The night breathed through the apartment like a dark animal. The ticking of a clock. The groan of a floorboard as he slipped out of his room. All was drowned by silence. But Jacob loved the night. He felt it on his skin like a promise. Like a cloak woven from freedom and danger.
Cornelia Funke lures her readers into her newest creation, Reckless, that promises at the very least with this opening paragraph to be full of secrets, shadows and shifting scenes. Jacob's father has been missing for more than a year. He knows in his heart that his father's study holds the answer to his disappearance. On this night his anger reveals a clue on a scrap of paper---THE MIRROR WILL OPEN ONLY FOR HE WHO CANNOT SEE HIMSELF. Jacob is twelve.
When the next chapter begins twelve years have passed. Mounted on the wall in his father's study that mirror did offer Jacob a doorway into another reality, Mirrorworld. It is here that characters, magical objects and the places of fairy tales exist. It is here that Jacob has fashioned an alternate life for himself with his trusted partner, Fox, a shape-shifter. It is also here where his younger brother, Will, decides after years to follow Jacob as younger brothers will do. And one mistake changes everything.
There is a race of people in Mirrorworld who are made of stone, Goyl. Years of persecution have them at war with the humans in the land of fairy. Fueled by hatred, better battle strategy and the support of the Dark Fairy they are winning. Unfortunately for Will a Goyl manages to claw him. His fate is certain. Within days he too will become a Goyl with his skin slowly and painfully turning to stone.
With the help of Clara, Will's girlfriend from our world, (Yes, she came through the mirror too.), Fox and a dwarf of less than stellar character, Jacob uses all his contacts, skills and bag of magic to reverse what is happening to his brother. In desperation he finally seeks the assistance of the Red Fairy who he vowed to never see again. Readers of fantasy know that for fairies there is always a price which is sometimes hidden until it's too late.
Make no mistake Reckless will have readers staying up until the wee hours of the morning eager to discover the fate of the brothers and those characters they have come to know in the kingdom of those timeless tales. I know I did.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Clip and zip
As they say a picture is worth a thousand words and the creators of clp.ly, Free Range Content, want people to exchange what they find online quickly and visually. This web 2.0 application allows the user to "clip" what they find online by capturing a portion of the site. You have the ability to position the image, resize it, change the background color and add a note before you zip it along via a host of social networks or by embedding it in an email, blog or web site.
This application also allows you to select a quote to post in an email, blog or web site once you have added their accelerator.
There have been so many times when it is better to show a colleague or student the web site rather than just giving them a link. This application is the answer to that wish. The creators believe that it is a way to bridge content between producers and consumers.
This application also allows you to select a quote to post in an email, blog or web site once you have added their accelerator.
"This concluding volume in Collins's 'Hunger Games' trilogy accomplishes a rare feat, the last installment being the best yet, a beautifully orchestrated and intelligent novel that succeeds on every level. In short, there's something here for nearly every reader, all of it completely engrossing."
There have been so many times when it is better to show a colleague or student the web site rather than just giving them a link. This application is the answer to that wish. The creators believe that it is a way to bridge content between producers and consumers.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Are they here, now, among us?
Ten years ago on the planet Lorien as the evil race of Mogadarians annihilated all life, a ship shot into space toward the nearest sustainable planet, Earth. Aboard that vessel were nine young children and their guardians. These children were the planet's gifted Garde; their mentors, the Cepan. A protective charm was placed on the children giving them a chance to survive and grow into their powers, Legacies. As long as they stayed apart the charm would hold and they could only be destroyed in numerical order. As the cover of this newest SF states: Three Are Dead I Am Number Four.
Only adding to the book's appeal is the author's name, Pittacus Lore, an alias for the collaboration of James Frey (of "fictionalized" memoir fame) and Jobie Hughes. The jacket flap indicates that Lore,the oldest Elder of Lorien, has been living here on Earth awaiting a final battle; a battle with the stakes so high life on Earth might cease to exist.
Setting the stage for what can only be described as a thrilling page turner is a prologue describing the death of Number Three. When the third ring appears on his leg signifying the death of Three, Four and his mentor flee the state of Florida to the peace and hopefully quiet town of Paradise, Ohio. Never being able to live anywhere for more than a few months, at their new home with new identities, 15 year old John Smith and his "Dad" Henri try to blend in while constantly being on alert for the appearance of the Mogadarians. It seems that constantly being hunted and on the run has finally taken its toll on the pair. Henri, ever the protector, is increasingly anxious about John's Legacy appearing. All John wants to do at this point is be a normal teenager. But how can you be normal when you have powers like Superman and your Legacy hasn't even revealed itself yet? The truth is...you can't.
From his first day at school normal is just not part of John's life. The plot begins to quicken and thicken as the additional characters are introduced: Mark James, football star, bully and former beau of Sarah, Sarah Hart, daughter of the Smith's realtor who captures John's heart at first sight, Sam Goode, a withdrawn teen with an over-the-top interest in aliens who becomes the first real friend John has ever had and Bernie Kosar, a stray dog that looks like a beagle but promises to be more than meets the eye.
