Second Book "An Unlikely Friendship"

On our second book, “An Unlikely Friendship” by Ann Rinandi, I was the vocabulary enricher. This is quite an easy task. I came up with the following words which are quite difficult. I discussed it with my group mates and they were more enlightened as we unlock the difficult words in the story.

“An Unlikely Friendship”

Ann Rinaldi

(vocab)

1.    séances- a meeting at which a spiritualist attempts to receive communications from the spirits of the dead

2.    darning- : the work of repairing holes in clothing or fabric with long interwoven stitches

3.    mending- articles, especially clothes, to be mended

4.    inauguration- the formal act of placing somebody in an official position, especially the President of the United States, or a ceremony held for this purpose

5.    deference- polite respect, especially putting another person's interests first

6.    idle- : lazy and unwilling to work 

7.    willow- a tree or bush with long flexible branches, narrow leaves,     and catkins containing small flowers without petals.

8.    vexation- the state of being provoked to slight annoyance, anxiety, or distress

                                                                                         

Ms. Rosa dela was our discussion director that time. She headed the discussion regarding the second book.

“An Unlikely Friendship”

Ann Rinaldi

In this second book of our Literary Circle and I was assigned as the discussion director. After reading the book, these questions popped into my mind. Where during our meeting, we shared our reactions about these questions:

1.    What do you think is the reason for the reason why Mary and Lizzie became friends despite the difference between their statuses and experiences in life?

Despite of their difference in background, Mary and Lizzie became friends because during the time when Mary continued to live a difficult life because she dealt with depression, the death of her two sons, and the struggles of being First Lady. She looked to Lizzy for support and Lizzy was always there for her. The friendship is special to me even though we live different lives and communicate with each other from one side of the world to the other.

2.    Do you think that in today’s time; is it possible to have friendship between the riches and their maids?

Yes because maids are the one who serve their masters. Without their maids they could not do their household chores, there would be no one to help them in their activities. So masters should build a relationship between them and their maids. The masters should learn to be kind and trust their maids because without them there would be no one to help them in their daily routines inside their house.

3.    In the white house, Mary in known for her excessive spending habits. Do you think that the way Mary spent a lot is acceptable? Why and why not?

Mary is rich. But even if she could afford to buy any things that she like, she should also remember that there are more things that is more important than spending.

4.    What do you think is the reason why Lizzie never gave up even if there are a lot of hardships that she have experienced?

 Lizzie wanted to be freed. She don’t want to be a slave anymore. She wanted to have her own life. Through Lizzy’s hardships, she never gave up and she became a great seamstress.

            Ms. Hamon was our passage picker for our second book.

 “An Unlikely Friendship”

·         No son. He is no longer the enemy. The war is over. We must be friends now. We’re all Americans.

·         You’ve always been there for me. For us. You were there with us when my baby Willie died. Through that nightmare, I don’t know what I would have done without you.

·         When I was a child, do you know what my Mammy Sally said to me when I told her I never wanted to leave her? She said, “you’ll find yourself another Mammy Sally, don’t you worry”. And that’s what you’ve been to me Lizzy. A mammy sally. And more than that, a true friend.

·         Robert stood there, tall and a boy no longer; he was a man now. If the war hadn’t done it to him, this would.

·         Go and get my friend Elizabeth Keckley. She is the only one who understands me.

·         I know I’m not pretty, but does being pretty mean everything?

·         It isn’t what happens to your life that matters; it’s how you take it.

·         The only thing that works out is what you do for yourself.

Ms. Calsillar was the one who was tasked to be the character captain.

Mary Todd Lincoln

-      was a poor little rich girl who grew up in Lexington, Kentucky.

-      She had plenty of material things but little attention and affection after her mother died in childbirth when Mary was just seven years old. Her father remarried shortly thereafter, and his new wife Betsy was a very reluctant stepmother to the six Todd children.

-      She was very observant that at a young age she realized that something was horribly wrong with the institution of slavery.

