Where the Crawdads Sing

11/7/2021

Moving forward, in addition to your Reading Logs, this is where our book discussions will take place (not exclusively; some in-class discussions could happen) until we are finished with the book.

1. INCLUDE: Nick Name AND Class Block.

2. Start a conversation about something you read in at least three (3) complete sentences.

3. Then, you MUST comment on at least TWO other posts from any student in any class. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.

CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school, your family or your upbringing with tasteless, meaningless comments. This is for a grade.

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. It's all or nothing.

WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.

Due Fri., November 12, 2021 11:59 p.m. ICT

Jabari (creative writing E)

11/10/2021 04:09:28 am

in chapter three, Chase’s body is discovered in the Marsh by two boys on bicycles. they told the sheriff and also bought Dr. Vern to the scene. they found his body and suspected that he fell from the fire tower, but since there were no trace / tracks they suspect it could be a accident or a murder.

pro

11/10/2021 08:56:22 am

oh no. murder. scary. isn't this just a summary? I agree with you though, it must be either an accident or a murder

March(creative writing block B & ap lit)

11/10/2021 09:00:47 am

Oh my, Jabari you are a genius I agree with you but isn't this a summary? It's true that a person's death could be from an accident or a murder, very true but what about diseases.

janice (ap lit)

11/10/2021 10:39:03 am

Since kya's the main character i'm waiting to see how she's related to the murder!!! A theory I have is that it may have been kya's dad that killed him! But maybe that's too cliche..

Beryl Creative Writing F

11/11/2021 10:07:41 am

It's interesting how Janice said she suspects it's the father that killed Chase. Now that I think about it, that is quite plausible. However, when I was reading the book, the first suspect that came to mind was Kya because she's the MC so the death has to be tied to her in some way.

Mars (Creative Writing Block F)

11/12/2021 06:09:58 am

One thing that I should point out is that there was a major timeskip between chapter 2 and chapter 3, making the death of Chase somewhat more interesting. My major theory right now is that Kya lured him to the fire tower and then make him fall off of it, perhaps because they have formed some kind of bad relationship?

Tanya 9C

11/12/2021 07:11:33 am

I agree, Chase's death is complicated it must've been a getting murdered or it's just a accident.

Kim-Hun (Creative Writing Block E)

11/12/2021 08:24:48 am

I have a feeling that Kya is related somehow. She is the main character after all. It could be Kya's dad that committed the murder, since he's a very aggressive person after all.

Benny (Creative Writing F)

11/10/2021 07:02:05 am

One thing I found interesting about this story isn't the story itself; however, it was the way the way characters were developed. The author shied away from directly describing a character. She uses dialogues and interactions to show a character's personality. I think this is very interesting, because it is not the usual method of developing characters in my opinion.

pro

11/10/2021 08:57:36 am

i agree with you. using flashbacks to develop a plot is really interesting.

PunPun Creative Writing F

11/10/2021 09:31:07 am

I like how you mentioned about the characters' dialogues. I noticed that it really says a lot about their personalities. Yet, it also gives us more about the characters' background and culture from how they uses the language.

Mars (Creative Writing Block F)

11/12/2021 06:16:12 am

The author really do develop her character in a special way. For example, she uses constant flashback inside the story in order to fully flesh out Kya's background. She also included a timeskip in the chapter 3 to indulge us in the mysterious death of Chase, making us theorize about him and what his relationship toward the story could be. And just as you said, the author also used a lot of dialogue and action to describe her own character, which is a principle of "Show, don't tell" inside the english literature.

Pro

11/10/2021 08:50:23 am

oh so the story is taking place through flashbacks and flash forwards. I am a fan of the mystery aspect; how chase died. I wonder what the main story will be about: the 2 boys, or chase andrews

March(creative writing block B & ap lit)

11/10/2021 08:57:03 am

Maybe the main character is the killer. There was one part she said that she, will never leave a trace again which, could mean that she killed Chase. This is my suspicion.

SaoChi (Creative Writing Block B)

11/10/2021 09:02:53 am

I agree with March here, I think Kya was the one killed chase but this is only a hypothesis. As we read the chapters we will find out more about Kya personality. it could have possibly been jealously over Chase leading Kya to kill him.

PunPun Creative Writing F

11/10/2021 09:28:58 am

I like how you mention a part from the book that it could be a clue to Chase's death. It made me started to think back and consider your prediction. I would have to notice more about the clues as I read.

hazeljoy (creative writing B)

11/12/2021 01:23:26 am

I agree with you a lot, when I read the part when the boys realises it was suspicious how the traces were covered up, and in the chapter before that the main character stated that her brother told her cover up her traces if she had to run away.

