Don't judge a book by it's cover...

This is a pursuasive sppech I wrote on 'Don't Judge a Book by it's Cover'

Have you ever heard the saying: ‘Don’t Judge a book by its cover’? I definitely have and I am positive most of you have heard it as well.

Today I am going to persuade you that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.

I’ll start nice and easy with the literal meaning. So basically the saying tells us just because the cover of the book is boring it doesn’t mean that the book itself is boring, for all you know it could be quite exciting. On the other hand the cover might be all sparkly, bright and eye catching, but the content of the book could be dull, lifeless and boring.

Personally this has happened to me a lot of times and I am sure that it has happened to you quite a few times right?

If we dig deep into the core of this saying we could find it also means other things…

Do you realise that people just pick up stuff off shelves in supermarkets based on the packaging without seeing the content.

A good example of this is when people don’t buy homebrand products and go for the flashier packaging instead when the content is the same and homebrand costs less.

I don’t know about you, but I have noticed that we judge people by their looks, how wrong is that? I think that it is extremely wrong and wish that it didn’t happen, because just because people look good doesn’t mean that they are the nicest person in the world, which is the same theory as don’t judge a book by its cover.

Think of your favourite singers, generally speaking their appearance and style is nice or it stands out and their voice, well it isn’t too bad but lets face it there are probably better singers out there but no one even knows that they exist, why does no one know they exist? Well maybe they aren’t very well off but it is more likely that they don’t have the looks to be famous and live in the world of glitz.

Take for example Susan Boyle, she has a great powerful voice but her appearance and style, it’s not too great, she only really became famous because of UK Idol.

So my point is, people who have a better appearance often get better advantages than others, this happens in all aspects of life not just music.

I want you just to think about what we are missing out on by not giving these people a chance.

Unfortunately this is not all we do, but we also judge whole groups of people by their appearance, this is called stereotyping.

Some common things we stereotype are that all blondes are dumb. Actually some are smart, just like everyone else.

Worse than that is racial stereotyping, just think back, how many blacks were used as slaves around 150 years ago and why? Well the reason was plainly that their skin was black.

By Valeria

Elsewhere

Elsewhere
by Gabrielle Zevin

When Liz is killed in a car accident at aged 15 she knows she'll never have the life she'd always dreamed of and to experience life as an adult.
Then she lands in Elsewhere where she finds old relatives, famous stars and new friends.
She learns to let go of what she's lost and experience life (or death) to the full!

This is  a very convincing book that will leave you wondering what if this world the author created was real.
On the back of this book is says:
Full of the most ingenious detail and woven around touching and charming relationships, this is a novel of hope, of redemption and (literally) re-birth.
It is a novel that tells of sadness with heart-breaking honesty and of love and happiness with uplifting brilliance.

I agree with everything it says.
If you are looking for an uplifting book I recommend this book to you!

Recommended for: ages 12 + (Senior Fiction)
By Hannah Rm 4

My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece

My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece by Annabel Pitcher

Ten-year old Jamie hasn't cried since it happened. He knows he should have - Jasmine cried , Mum cried, Dad still cries. Roger didn't, but he is just a cat and didn't know Rose that well, really.

Everyone kept saying it would get better with time, but that'sjust one of those lies that grown-ups  tell in awkward situations. Five years on, it's worse than ever: Dad drinks, Mum's gone and Jamie's left with questions that he ust answer for him self.

This is a heart-felt story that everyone must read!!!

Valeria

Book club recommends . . .

Sample these great reads

The sea-wreck stranger by Anna Mackenzie
Ebony Hill by Anna Mackenzie
Juno of Taris by Fleur Beale
Fierce September by Fleur Beale
Love, Aubrey by Suzanne Lafleur
The Pearl of Tiger Bay by Gabrielle Wang
Fearless by Tim Lott
Memoirs of a teenage amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin
Message in a bottle by Valerie Zenatti
Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin
Hitler’s canary by Sandi Toksvig
Stop the train by Geraldine McCaughrean
The diary of Ann Frank by Ann Frank
The boy in striped pyjamas by John Boyne
Unwind by Neal Shusterman
Cherub series by Robert Muchamore
Kiss my book by Jamie Michaels
The Rosie Black chronicles by Lara Morgan
Boy overboard by Morris Gleitzman
Girl underground by Morris Gleitzman
Doubting Thomas by Morris Gleitzman
Toad rage by Morris Gleitzman
The phantom series by Terri Farley
The curious incident of the dog in the night time by Mark Haddon
Pearl verses by Sally Murphy

0.4 by Mike Lancaster

My name is kyle Straker
And I don't exist any more.


So begins the story of Kyle Straker,
recorded on old audio tapes
You might think these tapes are a hoax.
But perhaps they continue the history of a past world.....

-Maimoonah

The Whisperer by Fiona McIntosh

This book is set in a fantasy medieval times where two different lives collide to uncover a secret that will change their fate and those aroud them! It is not your typical story and is too hard to explain. Even if you dont like fantasy you will adore this novel.

