Ryan Kennedy

EN285

[Ryan Kennedy @ryankennedy9480]

@En285Nolan I don't think it makes sense to expect memory to be 100% accurate. Especially given what Beah experienced, it is understandable that there are moments of trauma that he would have registered differently than an observer.

[Ryan Kennedy @ryankennedy9480]

It is clear that the issues presented in A Long Way Gone are arguably worse today.

[Ryan Kennedy @ryankennedy9480]

This book makes me consider the children who are in the same circumstances today that Beah was, having their lives uprooted and plagued by violence. I think about the regular kidnappings in North Nigeria today, where many victims are forced into being child soldiers. #285WLU10

[Ryan Kennedy @ryankennedy9480]

@emmadav78039083 @BlazeWelling That's a good way of looking at it. It indicates how quickly tweens move through adolescence, but also symbolizes how early Jackie would have been forced to grow up due to the environments that she is raised in.

[Ryan Kennedy @ryankennedy9480]

Although it is difficult for tweens to appreciate poetry, I feel that BGD would serve as a great introduction to the genre for tweens. Once they got used to reading in verse, I think they would able to appreciate its compelling story and find poetry more approachable. #285WLU9

[Ryan Kennedy @ryankennedy9480]

@jennaajackson I think it also indicates that tweens often have a thirst for knowledge that is not always indicated or acknowledged. Many desire to learn despite being disenchanted with the education they are receiving or have access to.

[Ryan Kennedy @ryankennedy9480]

As a fan of gothic fiction, I think The Graveyard Book is a great introduction to the genre for young readers. It allows them to gain some insight into the essence of the genre with more of a fantastical adventure aspect involved. #285WLU8

[Ryan Kennedy @ryankennedy9480]

@MeganCruzEN285 Completely agree, if restrictions aren't put in place it will only get worse with young children spending more and more time in front of screens.

[Ryan Kennedy @ryankennedy9480]

I found Linn's link between Webkinz and online shopping particularly interesting. However, it is alarming to consider the influence that violent and highly sexualized games could have on impressionable children at only a slightly older age (2/2)

[Ryan Kennedy @ryankennedy9480]

Throughout Linn's interview I found myself comparing her observations with my own childhood. I can see the influence that certain programs had on my future consumption habits and social expectations (1/2) #285WLU6

[Ryan Kennedy @ryankennedy9480]

@JacobLasby It definitely shows what tweens are capable of and that they should not lack courage to act on their own agency just because an adult may think differently.

[Ryan Kennedy @ryankennedy9480]

While reading EE, I wondered why Mandy was so hesitant to use magic for anything beyond the smallest tasks, thinking surely there was a middle ground. It may be good that she didn't, otherwise Ella may never have found her own agency. Perhaps she knew this all along. #285WLU5

[Ryan Kennedy @ryankennedy9480]

I find it interesting that in EE and HTS, both protagonists are resistant to embody traits that children and tweens are expected to. I think both Harriet and Ella are strong examples of characters with a fierce desire to be themselves, encouraging readers to do the same #285WLU4

[Ryan Kennedy @ryankennedy9480]

@SattaurSufyaan I think it's cool that he does it in a way that is fun and not condescending at all, so kids can enjoy learning new words and phrases.

[Ryan Kennedy @ryankennedy9480]

One takeaway I had from this book was that children are capable of much more than they are often given credit for. Despite their awful circumstances, they were composed enough to problem solve and compromise better than many adults could. #285WLU3

[Ryan Kennedy @ryankennedy9480]

@En285Gtobe That was a very telling scene. The other moment expressing this that resonated with me was her parents' surprised reaction to her writing, and their acknowledgement that they need to get to know their child better. Clearly Ole Golly was the only one who raised Harriet.

[Ryan Kennedy @ryankennedy9480]

Though it is clear that nobody is spared from Harriet's notebook observations, I find it a little strange that she thinks Sport's worries for his father make him like a "little old woman," especially considering that she also lacks a true father figure. #285WLU2

[Ryan Kennedy @ryankennedy9480]

@En285Nolan Great observation. On one hand, it can be chalked up to her being a child, though as a reader it makes it hard to decide whether you want to see her come out on top.

[Ryan Kennedy @ryankennedy9480]

#285WLU1

[Ryan Kennedy @ryankennedy9480]

I can see why Harriet the Spy was controversial at the time of its publication. Given the rigidity of gender norms and the expected level of obedience from children, one can see that Harriet challenges these in her refusal to conform and her mischievous nature. #EN265WLU1