Brendon (creative writing F)

11/11/2021 01:07:20 am

I think the author is going to find a way to mesh these two stories together, into something super mind bending. At first the story seemed obvious, but perhaps something interesting is coming up.

vivi creative writing B

11/11/2021 06:01:18 am

maybe chase actually committed suicide assuming that he might went in there on his own, or like what march said, kya might've killed chase. we should find out more about kya's backstory and personality before making this guess though.

Jabari (creative writing E)

11/11/2021 05:57:00 pm

i like the idea that maybe the story is around the victim. i think the main story is about the led up to chase death. I also think that the Main character might be involved since in the previous chapter, they meet for the first time.

March(creative writing block B & ap lit)

11/10/2021 08:53:35 am

What I have found interesting is how Chase was dead in chapter 3. The body was; found in the marsh but, his death is still a mystery. It is unusual for somebody his age to fall from a fire tower, so from all the clues I was, given I suspect that somebody murdered him.

SaoChi (Creative Writing Block B)

11/10/2021 09:07:18 am

What you said is definetly interesting, I agree mostly with what you said. But isn't it quite weird that the murderer left 0 evidence that even the sheriff couldn't find? I bet that this murderer is someone who is super experienced.

Brendon (creative writing F)

11/11/2021 01:16:38 am

It's truly interesting. However, there's no way someone commits a crime and leave ZERO evidence, there has to be something somewhere that will give us a clue. I hope the author explores more of this in later chapters.

Jabari Creative Writing E

11/11/2021 05:59:52 pm

I agree with your thought that the character was murdered rather than an accident. the fact that there were no tracks made the scene more intense and suspicious. it made the story more interesting because it doesn't tell you what really happened.

Tanya 9C

11/12/2021 07:17:04 am

Chapter 3 is really interesting! I really like the mystery of Chase's death, maybe the person that is murdering him is a smart guy. I'll definitely keep reading the book to find out who killed chase.

Asia Creative Writing

11/12/2021 10:52:38 am

How are you sure that it's a murder? There might be leading evidence but who knows, the death might be a coincidence. Everything can happen in such a mysterious story.

SaoChi (Creative Writing Block B)

11/10/2021 08:57:24 am

After reading the chapters, I made many hypothesis and I think this story was written for that purpose. This story was really interesting, it was super mysterious, but it was fun in a way to read it. One of the hypothesis I made was that Kya was actually the person who killed Chase.

Lewis(Creative writing block B)

11/12/2021 08:24:53 am

The third chapter of the story is where things get interesting and mysterious after the death of Chase. As of now, we don't know his cause of death or the information about the suspect. I can see why you think why Kya is the suspect, judging by the conflict they have before with the bikes.

Stanley Creative Writing B

11/10/2021 09:08:21 am

I really like where this author is going with this story. In chapter 3 Chase died mysteriously, which made the story more interesting because I'm dying to know how he died. After that chapter I am looking forward for what comes next in the story.

Ex (AP Lit/ Creative writing)

11/10/2021 10:29:55 am

True, I was eager to know what happen next since in chapter 2 it was still about Jodie and Kya but when it reach the third chapter two boy found a dead body which I can't find any linkage between this two chapter. Am willing to read more deeply into this book to find the reason behind it.

Lewis(Creative writing block B)

11/12/2021 08:27:06 am

Chapter 3 of this story is indeed very interesting. We don't know for sure how Chase died. There were no signs of footsteps, which makes it mysterious.

PunPun Creative Writing F

11/10/2021 09:22:53 am

As I read through the chapters, I notice that the author mentioned a lot about where Kya lives, the Marsh. I found it interesting that the book paints a picture of the Marsh so we know exactly where Kya grows up in and her social class. The Marsh could be metaphorical that it represents Kya herself. Even though the Marsh seems to be unpleasant to most of us, it is a home and a safe place for Kya to be herself without judgement.

janice (ap lit)

11/10/2021 10:33:27 am

I'm looking forward to all the places in the map being introduced to usss!! I actually find it pretty weird that the map is so wide because during the 4 chapters we can see that kya basically stays home her whole life and the story seems to be set there. I also want to know which of the places on the map her family went to.

vivi creative writing B

11/11/2021 05:59:23 am

The fact that the author paints a really clear picture of the marsh really helps us imagine how life must have been like for Kya to face all the classism at her school

Praew (Creative Writing Block F)

11/11/2021 09:28:10 am

I like how you correlated the marsh land to the Kya character herself. I never thought of it that way but now that I think about it, Kya do seem like a "marsh". She is very down to earth and it is very possible that Kya is being represented by her home.

Jia Ying (English 9 )

11/11/2021 09:46:01 am

I agree and found it interesting that you said that the Marsh could representing Kya herself. I really want to find out more about the map and why are there only 3 houses in the Colored town, who lives there and also why it's called the Colored town.

