cover me up, be sure that my golden ring is buried with me."

(This golden ring had been with Cody when he disobeyed Clarence.)

Days later, Cody died because of the loss of food. The young boy came back for him, only to become tempted to take Cody's ring with him. In the end, he did. 

And so the cycle continued...

A Change of Events

Author's Note: "And he never saw her again." This is the ending that the author of "Thank you Ma'am" left the reader with. But our class decided that we as students should think of our own ending to the story. Here is what I came up with...

She led him down the hall to the front door and opened it. "Goodnight!" Behave yourself, boy!" she said, looking out into the street.

The boy wanted to say something else other that "Thank you, ma’am" to Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, but he couldn’t do so as he turned at the barren stoop and looked back at the large woman in the door. He barely managed to say "Thank you" before she shut the door.

                                                   …

“Where have you been?”

“Ya! What did you get?”

“You had to have gotten something if you were gone that long!”

I had only taken a few steps into the alley before they started throwing these questions at me.  There was no way I could tell them about Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, otherwise I’d be kicked out for sure.

“Umm……I was just walking around.” I suggested.

“Walking around? You said that you would bring back some loot.” they chanted.

As they spoke, I felt the $10 bill inside my pocket--so cold and smooth. How could I give up this gift from Mrs. Jones? She took me into her home, fed me and cared for me. So how could I possibly just forget about her and her hospitality?

“I didn’t get anything…” I couldn’t do this to her.

“Didn’t get anything?”

“No.”

This moment had to have been the worst, and the best of my life. The look on their faces. The strong grips they had as they lifted me up and threw me to the ground. Over and over again I was thrown down...hard. Before they could pick me up for the 7^th time, I made a run for it.

“You get back here boy! You don’t deserve to live!”

They were gonna kill me.

At that moment I realized that I had made a huge mistake all of my life.

There was no way I was turning around, Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones may still be there for me. I sprinted down the street, nothing on my mind but Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones. Once I stepped onto her front porch, I knocked on the door until my knuckles turned red.

“I thought you’d be back.”

“Mrs. Jones!!!” I flew into her welcoming arms. I knew she’d be there for me.

“Why didn’t you come earlier? You need a place to sleep tonight don’t you.”

“Yes ma’am!”

“Well, come on………”

She paused. I followed her gaze, only to find my gang standing there, pointing their guns at us.

“You get back here boy! A person like you doesn’t deserve a place to stay for the night.” They chanted.

“What makes you think that?” My voice squeaked as I said it.

“You owe us $10! Why would you lie to us? That money was worth tonight’s meal!”

Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones had been silent until that moment:

“You boys take all the money you need, just leave now! All of you ought to be taught a lesson!” she screamed.

“Shut up lady! This boy owes us, and right now, we’re gonna kill him!”

I feel beads of sweat forming on my forehead, and my arms and legs freezing up. What was I supposed to do?

The last thing I remember was the gun going off, and Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones stepping in front of me. It was only a matter of seconds before she collapsed on the ground. The boys had left by then, unsure of what they had just done.

“Boy, I don’t think I can make it. “ Her voice was hoarse, she didn’t have much time left.

“But…but…”

“Calm down boy. You’re gonna promise me something, you hear me? Listen up! You gotta listen.”

“Yes ma’am.” Tears are forming in my eyes. The woman who changed my life is leaving forever.

“You are gonna do something with your life. Don’t you give up! You gotta believe boy.”

“Yes ma’am. I’m gonna do it for you! I’m gonna do it for you!”

“Good boy. Good….boy…………good……..good………..good….”

“Don’t leave me Mrs. Jones! Please!”

No reply.

I knew she was gone then. Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones was gone forever.

But I knew that we still had a deal, and I intended to follow it. 

Becoming Someone Else

Author's Note: In the book "Matched" by Allie Condie, the main character Cassia evolves into a whole new kind of person through a series of breathtaking events. These events include love, war, and in some cases, survival which have changed Cassia from an obedient and shy girl, to an independent and daring woman. This is a poem that I have written explaining the specific changes in personality that Cassia has experienced. 
* = Katniss Everdeen is the main character in "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins. 


In the book "Matched"
By Allie Condie,
The main character Cassia
Has some troubles with the society.

At first she was shy and lost in a world
That claimed they were true when actually fake.
But when she found what was sincere,
Cassia realized what dangerous paths she must take.

For Cassia was matched with Xander
A friend that she easily trusted
Until she met a boy named Ky
Who soon became the one she wanted.

You see, the society chooses where you work and when you die
Which is perfectly fine.
But when they choose who you love,
That's when they have crossed the line.

Cassia was quite overwhelmed
By the restrictions that kept her heart aching
But after her story turned upside-down,
She became the one most daring.

She went out and fought
Both day and night
To proclaim her true love
And preserve their rights.

Cassia reminds my of Katniss Everdeen*
Because of how their love had changed
For family, friends, guys, and government.
After fighting for their freedom, everything was rearranged.