-      She had a half cousin Betsy, Mary and Betsy were always at odds, and Betsy finally got rid of Mary by enrolling her in boarding school.

-      When Mary visited her married sister Elizabeth in Springfield, Illinois, she met a young country lawyer. After a peculiar and lengthy courtship, Mary married Abraham Lincoln in November 1842 and gave birth to four sons.

Lizzy

-      friend and confidant of Mary

-      Lizzy's background could not have been more different from Mary's.

-      Fair-skinned and blue-eyed

-      Lizzy was born a slave on the Armistead Burwell plantation. Both her mother Agnes and stepfather George were slaves.

-      Like all the other slaves, Lizzy feared being sold and sent south to work on a plantation.

-      Lizzy stood up to the woman and endured more beatings as well as being sent to work for other people. One of her masters repeatedly raped her, and she bore a son.

-      Lizzy was determined to be free. Her half-brother was a kind man who helped her untangle some complicated legal problems. In 1855 she and her then-teenage son George purchased their freedom and moved to Washington where Lizzy became a seamstress to the wives of Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis and other powerful, influential men. Mrs. Davis even invited Lizzy to return to the South with the Davis family when the threat of civil war loomed large. Lizzy decided that she and George would be better off in the North, so they stayed in Washington.

-      Lizzy was able to overlook Mary's various personality quirks.

Ms. Gonzaga’s task was to our connector. She came up with this output.

Imagine a lonely white girl, raised in a wealthy and prestigious family, who lived her dream of becoming First Lady in the White House. Now, imagine a black girl, born into slavery, mistreated and overworked, who in the end was able to purchase her own freedom. Two women, different in skin color and social status, yet similar in their persistence to achieve their goals and was destined to meet and become true friends.

            The novel is historical but it tells many values, persistence, and contentment. The main characters Mary Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckley grew up with so many dreams, to be known and to be free. There simple dreams lead them to each other. Like in the reality some meet someone for a reason and cause. Some became friends instantly because of the same aspirations in life.

            True friendship is not measure on how rich, how beautiful or smart an individual is. It is measure on how true and honest a person is. And sometimes it is tested through problems and unpredicted situations. Many loves to have countless of friends but the question is how many are true to you? Sometimes we can say that the person you hate the most is the only person that is true to you and ready to help you.

            The story of the two women gave a good example of a true friendship. Two women with different race believe and status in life but whenever one of them needs a crying shoulder the other will surely be ready to offer her shoulder.

           

Ms. Alar was the one who did the artful adventure. She came up with a poem which has something to do about the topic.

My Old Friend - Tim McGraw

My old friend, I recall
The times we had hanging on my wall
I wouldn't trade them for gold
Cause they laugh and they cry me
Somehow sanctify me
They're woven in the stories I have told
And tell again

My old friend, I apologize
For the years that have passed
Since the last time you and I
Dusted off those memories
But the running and the races
The people and the places
There's always somewhere else I had to be
Time gets thin, my old friend

Don't know why, don't know why
Don't know why, don't know why

My old friend, this song's for you
Cause a few simple verses
Was the least that I could do
To tell the world that you were here
Cause the love and the laughter
Will live on long after
All of the sadness and the tears
We'll meet again, my old friend

Goodbye, goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye

My old friend, my old friend
Goodbye, goodbye!

            Ms. Asumen, on the other hand, summarized the story.

AN UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIP

by Ann Rinaldi

Mary Todd was a poor little rich girl who grew up in Lexington, Kentucky. She had plenty of material things but little attention and affection after her mother died in childbirth when Mary was just seven years old. Her father remarried shortly thereafter, and his new wife Betsy was a very reluctant stepmother to the six Todd children. The Todd family owned slaves, and Mary often ran to Mammy Sally for comfort and support. She kept Mammy Sally's secret , that the flowers painted on the fence were a sign for runaway slaves. At a young age Mary realized that something was horribly wrong with the institution of slavery.