As I continued to read this story I became attached to the world of the Loriens, their history and the mystery of their destruction. I found myself caught up in the day to day stress and mess of teens and high school life. When one of John's Legacies appears and his training begins in earnest I cheered for Henri's persistence and John's determination. What's not to like about non-stop action, teen romance, an unbreakable bond between a mentor and his child, deadly, dark aliens that will reach their goal by any means necessary or heart-pumping battle scenes of supernatural proportion?
This is going to be one science fiction tale that is going to soar off the shelves. (Note: I just ordered additional copies for our school.) At the I Am Number Four web site readers can feast on facts about all things Lorien.
Not to be forgotten is the up coming movie that at this writing is in post production and set to be released in early spring of 2011. Given the cast, director, writers and producers it should light up the silver screen. It's mind-boggling that with a book publication date of August 2010 the movie will be available that quickly. But nonetheless, save a seat for me...I'll be there with all the rest of the fans. And look for me at the head of the line when the next book of the proposed six hits the stores.
Only adding to the book's appeal is the author's name, Pittacus Lore, an alias for the collaboration of James Frey (of "fictionalized" memoir fame) and Jobie Hughes. The jacket flap indicates that Lore,the oldest Elder of Lorien, has been living here on Earth awaiting a final battle; a battle with the stakes so high life on Earth might cease to exist.
Setting the stage for what can only be described as a thrilling page turner is a prologue describing the death of Number Three. When the third ring appears on his leg signifying the death of Three, Four and his mentor flee the state of Florida to the peace and hopefully quiet town of Paradise, Ohio. Never being able to live anywhere for more than a few months, at their new home with new identities, 15 year old John Smith and his "Dad" Henri try to blend in while constantly being on alert for the appearance of the Mogadarians. It seems that constantly being hunted and on the run has finally taken its toll on the pair. Henri, ever the protector, is increasingly anxious about John's Legacy appearing. All John wants to do at this point is be a normal teenager. But how can you be normal when you have powers like Superman and your Legacy hasn't even revealed itself yet? The truth is...you can't.
From his first day at school normal is just not part of John's life. The plot begins to quicken and thicken as the additional characters are introduced: Mark James, football star, bully and former beau of Sarah, Sarah Hart, daughter of the Smith's realtor who captures John's heart at first sight, Sam Goode, a withdrawn teen with an over-the-top interest in aliens who becomes the first real friend John has ever had and Bernie Kosar, a stray dog that looks like a beagle but promises to be more than meets the eye.
As I continued to read this story I became attached to the world of the Loriens, their history and the mystery of their destruction. I found myself caught up in the day to day stress and mess of teens and high school life. When one of John's Legacies appears and his training begins in earnest I cheered for Henri's persistence and John's determination. What's not to like about non-stop action, teen romance, an unbreakable bond between a mentor and his child, deadly, dark aliens that will reach their goal by any means necessary or heart-pumping battle scenes of supernatural proportion?
This is going to be one science fiction tale that is going to soar off the shelves. (Note: I just ordered additional copies for our school.) At the I Am Number Four web site readers can feast on facts about all things Lorien.
Not to be forgotten is the up coming movie that at this writing is in post production and set to be released in early spring of 2011. Given the cast, director, writers and producers it should light up the silver screen. It's mind-boggling that with a book publication date of August 2010 the movie will be available that quickly. But nonetheless, save a seat for me...I'll be there with all the rest of the fans. And look for me at the head of the line when the next book of the proposed six hits the stores.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Fall into color
Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day lists a really neat interactive page on USA Today. Colorful leaves are shown from the summer through the stages of autumn. The text explains how the process takes place. Enjoy!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Word choice wonders
The best writing makes use of language that conveys exactly what the reader needs to know as well as capturing the mood of the moment. When we are encouraging our students to use "juicy" words or elaborate on a thought, at times it is hard for them to visualize the potential of word choice.
We can read them examples that should give them a picture in their mind but next time try using Telescopic Text which takes a simple sentence and expands it with a simple mouse click. Each time you click a highlighted word the story will grow. I am wondering how we could make our own using our Smart Boards or maybe someone has already done this.
At Snappy Words there is no limit to how many different words can be entered into the search box. Upon clicking Go word meanings and synonyms will "snap" into view creating a branching visual that boggles the mind. By mousing over a word a definition will appear. By clicking on a node more branches will grow that illustrate additional word associations.
Thanks to Kelly Tenkely of iLearn Technology.
Thanks to Kelly Tenkely of iLearn Technology.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
More Fun with Photos
Okay, I'll admit that sometimes sleep is not option. There are just too many things to explore. Last night I discovered a couple web 2.0 applications that are pure fun.
Fotobabble gives you within minutes the opportunity to add sound to a photograph. All you need to do is to create a username, a password and give your email address. Please be aware that users under the age of 13 are forbidden. You are reminded not to share your username and password with anyone under that age.
