This page will be used to summarize the experience we had with the shared reading of the book, "My Brother Sam is Dead." This should be three small paragraphs describing the following: 1. What do you think the author is trying to reveal to the readers? 2 What did you personally like about the book? 3. Which person from our 'sister' school did you relate to the most or whose comments did you like reading the most?
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Comments
Nicole Barritta
Feb 25, 2009
The book "My Brother Sam is Dead" by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier was fun and exciting to read in class. The author was trying to teach others a lesson and to show that war is not fair and it never will be. Many people who die in war, die because of a mistake like when Sam was killed by his own side and was accused for something he didn't do. This book tells the readers the story of the Revolutionary War in a little town called, Redding. I think they are also trying to show us that you can't trust anyone in war, because they could stab you in the back, you can't let your guard down, because not all people are what they appear to be, and you can't let anyone bring you down.
I liked this book a lot because it was filled with suspense and always kept me at the edge of my seat. Just the title kept me wanting to read more to find out why, how, and when Sam was going to be killed. It made learning about the Revolutionary War exciting. The relationships throughout the book also kept me wanting to read more. "My Brother Sam is Dead" had many very sad moments, like when Susanna found out that Life Meeker, her husband, was killed on a British ship, and happy moments, like when Tim first saw Sam after he ran away to go and "play soldier" as Susanna would put it. I just couldn't put this book down!
Everyone from St. Aloysius School had very good answers
From our 'sisters' school I think I could relate with Jessica the most. I agreed with almost all of her answers. Jessica had the closest answers to mine. Her answer for chapter 9 was very good and I agree with her. She even put a little description about her father in her answer. In Chapter 9, I was worried once again about father. It seems to be a trend, but father reminds me of my father in different ways. He believes in his opinions and underneath a hard shell is very kind-hearted. I think that Mr. Meeker was captured and pushed around a little bit, but not seriously hurt. Though I really hope Mr. Meeker is okay, I can't be sure. This book doesn't seem to be a book of that will end with everyone being happy and holding hands in a circle. Though many were ecstatic with becoming an independent nation, I don't think Tim's ending will be just as bright. For one, the title of this book isn't very promising for Sam, and my second point is that the first time Tim and father ran into the cowboys, Mr. Meeker barely made it out alive. With father missing, Tim will have to work more at the tavern and will be very upset with both Sam and Mr. Meeker gone. This chapter made me concerned for Tim and what would happen to him and it also (OF COURSE) made me want to know what was happening to father. I am looking forward to reading Chapter 10 and want to post my opinions soon.
Thomas Kennedy
Mar 3, 2009
alyssaFeb 26, 2009 8:36 PM
1.) I think the author's message to the readers is that war is harmful in the sense that it kills many people and saddens many many families. War breaks bones and hearts. It also hardens people. The experience and the events that innocent people witness will traumatize them for the rest of their lives. "My Brother Sam Is Dead" vividly illustrates this horror to us.
2.) I enjoyed that this book incorporated historical facts into it. I learned some new things by reading "My Brother Sam Is Dead". The beginning of the book started off slow for me, but towards the end I started to get into it. After reading this novel, my whole mindset about the war has changed. Honestly, I really don't imagine myself going to fight in the war (not that I was planning to anyway, but the book justified my decision) Plus, my parents probably wouldn't approve. Also, before I read the book, I would have wanted to be on the Patriot side. I wanted to be on the Patriot side mainly because I thought that the British were really cruel and if the Patriots didn't win we wouldn't have gained our independence. I also would have been a Patriot because I feel like I am the type of person that would fight for my freedom. Of course, I realized that both sides did terrible things and I was wrong to be one-sided. Actually, I think if I lived in the time of the Revolutionary War I wouldn't have picked a side.
3.) I think the BHS student that I thought was interesting was Sydne. I found her comments quite similar to mine. She thought the same things I did sometimes, like when she said that she would rather do modern chores that work back then in the farm and do much harder work. I also agreed with her thoughts about Mr. Meeker, Sam, Betsy, and Tim. I had fun working with BHS and I am anticipating working on our next book!