Shanna's Reflections on Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

1. Yes, it was engaging. Even after you finish reading the book, the story stays in your mind for a long time. Jodi clearly explains what is happening. The book is really addictive but she overdid some parts

2.She was trying to emphasize that we should fully understand a person before judging them. The entire plot of this novel is constructed around a high school massacre. It involves the events leading up to the tragedy, the tragedy itself, and what happens aftermath.

3. Yes, they do. I am not able to identify with them. Yes, there is one character in the book called Josie Cormier, she reminds me a little of my primary school friend - joining the popular crowd in order to protect her own interests and leaving her true friend just because the popular crowd thinks that she/he does not fit in with the rest.

4. Yes, the part where Peter Houghton shot and killed ten people and injured nineteen at his school. It gave me a shock to think that a child could go to such an extent just because he found the bullying unbearable. This lead me to a new understanding that you can't expect what will happen to happen the way you want or expect it to because most of the times, things happen unexpectedly and it is impossible to know how it will turn out in the end.

5. I learn that you should not make fun, bully or abuse weaker students just because you don't like them or that they don't fit in with the bigger crowd because sometimes, it may leave a very strong and lasting negative impact on them and may even cause them to have some kind of mental disorder and commit criminal acts.

Nineteen Minutes

1. Yes. It shows what happened during the nineteen minutes and what happened to the judge's daughter. This book is very interesting.
2. Friendship? Friendship is important we should appreciate
3. Yes, it is real and believable.
4. No, it does not make me uncomfortable.
5. We should not make fun of others even though he/she isn’t your friend and also we should treat friends equally.
-Yanlei

Zhi Han's Recount on Nineteen Minutes

Q1. Do you find the book engaging? Why?

I find the book engaging as it is very detailed and the story is very exciting and everytime i put down the book, i will still feel like reading it.

Q2. What specific theme did the author emphasize throughout the novel? What do you think he or she is trying to get across the reader?

I think the author is trying to emphasize that there are dangers everywhere. I think that the author is trying to tell us that no matter where we are, there are still dangers.

Q3. Do the charaters seem real and believable? Are you able to identify them? To what extent do they remind you of yourself or someone you know?

The characters seem real and belivable.No.

Q4. Did certain parts of the book make you uncomfortable? If so, why did you feel that way? Did this lead to a new understanding of some aspect in your life that you might not have thought about before?

No. It told me that dangers are everywhere no matter how safe we think we are as things happen unexpectedly.

Q5. What have you learnt from the book?

I learnt that there isn't any good bullying or calling others name and that we might be in danger no matter where we are, even at home.

Yanlei's most memorable childhood memory

When I was Primary 6, I took part in a track and field competition. I was in the 4x300m relay. On the day of finals, three other teammates and I went to report for the race. We were extremely nervous when we were waiting for the competition to start. A while later,the race started! The first-runner of my team dashed to the second-runner to pass the baton to her. Next, the second-runner passed the baton smoothly to the third-runner. Lastly, the third-runner passed the baton to me. I grabbed the baton and sprinted. At that moment of time, we were currently in second position. I tried my best to cut down the lead. For the last 80m, I gave my everything to overtake the leading school and I lunged to the finishing line, 1st. We did it. We won! That was the day, when I felt so improbable. And it was a memorable day for me.

Shanna's most memorable childhood memory

Two years ago, I experienced something that I would never be able to forget. I can still remember that very exact moment. I was standing at the starting line. As I looked to my left and right, I saw the other competitors. They were taking deep breaths, stretching and saying good luck to each other.
I looked down at my lane in front of me, straight at the eight hurdles and the distant finishing line. I told myself "I can do it." After that, I didn't think of anything else. I just wanted to run my best and get it over and done with.
"On your mark, set, go!" In a few seconds, the race was over. I finished second. Everything was like a dream. I really did it. I won a medal.

Zhi Han's most memorable childhood memory

My most memorable childhood memory was when I first flew and that was when I was primary 3.
I always wanted to fly so I was very excited that day.Unfortunately,due to my age,someone had to accompany me throughout the flight.During the flight,the person decided to make it more exciting by lowering the parachute nearer to the water and I could even touch the water!
Although it happened 4 years ago,I can still remember it clearly and now,I still hope I could go there and fly using the parachute again,but alone.