Reading Strategies Metacognitive Journal 1

Strategy Predict: Make a smart guess about whats going to happen next Quotation "Mr. Taylor was such a nice man, and yet there, a short distance away from the latest scene of a fire, was a mitten that he had made." (Sherrard 87) My Response When I read this sentence, I thought that Shelby is going to think that Mr. Taylor is behind all of the fires taking place near their neighborhood. I think that Shelby is going to investigate about this on her own and perhaps trick Greg Taylor into telling her about his life, in detail. This makes sense to me because Shelby is aware that Mrs. Taylor died in a fire that occurred in her own house, so she'll think that Mr. Taylor is emotionally hurt, thus going out for revenge. I re-read this sentence in order to understand what a hootenanny was, but I couldn't figure it out. So, I looked it up on the internet and found out that it is a Scottish word that means party or celebration. I still don't understand why the author used this word in this situation. There was no "party" or "celebration" taking place in this point of the book, so why does the author describe this as a hootenanny? Also, the donations go to the family whose house caught on fire, so why call it a party? When I read this, I pictured piles of colourful leaves everywhere and on the corners of the wide streets. I also pictured leaves falling from trees that consisted of hardly any leaves, awaiting to fall. This specific scene reminded me of a kids show a used to watch when I was younger called, The Berenstain Bears. Even after several years, I was able to picture the piles of leaves Sister Bear and Brother Bear made so they can jump in it.
All of the fires introduced in this book so far take place in empty houses. Why do houses that catch on fire not have any residents in them when the fire takes place? Is there a reason for this? Is there a conspiracy behind all of the fires? Is there a pattern? I really hope that Sherrard soon reveals the "mastermind" behind the fires and why they happen in empty houses. This scene describes the snow ball fight Shelby, Greg and Betts have during the cold winter. It reminded me of the snow ball fights I used to have with my friends. Also, It made me think of our local newspaper. In the newspaper, they write about young kids playing in the snow and how much they miss winter once it's gone.

Clarify: Look closer when something is confusing

"A hootenanny was held, clothing and furniture were donated, and the bank set up an account for anyone who wanted to give the unfortunate family money." (Sherrard 32)

Visualize: Imagine a picture or movie in your mind as you read

"The streets are wide and clean, except for in the autumn, when the leaves float down from all the trees. We have so many trees that in the fall the whole places takes on the mottled colours of a yellow-orange cat." (Sherrard 8) "The house was dark and quiet too, and I figured the family was out for the evening." (Sherrard 85)

Ask Questions: Ask questions to learn more

Make Connections: Connect what youre reading to something else Summarize: Retell what happened in the story so far

"Fluffy white orbs flew back and forth faster and faster until we were all out of breath and gasping with laughter." (Sherrard 75)

Out of the Ashes starts by introducing Shelby, who is the main character. She lives with her mom and dad and is single, but has a crush of Nick Jarvis. It also introduces Greg Taylor, who is the new boy in town. He lives with his father and his mother died in a house fire. Betts is also introduced in the opening of this novel. She is Shelby's best friend and is crazy for boys. The novel moves forward by showing that Shelby and Greg are gradually becoming friends. Then, it takes a twist by introducing many fires occurring around town. Additionally, Greg's father, Malcolm Taylor is a suspect and is believed to be the person behind all of the fires.

Reading Strategies Metacognitive Journal 2

Strategy Predict: Make a smart guess about whats going to happen next
Clarify: Look closer when something is confusing

Quotation "Then you might as well give in and go out with Greg Taylor." (Sherrard 154

My Response After reading this sentence, I thought that Greg and Shelby would become a couple. Since Shelby doesn't think that Greg is responsible for the fires in Little River, she will feel guilty for accusing him. So, she might start to respect him and then eventually start to like him,
When I read this sentence, I wasn't sure what Mr. Taylor meant by saying "Heavens to Murgatroid." So after looking it up on the internet, I learned that it is an exclamation of surprise. Also, it originates from America, from mid 20 century. Additionally, the expression was popularized by the cartoon character Snagglepuss, from the Yogi Bear Show, in the 1960s. When I read this, I was clearly able to picture how frightened and nervous Shelby must have been. Also, it caught on to my attention that Mr. Taylor must have been shocked because Shelby was searching through his personal items. Thus, Shelby perhaps may have been shaking of fear and must have turned red, like a tomato.