Betsy bore several children, and the crowded household was often chaotic for the two sets of youngsters. Mary and Betsy were always at odds, and Betsy finally got rid of Mary by enrolling her in boarding school. When Mary visited her married sister Elizabeth in Springfield, Illinois, she met a young country lawyer. After a peculiar and lengthy courtship, Mary married Abraham Lincoln in November 1842 and gave birth to four sons.

Lizzy's background could not have been more different from Mary's. Fair-skinned and blue-eyed, Lizzy was born a slave on the Armistead Burwell plantation. Both her mother Agnes and stepfather George were slaves; George had a different master and couldn't see his stepdaughter much, while Aggy was nurse to the 10 Burwell children and the only seamstress in the household. Like all the other slaves, Lizzy feared being sold and sent south to work on a plantation.

At age four Lizzy was given household chores to do. At age five she received her first beating, an experience that taught her to trust no one. She did learn to read and eventually became an expert seamstress. She realized that only by developing skills --- which her master could sell --- could she eventually purchase her freedom. She was given to her master's son, whose wife disliked Lizzy. Lizzy stood up to the woman and endured more beatings as well as being sent to work for other people. One of her masters repeatedly raped her, and she bore a son.

Lizzy was determined to be free. Her half-brother was a kind man who helped her untangle some complicated legal problems. In 1855 she and her then-teenage son George purchased their freedom and moved to Washington where Lizzy became a seamstress to the wives of Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis and other powerful, influential men. Mrs. Davis even invited Lizzy to return to the South with the Davis family when the threat of civil war loomed large. Lizzy decided that she and George would be better off in the North, so they stayed in Washington.

Her reputation as a talented seamstress grew, and she eventually came to the attention of Mary Todd Lincoln. Mary found a friend and confidant in Lizzy, much like Mammy Sally was during Mary's childhood, and Lizzy was able to overlook Mary's various personality quirks.

Much has been written about Mary Todd Lincoln over the years, and most of it is not particularly complimentary. In AN UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIP, award-winning author Ann Rinaldi gives readers an opportunity to lift the curtains of history and better appreciate the life of a complicated, troubled and somewhat misunderstood.

First Book "Among the Hidden"

            In the first book, my task was to summarize the story (summarizer). Being a summarizer is one of the roles that I don’t like. It’s hard to recall all those details and condense those. It challenged me what details to include and what to exclude. But thanks’ God I came up with my output.

Among the Hidden

by Margaret Peterson Haddix

(Summary)

            Luke Gardner, a twelve year old boy, was not able to mingle with other boys of his age except his two older brothers, Matthew and Mark. He has never been to a birthday party and he has never gone to school all his life. It’s because he is a forbidden child.

            The Gardner family lives in a country wherein two children are allowed in the society. Third child is forbidden and was ordered to be killed. This law was due to the scarcity of food supplies in the country. Before, Luke was able to go out of their house. He was able to go to their backyard, to go to the living room, and is free to eat meals with his family. Unfortunately, everything changed when the trees on their backyard were cut down as ordered y the government. Luke was no longer by his parents allowed to go out. He has to stay in the attic and has to eat his meal only in the stairs so no one would see him, even his shadow. These made Luke feel worse. He felt miserable, hopeless, useless, and bored. Every day, his parents would leave to go to work and his brothers would go to school. Luke would be alone in the attic watching the neighbours leave from their big houses to go to their work and school.

            One day, when Luke was watching from his window, he discovered something and someone from the Baron’s house. That day, all his twenty eight neighbours (as Luke had counted every day) were all out. But he saw someone inside the Baron’s house- a face which seemed new to him. Luke knew that there were only four people in the Baron’s house- the husband and the wife and their two sons. Luke can’t believe that there is another child in the Baron’s house family, so he made a way to prove what he saw. He made a way to the Baron’s house and saw Jane. He proved that what he saw was real and that he’s not the only forbidden child existing in their country.