Beryl Creative Writing F

11/11/2021 10:09:44 am

I agree with you how the marsh is a very interesting aspect of the story. From what I've seen of the story, there seems to be some sort of prejudice towards people who lives in the marsh, and Kya's siblings have all moved out to start their lives elsewhere. However, Kya finds comfort and safety in the marsh, even though it's also one of the roots of her isolation.

Ex (Ap Lit/ Creative writing)

11/10/2021 10:23:46 am

I found it sad by the start of the story her mother dressing up good and off her go to the mainland but she abandon all her son and daughter which its not a mother like figure to do like that. I also found it interesting that how will her child live their life with an abusive father.

Allie Creative writing F

11/10/2021 07:54:55 pm

That is so true on how their mother just abandon them like that. Does this mean she's a bad person not caring for her child? Does this mean the mother doesn't deserve love from Kya?

Praew (Creative Writing Block F)

11/11/2021 09:29:48 am

I agree with you that the mother's action is not really mother-like. A mother would never leave her children but Kya's mother did exactly that. Another thing is her father. He is also not a good father figure and a really bad role model for his young child.

janice

11/10/2021 10:27:49 am

I found it interesting how the author leaves many cliffhangers during the story. It can be seen in the story that not many of the scenes are complete for example, we never knew where kya's mom and siblings went. My guess is that the author will reveal all the cliffhangers at once.

11/10/2021 10:33:29 am

This is the comment I was looking for! The author hurt my feeling by the end of the chapter she always left the important part and left it untold till the later of the story. I can't wait to read the rest of the story

Allie Creative writing F

11/10/2021 07:53:30 pm

I know right! As we continue to read it is quite interesting how the book is ACTUALLY FUN!

Jia Ying (English 9 )

11/11/2021 09:41:39 am

I haven't thought about the author revealing all the cliffhangers all at once, but I think that it is possible. I'm also curious about where Kya's siblings and Ma went and hoping maybe there would be some kind of innocent plot twist.

Allie Creative writing F

11/10/2021 07:52:14 pm

It is quite interesting how the author made some flashbacks of the character while telling the story. As the story continues, each chapter has its own timeline. The years are different on the chapter.

Nina (creative Writing & AP Lit)

11/11/2021 08:52:00 am

I think it's really interesting as well how the author could switch the timeline back and fourth and still make the story makes sense! I think that this type of writing is really rare to find.

Asia Creative B

11/10/2021 08:41:02 pm

I like how the story progresses over time, the author puts some flashbacks, some foreshadowing and cliffhangers. This makes the story very interesting and always make you think.

Brendon (creative writing F)

11/11/2021 12:57:06 am

I took me a while to realize that the story was being told through flashforwards and flashbacks. If you notice at the beginning of each chapter is marked with the different years. This type of writing is a rare sight to see, and I'm interested in how the author will be using this idea to thicken the plot even more.

Nina (creative Writing & AP Lit)

11/11/2021 08:49:51 am

Now that you pointed it out I find it really cool! I didn't even notice that and yes I agree that this type of writing is quite uncommon to see.

vivi creative writing B

11/11/2021 05:58:08 am

I find that Jodie leaving her children with an abusive dad shows how selfish of a person she is. The children are both their responsibility and there are no excuses not to take care of them, especially leaving them with a dangerous man. It's really bad on the kids and will do no good.

Christine (Creative Writing F)

11/11/2021 10:16:16 am

I also thought about this too, I was wondering why Ma wouldn't take Kya with her since she is the youngest and need someone to look after. After a few thoughts though, I thought maybe it could be because Ma knows if she leave the children with the father they would still have money?

EngEng (Creative Writing B)

11/11/2021 11:33:43 pm

That's exactly right. Jodie is very selfish. She only thinks of herself, not her own daughter. Even though, she is tired of something or cannot handle it, at least she should be a mother at all time.

Angel (Creative Writing Block B) link

11/12/2021 06:12:36 am

I agree with you that the children are their responsibility and there shouldn't be an excuse to not take care of them. Leaving the children could affect the children a lot negatively and might change their personality. Leaving the children also shows how selfish she was and her personality.

Nina (creative Writing & AP Lit)

11/11/2021 08:48:57 am

I find it interesting how each chapter has various forms of narrative conflict. For example, in chapter 3 Chase Andrew died, it was implied that he might have been murdered by someone, that would be a man vs man conflict. In the same chapter the policemen were conflicting among themselves about Chase's case, that would be an example of man vs self.

Praew (Creative Writing Block F)

11/11/2021 09:26:36 am

One interesting thing I found in the book that I don't really see in other books is the language that is used. The words really paint the story because it shows the accents that the characters use which correlates to the setting in which the setting takes place. This makes us understand the story better and creates imagery in our mind.

