Book 3

Dear Ms. Zrihen , 09/13/11

I enjoyed reading the book, The Adventures of Tom sawyer, written by Mark Twain.  I only have 50 pages left.  The genre was historical fiction.  The Adventures of Tom sawyer takes place in America. The main character or protagonist is Tom.  He was a very round or dynamic character because the book describes his as troublesome, young, good at figuring things out, and fast. I don’t believe there is an antagonist because the boy Tom fought ended up being sad when he couldn’t find Tom.  The foils are Huckleberry Finn and Joe Harper.  The 2 of them go on adventures with Tom, but are not exactly the main character.  Other characters are Aunt Polly, Sid, and Mary.  

The plot continued to evolve in the following way: after Tom and Huck witnessed a murder, they ran into an old warehouse.  Then they discovered a man sleeping. He had been present at the murder. Tom, Huck and Joe decided to run away to an island. Later, Tom gets homesick and comes back to spy on his family. While spying, he learned that his family was going to have a funeral for him because they thought he was dead.  He had an idea and goes back to the island. After telling Huck and Joe, they decide they should attend their own “funeral.”   They attended their own funeral and Tom’s family discovered they were still alive.  Tom returned to school.  The main problem or issue was that school finals were coming up soon. Tom resolved this issue by taking the finals. 

The tone or mood of the book was exciting, but a little slower and less suspenseful.   A theme continued to be adventurous.  The moral of the book is that you should just do what you are told because what goes around comes around.  

From my point of view, I could see that Tom is a very mischievous and quick-witted boy.  The author organized the book through chronological order.  The author’s purpose was to entertain.  His perspective was Tom was mischievous and mildly self-centered.  

“ Vacation was approaching.  The school master, always severe, grew severer and more exacting than ever, for he wanted the school to make good showing on examination day.”  This was written on page 140.  I picked this passage because it shows that Tom went back to school and his teacher is becoming more strict with punishing him.  The passage is significant to the story because it shows that though mischievous, Tom still has some regard for the rules. 

I used several reading strategies throughout the book. Before reading, I did the 5 finger test, or check the vocab. Also It was recommended, or suggested to me.  While reading, I would always think of what to type or quiz my self and talk about it or discuss it.  (50 pages left)     

Figurative language was noted in the book The Adventures of Tom Sawyer: simile,   metaphor, alliteration,personification,and oxymoron.

I would rate The Adventures of Tom sawyer ***** (five stars) because once I pick it up I cant put it down. 

Sincerely, 

Michael Rogatinsky