"Kill you? Heavens to Murgatroid! Where would you get such an idea? (Sherrard 130)

Visualize: Imagine a picture or movie in your mind as you read

Ask Questions: Ask questions to learn more

"The scrapbook went flying out of my hands, and I jumped to my feet and whirled around to find Mr. Taylor standing in the doorway. I'd been so intent on listening for Greg's approach that I hadn't even thought of his father." (Sherrard 125) "You actually thought I was setting fires? I could sense Greg's eyes on me as he spoke, although mine remained glued to the floor. That I would do such a thing after my own mother died in a fire?" (Sherrard 131) "I've been setting out fires? Greg sounded truly astonished, but I wasn't about to let that fool me." (Sherrard 129)

As Shelby believes Greg is innocent and not responsible for the fires set in houses, is he still a part of a possible conspiracy? Is Greg trying to mislead Shelby into believing he and his father are innocent? Is the author of this book going to explain why Mr. Taylor was a suspect, but later announced innocent?

Make Connections: Connect what youre reading to something else Summarize: Retell what happened in the story so far

Shelby thinks that Greg is setting out fires on purpose, which made me think about a recent house fire in Thunder Bay. Police believe that arson caused this fire. In addition, police investigators took into consideration that this was the third fire to strike vacant buildings in the southern part of Thunder Bay, in less than two months. From this point of Out of the Ashes, Greg calls Shelby over to his house to lend her some books. Shelby decides to go to his house earlier than the time that was decided by the two, in order to investigate and observe Greg's movements. But, a fire in Greg's shed catches both of their attention. Then, Shelby enters Greg's house and Greg goes to take a shower. Since, Mr. Taylor is not home, Shelby takes advantage of this moment and searches though piles of pictures and newspaper articles. Just when she found an article mentioning Greg and a house fire, Mr. Taylor walks in behind her. But, she later learns that Mr. Taylor and Greg are not setting out fires in Little River.

Reading Strategies Metacognitive Journal 3

Strategy Predict: Make a smart guess about whats going to happen next Quotation ''Nick wasn't the type to go out of his way to help anyone. I wondered if my infatuation with him had blinded me to something that was tight there in front of my eyes.'' (Sherrard 179)
''At first it looked like gibberish, but after I studied it for a while I saw that it was actually a cryptogram. (Sherrard 213) ''Betts frowned slightly as she pressed the cutter on the dough. This seems to be sticking. Just dip the cutter in flour between each one, Mom reminded her.''

Clarify: Look closer when something is confusing Visualize: Imagine a picture or movie in your mind as you read

My Response After the author revealed that Greg and Mr. Taylor were not responsible for the fires in Little River, I started to believe that Nick was setting out the fires. In this section of the novel, Shelby seems to gather suspicious information and actions of Nick Jarvis. This leads her into thinking that Nick is behind the fires in Little River. So, I think that Shelby is going to take her investigation into Nick's direction. I had to re-read this statement to understand what a cryptogram is. But, after reading on and confirming with a dictionary, I discovered that a cryptogram is text written in code.
As I was reading this, I pictured myself dealing with the same problem in baking class last semester. I found it quite frustrating when the cookie batter was sticky because it messed up the shape of the cookies. Anyhow, I was able to picture Betts' expression, as she must have looked red and felt embarrassed in front of Shelby's mom. I also pictured a delicious looking batter that is being cut into various cookie shapes. Since Greg, Mr. Taylor and Nick are not responsible for the fires in Little River, is Jane responsible? I wonder if the author of this novel is going to finally arrive at the culprit. As the story has suggested many suspects, is Jane the final one? If so, what charges are going to be put against her? Why would she set the fires in the first place? Has Jane been sexually assaulted, as the Shelby's investigation suggests that the person responsible for the fires has been through sexual harassment. As I read this part of the novel, I recalled the numerous sexual abuse incidents that happen around the world. Although it is easier to get help, most people do not want others to know, for personal reasons; this is exactly what this novel is suggesting. Also, we hear that this happens everywhere, but when we discover that it has happened near us, we just don't believe it.

Ask Questions: Ask questions to learn more

''Oh, I know that if she's guilty, she's probably going to end up being charged. I just think that she needs help more than she needs a criminal record'' (Sherrard 199)

Make Connections: Connect what youre reading to something else

''I guess people of Little River always thought sexual abuse was some horrible thing that happened other places. No one thought it was going on right in our own quiet town. But it was, and now it's easier for victims to speak out and get help.'' (Sherrard 212)

Summarize: Retell what happened in the story so far

Out of the Ashes was a fiction book with many twists and turns. It made me and possibly other readers to change who they think is responsible for setting the fires. This novel finished by suggesting Nick Jarvis suspect. However, it was later discovered that Jane Goodfellow was the actual culprit. It explained that Jane and her mother were sexually abused by Jane's step father. Thus, her step father was charged and arrested for sexual abuse and Jane and her mother were getting therapy to help them cope through their rough times. Also, Jane becomes good friends with Shelby and Betts. Also, Greg seems to like Shelby, however he had not asked her out yet. Greg is taking things slowly so he can make sure he can trust Shelby.