Brendan Stanton

EN285

[Brendan Stanton @BrenStanton]

@AlexiaGalloro I noticed this too, Alexia. It's a devastating loss of innocence that Ishmael had to experience. It was also interesting in the ways in which he took the experience and made it more appropriate to young adult readers without taking away from its content #285WLU10

[Brendan Stanton @BrenStanton]

I feel like out of any text within this course, Beah's text is the most subversive to genre and content. It's fascinating the ways in which the narrative can still be accessible to younger audiences without becoming morally corrupt #285WLU10

[Brendan Stanton @BrenStanton]

@tlynne098 I also noticed this Taya, I do think though that tween readers could understand the content of this text, just as long as it is not the introduction to this type of style. It would be a shame if the texts message would be hindered due to its format #285WLU9

[Brendan Stanton @BrenStanton]

I am sure other texts deal with race for even younger audiences, so I do believe the style of this text shouldn't alienate any readers for it being too comprehensive or difficult #285WLU9

[Brendan Stanton @BrenStanton]

The verse format may come across as unappealing to tween readers, however, the overall message regarding racial prejudice and inequality is powerful to those who stick with it. I do feel as though the message is appropriate and sophisticated enough for readers of this age (1/2)

[Brendan Stanton @BrenStanton]

@ChrisXu_ It’s also interesting to think how the opinions of others and within our communities greatly influence and shape the way we are #285WLU8

[Brendan Stanton @BrenStanton]

Interesting the ways in which Bod outgrows the graveyard and matures into becoming his own individual. With his lessons he will grow to become a morally righteous person #285WLU8

[Brendan Stanton @BrenStanton]

@norr5690 It most definitely treats death in a better way, which could be reassuring to children at such a young age that people can still exist spiritually in somebodies life #285WLU7

[Brendan Stanton @BrenStanton]

Something interesting that I noticed was the way the ghosts came together for (Bod) and became the parents and community that he lost. Danger is also always prevalent when he leaves the graveyard #285WLU7

[Brendan Stanton @BrenStanton]

It's shocking to see how relevant this is, and how the same sentiments have moved onto TikTok, Instagram, and even Snapchat.

[Brendan Stanton @BrenStanton]

Twelve years ago, Susan Linn explained how “kids are getting older younger”. It feels like an indoctrination of the toxic elements of our culture and using it for financial gain by targeting them. Our entire social infrastructure appears to be mounted upon this toxicity #285WLU6

[Brendan Stanton @BrenStanton]

@carter_heer Couldn't agree more Carter. Especially if it's through the school system these children believe it is inherently right because school is "good". #285WLU6

[Brendan Stanton @BrenStanton]

@En285Nolan Good point Nolan, Ella's ability to communicate under the burden of the curse is what allows her to learn and gain her individuality. It was nice to see her finally break the curse in such an unforeseen manner. #285WLU5

[Brendan Stanton @BrenStanton]

By refusing Char's command at the end of the story, Ella has now found a way to defy others while still gaining a valuable lesson about individuality. This is allegorical to the way tweens become independent as they reach adulthood, and can then live on their own accord.#285WLU5

[Brendan Stanton @BrenStanton]

@En285Nolan Good connection Nolan. In other ways, the children are made to learn about authority on their own and the intricacies of "preteen" years without a parental guardian. These characters seem to place these roles onto others, or learn to take care of themselves. #285WLU4

[Brendan Stanton @BrenStanton]

Family has also been a consistent theme throughout the three texts this semester and has driven the character's motives and ability to overcome challenges.Ella's curse acts as a placeholder for parental authority and allows her to gain insight into obedience and freedom #285WLU4

[Brendan Stanton @BrenStanton]

The ulterior and materialistic motives of (some) adults go against the honesty, integrity, and innocence of the children in this situation. It gives them a life lesson, and in ways prepares them for the future and the intricate problems many people face in the real world #285WLU3

[Brendan Stanton @BrenStanton]

@En285Nolan I felt the same way and enjoyed how atypical it was against many other children's novels. If it wasn't for the novels humour, its tone could've been much more unforgiving #285WLU3

[Brendan Stanton @BrenStanton]

I would also like to add that even though she is judging people superficially and on a surface level. The initial impression still represents some form of honesty #EN285WLU2

[Brendan Stanton @BrenStanton]

Harriet's descriptions of others with brutal honesty reminded me of Truman Capote's Answered Prayers. In ways, it shows Harriet as someone who does not distort the truth, but someone who can give an honest perspective on the perceptions people can have on one another. #EN285WLU2

[Brendan Stanton @BrenStanton]

@tlynne098 Good point Taya, Harriet's independence shows her advance with her critical thought, albeit with the authority of someone superior in order to ensure proper judgment. I also agree that it seems prevalent in tween literature #285WLU2