I'm reading a book called "City of Bones" by Cassandra Clare. I have started to read this book already, but I couldn't finish it because it seemed boring. Although I felt this way towards the book, my friends had said otherwise, so I have decided to give it another try! It is going pretty well so far and I'm enjoying what I have read. I'm not too far into it, but it's an easy read about a different world colliding with the human world! I don't know what is different about it now then when I read it before, but I'm enjoying it a lot more! I'm very excited to see how it all unravels in the end.

I've haven't read too much of it, but what I have read is maybe a fourth of the book, so I guess it's far enough for now. Hopefully I'll get a lot of reading done during Hurricane Issac. It's pretty suspenseful, but also very strange, because I don't understand everything that's happening. There are a lot of mysteries that have to be solved. The main character, Clary, has to learn the truth about her mother, her father, these weird people she keeps seeing when no one else can, and so much more. It all very exciting and I can't wait to read on.

"In Defense of Sleep: A Sleeper's Manifesto"

Sleep is an important part of a growing teen's life, meaning that it's a very important thing in my life as well! There are four elements that improve in a child, or teen's, life when they get the right amount of sleep. Three of these elements were studied and proven by a study done at St. George, a private boarding and day school in Middletown, Rhode Island. The teens involved in this study, in ninth through twelve grade, started school later by thirty minutes. The kids were happier, had better concentration, their health improved, and their motivation increased.

The kids in St. George were happier after getting thirty+ minutes more of sleep. Kids were happier to go to classes, and many sleep-related depressions had decreased. By a survey, the students who claimed they were unhappy or depressed dropped from 66% to 45% (a 21% drop). Also, the students' concentration increased during the school day than before the school time change. They ate breakfast and got to their first classes on time. To add to this study, many other studies and personal experiences, have proven better concentration after a good night of sleep. Another element proven to increase through this study is that the students' health increased. There were less student visits to the health center at the private boarding school complaining about fatigue-related issues.

This study also proved another element, yet slightly more minor than the other three. The teens were also more motivated to get the sleep they needed and wanted. Since they had a later start time, the hypothesis for the later start time for these students would be to stay up later, but after the kids understood what it was like to get the sleep they needed, they were motivated to go to sleep on time and wake up later. Since these results were so great and it improved everyone's life, the school decided to keep the later start time and henceforth increased the students' life by improving their mood, concentration, health, and motivation.

I got this from http://www.naturalhealthstrategies.com/teens-happier.html

In Defense of Food-response

When I first picked up In Defense of Food, I thought, 'Are you serious?! I have to read THIS?!' And the answer to that is, OF COURSE! So, when I started reading, I, honestly, hated it! I wish I had never even started it. But after I finished it, I realized it wasn't as bad as I put it to be. I was slightly confused at a few parts because he seemed to contradict himself and other health books. Also, he used so many long words and different vitamin names and ingredients. The idea of the book stood out to me along with a few other ideas on the right food to eat, but there were times where I thought he didn't put things clearly. Otherwise it wasn't that bad of a book.
I actually learned very interesting facts on certain food, health, and what we should eat. This book could teach everyone to eat healthier if they read it, leading to our nation's loss of obesity. In fact, this book might've showed me what I want to become when I'm older! The study of dietitian and nutrition seems very fascinating, and I think it would be cool to study in that field and work as a dietitian or nutritionist. Learning about the right, healthy foods to eat is fascinating and should be paid closer attention to because it will help out with many conditions in life such as health issues.

English Class (in My Opinion)

Hi, I'm Morgan! I'm just starting out ninth grade, high school, and I'm excited, but also a bit scared. After the first few days, it's been fine. It's easier than I thought it would be, but it will get harder and I'm a little worried for that! High School is very pressuring because there's homework, harder classes, higher expectations, and, of course, anticipation for college. For four years, all of that will definitely increase. I've visited all of my classes already. I have World History, Geometry, Biology Honors, Spanish Honors, and, to the class I'm writing this for, English. I can't wait to become closer to my teachers and learn more on my subjects!
High School seems challenging for some people, easier for others. It may seem like a jail cell or an amazing place to stay and enjoy. It all depends on the person and opinions on how you interpret High School. My opinions on it is that it's a transition from a little kid to an adult, being the little kid in Middle School and the adult in college. High School may be challenging, but if you don't go through with it, then you'll never be that adult in college. I'll take the challenge one step at a time because I want to be that adult in college!