Christine (Creative Writing F)

11/11/2021 10:14:12 am

I agree!!! The words used in the story allows us to create an image, like when Ma left, they described what she was wearing and such so us readers can imagine it in our minds instead of saying "Ma walked down the road and left".

Asia Creative Writing

11/11/2021 10:57:50 pm

I agree, the language used makes me understand deeper about the setting of the story and I am able to visualize myself in the setting really clearly.

Lara (Creative Writing Block F)

11/11/2021 11:12:12 pm

I agree with you. The language and descriptions in this book is incredibly beautiful. For example, there's a part where the author writes, "the heart-pain seeped away like water into sand." The literary devices seriously made it an even more amazing read. It makes your heart feel that much closer to the characters.

Prim (English 9C/G)

11/12/2021 06:32:59 am

I agree with you, I think this story make me feel intesting and want to read because it create my imagine in my mind as I read it. So, it helps me understand more about what happened in th story. And i like when the author describes the setting in the story.

Mint Creative Writing F

11/12/2021 08:38:34 am

I also think that the word choice authors used was pretty interesting. It made us imagine like we are in the real situation. It also help readers understand more because they could imagine each scene more.

Jia Ying (English 9 )

11/11/2021 09:37:25 am

While reading chapters one and two made me really sad knowing that domestic violence is happening also all around the world. In chapter three when Steve and Benji found Chase Andrews's body I suspect that it wasn't an accident and maybe someone pushed him off the fire tower and bribed the sheriff to not investigate it. I'm still curious about what happened to Ma and Chase, and when they will reveal what actually happened.

Phakhom (Creative Writing Block F)

11/11/2021 10:48:06 pm

The surrounding where Chase body were look suspicious. Why there aren't any footstep around him. I agree that it wouldn't be a suicide, but some one in the story push him down. However, there aren't any clues pointing out about the murder. We have to read further to get more clue!

Prim (English 9C/G)

11/12/2021 06:22:30 am

Yeah, I think this story is interesting and sad for me. I can imagine how lonely she was after her siblings and her mother left the house. And yes I am still curious about Chase and this house.

Beryl Creative Writing E

11/11/2021 10:12:27 am

One of the things I find most amazing about Kya is how quick to adapt she is. After her mother left, followed by her siblings, I thought she would struggle for a lot longer and may need outside help before she finds her footing again. However, she got right to it and handled chores and errands by herself, which is really admirable. Whenever I read books with abusive parents, I also can't help but be curious about the parents' emotions and thoughts. Do they love their children to an extent? Do they feel guilty? Etc..

Lara (Creative Writing Block F)

11/11/2021 11:07:23 pm

I agree with you that it's admirable how quickly she got her footing. I think with children in these situations, it's a must to adapt so quickly. If she doesn't, she wouldn't survive in the harsh world, and she would be in a worse spot now, possibly getting beatings from her father. I also have no idea what these abusive parent's thought processes are. Why would you beat someone if you love them? Or is there no love anymore? Was there ever love before?

Christine (Creative Writing F)

11/11/2021 10:12:32 am

I really loved how we as reader are able to have an image of the scenery while reading the book. When I read the part where Kya was saying that she was messing up the tracks so no one would know...Did she kill Chase?!
(It might be possible since Kya has been alone for a while now and she doesn't really have someone to learn from.)

Phakhom (Creative Writing Block F)

11/11/2021 10:45:38 pm

I don't think Kya would be the murder. She learnt to be independent, but she has such a soft heart. It might be possible if Kya messing up the track which causing the footprint of the real murder to get lost.

Phakhom (Creative Writing Block F)

11/11/2021 10:43:26 pm

After reading through the books for 4 chapters, I realized that Kya have been in a bad conditions and situations. I think that the reason why her family members left her behind are more complicated than we thought. There have to be a reason behinds it, run to the wood and hide from the people, I don't think he meant about the school, but there should be something else.

Auto (Creative Writing Block F)

11/12/2021 02:03:13 am

The most positive way of thinking about why her siblings leave her at home with their abusive father is they think they are unable to take care of themselves they cannot guarantee that they will be having a place to sleep or a job it is a risk of life and death and bringing her with them not only to them but also to Kya.

Aom (Creative Writing Block F)

11/12/2021 07:11:44 am

I like how you analyze the story, it has helped me think that Kya is not hopeless, but there is more to the story that has not been revealed.

Kim-Hun (Creative Writing Block E)

11/12/2021 08:16:05 am

It's very interesting to analyze the characters in this story. If Kya could survive all this struggle, there has so be something very special about her. If Kya was hopeless she wouldn't be able survive all this disaster.

