Novel+Study

**2 Pre-reading Exercise**
//Learning Intention: I am learning to make predictions and ask questions about a text.// **Title of your novel:** Midnight Pearls **Author:** //Debbie Viguié// **What do you think the book will be about? What makes you think this?** My first impression of the story was it would be about a girl, who has a special bond with the sea, possibly a mermaid. The colours and art of the cover has mysterious ocean colours and looks like a romance. I also think it will be an almost fairy tale story. **Scan the text until you find information that tells you about the setting: what can you learn about the setting?** The story is set in a fable Kingdom called Aster, this obviously inclines it is in medieval time. **Now scan further for information that tells you about characters. What are you learning about the characters (people)?** The main character is a girl named Pearl, who was rescued from the sea at a young age. She has always felt like an outcast, which worries her foster parents. Her only friend is a boy she met on the beach, a young prince named James, who understands her desire to be like everyone else. **Scan through the story. What have you learnt about the plot or conflict?** The plot seems to be based around Pearl and her mysterious past. Her friendship with James is vied by many: a disdainful king, Pearls worried foster parents, a jealous young mermaid, a love struck merman and the powerful sea- witch. The plot is twisted and confusing, with lot's of major characters that play an important part.

**3A Beginning the Novel**
//Learning Intention: I am learning to make personal responses to a text.// **Write anything you want about what you’ve read so far.** So far in the novel, it has briefly explained more about the setting, characters and the situation they are in. It is basically the typical story of someone who is seen as an outcast and freak to everyone around them. The character has one special friend who believes they have a special and magical background.

I was surprised with what happened in the next few chapters. It becomes more intricate and complicated. More characters are being introduced and The remainder of the story is predictable after these few chapters. Because this story is based on the fairy tale //'The little mermaid//' it is easily anticipated. I am becoming more familiar with the characters personalities and the reason of their actions.
 * 3B Reading On **

The ending was quite a surprise. I expected a much more tragic or sad ending because of the original story, but it turned out to be very satisfying. The only problem about the book is that the author seems to drag the story out, but then rushes the ending. It was a bit confusing because of this. Overall though, I enjoyed the book and would read more by this author.
 * Finished! **