Here are the links to some awesome websites if you guys want to know more about sailing ships:

http://www.thepirateking.com/index.htm

http://amhistory.si.edu/onthewater/

These sites have lots of information about all kinds of ships, sailors, history of sailing, etc.: all you ever wanted to know and more! Check them out...with permission, of course!

Last week we learned a little about the Yukon--or Klondike--Gold Rush. If you want to know more (and I hope you do), there are tons of books, videos, and web resources available. A great place to start is the library, of course! Remember: writing is an art form, and art mimics life; therefore, authors typically write about things (themes, events, characters) they have experienced in their own lives. It's really fascinating to dig into an author's background, and find out what events and people helped to shape their stories. You'll learn a lot of interesting information, and have fun in the process!

This week we'll begin our discussion of The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. I haven't been able to find an audio version of this book, so you'll all have to actually read it. PLEASE finish reading the book by this Thursday! You can do it--you may have to sacrifice something else, like TV or video games--but I know you can! If you don't understand everything in the book, that's okay; just make sure to bring up your questions during discussion. Have fun, and see you all Thursday!