Author studies :)

1.    Give a brief summary of the plot in about ½ to 1 page. Tell the story and describe what happens at the end.

The story ‘A small free kiss in the dark’ By Glenda Millard, is based on an article she read about urban tribes, and homeless people. This part of the book starts when Skip, a small 12-year-old boy runs away from home because his foster parents abuse him. He takes with him only his dads coat and a few cans of food. When he is walking he sees a guy who doesn’t look rich or wealthy, the exact opposite, he looked homeless. Skip followed him and when the guy finally noticed he introduced himself as Billy.  At first they have their complications but Skip and Billy become great friends. Billy learns that Skip has a talent for drawing art. Each week Billy uses half of his unemployment money to buy Billy crayons, where he draws beautiful paintings all over the floors. One day Billy and Skip were in the public library when they heard bombs. This started the next chapter of the book; War. They found themselves hiding inside with a couple of older women, as well as a young 6 yr old boy by the name of Max. His mum had been on her usual Monday routine, by which she drops Max off at the library as she goes and buys him dinner. Skip and everyone else, slept overnight in the library, as many people tried to find the dead bodies after the front of the library collapsed; caused by a bomb. After 3 days of sitting there, Skip and Billy decide to go, but then they saw Max who’s mum still hadn’t returned. So as much as Max despised the idea, he tagged along with Skip and Billy, hoping they wouldn’t go far, so he could return to his mum. Well he was wrong. As more bombs shattered the city, Billy, Skip and Max were forced to go north, walking underground with many other people who had the same idea. Skips dad called them the third army, the people who didn’t get involved with war. Upon reaching a deserted show grounds which became their home, they saw a girl sitting their with her baby, but as soon as they went to talk to her she would run away, sometimes leaving the baby behind. But after many days, she knew they wouldn’t be leaving anytime soon. So she slowly talked to them, and made friends. Then the army moved their base to the showground’s. Which made it harder to get food and essentials. So they plan an escape. But Tia (the girl) keeps interacting with the male soldiers, dancing for them. Skip thought she was being selfish and inappropriate, but the night before their planned escape, Tia came into Skips room and Kissed him, she then asked him to promise her that whatever happens to her, that Skip would look after sixpence (her baby) That morning they were planning their escape when Skip heard the soldiers laughing, Skip went to see and found Tia dancing. Skip soon realized she was risking her life to distract them for us. So quickly they jumped in the armies van. But soon enough a soldier noticed and got out his gun, just as he shot the bullet Tia jumped in front of it, Whilst Billy defended them, Skip placed Tia in the Back of the car, and held on to Sixpence. Billy made a leap for the car and they hurried off with gunshots being shot at them. Another soldier from the enemy team was also in the car, but he wasn’t their enemy, he felt sorry for them so also risked his life. They kept driving till eventually they got to this old deserted farm, where Max’s deceased granddad lived, and where they; as a family, would now live.

2.    Explain the significance of the title (3 or 4 sentences). Authors do not choose a title randomly.  Usually the tile is symbolic in some way.

The title of the Book ‘A small free kiss in the dark’ is based on the very last scenes of the book, when Tia sees Skip for the last time before her death. As they are sleeping in the haunted house, she goes up to skip and wakes him up, Skip who has feelings for Tia goes to giver her a necklace she had bought for her, but before he could she gave him a small free kiss in the dark. And then she left. Skip treasured that kiss, he said ‘ anyone could’ve paid Tia for a kiss and got one, but mine, well mine was special, it was a small free kiss in the dark.’

3.    Describe the setting and genre – time period, location, etc. (5-10 sentences)
Well I think that the setting isn’t too old fashioned, or too modern. Because we still have homeless people, and people who are discriminated in today’s society. We also have young girls such as Tia who get pregnant at very early ages, and we still have libraries. But I don’t think its too modern either, cause nothing is mentioned of mobile phones, computers, and the show grounds are deserted, like I can never imagine Movie world being deserted.  I think the location would be somewhere like New York, because that’s the place where so many people are homeless, and when I read the book I get this picture, of black, polluted, rubbish covered city.
4.    Write a few sentences about each of the main character(s).  Answer what you like or dislike about them and why they are worthy of praise and/or criticism.