And that's how Cassia changed
Became confident and free.
It's quite a change for only loving a boy
As big a change as can be.


(Poster I made for project)

The eyes on the picture represent Cassia's eyes. I included this because they were green and the book referred to her (green)eyes quite often.



Watery Fun

(Fall District Writing Assessment)                                                                                  Posted: 9/17/12

     What is the coolest activity you’ve ever done on vacation? For some travelers, it may be hiking up snowy mountains in -10 degree weather. While others may enjoy lounging on the warm, sandy beaches of the ocean. No matter what the exertion or indolence, that memory is one that will never be forgotten because it is one that makes you feel the most blissful. When I think of my favorite vacation, I think of the time I went white water rafting in Tennessee.

      My afternoon began with a few lessons on how to stay safe and secure while riding in the raft. But I have to admit, that was super boring. Luckily, I was only there for about 20 minutes before we started heading for the water. With our lifejackets on, and rafts ready to go, we jumped in to meet our tour guide. The first thing we noticed about her was that she was wearing a Milwaukee Brewers hat. Turns out, she was from Milwaukee and was working in Tennessee for the summer. After meeting her, we took off down the river. At first, it was a little tedious, but with one turn of a corner, everything changed. The current began moving faster and faster, we ran over a bunch of huge rocks that drove us in all directions, and we flew over a number of cliffs that sent us flying through the air! In addition to that, the view was amazing! We could see the Great Smokey Mountains along in the distance, along with a beautiful green forest on either side of the river. Within the first 10 minutes, I was having a blast!

     Everything was going fluently on the ride, when all of a sudden; we felt water being squirted on us. From a few yards away, the tour guide of another raft (his name was Brad) had a huge squirt gun and was suggesting a battle.  He wouldn’t stop “firing”, and a couple droplets of water hit me and my sisters in the face! Twenty squirts later we were just about ready to surrender, but not too long after, our tour guide brought out her own giant squirt gun and started spraying them back! Soon, it turned into a war. Everyone was shooting water back and forth, racing to see who could float down the river the fastest, and shooting taunting comments back and forth.  Yeah, we were talking smack all right! Sadly, all of our fun quickly came to an end because the buses were already being lined up near the shore. I jumped into the freezing cold water and swam back to the sandy beach, where I took one last glance at the river, saying good-bye.

     White water rafting is the first activity that comes to mind when I think of my favorite vacation in Tennessee. I had never been rafting before, so this accelerating experience was a huge deal. I can’t wait to enjoy something as stimulate as this again; the day I went white water rafting.

10/1

Peace Like A River 

Author's Note: This short piece is a retelling of the book Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. I really struggled with the fact that these retellings can only by 3-4 sentences long. When reading, pay attention to the vocabulary that I used. 

“Peace Like A River” by Leif Enger is a book that will take you on a heartwarming journey to a family whose love for each other is so strong, it keeps each other alive. In the story, the main character, Reuben's older brother, Daniel is sentenced to death because of a crime he commited. Luckily, he is able to escape prison and set out on his own exploration. This means that Reuben and his family must set out to find him. But during their adventure, they discover that their relationship is far more special than it may seem.

10/11

A Tragic Summer

Author's Note: This piece is about the the conflict and the resolution of the short story "All Summer in a Day". When reading, pay attention to the words conflict and resolution in the second paragraph. 

The tragic short story, "All Summer in a Day" is about life on the planet Venus. It begins with a class of students who are awaiting the moment when it will stop raining for the first time in seven years. One of the students in the class is named Margot, who is from planet Earth. She has always known what the sun looks like and who it feels like to have it shining for a long period of time. Even though she knows this, the other children don't believe her, so when the teacher leaves the classroom temporarily, her classmates lock her in a dark closet in the corner or the room.  While she is trapped inside, the rain finally goes away, and all of the children are able to run around outside and have fun for 2 hours. Once the rain had picked up again, everyone trudged back inside, only to find poor Margot who missed out and wouldn't be able to see the sun for another 7 years. 

The conflict in the story, "All Summer in a Day" would be the fact that the other students in Margot's class are doubting her and putting her down in a way that makes her feel truly depressed.  Because of this, the resolution is quite sad. It does not necessarily say what it is, but we can guess what will happen. After all of the bullying from her friends, she will soon doubt herself, and not even belief what she thinks is true. Even though the story takes place on Venus,  the same kinds of things happen on Earth, too. There are plenty of schools out there that have students who bully others and make them feel worthless. This happened to me when I was in 5th grade, for I always doubted myself. I'd believe others when they said I was ugly or stupid. From this experience I can tell you that it all hurts more than you'd think. In some cases, it ends up ruining people's lives.

10/12

Making an Impression

Author's Note: Whenever you are trying out for a team, whether it's a sports team or some kind of club, it's your job to make the best impression you can. If you do, the effect can be quite spectacular. When reading, see if you can identify what the cause and effect is within the paragraph. 