ENJOY!
Emily
PS. I also wrote the below post!!!

The Tomorrow Code, The Project & Brainjack

These three books are not a series but are all science-fiction. The Tomorrow Code is about two teenagers who have to save Auckland and the rest of the world from a mysterious white mist that will destroy human kind.....but they have to de-code the cryptic code first! Through the whole book you are not sure which way the story will go. The Project is just as exciting and involves history. Two boys are tryng to find out what the secret of the world's most boring book. They come face to face with time travel and Nazis from an underground cavern....a history and spy adventure combined! Brainjack is about a boy who is a master hacker. He is recruited for a master hacking protection company. He has to face dangerous cyber forces and battle it out for the safety of America!!!

These are so exciting and are must reads!!!!

Angel

Author-Cliff McNish

when an angel visited her when she was 8 yrs old,Freya Harrison had soon been confirmed crazy from all the angel talk.but her case had slowly subsided when she reached high school.she thought everything will be fine from now on.turned out she was wrong big time.when a dark angel begins to stalk her everywhere,Freya was forced to befriend a freak,and make a devastating choice that will change her life forever.
AN AMAZING TALE OF TYPICAL HIGH SCHOOL LIFE.




Lily

the Goose Girl

the Goose Girl
by Shannon Hale

Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee, Crown Princess of Kildenree, was born with her eyes closed and a word on her tounge. She spent the early years of her life listening to her aunt's stories and learning the language of swans. Then, a colt was born with a word on his tongue-his name Falada- and when Ani spoke it, she found the key to his language, too. But as Ani's gift grew, so did others' mistrust of it, and soon her mother felt the need send her away to be queen of a foreign land...

You HAVE to read this
Valeria

The Project

Author-Brian Falkner

Luke and Tommy are 2 teenage boys who got in trouble for what they thought is 'the most boring book in the world'.but when luke did search up the most boring book in the world he got something completely different.the book was Leonardos River,and only 1 copy was printed.they soon found out that a book collector billionaire offered 2 million to anyone who found the book,the 2 boys are beginning to get suspicious.they followed the billionaire from hotels to deserted basements,but when they found out his terrible plan,they are determined to stop him.even if it meant to travel back in time.
A MUST READ.


Lily

A Rose For The ANZAC Boys

This book by great historical author Jackie French is a real good read!!!
It shows world war one from the point of view of three young teenagers, and provides fantastic insight into the harsh reality of war. It is an addictive, page turning book, that tells the storys of the three girls, who start a canteen for soldiers. Eventually, the main character is recruted by the ambulence service. This is a great story with twists in the plot where you least expect it!!!
You have to read this!!!:)

Marrying Ameera

Seventeen-year old Ameera Hassan has just finished school and her friendship with Tariq, her best friend's older brother, is growing, But when her father hears of it he sends Ameera to stay with his family in Kashmir and attend her cousin Jamila's wedding. Only when she gets there does she discover the devastating truth-the intended marriage is not Jamila's but her own!

Will Ameera be trapped forever, or can she find strength beyond her years and escape from Pakistan and win back her freedom?

By Rosanne Hawke

Valeria

Selina Penaluna

Selina Penaluna
by Jan Page

Ellen and Jack are twins, during WW2 they are moved out to the country side from London.
They stay with the kind, but yet mysterious Rosewarnes, jack hates the Rosewarnes but Ellen loves them.
Jack meets the beautiful Selina Penaluna and is entranced....

Valeria

BOOK REVIEW

Girl Saves Boy

- By Steph Bowe

-Published in 2010 by: "The Text Publishing Company"

"Girl Saves Boy" is a astonishing novel about a girl called Jewel, who has a few troubles, and a boy called Sacha with a terminal disease. But from the moment that this girl saves that boy, life means something different for the each of them, something funny and sad and always unexpected, not too far away from falling in love... A book that fills your heart to the brim and takes your breath away. HIGHLY recommended.

-Lanlan :)

Worldshaker

Worldshaker
By: Richard Harland.

Col lives on the Upper Decks of the juggernaut Worldshaker, a mobile city as big as a mountain. He has been chosen as next Supreme Commander- but then a filthy girl escapes from the Below appears in his cabin. "Don't let'm take me!" She begs.

Will he hand her over or will he break the rules? Col's safe elite world is about to fall apart.

Ages: 10+

The Game of Truimphs

The Game of Triumphs
By: Laura Powell

In London, a deadly game is played for amazing prizes, called Triumphs. Four teenagers are pulled together and work to get rid of the game masters so they can claim Truimphs/desire.
Very good plot. Good read.

Age: 11+

The Rag and Bone Shop

The Rag and Bone
By Robert Cormier

When Jason's neighbour Alicia is murdered, the first person the police have suspicion on is Jason : the last person to see Alicia alive.
Will Jason confess to the murder or is he innocent?
A fantastic novel MUST READ!

