Introduction The Chosen by Chaim Potok is a wonderful book about coming of age and growth. It shows how you mature as you get older and the important things you understand about life. This book is also about Jewish history, tradition, and customs, some of which are in conflict with each other. It’s important to understand this because this is what leads the book on, the skeleton of the story. This concept is what leads to the main messages of the book and it’s also vital to understand what happened to different types of religions in the past. I loved this book because it was well written but it had amazing symbolism that went deeper and beyond the surface. The characters in this story were well – developed and represented so many important symbols that we can learn from. If you chose to read this book, I hope this discussion guide is helpful! Chapter 1 Why does Reuven attribute so much significance to the baseball game? What do you think Davey Cantor represents in the book, as he keeps repeating “you’ll see?” Why does Reuven describe Danny Saunders in so much detail? Why does Reuven feel that his whole life has led him to this ball game and his future life will depend on its outcome? What is the meaning behind Danny’s strange grin? Chapter 2 When the doctor asks Reuven, “can you see the light?” Reuven answers, “it’s a little blurred.” Based on the theme of vision, what might this symbolize? Why do you think Billy and Mr. Savo are on either side of Reuven in the hospital? What do you think they represent in the story? Why does Reuven introduce himself as Robert to Billy and Mr. Savo? How do you think Reuven’s injury affects his father’s health? When Reuven talks about the concept of blindness, what might the author be trying to convey? Chapter 3 Why do you think the author brings the radio into the story? Why does Danny return after Reuven dismissed him at first from the hospital? Why did Danny want to kill Reuven in the ball game? What does Reuven represent? When Danny recites the Talmud, why do you think it is described as “cold and mechanical?” Why did Danny have to convince his father to play in that baseball game? Consider the quote, “words distort what a person really feels in his heart.” What do you think of this? What do you think “talking in silence” means to Danny? What can you infer about Danny’s feelings about his religion based on his body language? What do you think “crazy world, cockeyed” (pg. 57) means? Why might it be important? Chapter 4 Explain what Reuven’s father means when he says “ ‘No one knows he is fortunate until he becomes unfortunate. That is the way the world is.’” (pg. 73) What do you think of the quote “people are not always what they seem to be?” (pg. 74) Is it true? How does that relate to Reuven’s father wanting Reuven to make Danny his friend? How does Danny’s analogy of ants to people relate to the mission of obeying God? Why did Reuven’s father not tell Reuven that he had been meeting Danny in the library? Why is Reuven’s father suggesting books for Danny to read? Thinking back to theme of vision, why is it so important that Reuven’s eyesight will recover? Contrast that to what happened to Mr. Savo. How does this also relate to things being out of focus, and objects being crystal clear? Chapter 5 What does Reuven mean when he says “there was newness everywhere?” Why do you think there is such a change in perspective leading back to the theme of this book? How does the author use the power of description to emphasize this theme? Describe Reuven’s transformation from his time in the hospital. Chapter 6 Why does Reuven’s father answer Reuven’s questions about Danny by going back a long time in history? What does the “silly baseball game” (pg. 110) mean to Reuven now? Does he really think it was silly? Why does Danny need a friend so badly? Why should that friend be Reuven? What do you think Reuven’s father was thinking at the very end of the chapter when he doesn’t finish his sentence? Chapter 7 As Reuven falls asleep, he’s thinking about the color blue and eyes. What is the significance of comparing blue sky and blue eyes? Why does Reb Saunders want to meet Reuven? Explain why a community would follow Reb Saunders from Russia to New