Just when I thought that it couldn't get any better I discovered Blabblerize. This application will definitely get your students' attention. You can add moving mouths to your visuals. Once you have recorded what you want to say, the mouth will move as if speaking. What a hoot! Please be aware that users under the age of 13 are not to use this site without supervision/permission. You need to select a username, password and give your email address. It was a blocked site but has been made available for staff use.
Fotobabble gives you within minutes the opportunity to add sound to a photograph. All you need to do is to create a username, a password and give your email address. Please be aware that users under the age of 13 are forbidden. You are reminded not to share your username and password with anyone under that age.
Just when I thought that it couldn't get any better I discovered Blabblerize. This application will definitely get your students' attention. You can add moving mouths to your visuals. Once you have recorded what you want to say, the mouth will move as if speaking. What a hoot! Please be aware that users under the age of 13 are not to use this site without supervision/permission. You need to select a username, password and give your email address. It was a blocked site but has been made available for staff use.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Create Cool Comics
Just as promised in my last blog I have been snoping around for some great comic creator sites. All these online applications have been tested by yours truly this evening. Some of the creators can be used immediately. At others you need to register by selecting a username, a password and by giving them your email address. For two of them, which are highly regarded, payment is necessary after a fourteen day trial.
At Comic Creator (part of the ReadWriteThink web site) the user is guided step-by-step in selecting a layout template, pre-determined characters, speech balloons with text and props. The comics can be printed but not saved. The user can access this site and use it without registration. ReadWriteThink has a printable draft form for students to use and accompanying lessons at various grade levels.
Using Make Beliefs, where no registration is required, your comics are created from their characters whose expressions you can choose. Speech balloons with text in seven languages can be inserted along with choosing layout, background color, additional objects and panel prompts which give it the added look of traditional comics. You can print your creation or send it to an email address.
In addition to allowing the creation of action comic strips Artisan Cam hosts 20 activities to feed your artistic appetite. For the comic creations they have figures, backgrounds and speech balloons available. Upon completion the option of printing or sending to a gallery is offered.
The final web site for comic creation in which you do not need to register is BeFunky. Rather than creating a strip you can create a single comic image from your digital photographs. But this site is so much more. The results are immediate without all the instruction necessary to using a product such as Adobe Photoshop. If experimenting with all types of visual effects is what you desire, this is the place to go. Consider this my new favorite creative graphic web site.
ToonDoo, PikiKids and Witty Comics asks the user to list a username, password and their email address.
In my opinion these sites would be for upper elementary and middle school students. PikiKids uses digital photographs from Flickr or your own computer. You can store photographs in an online gallery. It allows you to select a layout, frame and border colors and arrangements, speech bubbles and other effects.
Witty Comics has their own characters, speech balloons and scenes for you to use in your comic creation of initially three frames. ToonDoo is the most confusing of the sites. The layout is busy making navigation difficult. Once you get to the comic creator you use their characters, backgrounds, props and balloons.
Pixton For Schools and Bitstrips for Schools are more sophisticated comic creators which cater specifically to the educational community focusing on the value of comic strips in improving student writing. Fourteen day trials are available prior to purchase.
At Comic Creator (part of the ReadWriteThink web site) the user is guided step-by-step in selecting a layout template, pre-determined characters, speech balloons with text and props. The comics can be printed but not saved. The user can access this site and use it without registration. ReadWriteThink has a printable draft form for students to use and accompanying lessons at various grade levels.
Using Make Beliefs, where no registration is required, your comics are created from their characters whose expressions you can choose. Speech balloons with text in seven languages can be inserted along with choosing layout, background color, additional objects and panel prompts which give it the added look of traditional comics. You can print your creation or send it to an email address.
In addition to allowing the creation of action comic strips Artisan Cam hosts 20 activities to feed your artistic appetite. For the comic creations they have figures, backgrounds and speech balloons available. Upon completion the option of printing or sending to a gallery is offered.
The final web site for comic creation in which you do not need to register is BeFunky. Rather than creating a strip you can create a single comic image from your digital photographs. But this site is so much more. The results are immediate without all the instruction necessary to using a product such as Adobe Photoshop. If experimenting with all types of visual effects is what you desire, this is the place to go. Consider this my new favorite creative graphic web site.
ToonDoo, PikiKids and Witty Comics asks the user to list a username, password and their email address.
In my opinion these sites would be for upper elementary and middle school students. PikiKids uses digital photographs from Flickr or your own computer. You can store photographs in an online gallery. It allows you to select a layout, frame and border colors and arrangements, speech bubbles and other effects.
Witty Comics has their own characters, speech balloons and scenes for you to use in your comic creation of initially three frames. ToonDoo is the most confusing of the sites. The layout is busy making navigation difficult. Once you get to the comic creator you use their characters, backgrounds, props and balloons.
Pixton For Schools and Bitstrips for Schools are more sophisticated comic creators which cater specifically to the educational community focusing on the value of comic strips in improving student writing. Fourteen day trials are available prior to purchase.
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