Skip is the main character, and he is pretty much one of those people who are not afraid to show their feelings, who is smart and can generate lots of ideas, act. The only thing I dislike about him is that he involves himself in other peoples business, as an example, when he finds out that Tia is dancing for the soldiers, he gets angry and tells her not to, but she still does and if she hadn’t they probably would have all gotten killed.

Billy is another main character, and is strong coureougous and humble. What I dislike about Billy is that he can be a bit harsh to Skip and Max sometimes, and I think he needs to remember they are just children

Tia is another main character; I like her because she will sacrifice anything for her new family. She keeps her plans quiet so no one has time to question them.

5.    Write a paragraph identifying what caused a major change in the main character and explain how the character changed.  These changes may have been due to a choice, a conflict, a display of some outstanding trait like courage, or even a result of events that occur during the novel.

Skip majorly changed, from being a young homeless boy to a courageous young man. Through the books he finds that he is an artist, he finds love for Billy, Max, Sixpence and especially Tia. He learns to fight for freedom and for his family. And he becomes the leader of their family. He protects everyone and looks after them.


6.    In double-entry journal style, copy 10 of your favorite phrase/sentences from the book and explain why you chose them.

1.    “They are the people my dad use to always tell me about, they are the third army, the army that did not get involved.” I like this quote because Skip includes quotes from his dad as well as using that as evidence to show we have a choice in this world.
2.    “I’m sorry Skip, I just didn’t want to make the same mistake with you that I did with my son.” This shows that Billy really does love Skip, and acts like he is his own son.
3.    “ A sixpence is a small and silver coin from the olden days. Its worth less than a shilling but more than a penny; It’s worth six pennies” I like this as it gives the reader information from the past, so the reader gains knowledge as well as enjoyment in the book.
4.    “Once I asked him why he wasn’t talking to me and he screamed, “Because I’m scared! Your old man’s scared. Go to school and tell that to your mates!” Dad didn’t know I had no friends.” This was one of the saddest quotes, it reminded me to be nice to everyone, cause what if you were like Skip and had no friends.
5.    “Things change, but the carousel is always here. It reminds people of the good times.” This shows that no matter what happens through your life whether it is to do with friendship or love, you will always have memories from those good times.
6.    “This is Skip,’ He said. He never called me ‘Kid’ any more. ‘Skip drew the birds. He’s going to be a famous artist one day” I really like this quote because it shows that even a guy who has no friends still has a purpose In life, you just have to find your talent.
7.    “ I didn’t think anyone would be looking for me- they were probably glad I’d gone.” This is a sad quote and actually shows what most runaways think, but it’s the complete opposite.
8.    “Doesn’t have to make sense’ Said Billy. “They’ve got rules and the rules are all that count.” But after this scene, Billy sneaks Skip in. So sometimes, you can break the rules if it is really necessary, and sometimes you have to think outside of the box.
9.    “I hoped that where I was going I wouldn’t have to explain myself to anyone.” This one sentence shows that Skip didn’t expect to meet anyone else in the future, and that he thinks different to other people.
10.    “ Once, my dad said that God was a woman and she couldn’t make up her mind what color eyes she liked best, chestnut-brown or pigeon-grey, so she gave me one of each.” I think this is really cute, its like a miniature dreamtime story and shows that that is why god made him that way.

7.    Choose one sentence from the text and tell why this sentence embodies the theme of the story.  Illustrate the theme/sentence using text images that you feel bring the theme to live.

That’s the side of me that looks brave, thinks brace; The side that says I don’t need friends or family. It’s my chestnut side.
This sentence is talking about how he tries to act brave, but the other side of him is crying and heartbroken. This shows that you really do need friendship and family in our lives, which shows the theme of friendship:

Images:








Write a general review of the book.  Would you recommend the book?  Why or why not?  Would you have changed any element of the story (plot, characters, setting, resolution, conflicts, point of view, etc)?