            Jane was a third child and of Luke’s age, and a daughter of a baron. Every day, the two would always make a way to meet. They became good friends and this gave happiness to Luke because he knew he was not alone, but the two kept it. Luke learned many things from Jane. He learned why they were forbidden and what will be the consequences if the population police would catch them. But Luke discovered that Jane had connections with many third children, and this surprised Luke. Luke discovered that Jane and the other shadow kids are planning a rally against the government. They wanted to be recognized, accepted, and be legal in the society. But Luke was afraid for he knew that their lives would be at risk. But Kane with the other shadow kids were eager to fight for their right. Almost every day, Jane would convince Luke to go with them, but Luke would not dare. Jane and the other shadow kids had made everything ready for the rally, until that awaited day finally came. Jane and the other shadow kids went to the rally but Luke chose to stay in the attic, until one day the bad news came. Luke was eager to see Jane after the day of rally. He went to Jane’s house, but unfortunately, Jane’s stepdad was the one who’s at home. Luke was caught, but the worse thing was that Luke discovered from him that Jane was killed in the rally. He blamed himself and felt guilty. But the worst thing happened, the population police traced Luke. Jane’s stepdad helped Luke to hide, and finally he gave Luke a fake I.D. Now, Luke would live a new life being Lee Grant.

            On the other hand, my group mate Ms. Gozaga was the character captain. She discussed to us her output during our meeting.

“Among the Hidden”

Gonzaga, R

A child born in a place that has two child policy and the subjection to the rule will surely receive punishment which is death. Luke Garner, the third child of the Garner’s. His life is always at risk since it is obvious that his birth is against the rule of the country. Luke grew up inside there home not given the opportunity to explore outside there house. Because his parent’s are afraid that Luke will be discover by the government police. He is even not allowed to go near the window because somebody might see him. His youth is not fulfilling because his not free but despite the situation he keeps on dreaming that someday, somehow he will be free.

Characters of Luke Garner that are admirable are:

      Obedient- in the whole duration of the novel. Luke shows temperance in all things that he wants to do. Following deal for him because he knew that it is also for his own good and safeties.

      Smart- though he is not given the opportunity to go to school because his birth is a secret his mother taught him all the basic things a small child should learn like reading and writing. And though he is not enrolling in a school his aspiration to learn never stop. In fact, he already finish reading all the books in there house.

      Curious- he is not going to school and he is not allowed to explore outside. And so he is so curious in all the things that are happening around him. And even if he is not allowed to go outside he never stop finding the answer to his questions.

      Observant- this is one of the admired character of Luke. He is so observant that even if his no exposed outside and was not given the opportunity to mingle with other people he knows how to relate and associate himself to others. And because of his being observant he discovered a shocking secret that leads to the turning point of the story.

The second character in the story is Jane Baron. Like Luke, she is also a third child but the difference is she is a daughter of a rich family that works in the government. Jane experienced to go outside, to go shopping and even watched movies. Her existence marks a difference in the life of Luke because at last Luke meets a person that is like him.

Characters of Jane Baron that are admirable are:

      Strong and brave- her first meeting with Luke was full of excitement. Because instead of becoming afraid that somebody had already knew her existence she instead come out of her room and fight Luke with his antics.

      True Friend- Jane is a true person. Though Luke and her status in life are far different he still treated Luke fairly. And she even hid Luke’s existence from her parents. She did not even force Luke to join there rally, instead she accept Luke’s believe and respect his principles in fighting the two child policy.

      Fighter- She believes that nobody has the right to stop the freedom of every people. She loves freedom and she wants to be known. And through the internet access she led an anti-two child policy. With the help of her parents and other government officials who has a third child. She located and meet many third children. And planned that they must have a rally to show to the government that they disagree on the third child policy.

      Risk-taker- Jane already knew at the beginning that her plan concerning there shows up to the government, is dangerous to there live. But she continued on her plan and never gives up to hold on her dream that someday she will be given the opportunity to be free.

