Trash - Andy Mulligan (Review)

The book, Trash, tells the story of three young boys living in the Behala dumpsite in the Philippines. It describes the monstrosity of the conditions that these boys and their families lived in. One of these boys, Jun-Jun (or Rat), is exposed to the worst conditions out of the three, with no relations nor close friends to share a home with. Jun-Jun earns the nickname, Rat, because his "home" is shared with a family of rats, and his malnourishment and dirty appearance makes him look like a rat.

Young girl sifts through trash with her little brother

This moving tale spreads awareness of dumpsite children, forced to sift through rubbish starting from the day that they are capable of telling the difference between the value of a piece of plastic and an old banana skin. These children and their families (most likely born on the dumpsite) make a living out of other people's trash, and are somehow able to survive on the equivalent of one US dollar a day per family, or around 47 pesos.

Rooftoppers - Katherine Rundell

      Rooftoppers is a beautifully written novel by Katherine Rundell. The story follows the life of a young girl named Sophie, who (when she was only a baby) was the last survivor of a sunken ship (the Queen Mary). She was found floating in the sea in a cello case wrapped in one of Beethoven's symphonies for warmth, by her soon-to-be guardian, Charles Maxim, an "eccentric scholar".
     There are several metaphors throughout the novel. The most significant metaphor is displayed when Sophie is only beginning to adjust to life as a "Rooftopper" and is compelled to cross a tightrope between two tall buildings in Paris, to get to her friend's home on the opposite roof. Sophie is terrified of having to cross the tightrope but is able to reach the other building with her friend's help, as well as her own determination.
     This shows that when you're presented with tricky problems, anyone can easily help you overcome them.

J.K Rowling Biography

Joanne Kathleen Rowling is a British author, who is known globally as the author of the Harry Potter series, one of the most popular fantasy book and film franchises in history.

Joanne was born on the 31st of July, in 1965 in Yate, England, and was considered a literary genius by 1999, which was when she released the first three instalments of the Harry Potter series; Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Joanne had earned approximately $480 million in only three years from these books.

The first three books were a complete success for Rowling, so when the fourth book (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) came out, it became the fastest selling novel in history.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - What happened next?

Warning: This post contains SPOILERS. but if you don't know what happens at the end of the Harry Potter series shame on you.

“He’ll be all right,” murmured Ginny. As Harry looked at her, he lowered his hand absentmindedly and touched the lightning scar on his forehead. “I know he will.” The scar had not pained Harry for nineteen years. All was well.  ~Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is the final book of the Harry Potter series written by J.K Rowling. It ends with Harry, Ginny, and their son, Albus, at platform 9 3/4, about to board the train to Hogwarts.

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Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione disappeared through the brick wall. It was all a blur in the muggle world, and they barely noticed that the four adults had magically appeared in the train station. 

   "Harry, Ginny, if you were the sorting hat, where do you think you'd place Rose?" Asked Ron.

   "But I'm not the sorting hat, am I, Ron?" Said Ginny, rolling her eyes.

   "There's no way of knowing. She could be in any house. I can imagine her being in Hufflepuff, though." Harry said.

   "Well, being the daughter of two trouble-making Gryffindor students, who managed to fight off a troll, a three-headed dog, break into the chamber of secrets, play in a life-or-death chess game --" Hermione was briefly interrupted by Ron.

   "And not to mention assist in starting a war that will go down in history." Ron added.

   "Sorry about that." Harry said, grinning.

   "We really did have the most eventful time in Hogwarts, didn't we?" Said Ginny. "I still remember the day when I came downstairs to have breakfast, and I saw Harry Potter, the Chosen One, the boy who lived, sitting down next to my idiot of a brother, eating an omelette." Ginny laughed.

   "Don't act like that wasn't the best moment of your life." Ron said.

   "Are you kidding me? I was terrified." Ginny replied.

   Harry and Hermione exchanged glances and laughed as they listened to the siblings bicker and quarrel. 

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I tried. 

A Girl Named Disaster - Nancy Farmer

21. Write a letter to a character in your book.

Dear Nhamo,

I understand that the situation you are in is a rather tricky one. If you do marry that old man, you will be beat to death by either himself, or his wives out of jealousy. If you do not, there is a chance that the villagers will find you and you will be even more miserable than ever.

However, I understand that Grandmother commanded you to carry out a dangerous journey up the river towards Zimbabwe. As you must already know, this river is infested with crocodiles and hippos and the current gets stronger the closer you get to Zimbabwe... but the good news is Grandmother has given you permission to steal your local fisherman's boat. With that, the journey should be a breeze before you cross the border to Zimbabwe. When you get to the border, paddle against the current. It will be tiring, but it will be worth it when you get to Zimbabwe. If you reach Zimbabwe in the evening, you will be delighted to see electric lights. You have never seen electricity before, but you will recognise it when you see it. The lights resemble the bioluminescence of fireflies, only much brighter.

Stay safe and stay away from the river banks... that's where the leopards go to drink.

Samantha