‘A small free kiss in the dark’ By Glenda Millard is a teen fiction book that will inspire readers forever.  This book is a faboulous book that will take you inside the lives of homeless people and will show you what really happens in war torn cities. This book written fro teens and young adults, is a perfect book to learn about how others can live even without the luxuries that we have.

If I could’ve changed the plot at the end I wouldn’t let Tia die, cause Skip loved her, and it was really sad to see her die, because they were like one big family, and it made it really sad that she was so close to freedom but then she died. I wouldn’t recommend this book to children under the age of 13 as it is really hard to understand and a bit sad towards the end.

My story- life is a roller coaster

When I was little my daddy use to tell me that only princesses lived in castles, and only princesses had knights in shining armor. My family lived in a small town by the edge of the Salkline River. We had no money, and had barley any food. Mother had died of starvation a couple weeks after I was born, and daddy was left to take care of me and my older sister Casey. The river was our only supply of water, and every day it was getting more and more contaminated, and even though we had a roof to sleep under, we still felt homeless, like there was no hope. But we managed, and day after day we thanked god for helping us through the hard times, and we asked him to guide us. It was like he answered our prayers, he gave us hope. It was April 1997, Dad had managed to get a job, we now had more food then we would ever need, and we have fresh water. I was starting to think that   things were changing, and that one day, i may may be as rich as a princess. That was until that fateful day, when me, dad and Casey were sitting by the river having a picnic. We didn't have picnics that often, but it was a special celebration, it was my 10th birthday. I didn't think i would live to double digits, but here I was, smiling as i blew out 10 pink candles that were placed closely on my cup-cake. Casey, then stood up and grabbed her swimmers, even though it was autumn, it was still hot and the river was perfect for swimming in. I forgot my swimmers, so i watched as Casey jumped in and started swimming around. She dived underwater, and i sat waiting for her to come up, but she didn't. Dad sprinted and jumped in, i sat there crying, not knowing what to do. Minuets later dad emerged from the water with Casey's cold, lifeless body; She was dead. I didn't know what to do, it happened so fast, i just burst into tears, it was like a hole had been punched through my heart, and that day a small piece of me disappeared. From then on I gave up on hope, i ran away from home, i spent each day thinking about killing myself, just be with her. years past and i grew older and older. One night, i had a dream, i dreamt of the city, the big lights, the beautiful shops and the nice food. I had never had any of these luxuries, and the thought made me wonder what exactly is out there. From there i began my journey, i decided to  not look back, and that Casey would have wanted it this way, and so i grabbed my small bag of rags and headed towards the city. It took numerous days till finally arrived, but it was worth it, the city was so beautiful. But there was one problem, I had no money and no where to stay. No matter where i went, i was still homeless. Then as i was sitting on the cold city grounds covered in cigarettes and i watched as people ignored me and kept walking off. I was amazed how some people could be so rude, and day after day i watched at the rich people walked past in their expensive suits and shoes, and not one stood and looked towards me. Occasionally someone would through me a few coins, but not enough to buy anything, i lived like a tramp for days, eating out of peoples trash cans and sleeping on the street. Then one day, a young handsome bloke walked up to me, he was pretty good looking as he wore his expensive ray bands sunnies with a pair of converse shoes. He came and helped me up, and looked at me, he told me I was beautiful, even though i knew it was a lie. He took me to his place and got me cleaned up, he lent me some food and water, he gave me a home. I stayed at his house for a couple of months, and worked part-time as a servant to earn some money. Then a couple months later i had earnt a fair amount of money, and it was ready for me to go back to the city. I was halfway outside the door, when he knelt to his knees and pulled out a beautiful diamond ring. "Macey, You have made my life so much better since you have been here, i can't stop thinking about you.... Macey, Marry me." I gasped as he looked towards me and slowely i took a deep breath, ".....yes....... ." His love gave me hope. A few years on, i looked back on my life, and how i use to think that life wasn't worth living, now i believe, life is a journey and in the end everything will end up just like you wished, if not, then its not the end. When I was younger my daddy told me that only princess lived in castles, and only princesses had knights in shining Armour, I beg to differ.♥

This story is based on the poem when she comes out into the beautiful poppies, and how even though it may be scary walking through the forest, it always gets better. 

