Elementary 'In Character': Squirrel
Nominated by Mark, Isaac Dickson Elementary School, Asheville, N.C.
From A Dog's Life by Ann M. Martin
Squirrel, a stray dog from A Dog's Life, is an important character because she represents kids like me. I have been a foster child for four years. She and I have been through the same things. We have both moved from house to house, family to family and life to life in hopes of a family. Squirrel and I have been separated from our big brother and mom.
We were hopeful with each family we moved in with but were then disappointed when we had to move again. Squirrel and I kept going because we knew there was a family waiting for us out there, somewhere in the real world.
Both of our stories have happy endings. Two months ago I was adopted into a loving family and at the end of the book, a nice lady adopted Squirrel.
Hear Mark read his essay:
11:28 AM ET
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05-27-2008
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Elementary 'In Character': The Grinch
Nominated by Morgan, Isaac Dickson Elementary School, Asheville, N.C.
From How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
Have you ever been like the Grinch? If you said no, you're lying.
One big thing in America is greed. It's not like the flu that you catch -- you're born with it. Everyone has a little Grinch in them. Sure, we haven't stolen Christmas, but we've all been greedy -- like kindergarteners fighting over blocks, or the world over money.
Most people act like the Grinch sometimes -- greedy, sad, alone, wanting a friend -- but we always seem to find ourselves. Sure our hearts aren't two sizes too small, and we don't live in a snowflake. But like the Grinch who changed and helped Whoville, we can make a change in our community.
We all must sacrifice to make a difference in our community. The Grinch sacrificed his own happiness for the Whovillens. We might have to sacrifice our happiness for the happiness of others.
Hear Morgan read her essay:
11:02 AM ET
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05-27-2008
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Elementary 'In Character': Cassie Logan
Nominated by Isabelle, Isaac Dickson Elementary School, Asheville, N.C.
From Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
Cassie Logan is a 10-year-old African-American girl living in Mississippi in the 1930s. In her childhood, she has to look past skin color and racist actions to help improve her acceptance in society.
Throughout the book, Cassie experiences many different forms of racism. When she feels discouraged, her father affirms what she already believes: she must accept some things "the way they are" but fight to change those things most important.
Cassie is a great America fictional character because she perseveres and overcomes obstacles in her life. She conquers her doubt and is not afraid to fight for the values she believes in. Americans should do the same. This would make the world a more accepting place.
Hear Isabelle read her essay:
10:35 AM ET
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05-27-2008
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Elementary 'In Character': Bobby Pendragon
Nominated by Jacob, Isaac Dickson Elementary School, Asheville, N.C.
From the Pendragon series by D. J. MacHaler
Bobby Pendragon is a 15-year-old boy. He mysteriously finds out he's a traveler (a person who goes to different places in different galaxies). His home goes from Stony Brook, N.Y., to nowhere.
One of his traits is bravery because he will do anything -- even if it is his worst fear -- to help others. Another trait is brains because he always is strategizing to avoid fights (though half the time they don't work). My favorite trait of his is his humor because it makes me laugh.
I really like Bobby because he has a lot of positive characteristics about him. He will usually take suicidal risks for others, if needed. He is also helpful in saving his friends.
I think it would be good for other students because it shows you what life is like. It also helps you by showing you that things die.
Hear Jacob read his essay:
10:35 AM ET
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05-27-2008
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Elementary 'In Character': Junie B. Jones
Nominated by Jennice, Isaac Dickson Elementary School, Asheville, N.C.
From Junie B. Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth by Barbara Park
My favorite character is Junie B. Jones because she is a character that expresses herself. Junie B. Jones is secretive -- she does not say out loud what she is thinking.
But the reader knows.
She uses her journal to express her true inner thoughts. Her inner thoughts are so hilarious -- so are mine.
My favorite book is Junie B. Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth because in the book, Junie opens her mouth a lot and keeps on talking (like me). She's not the type of person who cares what people think of her. She has lots of friends, she's a little goofball, and she likes to play around, have fun and do wild things.
Sometimes Junie B. Jones and I are misunderstood, but the best part is I bet she is really nice and a kind person -- like me!
Hear Jennice read her essay:
10:33 AM ET
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05-27-2008
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