An Ember in the Ashes II

An Ember in the Ashes  Sabaa Tahir pg. 50-100.
Informational Structure: Summary


Laia finds herself searching through the catacombs when she reaches the Resistance. They are skeptical of her at first, but decide to take her with them because she knows already knows too much. She doesn't tell them her family lineage, but asks them for help in escaping her brother out of prison. The Resistance is fractioned into two sections with two leaders, Keenan and Sana, who debate as to whether or not they should keep Laia around and help her. It's not until she reveals her family history that they decide to help her; however, it is on one condition: she must go into BlackCliff and serve the Commander as spy for information. Meanwhile, Elias is battling with his decision to desert or stay after graduation. An argur visits him, who tells explains that he can desert his duty; however, he could also stay and become who he is really suppose to be. Even though he doesn't understand at the moment, Elias goes to graduation still debating whether or not he should desert. During the graduation, Elias finds out that the Argurs have come to make the prophecy true, which states that the current dynasty will fall, and a new emperor will be decided, based on trails. Elias has been chosen along with three other contestants, including Helene, his best friend/possible lover. 

An Amber in the Ashes

An Amber in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir pg 1-40.

Argument Response:



Laia should have tried to save her brother instead of running because she could have potentially saved him and will always regret not doing something to protect her brother. The power of family and protecting ones family is something that every sibling feels; however,  I understand that some may see her running as an act of following her brother's wishes, who was the one trying to save her. Laia grapples with the decision as to whether or not she should stay or help. In the end, she decides to run, which is understandable, yet not heroic because she did not try to help her brother. She just stood frozen until the last possible moment. Due to the fact that she didn't help her brother, she now will always ask herself that question and wonder whether or not she should have helped him. 

The Fault in Our Stars pt II

The Fault in our Stars John Green

If you were a teacher, would you want to share this work with your students? Why or why not?


I would definitely share this work with my students, whether or not we were reading something like Romeo and Juliet. Even though it wasn't my favorite book, I still think it is a great book for students to read because he definitely elevates YA literature, but I also think the story is easily identifiable for teenagers. I could see some students loving the ill-fated love relationship; however, hopefully they would be also captured by some of his more poignant moments. I would not only have it in my classroom, but I think it could be used as a good mentor text for several different reasons. The language is very good and could be used for highlighting powerful language/author's craft. I could also see myself using different portions of the novel to possible start conversations or discussions about similar issues that deal with whatever we are talking about for that day/week/unit. I also like that he has several books out as well as blogs and youtube videos so students can further their love for this author and start becoming life long followers. The class could also have a good discussion surrounding the movies and comparing books to movies. There is definitely a lot of possibilities with this book for students to not only enjoy it, but actual use it as a teaching tool!