Lara (Creative Writing Block F)

11/11/2021 11:02:33 pm

My heart was seriously pierced at one point in the book at the end of Chapter four, when Kya said, "the marsh became her mother". This shows me that she has accepted that her mother is never coming back, and the fact that she has lost all hope is both sad, and relieving. The quicker she cuts off her own hope, the faster she'll start to heal from this mentally. Her independence makes me incredibly sad, and I hope she'll become happier in the later chapters.

EngEng Creative Writing block B)

11/11/2021 11:26:56 pm

I think the same as you. Kya is so pitiful. Everybody left her, but not because of her. No children have to deserve this type of situation. Justice for Kya!

EngEng (Creative Writing B)

11/11/2021 11:31:52 pm

I am raged with the mother. I do understand how she felt, but didn't she take her own little daughter with her. No siblings also takes her with them. They left the little strong girl on her own with an abusive dad, What they are all like this? No heart and no mercy. Who deserves this type of action? Instead of left Kya alone with the father, why don't they take her with them. Or maybe they initially hate and were annoyed by Kya? Or lazy to take care of the little girl because they think she is a burden?

Hazeljoy

11/12/2021 01:31:11 am

I understand what you're saying, but if we think about this in a different perspective. Maybe her mother and siblings doesn't want to take Kya with her is because they don't have a place to stay or the ability to take care of her when they don't have money for themselves.

Sinny (Creative Writing Block F)

11/12/2021 06:27:06 am

Agreed, I can understand her siblings and her mom's action, because during that period it was already very challenging to move to other place alone. However, I hate how her dad treated his wife and his children, and his existence triggered me every time.

Angel (Creative Writing Block B) link

11/12/2021 05:59:21 am

I understand your feeling because I also think that it's her mom's responsibility to take care of Kya, she shouldn't leave the house on her own. In the story, we could see that Kya's mom was a really important person to Kya and Kya thinks of her mom a lot, hoping that she could come back. However, Kya's mom just left the house and did not come back to the house anymore.

Aom (Creative Writing Block F)

11/12/2021 07:22:20 am

Your statement made me rethink about Kya's mom decision. It is odd to leave your kids without saying a word and especially leaving them with an abusive dad, what was she thinking?

Mim (Creative Writing Block F)

11/11/2021 11:44:00 pm

By reading the first chapter, we can know that the story has a negative tone. The writer uses the 'show don't tell' technique in the story which makes the story become more interesting and makes the reader want to follow up with the story. For example, at the beginning of chapter one, the writer explains about her mother in detail which kind of gives us a clue that her mother will be going somewhere and might not return. As I read through the story, I feel bad about what happened to Kya and I think I understand her condition and her feeling which I hope that it will become better as we read through the story and know more about her.

Auto (Creative writing F)

11/12/2021 01:56:10 am

The writer have given us a lot of hint of what is gong to happen but I didn't though the situation s going to be this bad. I want the writer to give Kya some mercy being but she(Kya) really have good survival skills I feel like many people wouldn't be able to go through what she have.

First (creative writing F)

11/12/2021 04:15:27 am

I like that you mentioned how the writer use which tone or which technique in writing this story. Also, the example that you gave and the topic which you introduced, "show don't tell," make me strongly agree with you. Lastly, I also feel depressed for Kya, she's still very young and has to deal with those cruel circumstances.

Hazeljoy (creative writing B)

11/12/2021 01:27:47 am

I like how the other jumps between the past and the present, it makes it more mysterious and suspicious about Chase's death and how it leads to his death. In addition, I think that this book is really sad, especially when Kya's siblings and mother left her home with her dad when her dad was very abusive and has anger issues. I feel sorry for her that she has to survive on her own, while starving everyday and struggling to find food to eat. I'm very curious what will happen when she gets older, is she going to take revenge, find her siblings and her mother, or live a different life as the rest of the family.

Nadia (Creative Writing Block F)

11/12/2021 05:37:37 am

First of all, I also love, love, love, stories that skip between time periods. It makes everything very interesting and exciting to read about. Also, I am very curious as to what will happen when Kya grows older. But then again, is it good for her to reunite with her mother and siblings? In my opinion, there's this negativity that is tied with them, so I think if they do meet, they will have to put in a lot of work for their relationship to work.

Amy 9C

11/12/2021 06:50:50 am

Omg, I agree with you with the part that stories skip between times period. And it also making me very curious and making me excited with this.

Amy 9C

11/12/2021 06:52:04 am

Same as me, I agree that I also likes jumping between past and present. It making it very mysterious, and I love this kind of stories or movies. It makes me every curious about what happened in the past.

Angie 9C

11/12/2021 06:57:14 am

I also agree with you that the story makes time period. It make it more mysterious and suspicious, it make it more interesting for me to read. And I also agree that it feels bad for Kya that she have to survive on her own, and struggles the food like what she have to eat. So I agree with you.