York. Why do you think Danny’s neighborhood is in such a disarray? How does Reuven feel as he enters the shul with Danny? Why does Reb Saunders ask Reuven if he’s good at mathematics, and say “we will see?” What is Reuven’s reaction to how Reb Saunders tests Danny? How about when Reb Saunders tests him? What is the relationship between the gematriya and the structure of the book itself? Why does Reuven’s father say “it is a pity” that Reb Saunders lives in his own world, and so will Danny? What is the meaning of the change of emotions in Reb Saunders speech? Chapter 8 Why is Reuven considered a hero when he returned to school? What is important about the way Danny reads? How is it reflective of his perspective? Why do you think Danny is so interested in psychology? Based on what Reuven’s father says at the very bottom of page 169, why did Reb Saunders really want to meet Reuven? Why do you think Danny feels uncomfortable discussing with Reuven the silence between him and his father? Why does Reb Saunders raise Danny in silence? How does Reuven feel about the Talmud battle? Why does Reb Saunders ask Danny to go make tea? What is the significance of his discussion with Reuven? Chapter 9 Why does Reuven get so much enjoyment out of taking his final exams? How does Reuven
Stone Soup Magazine for young readers, writers, and artists
Ways to Make Sunshine, Reviewed by Samantha, 11
Have you ever had one of those devastatingly rainy days? Your plans are ruined and you just feel kind of defeated? What do you do when that happens? In Ways to Make Sunshine, author Renée Watson shows that with spirit, kindness, and determination, you can make sunshine on any rainy day. If you’ve read the Ramona Quimby books, you’ll likely be thinking of them when you read Ways to Make Sunshine. Both girls have strong spirits, great personalities, and unique opinions. But you can definitely feel the different times the books take place in as you read. In Ramona’s story, children are expected to be in their place, and the characters are also more old fashioned in the ways they talk and act. Ryan’s story is much more like life today. But both stories are great books with even better characters. In Ways to Make Sunshine, Ryan goes through experiences that are very relatable for most of us. One time, Ryan’s not sure how to react to a not-so-nice girl. I’ve been in similar situations and understand it’s tough to know what to do. But even if you don’t always make the right choices, you can learn from your mistakes and do better next time, like Ryan. That’s what good leaders do: they learn from their mistakes and never give up on their dreams. The name Ryan means “king,” and she is always trying to be a leader. From moving to a new home to school talent shows, she shows everyone what it really means to set an example of kindness and determination. Her parents are always telling her to “be who we named you to be,” and Ryan works towards living up to that again and again. Sometimes, as a girl and a person of color, I feel a little looked down upon. Although Watson doesn’t specifically mention it in the book, I wonder if Ryan has had to deal with this as well. I also wonder if that’s why her parents gave her such a strong name. She doesn’t give up, she doesn’t settle, and she believes in herself. That’s one thing I admire about Ryan: she stays strong and kind and herself. She inspires me to always do that too. Ryan’s story is also full of fun and laughter. I love her spirit and personality. Ryan’s experiences always make me smile and a lot of them make me laugh. Her sense of humor is just the right amount of hilarious, and her personality is one of my favorite aspects of the story. If you like books that entertain and inspire you at the same time, you should definitely check out Ways to Make Sunshine. Ryan will show you her determination to be kind and make the best out of situations. She will make you experience the full range of emotions as she leads you through her story. You’ll find yourself thinking hard and laughing too. Ryan has her own special way of doing things, a way that makes sunshine. Ways to Make Sunshine by Renée Watson. Bloomsbury, 2020. Buy the book here and support Stone Soup in the process!