Stubborn- The night before the rally her daddy stopped her and told her that the government will only take there lives. But she never listened and continued on her plans.

Ms. Rosa Dela, on the other hand, was tasked to be the passage picker. She discussed to us the passages which caught her attention, and we liked those.

Among the Hidden

In this book, I found these four lines that I think that has a significant impact to the characters in the story. These lines showed how the characters the third children would really wanted to get out of the dark and show to the public that they are existing. The third children of the family are hidden by their parents because if they would be caught by the Population Control, they would kill without haste the third children.

Here are the lines that really touched me because of their desire to be accepted and be acknowledged by the public and especially by the government.

1.    Hope doesn’t mean anything; action is the only thing that counts.

In this line, the speaker is expressing that they should have their actions to protest to the government so that they would be accepted.

2.    I want to know why I’m different. I want to know why I hide.

In this line, the speaker is asking about what is really the reason that they hide. They have not done anything wrong but why are they hiding.

3.    We aren’t fake. We shouldn’t have to hide.

The third children have understood that they also have the right to be accepted by the public because they are also human and ought to be respected.

4.    I want to be me and go out like anybody else.

The speaker really wanted to live like a normal person. No need of hiding from the government. This line really shows their wish to be accepted and be loved like anybody else. Have the same benefit from nature and from the government.

Ms. Calsillar, who was our vocabulary enricher, discussed to us the difficult words she chose.

1.    Skittish- shy; easily frightened; volatile, vivacious

Today, skittish because of the woods coming down, he scrambled up faster than usual, dashing for the door to the back stairs. 

2.    Fleecy- woolly; resembling wool

There was a beautiful day unfolding outside, with fleecy clouds in the blue, blue sky, and a mild breeze rustling the grass in the backyard.

3.    Reciprocity- action and reaction; in international trade, equal advantages gained by abolition of protective duties.

“Where’s the dictionary? Matthew, look up ‘reciprocity’.

4.    Annihilation- to reduce to noting; to destroy

“Since some elements of the over-population crisis were foreseen in the 1800’s, an uninformed observer could only wonder why humankind came so near to total annihilation. But”-

5.    Splintering- to make or break into thin pieces

And then he heard a splintering sound from the front of the house.

6.    Zucchini- a long green-skinned squash.

The zucchini he’d grown as long as his arm.

7.    Sporadically- occurring separately or apart from the others of the same kind

He watched the Sports Family house only sporadically now.

8.    Preponderance- to outweigh

Due to the preponderance of such agricultural methods in the cultivation of illegal substances, we order you to cease and desist immediately”

       9.    Zucchini- a long green-skinned squash

                        The zucchini he’d grown as long as his arms.

  

       10.  Snuggled- to draw close, to hold close

                        He snuggled tighter against mother.

            Ms. Hamon was the connector in the first book. She connected the story to the situation of the character’s countrymen in their own country. She discussed to us her output.

Among the Hidden

by Margaret Peterson Haddix

            The story of Luke Garner in “Among the Hidden” reflects the situation of the poor families in their country.

            In Luke’s place, the families are allowed only two children. Illegal children who are also called shadow children must live in hiding for if they will be discovered, there is only 0one punishment, death.

            But several rich families have third children even fourth ones without being punished by the law. This story reflects that in a civilized country, the rich ones experience special treatment from the government.

            Also, Luke felt that he was the most ill-fated person in the world because of his situation. How he wished that he was a legal child wherein he can enjoy all the privileges that a legal child enjoys. He wished he can play outside without the fear of being seen by others. He wished he can go to school and meet new friends, see new faces, went to new places and experience going to the mall.

            Human as we are, it is natural for us to crave for something we don’t experience, to be someone we idolize and to wish for a life we yearn to live. We are more likely to see the negative ones we have. It is easier for us to notice what we don’t possess and even easier to be envious of other’s fate. So as to Luke. He wished he was anybody else. He wished of a better life.