Recently, I decided to try out for what is called club volleyball. This is where you can play competitive volleyball on a team for the winter-spring seasons. (7-8 months) Luckily, when I tried out for one of the teams, I was able to make their best team or the 1's team. Because I was able to make the team, I will play volleyball for the next couple of months. This means that I will be extremely tired for a while!! But I'm extremely glad to be playing the sport I love the most. If I hadn't done well in the tryout, I would not have made the team, which means that I couldn't have played and gotten the opportunity to get better. This is the first time I've ever played club, so I don't know what it's like to have not gotten an offer from a team. Yet, some of my friends have. They've told me that it's really tough, that most girls go home crying and sometimes don't have the confidence to play volleyball anymore. So I'm extremely relived that I didn't have to deal with all of that stress. 

10/22

Lost and Found

Author's Note: At some point in everyone's life, they experience a time when they feel insecure. In some cases, you may have to make a tough decision, or you may be up against your biggest fear. This piece that I wrote is about a time when I was lost in a place where no one had time to pay attention to me. When reading, look for ways you can relate to the story.

It was a chilly December night when I was at the Milwaukee Bucks game with my family. The team was doing well, so my dad was in a good mood: which meant that his wallet was always open. He would buy us anything we desired, which is, an endless supply of concessions. We had eaten so much popcorn and soda, that our bladders were on the verge of exploding!  As the final buzzer of the game wailed, we all jumped out of our seats and raced for the restrooms.

"Ahhhh.........."

It felt heavenly to finally relax. I quickly washed my hands with the sweet-smelling soap and warm water, then stepped outside the door. But as I walked outside, I realized that my dad was not standing there waiting for me. Neither were my two erratic younger sisters. Looking left and right, up and down the hallway, I didn't see any of them appear! 

"Could they still be in the bathroom?"

I waited another five minutes. It had never taken this long for them to take one trip to the restroom. By now, hundreds of people were passing by each second! After a while, I had no choice but to walk around and try to find them. I went up a few escalators, down a few stairs, through a couple hallways, and into a chair. Everywhere I had looked, there wasn't a single trace of them, and I had now given up all hope. I started to think about what it would be like if I was found by the police, put up for adoption, and been given to a new family. What would that be like? Would the family be nice? Where would I live? Would I have any brothers or sisters? What school would I have to go to? What if.....

"Allison?"

"Dad!" It was my dad! And my sisters! Everyone was here, I couldn't believe it!

"Where have you been? We've been looking for you!" they chanted. 

I didn't understand. If they had been looking for me, why didn't I see them when I was wandering around the entire stadium?

"I've been looking for you! Where were you guys?" I replied.

"What do you mean, 'where were you guys', we were standing right outside the bathroom the whole time!"

Walking home from the stadium that night I felt only relief, relief that I was with my family again. As I entered into our car, I realized that life can take you in all kinds of directions, and nine times out of ten, you have no idea it's coming.

10/25

Exceptional Leaders

Author's Note: Our founding fathers have done so much to impact our country for the better. Because they have worked so hard, we owe them so much thanks. For if they didn't exist, this nation would never be as successful or as free as it is today. 

Dear Founding Fathers,

It's 2012, and you wouldn't believe how much the government has changed since 1776. Because of you, our government today is very strong to the point where it gives our country a sense of confidence. Yet, this nation has also suffered due to how government has evolved. Over the course of the 236 years, government has transformed both positively and negatively since its creation. 

From signing the Declaration of Independence, to writing the Constitution, to engaging in the Revolutionary War: you all have proven to be magnificent leaders. All of your effort has played a huge part in helping us make good decisions for the success of our country. In addition, it has also given us freedom that could never have been obtained if we were still ruled by Great Britain. By breaking away from them: our nation was able to gain religious freedom, the opportunity to vote, and more. We owe you all our thanks due to how you have changed people's lives for the better. 

Though many good effects have taken place because of your work, some bad have occurred as well. You may be quite disappointed with where our government has taken us. First, people today do not appreciate our freedom, as if it has become "a given". One example would be how many citizens don't vote. Most other countries in the world to not have the privilege of voting, so we shouldn't take it for granted. On the other hand, instead of both parties working together, they are fighting against each other to run the country. Right now, the presidential election is going on, and I must say, it's ridiculous how much each candidate competes against the other! In addition to both parties competing, government is becoming more personal. For example, instead of the candidates saying they simply disagree with each other's ideas, they accuse the other of being a "bad person" because they lied or somehow "punish" citizens. It can be extremely hectic to have to listen through all of this bickering. So as you can see, government today has taken us to some unwanted places. But don't be fooled, we are still grateful that you have fulfilled the American dream. 

Since government's foundation, it has noticeably altered over the years. But because of all you have done to impact our nation, people today cannot thank you enough, including me. 

Sincerely, 

Allison