Ballad ahahah

If you hear the wolfs howl, during a full moon
Beware he is out to get you, very, very soon
Stay in the house and lock the doors
Nail all your belongings to the floors

Go underground and take cover
Before he comes and steals your lover
Do not hesitate, don’t be stupid
Or your lover will be overtaken by cupid
So hide and go away, and do not stay another day

For bad luck you will receive
If u stay and still believe
Don’t be adventurous and risk your life
Or you will end up being stabbed by a knife

Go underground and take cover
Before he comes and steals your lover
Do not hesitate, don’t be stupid
Or your lover will be overtaken by cupid
So hide and go away, and do not stay another day

Die, Die, Die, Die, Die
And say your last goodbyes
Mwahahahaha

Hay

Hay guys
Okay so I have a few things to talk to you about today, for starters I am so sorry i haven't like posted anything in ages!!! So from now on, at least once a week I will be posting a blog telling you a bit more about what im up to and all that kinda stuff. The second thing is, well for starters thank you so much for following my blog, otherwise i am just writing to a brick wall, but the thing is at this point in time I have 8 followers, and I would like to increase the amount of people reading this blog, because then everyone can comment and share their stories aswell. Feel free to comment as much as you wish, i will not get upset or storm off crying if you put negative comments in, infact I would appreciate if you did give me some honest feedback so I can work on my skills. :) Also I want to write a very short novel, and i am going to put some of my ideas on here so if you think you would read it plz tell me.
I am also going to make my blog fun by putting some pols and other things up, so i hope you enjoy my blog
xoxoxoxoxox

Homework OH Homework

imagine this, you come home from a hard day at school and as you walk in the doorway your mum asks " I know school has been hard but do you want to come to the shops with me to get your dad a birthday present, and mabey we could catch a movie?" but whats your reply? "No mum, I can't i have homework."
Homework is destroying our social, mental and physical lives. Socially we are affected as our weekends and afternoons are taken up with piles and piles of homework. Studies show that 99.9% percent of students are obliged to doing homework and not having fun on the weekends. Mentally we are put under so much stress, im not sure if you are aware but we are at school from 8.30 in the morning to 3.30 in the afternoon, which is 7 hours, 420 minuets, 25,200 seconds, 25,200,000 milliseconds and 252,000,000 microseconds that we are stuck at school working all day to our hearts content, and then when we finally get home, all we want is to realx, but NO we are stuck with tons and tons of homework. Physically we are affected as instead of playing sports and having fun we are stuck at a wooden old desk, and what more homework is damaging our posture. When we grow up and turn into old people and we find that everyone who attended school is a cripple, i think it is fair enough to blame on homework. Home work has no point in our lives it is only going to make us commite suicide, turn into a cripple and become very unsociable. I dont see why there is such thing as homework obviously no one wants it. Homework o homework i hate you stink, go wash your self down a drain or sink.

Purswasive oral by Molly Flynn

The other side of the truth- P.E.E.C Paragraph, why does sade fill guilty?

Why does Sade feek guilty about hiding the truth when they arrive  in London?

Sade's parents always use to tell her "the truth keeps hands cleaner than soap" (p 47). Though when she arrives in London, she has no other choice but to lie.
Sade feels guilty lying, because her mother always told her that lying was wrong. But in this situation telling the truth had gotten them in a lot of trouble. What made ths situation worse was that Sade was not just lying to her friend or family member, she was lying to the police, and that is a federal offence, putting her life in danger to help her father. So even though she must've felt guilty knowing that her mother would have been dissapointed in her, she saved her fathers life.

short story- mystery

Okay, hayyyyy
So im starting to think of my plot for my mystery story, so thats what im going to be doing...... please comment and leave your thoughts, becaouse i really need your help....