            But he failed to realize that he was so blessed that he is still alive and of course, so blessed to have an understanding family, a loving parents who always secure that he is safe.

            Yet somehow, I understand that Luke was not asking for too much. He was not asking to be famous, never dreamt of a perfect life and never wished to be very rich. He just wants to be free. Yes to be FREE. He yearned to live a free life, a life without fear and worries. He just wants to be legal and experience the life he ought to have. He is a human being and he sees himself deserving of such treatment.

            In view with this, even we, ourselves will fight for our own rights. We are willing to give it a try, no matter how hard it takes.

Ms. Alar was our discussion director. Upon our discussion, we answered the following questions she gave us. Well, we did critiquing on the story.

            Ms. Asumen our was artful adventurer. But, unfortunately, she has not yet sent her out put. I'll just wait for it.

“Literary Circle”

Of all the requirements in English 80, I would consider the literary circle to be the busiest work. Each of us should read those four novels- one novel a month. And then, we would do our task in every book. Then, we would meet to discuss about our tasks. Doing all these stuff is hard, especially if your group mates were not yet done reading one book, there would be delay. However, we were still able to read the four novels and were able to do our tasks. Every time we discussed, every one of us were enlightened. It is because each one of us would share what she’d understand about the story. Every time we do the literary circle, my mind is refreshed and was enlightened because there were instances that there are parts of the story that seemed unclear to us. When we meet, this is the chance that we could improve our outputs and made some clarifications and corrections.

Our group was able to read four novels. The first book was “Among the Hidden” by Margaert Peterson Haddix, second was “An Unlikely Friendship” by Ann Rinaldi, third was “His Forever Love” by Missy Tippens, and the last book was “Dark Forces: Unnatural Talent”

by Les Logan.

“Spelling Booklet”

           Another requirement we had in this subject is the spelling booklet. Prof. Subiere required us to read thirty (30) reading selections and answer the thirty (30) exercises.

            Walking from H building to A.S. was very tiring because it’s too far and too hot. So, every time we enter the English Department office, we feel refreshed because of the aircon.

            When I scanned some of those thirty exercises, t was quite not worried and pressured because those are just short selections, guess what, we were quite surprised because those words, particularly in the vocab. Everytime I pick the difficult one, I would get another one. On our first time to go there, I didn’t immediately answered even one selection. I scanned first to choose the easier ones. However, as I went through answering I had proven that I was quite poor in vocabulary. As an English teacher, I should be good in vocabulary. And this motivated me to improve my vocabulary by reading more of English reading materials. So, we always bring our dictionary with us.

            As I read, I had fun and refreshment. Those short selections made me forget that I was complying a requirement in English 80. The stories were fun. I can’t forget the selection about “The Remains of Marriage” and “Texting Trolls”. Perhaps, because we college students are now more exposed in reading some boring reading materials, we appreciate those selections. And it really feels good to finish those 30 exercises. I was excited to transfer those on my spelling booklet. I missed my spelling booklet in elementary. But at the same time, I was nervous with what would be my score.

“Big Book”

        One of the requirements given to us in our English 80 is the big book. This is quite exciting because this will be our first time to make a big book, but we were quite frustrated because unfortunately we were not an artist. But still, we were able to come up with our output. We cherished our big book a lot. I was happy to work with my classmate Leah Mae S. Hamon. We agreed to choose Bible stories because fairy tales would be common. The good thing about it too is that both of us work in the children’s ministry in our churches. We help in teaching those kids, although we have different religious affiliation, we still have some similarities. We agreed to choose the story of “The Good Samaritan”. We chose this because nowadays, there are few good Samaritans. We want to inculcate the value of being helpful even to our enemies.

            We worked harmoniously. Seldom only that we had our disagreements regarding our work. This is because we respect each other’s decision. And although we’re not good in drawing, we were still able to come up with our big book. For us, another mission accomplished.