Auto (Creative writing F)

11/12/2021 01:48:00 am

I feel sorry for Kya, everyone have left her even her own mother and she being little doesn't make the situation better all of her. At first I thought that Kya is going to be leaving the house with one of her siblings but I was wrong. The father have also burned her mother's stuff I feel like this s going to make Kya stronger in the future chapters, at least we get to know that Kya is still safe living alone having to beware of her own father.

First (creative writing F)

11/12/2021 04:19:56 am

At first, I also think the same as you that Kya might be leaving the house with her siblings, and her siblings wouldn't leave her alone by herself in the end. But it is totally different from what I thought. It is also scary for Kya to live with someone like her dad: alcoholic and violent. I hope that in the end, the story will appear to be like what you said that it will make her become a stronger person.

Nadia (Creative Writing Block F)

11/12/2021 05:49:02 am

Opposite from you, I didn't think Kya would leave her home, especially with how young she was and how little she knows of the outside world. It's interesting how you say that the hardships will cause Kya to become a stronger person. I hope that this will happen too, and that it doesn't break her as a person. Especially as a kid, abandonment and abuse can be really damaging and traumatizing.

Mim (Creative Writing Block F)

11/12/2021 08:22:00 am

I also feel bad for Kya when I know that her mother will not be coming back. I don't think that 7 years old girl can face this situation alone. Her family member gradually left her which is really sad but I think that Kya herself still does not understand the situation that happened that much since she is still a kid and I also think that she will not be leaving the house because she is too young to do so. From this, I predict that as we read through the story, we might see how Kya develops herself when she slowly grows up, and in the end, she will be good by herself.

Boda（English block C) link

11/12/2021 05:24:06 am

The protagonist here is a wild girl. I think she lives a lonely life that ordinary people can't bear. Their father abused them even more. But the ups and downs of life gave her hope for the future. I personally prefer the part about Kya's childhood; when Kya learns to face the world alone, the story has a special plot. I think the theme of the story focuses on her state as an abandoned child and how she feels abandoned. I mean to give up is to be forced to give up. It may be the death of both parents, or it may be that for various reasons, it is impossible to raise the child at all. As a result, she was forced to feed herself. But then I felt a little uncomfortable, because a teenage boy taught her to read and also teach her menstruation, which seemed a bit illogical.

Nadia (Creative Writing Block F)

11/12/2021 05:24:59 am

One thing that hit me really hard from the first 4 chapters were the times when Kya talked about herself in the 3rd person perspective. Hearing her say the words, "This little piggy stayed home," completely broke my heart. Those 5 words evoked so much pity for the little girl, and it was as if I could hear it being said into my ears. It's amazing how such a short phrase could contain so much; it represents not only Kya's innocence as a child, but also her helplessness and loneliness.

Angel (Creative Writing Block B) link

11/12/2021 05:51:48 am

I found it quite ironic when the author mentioned how good Jodie was to Kya and how he helped take care of Kya in chapter one. Because soon later, Jodie left the house and left Kya alone with an abusive dad, escaping by himself. This shows his selfishness but also knowing that the other siblings did the same thing as well, no one was willing to take the responsibility.

Sinny (Creative Writing Block F)

11/12/2021 06:20:35 am

It surprised me too. We can feel how Jodie love and care about Kya, but he eventually leave her with her dad. I don't understand why, but I don't want to see him as a selfish person either, maybe he has some difficulties, who knows.

Morn Creative Writing Block F

11/12/2021 09:28:54 am

Reality always hits hard. The situation is not just ironic but also implies the secret behind every human: selfishness. Even though we try to avoid using it, sooner or later, there will be a chance for it to pop up anyway. In my opinion, none of the siblings nor Jodie should be responsible for this too. I think we can't blame them for this.

Mars (Creative Writing F)

11/12/2021 06:06:56 am

Well, well, surprise, surprise, we got a murder scene that happened near the fire tower that was surprisingly convenient tall enough for people to fall down from it. However, something irked me as we didn't really know who Chase is in the previous two chapters, and that this was a sudden timeskip from the end of chapter 2. Some question surface up with his death: How is he related to the story? And do Kya have some form of relationship to him? These question were somewhat answered in Chapter 4, where we see that Kya do knew who Chase is since she was young. And now, the question I am having right now is: "Did Kya killed Chase in Chapter 3?"

Prim (English 9C/G)

11/12/2021 06:14:26 am

I feel pity for Kya because I thought Kya will leave this house with her brother, but why he didn't take her with him. I'm just curious about this family like where did ma and her siblings go. Also want to know what happen to the boy named Chase.

