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The Traz – A Book Review 

11/26/2012

 
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The Traz – A Book Review 
The Traz is a book full of action and adventure, touching on issues such as drugs, gangs, grief, and the meaning of life. The targeted audience are young teens, but it is also a good read for adults.

The story follows the life 13-year old Katrina, who had lost hope and will to live after the night of her parent’s death. She makes reckless decisions and actions to overcome her grief and loneliness. Her choice of following Shrug, a fierce biker of the The Traz gang, changes her life forever. Katrina joined the gang to feel included, but soon life gets tougher. Katrina is at the bottom of the pecking order. Within the gang, there is no mercy and 
she becomes the target of their abuse. Her troubles increase when she witnesses a murder of an old friend. Katrina feels too entangled in this mess to come out clean, until she meets Chad, an undercover cop who offered to help her.  Katrina starts to feel a bit of hope for the first time. Chad is a nice guy, but oddly enough, he knows Shrug very well, and also knows something else no one knows.

The characters are very complex, having mysterious pasts and roles. Katrina possesses a wide range of emotions too. I find it hard to see her true personality, she can go from vulnerable to vicious. Sometimes I would feel uneasy with the things she has to do and witness, but it is the grim reality. I feel so sorry for what she has to go through. I also feel really sad sometimes, since I can imagine how much potential she can put to use if she was living a normal teenage life, in a family that truly loves her. Shrug is also a significant character that caught my attention. I am confused in the way he acts sometimes, like the time he hit Katrina was totally unexpected. I am curious to see his character develop, and maybe we can discover why he decided to live like a gang member. 
However, I am impressed how each little conflict leads to the climax of the story. It reminds me of how little white lies can turn into a crisis. The plot is very original, and I found it fascinating to see what it is like to live in a gang. The Traz’s interesting plot made me want to read more, and I can’t wait for Schuh’s next addition to the series. The Traz definitely makes a great debut.


Check out our journalist's interview with author Elieen Schuh

Top Ten Gift Ideas 

11/24/2012

 
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10 Holiday Gift Ideas

By: Alyssa Vidal and Dea Yu

‘Tis the season to be jolly! Here comes that time again when we hear about the celebrations, holidays, presents, gifts, and Santa Claus! Speaking of Santa, have you heard of Secret Santa or Kris Kringle? Are you participating in one? Or maybe, are you planning on giving a gift to your friend? If so, then you might want to read on. 



Here are some holiday gift ideas that could help you on deciding what to give: 

Dea's List 
(7 years old's opinion) 
1. Smelcils

They are colored pencils smell like fruits and candy! 
They even match the pencil with color of the fruit and have special holiday ones too!
2. A special magnet

It will remind the gift receiver every time they take food out of fridge or go into the kitchen. It also doesn’t take up too much space!
3.Glow in the dark hula hoop

When you spin it, it is great to see it glow. The lights make it so much fun. 
4. Dark chocolate

Everyone likes a little bit of sweets! And dark chocolate is healthier than milk chocolate even though your dentist may not think so.
5. A key chain that jingles

It is small and personalized with their initials or a picture. It is something the gift receiver will carry everywhere.  It may even help them find their keys!  
6. Skipping rope

Everybody needs exercise. A jumping robe can fit into your back-pack or purse so it can go with you everywhere. It is a lot of fun… and not as big as a treadmill!
7.Awesome books

I love books; I can’t imagine life without them.   Finding the ones that will be liked is the tricky part. So tell the sales girl/guy a little bit about whom you are buying for and they may be able to help pick out the perfect book!
8. Hug/Kiss Coupons

Who wouldn’t love a hug or kiss? If you make these coupons, you can get hugs and kisses and it won’t cost you a penny!
9. Breakfast in bed

Some days your parents might not want to get out of bed, I am sure they’ll love it when you make them breakfast and serve it to them. 
Babysitting coupons

Your favorite Auntie or Uncle would love it when you can babysit their kids so they can go see a good movie, have dinner out or just relax. This would be a great gift … as long as your old enough to babysit!

Alyssa's List 
(A 13 years old's opinion)
1. Some puzzle books. 

    This would be perfect for someone who loves to write and solve puzzles including crossword puzzles and Sudoku.

2. A board game or card game. 

    Getting a board game or a card game for your friend would be great, especially if they love all sorts of games and puzzles. I think it would not be only enjoyed by your friend, but you too, it would be fun for both of you!    
3. A snow globe

    I think this item is great to give for the holidays. Just like snowflakes, I think this would remind you of winter throughout the year. 
4. Delicious sweets such as chocolate. 

    Who does not love sweets? There are a lot of chocolate brands to choose from.
5. Art supplies and materials such as paint and pastels.  

This is especially for someone who loves art, whether they like drawing, painting or just colouring.


6. An album of your friend’s favourite singer, artist or band. 

    Is your friend a music lover? If he or she is, then I think this would make a great gift.
7. New sports equipment such as basketballs or sports memorabilia.    

    This would be a suitable gift for someone who loves sports, from basketball to football to soccer to hockey.
8. Stylish makeup sets and jewellery like charm bracelets.  

    Does your friend just absolutely love beauty products such as makeup and jewellery?      

    If you said “yes”, then this is an ideal gift for them. 
9. Headphone earmuffs or some cool earphones.  

     A unique present for someone who likes to listen to music and still wants to keep 

     warm and comfy during the winter would have to be headphone earmuffs. You could also just get some cool earphones, as it works too.  
10. Clothes and accessories such as hats and scarves. 

      Fashionista! Do you have a friend who is totally stylish and loves fashion? This selection is absolutely dedicated to them.    

Hopefully, these choices helped you in deciding on what to give to your friends, family members, relatives and or classmates. 

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