Ages 11+

The 13 Treasures

The 13 Treasures
By Michelle Harrison
Tanya doesn't believe fairies exist until she sees one in her Grandmothers house. When she meets a mysterious girl called Rowan, the housekeepers boy Fabian and her, helps Rowan enter the Fairy Realm to rescue her stolen brother.
A gripping storyline accompanied with detailed descriptions.
For 10+

Read Rowan's side of the story : The 13 curses
Read the sequel : The 13 Secrets

Percy Jackson and the Last Olympian book review

PERCY JACKSON AND THE LAST OLYMPIAN

The last exciting book from the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan. This is a gripping adventure starring Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase, as they rush to save the world from destruction. This fantastic book captivates the reader from the very first sentence.

-Author: Rick Riordan
-Publisher: Puffin books
-Published in: 2009

READ THIS BOOK AND IT'S SERIES!

Rocking Horse Wars

Rocking Horse Wars
By Lari Don
This is a book about triplets who one day disappear with their rocking horses. Their older sister Pearl sets out to find them and bring them back home. She finds a strange boy who informs the triplets about their mysterious 'destiny'.
Ages 10+

Discovering the Depth of Picture Books

A lot of people may look at a picture book and think, "oh that is too babyish for me".  However they could not be more wrong.


Picture books have a magic all of their own, be they a 'simple' picture book, or a sophisticated picture book. There will be a thoughts, deeper messages, carefully selected language and of course, beautifully crafted illustrations (which help the reader get better understanding, or in some cases challenge the reader to look beyond the obvious).


At book club a few weeks ago we did a philosophy session on Shaun Tan's book, The Red Tree. We looked at different types of questions and used the below quadrant, to help us look at the fertile ideas within the book (fertile because they get our ideas growing).

Question quadrant developed by Phil Cam.
                                                                

These are some of the questions we came up with;

Why is it called the red tree?

Does this happen in real life?

What does the red tree mean?

Why does the red tree bring happiness to the character?

Have you had days like this?

What is your red tree?

Who are you 'meant' to be?

Why does time seem to go fast or slow?

What is the main focus?

Does the character always feel like this, or is it just one of those days?

Does the book have to have a main theme?

Is the theme different to different people?

Is it okay that there are good days, and bad days?

Who am I?

Why is darkness depicted as a fish?

Does this relate to anyone?

What is the book a metaphor for?

Why don't the pictures and text relate to each other?

Why do the words vary in size?

Why is the story so depressing in the beginning, and not at the end?

Did the author start writing this on a day he felt like this?

What is a deaf machine?

Why does she think, she isn't who she is?

Why call the book The Red Tree, when it barely talks about it?

Where are you, where do I stand?

Take the time to read The Red Tree by Shaun Tan, can you answer these questions?

Maybe even pose some of your own questions.

No Safe Place

No Safe Place
 Deborah Ellis

A really good book about 3 teenagers that have run away from terrible situations at home.
They have ended up in Calais, a poor migrant comunity and get on a boat with a horrible people smuggler in an effort to cross the English Channel and get to England. The book is all about thier adventures, and also crosses back and forward in nearly every second chapter to tell you about the teenagers history.  This book keeps you turning the pages, with one gripping event after another.
for ages 10+ some sad and gruesome scenes.

Noughts & Crosses

Noughts & Crosses
Malorie Blackmore
About  a boy named Callum who is a nought
and a girl named Sephy who is a cross.
In their world noughts and crosses don't mix.
And as hospitality turns to violence will Callum and Sephy ever be together?
A gripping,stimulating and totally absorbing novel set in world where black and white are right and wrong.
Ages: Senior Fiction-12+ (not suitable for younger readers)

The City of Ember

The City of Ember
Jeanne DuPrau
This is the best book I have read.
I reccomend this to those who haven't read it.
This is a book you can't put down. You can read this book over and over agian.
It is well written and has a great story line.
 For ages: 10+

The Declaration

The Declaration
by Gemma Malley
This book is set in about 2115 and is a gripping story about a daring escape.
Ages 12+

The London Eye Mystery

The London Eye Mystery
by Siobhan Dowd
A great mystery novel set in London,and adds a hint of detective style.
With a brother and a sister trying to solve the disappearance of their cousin who is missing while on the famous London Eye.
Highly reccomended for ages 10+

Keeper

Keeper
by Mel Peet
This book is great for soccer fans. The book is about the best soccer goalie in the world, his name is El Gato. El Gato is in a press conference and he tells the story of his life.
This is a must read.
The recommended age for this book is 10+

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins
Katniss Everdeen is a citizen of District 12,the last district in Panem.
When her sister is reaped for the annual Hunger Games, she volunteers to take her place in the games with another boy.There is only one rule:kill or be killed.
An amazing adventure/action book featuring a battle for survival.
Recommended age:12+ (for girls and boys)