Writing Workshop #30: the Literary Vignette
An update from our thirtieth Writing Workshop! A summary of the workshop held on Saturday December 12, plus some of the output published below This week William presented on the idea of the vignette: a focused piece of writing, often in the midst of another longer, piece, but that is somewhat outside time or narrative. A vignette adds color or shape, but doesn’t necessarily move the story forward. After an introduction on the meaning of words (contrasting Humpty Dumpty declaring that words mean whatever he decides he wants them to mean with the codified wavelengths of colors, which simply are what they are), he showed some early photographs, pointing out that the photographic vignette is always presented in an oval: there is a focus on one thing, and no other context to distract. The Writing Challenge: Write a vignette: – a focused description of place – landscape, interior – or character – a focused look at a scene that implies a story The Participants: Charlotte K, Madeline, Lena A, Anya, Sophia, Georgia, Rachael, Lena D, Olivia, Peri, Tilly, Helen, Madeline S, Liam, James, Hera, Lina, Olivia, Janani, Margaret, Angela, Lucy K, Juniper, Samantha, Ava, Ma’ayan, Nami, Jonathan, Nova, Enni, Leah, Rithesh, Emi, Charlotte M, Emma. Anya Geist, 14Worcester, MA Ships in the Night Anya Geist, 14 Tick. Tick. Tick. The passing of mere seconds seemed eternal that night. The sea was dark and still; its waves rolled peacefully, quietly. On its surface, the only motion exhibited was the dainty reflection of stars on the water, which twinkled much like their counterparts in the sky; and the horizon seemed invisible; the sea and sky were the same on this night. The air was warm and salty, perfectly neutral, perfectly tranquil. Not a soul was heard. Tick. Tick. Tick. And then out of that endless depth of horizon came a monster. Cloaked in thick smoke it glided silently, stealthily across the water. You wouldn’t have known that behind its black walls was a hub of activity, men in sailor’s uniforms who pushed the mechanical beast along. Men who pored over maps, and scrutinized enemy war plans. Men who worked fluidly together to prepare their cannons to fire. Soon came another creature, another ship, similarly bloodthirsty, similarly silent, similarly hidden. But neither would be hidden for long. Neither would be hidden for long. Peri Gordon, 11Sherman Oaks, CA Stars Peri Gordon, 11 A star. A crystal, with a life of its own. White spikes gleaming, dancing, smiling in the sky. Teasing the moon, competing with the other nighttime jewels. Flashing silver, flashing gold. Brightening the sky for hours without tiring. Showing, disappearing, colorful, plain. Glimmering with life. Dappled with the colors of the rainbow, but transparent when you look right at it. Always changing, always morphing. Shining, glowing, ready for an adventure. Millions of these, twinkling, sparkling, winking at you. Dazzling us with flips and jumps and shimmers. Captivating; hypnotic; endless. Elizabeth Hwang, 10Great Neck, NY Becoming a True Hero Elizabeth Hwang, 10 Ruby was an 11 year old trained warrior. She had glossy red pinkish hair with beautiful soft, pure skin, and shining emerald eyes. One evening, she was lying down on her bed thinking about what she could do to be a better warrior. Then she heard her mother scream. She rushed over to her room and saw her intense, challenging master, a gigantic spider, who never backed down during a fight. He said, “Ruby, to show the true skills of being the next warrior and hero of our nation, you must capture the diamond of Everest and place it on the podium at the magical secret garden. This is found through the mystical white gates that will appear after you receive this powerful diamond to get your mother back. You will have three challenges. To pass the challenges, you must go against the giant sea serpent, retrieve the fang of the poisonous, purple spotted cheetah, and find the sacred golden leaf hidden in the village of Arcaria.” The giant spider opened up a secret portal. This was no ordinary portal. It had a purple swirling entrance with pink sparks coming from it. In the middle, was a little sphere that was the color emerald, just like her eyes. Once again, he said, “ You must take that little emerald and say, mission start. Once you say it, the timer is on and you must race to finish these challenges on time. When you go into this portal, the battlefield will appear and you must face these three creatures to receive the diamond of Everest. And one more thing, you have until tomorrow afternoon to retrieve the diamond. If you don’t make it, then your village will be in danger and your mother will not return.” “What!” Ruby exclaimed. “That’s not enough time! I’m just a child. I’m not ready yet. Why did you choose me when there are so many other warriors that are better!?” “Rules are rules, you cannot disobey them,” said her master. “There is no need to answer you now. If you pass, I will give you the answer you seek. If you don’t it will remain a secret. Let this be a little motivation for you. I will send you off with one more tip, look at things around you. They can help you survive. Now go.” Right when Ruby was going to argue to give a different warrior this mission. But she knew that he wouldn’t let that happen, so Ruby grabbed the little emerald sphere, and yelled, “Mission START!” Ruby ran to the portal as fast as she could hoping to not waste her time. She was starting to get a little nauseous from all the swirling from the portal. As she walked closer and closer, the colors seemed to change from purple, to blue, slowly to green, then yellow, to orange, and finally to red. Scared, a little dizzy but determined, she got her weapons ready to face her first creature, the giant sea
