Milkweed+Discussion

Hey guys, um, I think this book is really good so far. I really want to know Misha's real story though. I felt bad when they shot his ear off that was pretty messed up, don't you think? Uri looks out for him a lot, I think that's sweet. I wonder what is going to happen to him and Janina. I also think Uri is a good example for Misha giving bread to the orphans and all.

- Victoria Blum

I agree with Victoria. I am really enjoying this novel. We made the right decision to choose this book. Jerry Spinelli is such a great author. Yea, I also want to know Misha's real past. I mean, it's pretty obvious that Uri was not telling the truth when he told Misha that he found his story. I wonder why Uri did that. Was it so Misha would feel better now that he has a history? Misha is very easily fooled. And by the way, I don't really like the name "Misha" much. "Stopthief" sounds so much better and cooler. And about the part when Misha's ear was shot off. I was shocked that he barely felt a thing besides a tag on his earlobe. Shouldn't it hurt a lot or something? I'm suddering at the thought that Misha lost a part of his body. I agree with Victoria (again), that Uri is really sweet. I like him. Uri treats Misha like a little brother. He found Misha, gave him food, cleaned him, gave him clothes, provided him shelter, and looked after him. Misha should know how lucky he is. But I have this feeling that sooner or later something will happen to Uri, something terrible. Remember at the back, it said that something bad happened thatmade Misha realize that it was best not to be anything? Well, I think that something involves Uri, since he is closest to Misha. The fact that Misha announced he wanted to become a Jackboot, a Nazi, I was really shocked. He had no idea whatsoever of what was going on. He was pretty much oblivous to the war going on around him. I honestly think that Uri sould explain everything to Misha, not to scare him, but to give him a reality check. I wonder why Janina is mentioned and given an important status in the novel. She was just a girl Misha met. What else is she? What will she be to Misha in later years? Oh my god, there are just so many questions.

-Felice Yang (02.12.2009)

hey guys! I agree with both of you i am really enjoying this book. It's helped me alot on my time period which is the holocaust. I can get a better idea of the time period and how people like the jewish were treated. I also have many questions like how did uri ciome up with a background story for misha. Like out of nowhere uri is telling misha his past and misha is believing every detail. I agree with Felice that Misha really needs a reality check. Its like he doesn't know how it works when it comes to the real world. Well thats all i have to say for now.

-Giovanna Ochoa

Now, I am wondering what role Janina will play in Misha's life later in the novel. When Janina first appeared, no one saw the real purpose of her character. At that time, she was just a small character like the one-armed boy and other children Misha met at the stables. But yet, Jerry Spinelli seems to be placing importance on Janina. Her name keeps appearing now and Misha sees her more often. What kind of character will Janina develope? Will she become more than a friend to Misha?

-Felice Yang (02.25.2009)

Everything is really messed up. Misha is at the ghetto now and nothing is the same as before. Uri works for the Jackboots. I don't like things the way they are now. It is better before. And I don't like Janina. She is so whinny and annoying. Uri totally disappeared. He was working for the Nazis so not to get killed. The thing is, Misha barely mentions Uri anymore. Now that he has a "family", he doesn't care much about Uri, he's all for Janina. I'm up to the part where Misha meets Uri again (I know I'm kinda ruining it for you guys, but I doubt you will really read this. I just need to say this, though). Uri told Misha to run, and he cleaned Misha up like he used to before they went to the ghetto. I almost cried. Though Uri was kind of mean and ignores Misha now, deep inside Uri, he really cared about Misha.

-Felice Yang (02.27.2009)

I dont think the story is messed up now, it's just moving along i mean did you really think they would live happily forever?How did Uri start working for the jackboots? I just got up to where Misha is going to the hotel and finds Uri. Then when he goes back he find Olek dead. I agree with Felice i do not like Janina very much. She is so annoying!! And shes like always willing to get Misha in trouble just so she can go places with him! And her attitude is starting to bug me shes always telling Misha she hates him! But i disagree when you say that Misha doesn't care for Uri! Thats such a lie! Uri is acting like he doesnt really care for any of them. And Misha DOES miss Uri, uri just not around anymore so that Misha can care for him!!!!!!

-giovanna ochoa