Jack Eng 9 C&G

11/12/2021 09:22:55 am

I also thought the same too, I just don't understand why her mother is leaving Kya behind. But on the other hand, if the disabled dad was left alone, I think that wouldn't end well because no one can take care of him. Chase was the boy who got killed, and I'm pretty interested to find out later on who actually killed Chase.

Sinny (Creative Writing Block F)

11/12/2021 06:16:01 am

My heart ached after realizing Kya need to deal with all these messes when she was only six years old. We still can see the childlike innocense through her talkings, acts and thoughts, but we can't deny that she's more independent than most of us as a six years old kid; it's not only about how she deal with her life without her parents (I'm ignoring her dad at this point in purpose, he's not qualified here), just imagine the pain she need to endure after everyone abandoned her, and the injustice she experienced at school. All those mocking KILLED her passion and willingness to go to school, even though she knew that she can have a better lunch and be educated there. The scene that hurts me the most was when Kya fed the seagulls on the beach and hoping that they won't leave her like every body else. I stop reading after seeing this sentence "A few birds pecked gently between her toes, and she laughed from the tickling until tears streamed down her cheeks, and finally great, ragged sobs erupted from that tight place below her throat", I have to say that the author really did a good job at triggering readers' emotions, and this sentence shed my heart into pieces. I know her life won't go easy on her, but I really hope that this brave girl is going to endure it successfully.

Amy 9C

11/12/2021 06:49:17 am

I like how it talking about murder. And finding out the body. In the story I think for my opinion is like accident I don’t really think it murder. But I like how that it have some like the body’s are found something like this kind of scene.

Angie 9C

11/12/2021 06:55:40 am

I agree with you about that you love the kind of stories with murder or the body is find. And I love those kind of books and movies. And I think it an accident for me too.

Audrey (9c)

11/12/2021 08:23:36 am

I agree with you that, mysterious stories and movies are good. It makes the story more interesting and more mysterious. In my opinion, I think it an accident or murder. So I agree with you.

Peter (block 9)

11/12/2021 08:51:17 am

I agree because the two boy have found the chase death body and tell the police and the police have saw no footprint and doesn't think that some other people murder or they will have footprint around it was quiet a mysterious and murder.

Angie 9C

11/12/2021 06:54:31 am

I love the kind of book that it have time period. It making it very curious and mysterious at the same time. And I love this kind of mysterious book. I feel sorry that Kya have to survive on her own. And have to struggles with food. So I feel bad.

Audrey (9c)

11/12/2021 08:23:55 am

I like the story with time periods. Which past to present. Especially if you don’t know what happened in the past, it very mysterious and suspicious. And I also feel bad for Kya for surviving by herself, and struggling what she have to eat everyday.

Tanya

11/12/2021 07:03:39 am

How the author is writing the story is unique and fascinating. The author didn't wrote the story straightforwardly, but she wrote the story by the character's action. When I read the first page of the book I was amazed how the author is using hints of Kya's mother is not coming back home. For example "Her tall figure emerged now and then through the holes of the forest." In page one the author really gave us the mood that our mom isn't coming back.

Aom (Creative Writing Block F)

11/12/2021 07:04:28 am

I feel pity for Kya in the first few chapters, she is only six years old yet has gone through many problems. It hits me hard when she deeply knows that her mom won't return, but she still hope that one day she will be back. It must have also been heartbroken to see each siblings living on their own even the one Kya was so close with, Jodie, left.

Tanya 9C

11/12/2021 07:08:04 am

Morn Creative Writing Block F

11/12/2021 09:19:37 am

I really love how Owen uses the character's behavior to show the continuous story. She does not completely describe Kya's emotion but shows her actions toward Ma's leaving and how she played with her siblings. The structure makes readers interpret the story diversely and creates variances, which would cause word of mouth for the book, then the massive effect and popularity.

First (creative writing F)

11/12/2021 07:56:29 am

At first, I didn't know that the author is writing the flashforward in chapter 3 and then the flashback in chapter 4. This is interesting because the writer is giving us a clue and making the readers want to find out more about the story. Additionally, I feel sorry for Kya that all of her siblings left and leave her with his alcoholic dad which doesn't take care of her at all. She is still very young and has to face these kinds of situation so I think it is very depressing.

Mim (Creative Writing Block F)

11/12/2021 08:28:43 am

The flash-forward in chapter 3 and the flashback in chapter 4 really make me want to find out more about the story. It really makes the story become more interesting and can also attract more readers but I am somehow also confused about the timeline of the story and where to connect the story together. Yes, the writer has given us lots of clues since the beginning of the story. I also feel bad for Kya. At first, I think she might be surrounded by many good things but after reading through the story, it is just the opposite of what I am thinking.

