Thursday, July 19, 2012

Top of the Heap!

Monday's Riddle opened up a great topic of discussion for our theme this week. When you take a look at the diversity of people, there are so many things that make us unique, as well as set us apart. But, there are quite a few traits that pull us together as human beings. Lizzy reviewed The Thing About Georgie by Lisa Graff, which told the story of a young man learning how to cope with dwarfism. Friday, we will be chatting with R.J. Palacio, author of the middle grade book Wonder. Auggie's story is a perfect example of a person's strength and determination despite great odds. One common thread between us all is the personality traits that we develop in the wake of being different. Today, we want to take a moment to share with you a couple of characters who really stand out among the pack and make the best of what they've got!

This week's top of the heap: Inspirational personality traits from characters that we love : ) 


Fairday: I have to shout out to Remus Lupin from the Harry Potter Series. Poor Remus, bitten by a werewolf when he was young, and then treated like a dangerous, walking disease by the rest of the wizarding world. He had no control over what happened to him, but he does have control over himself (when the moon isn't full, that is :). He takes every step to try to keep the monster at bay with the wolfsbane potion Snape brews up and patiently tolerates being singled out or turned away. He learned to accept his fate, along with the nasty glares and snide remarks made from those who think themselves better. In the end, because he was tolerant and kind, he had a great circle of friends and a loving family, despite the trials and tribulations of his nightmarish condition. So, here's to the nicest werewolf I know, Remus Lupin!
~ F

Tolerance: A fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward opinions and practices that differ from one's own. 


Lizzy: Lots of characters are unique and have some kind of obstacle to tackle. One of my favorites is Percy Jackson from the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Percy has a lot to overcome; even before he finds out he is a demigod. Having ADHD and constantly getting kicked out of schools isn’t easy. It is almost impossible to make friends, teachers seem to have it out for him, and it is hard to concentrate. Does he give up? Does Percy spend his time complaining? No, he tries to make it work at each new school he is enrolled in. He thinks about what has gone wrong in the past and tries to learn from it and not make the same mistakes again. The reason that I like Percy so much is because he keeps on trying. Perseverance is a necessary trait in anyone who has to rise above the things that are holding them back. It is this trait that helps him to be such a great demigod once he learns who he really is, because he does not give up. He keeps trying and working towards his goal no matter what. Go Percy!  ~L


Perseverance: Steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

18 comments:

  1. great picks, Lupin was one of my favorite HP characters! I also like Percy Jackson. I can't wait for your interview with RJ Palacio tomorrow! I loved Auggie's story!

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    1. Hi Heidi, Lupin is awesome! I would love to just give him a hug : ) We are so excited about the interview with R.J. Palacio tomorrow. Wonder is one of the best stories I have read, and it really makes you think. The writing is amazing! Great to hear from you! ~ F

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  2. good lessons!! we can learn something from everyone.

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    1. Hi Annmarie, So true! It's so interesting to listen to other people's stories about their experiences. Thanks for stopping by : ) ~ F

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  3. I was blessed to grow up in a multiracial, multicultural, multilingual place so I learned, through a kind of osmosis, what it means to be different and to be acceptant.

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    1. Hi Bish, That's awesome! It sounds like so much fun, and quite the education. Great to hear from you : ) ~ F

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  4. What a terrific post! Thanks so much for reminding everyone to be decent human beings to one another.

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    1. Hi Angela, Thanks! No problem! We promote that kind of stuff here : ) Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us! ~ F

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  5. Ooooo! I read and reviewed WONDER and can't wait for the interview with R.J. Palacio!

    Inspirational personality traits in characters you love...I'm storing that little nugget in my English teaching file. Love it.

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    1. Hi Barbara, We were so thrilled to host such an amazing writer. It's going to be great! Thanks for the kind words about the point of topic- it's a fun discussion to have, and there are so many characters to think about. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us : ) ~ F

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  6. Remus is my favorite character in both the books and the movies. His quest to fight his wolf side is admirable and heartbreaking.

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    1. Leslie- Remus is just wonderful. Such a strong and fascinating character. ~F

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  7. I absolutely agree with Remus Lupin! I think you captured him so well. :)

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    1. Petra- Thanks so much! Lupin is awesome! ~F

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  8. Lupin is one of my favorite characters ever.

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    1. Flex- I agree! Thanks for stopping by! ~F

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  9. Lupin was one of my favorite characters in the HP series. I've not read The Olympians yet, but so, so want to!

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    1. Donna- There is just something about Lupin- he climbs into your heart. I know you will obe The Olympians when you have a chance to read the series. It really brings mythology to life. ~F

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