Thank you for participating in Summer Reading 2011. Our discussion forums, which ran from June 17-August 20, have closed. If you've finished your assignments and would like to take a quick, five question survey about this year's summer reading experience, please click here.
Matthew's family
  • Xflower August 2011
    Matthew had never spoken about his family before and now he did. He spoke of how he was sent to be a soldier. He talked about how his brother gambled him for debts. And he also talked about that his father died. p.188 paragraph 1

    I picked this paragraph because Matthew never spoke of is family in the book. I got the picture of his garden and what his brother looks like by it. I learned how Matthew became a soldier, and about his father. I think it is one of the most interesting parts in the book about Matthew because it's about his family.
    Xochitl Sosa
  • pkoehler August 2011
    Yes, it is interest to find out a little more about Matthew besides his being a soldier. Did this glimpse into his personal life change your opinion of Matthew? Mr. K
  • Xflower August 2011
    Hi, I'm Xochitl (sochy). Thank you for being the first responder. My opinion for Matthew changed a bit for his family and why he's a soldier. So are you one of the new teachers for 5th grade?
  • LexLex August 2011
    When I read that part of the book, I felt sad that Matthew's brother gambled him out to be a soldier. If I were Matthew, I would've refused to be a soldier and let my brother do it instead. It was his problem that he lost money. I think that Matthew was very loyal to his family, and he made the better decision, though.
    Alexa Schlaerth
  • LexLex August 2011
    This glimpse into Matthew's personal life did change my opinion of him. The author did a good job of describing a softer, more emotional side of him. I think that that was what Rachel was feeding him for. She felt bad for him. She thought that maybe this little good deed could make him feel more at home. As Aesop said, "No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted."
    Alexa Schlaerth
  • Xflower August 2011
    Lex I like how you described this part of the book. I did feel sad for Matthew, and you're right Matthew's brother should of took the cause. But the family was not very rich. So if I were Matthew I would tray to earn money. I would save some for the brother and give the rest to my family. Oh Lex I like how you used one of Aesop's quotes.
    Xochitl Sosa
  • LexLex August 2011
    Thanks for the compliment, Xochitl. I like what you posted for my page, too. I actually got the Aesop quote from Mr. Hemak's room. I can't wait to see you again. I'm so exited for school!
    Alexa Schlaerth
  • 1Mossy August 2011
    When I read the book, I felt sad that Matthew had to leave his family and do what he didn't want to do (be a soldier). I think that his family was poor, and his brother sent him to get money. Though, if I were sent to do something I liked for money, I would be okay, but not for something I didn't like!
  • connor August 2011
    I like that even though it was sad. I think it was sad because he had to be cruel soldier and because he sometimes has to kill people.So overall I think it was a pretty good. I liked it.
    Connor Roggero
  • FishyS6 August 2011
    I think this passage is important because It tells that Mathew was like an object to his brother. It also tells that nobody had good feelings for him. I feel very sad for Mathew.
    Samantha Covey
  • 1Mossy September 2011
    I agree with Sam. I just wish people would care about Matthew just like Rachel did. You wouldn't want people to ignore you like you weren't anything. It was nice of Rachel to give him food once and a while.
    Madison Zuch
This discussion has been closed.
← All Discussions

Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!

Sign In Apply for Membership

Categories

In this Discussion

Poll

No poll attached to this discussion.