It was a dark, rainy night in the old london town. The only sound that could be heard was the loud cheering and screaming from the corner pub at the end of the street. Mary Anne sat from her window looking out on the soft, blue ocean; The smell of the salty water, and the feel of the sandy beach made Mary Anne feel calm and relaxed. She was almost ready to go to sleep, when she heard a scream in the opposite direction, she ran to the window facing the pub and saw everyone running out screaming, yelling, there was blood everywhere, on the floor, on the roads, and on the old mans body.... "Oh God," Gasped Mary Anne, " Oh dear, what has happened!" Mary Anne was so confused, a moment ago London was calm and the only things that could be heard were the cheerful singing from the pub and the calm ocean, now loud screams of terror and fear spread across the town. Mary Annes sister, woken from the screaming, looked up at her, "What is it Mary Anne?" She asked curiously
"I don't know my dear sister, though from the screming i fear something awful has happened," Mary Anne stood there, trying to comprehend all the images she had seen, the screaming, the blood, the man who lay on the floor not moving. And after another look towards the calm ocean she grabbed her long night coat and her lace slippers and started heading towards the door.
"Where do you think your going?" Asked Mary Anne's sister, "You can't leave now, what about our dear mother, she will be worried to death wandering where you are." She looked at Mary Anne and Mary Anne could see she was as curious as her to find out what had happened.
"Look, I have to see what happened, mother will know i'm okay, and anyway the pub is only down the street, I should be back in no time." Mary Anne picked up a lantern and started making her way to the door.
"Be safe." her sister murmured and after a final yawn she fell asleep.
Outside, the streets were cold, chimney sweepers swarmed the streets like bees returning from a hard day at work, and the pub was silent. Mary Anne could not take anymore suspense, she wasn't the type of person who waited for the answer to be brought to them, and so she took a few more steps towards the pub. She was getting closer, and closer, and closer; Then without warning someone grabbed her, She shrieked and her hands were trembling. Finally when the grip loosened she was able to get a look of her kidnapper. He was quite short and didn't have much hair. He had dirt smothered across his face and blood all over his arms and legs. Blood, all of a sudden Mary Anne was filled with fear, did this man have anything to do with the pub incident? Was he a victim, or was he the... Her train of thought was lost when the man spoke "Young darling, what brings you to the old streets of London town tonight?" He looked curiously at her clothes and her lamp
"I...I.... Um.. well." She was so terrified that no words seemed to be coming out of her mouth
"Oh calm down, geez, children these days, It's not like i'm going to kill you, or am i?" And he let out a big chuckle. " don't hurt me, i didn't do anything wrong, i just heard screaming and yelling, I came to see what was the matter." Mary Anne said innocently. As soon as she mentioned the screaming the man pulled a face, it wasn't a happy face, nor a sad face. It was a face with mixed emotions, anger, guilt, sad, sympathy and terror. "Oh so you heard the screaming, if I were you I would go home, I would go home now, its too dangerous, I am warning you know, go home, stay home and don't come back till it is all clear, she is dangerous, too dangerous." He looked down at his arm that was still bleeding, and without another word he walked off. Who was this 'she' that was so dangerous, what had happened to his arm, and the most important question, was it safe.  She had already gotten this far, there was no turning back. And so once again she slowly moved towards the pub. About 10 meters before the pub there on the floor lay the dead body, an old man with white hair and glasses lay dead, blood covering him from head to toe. Why hadn't anybody helped? Why had everybody left? Mary Anne gently stroked his silky hair and a tear drop slid down her eye. This wasn't any old man, this was Mr Peterson, who had helped Mary Anne with her homework after school when her mother had to work and he was also at everyone of Mary Anne's award ceremonies, whether she received an award or not. She had to get to the bottom of this, whoever had killed Mr Peterson must be very angry, because nobody in their right mind would hurt Mr Peterson, because he was one of the nicest men in town.It was time to get to the bottom of this, she walked into the pub, not knowing what to expect. Was there going to be some woman with wacky red hair or a nice pretty woman with a gun. She walked in slowly. "Oh my god!" She gasped at the sight of her mother standing there with a gun in her hand.