Faith (AP Lit)

11/12/2021 08:30:12 am

I also was not attentive enough to realize the author's play in time, but I do think it adds a nice dynamic to the story. I also agree with the fact that Kya is in such a depressing situation, and I would not be able to survive if I were her. Anyways, I do hope her situation improves as the story progresses.

Kim-Hun

11/12/2021 08:11:51 am

It's very concerning for me how all of this is happening to a six year old. Her mom left the family, and her siblings disappears. She's so young and she's dealing with things that shouldn't ever happen to anyone. It's so depressing it makes me want to find out what happens in the story.

Faith (AP Lit)

11/12/2021 08:28:19 am

I agree with you, and the first few chapters has already made me quite invested in the story. Due to her circumstances, Kya is quite a pitiful character, yet she is so resilient and strong. This is admirable, and I can't wait to see how she develops as the story continues.

Mint Creative Writing F

11/12/2021 08:36:19 am

I like that you mentioned about the situation happening to a six years old. It made me wonder what the author would be telling next as well. This plot caught my attention since the first two chapters.

Lewis(Creative writing block B)

11/12/2021 08:18:03 am

I like how the author uses imagery and personification to describe the marshes. We can see that Kya has a powerful connection with the wildlife and swamp waters. The quote "Kya laid her hand upon the breathing, wet earth, and the marsh became her mother" illustrates how the marsh could be a character itself by bringing it to life. This shows the nurturing role the marsh has on Kya.

Audrey (9c)

11/12/2021 08:23:05 am

I like this story that it have past and present. It got some mysterious and curious scene in this story. And I feel bad that Kya have to work by herself with no parents, and struggling with foods.

Peter (block 9)

11/12/2021 08:49:02 am

I agree that this story have past and present and I agree that this story was quiet a mysterious because some part are like people are missing.

Faith (AP Lit)

11/12/2021 08:26:16 am

I've only read 4 chapters of this book so far, and I've got to say, I'm quite intrigued and excited for what's to come. The characterization of the main character Kya is interesting, and I find myself empathizing with her because of how she has to struggle at such a young age. There's also many sensitive topics touched upon in this story, such as an abusive/neglective father, abandonment, and murder. All in all, I think this story will be a great read.

Mint Creative Writing F

11/12/2021 08:33:47 am

The story was told by flashback to tell the story. The author also told the story back and fourth and it gave us the imagination. The vocabularies choice of the author is also interesting because it makes us picture each scene.

Peter (block c)

11/12/2021 08:46:30 am

Inside the book they got past and present tense in it. I have think that this book are quiet a mysterious because they have two boys that have discover about chase death body. Find the police but their are no footprint it was quiet intense.

Jack Eng 9 C&G

11/12/2021 09:32:25 am

Yeah, for now, the story hasn't told us yet on who killed Chase. Also, I find it quite suspicious too that there were no footprints or any evidence left behind. I think this mystery will be a hard one to solve.

Morn Creative Writing Block F

11/12/2021 09:00:33 am

Since the story begins with an emotion of loss and loneliness from the child, I've told myself to prepare for the intensity after finishing the first chapter. However, I realize it is interesting when the title of this book tells us zero ideas first chapter is this emotional. Reader's emotion is constantly being changed from the name that seems like a slice of life and starts the story with a pitiful situation. Then here we are, the death in chapter 4. Even though it is predictable, I believe the roller coaster of intense emotions is now begun and will keep going on.

Jack Eng9 C&G

11/12/2021 09:18:03 am

I feel kind of bad for Kya, because she was left behind with his drunken, disabled World War II veteran dad by her mother and brother. And I also pity Kya because when she has no food to eat, she only gets a dollar, and we all know that you can't buy that much stuff for just a dollar. The story also talks about a boy who rides past Kya recklessly on a bicycle, and his name was Chase Andrews, who was mysteriously killed by someone. I'm also pretty excited and interested to know what will happen next or whether or not the killer will be found.

Mike Eng 9

11/12/2021 10:45:04 am

I also can't wait to find out what happened.

Mike

11/12/2021 10:43:29 am

This book kinda reminds me of the book called "Holes." The first reason is that they both have flashbacks like so many times. The next one is both have some mysteries, but "Where The Crawdads Sing" has more than "Holes."

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Mixed Ink

Mixed Ink is our class blog, the window into our souls. It was designed to improve students' writing, critical thinking and communication skills by giving them a platform to provide meaningful content based on their interpretation of what they see.

Although the students receive a grade based on a rubric for completing this assignment, they are not graded on complexity of thought. This is a place where students of all levels can freely, confidently and creatively express themselves and their opinions in a nonjudgmental platform. They are required to respond to and critique each other, but degradation, slander, lewdness, etc., will not be tolerated.

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Communicate effectively
Be aware of current events
Write concisely
Boost critical thinking skills
Be accountable
Follow directions
Have a voice about what goes on in the world around you