“Sold” by Patricia McCormick Book Review By: Sujal Mirchandani

 “Sold” by Patricia McCormick Book Review

By: Sujal Mirchandani

The book “Sold” by Patricia McCormick is a fictional story that describes human trafficking in places such as Nepal and India. The story focuses on a 12-year old girl, Lakshmi, who lives in a small poor village in Nepal. Her family faces financial challenges, which is why her dad sells her to a woman who takes her to India to work as a sex worker. Laskshmi was unaware of what was happening to her when she got sold, and the book outlines her experiences as she tries to survive the cruelties. 

The book is very emotional since it shows Lakshmi’s fear and loss of innocence as she tries to understand what is happening to her. The novel is written in a poetic manner, which shows Lakshmi’s journey as she loses her innocence and becomes more mindful of what is being done against her. This makes the readers feel connected to Lakshmi’s struggles. 

Although the incidents in the book are fictional, human trafficking is a big problem in places such as Nepal and India. McCormick addresses such issues in this novel by showcasing how a twelve year old girl was forced into prostitution. Her writing style makes these issues feel very important and urgent, which makes the readers consider them more thoughtfully. 

Overall, I thought it was a good book, but I didn’t really enjoy the ending. While I was reading, I had many predictions on how the story might have ended, which all turned out to be wrong. I thought that the ending lacked emotional impact since it was quite plain and simple. But, it was still a good book and I think people who enjoy learning about real-world issues are going to enjoy reading it. I would give the book a 4 / 5 star rating.

Importance of Libraries By: Sujal Mirchandani

 Importance of Libraries

By: Sujal Mirchandani

Have you ever wondered why we need libraries? Like what’s the point of having a public place where people can browse a variety of  books in a quiet environment? Although libraries might seem old-schooled, I think there are many benefits of libraries for teenagers. 

Firstly, I think libraries are better for studying because they limit distractions. Teenagers can get easily distracted from any objects at home, which is why libraries are a better place to stay focused and get work done. Seeing everyone else working hard and staying focused in the library can help teens stay focused too. Therefore, I think libraries provide a great environment for students to stay on task. 

Secondly, the quietness of the library also allows for pure concentration. Inside a library, there are barely any noises, which allows teenagers to concentrate better on their work. Unlike home, where there are noises from other people, TV, kitchen, etc., the library has barely any interruptions, which can be very beneficial for some students. 

Lastly,  libraries are a great place for group work and communication. Libraries provide a place where students can collaborate with others on a project without being distracted. Students can meet with their group members at the library to get their work done, which is more productive than meeting at home for a project. 

On top of all of these reasons, I think libraries are great because they provide a different space for students to work in. Some people get bored of working at home all day, which is why they would prefer to come to the library instead. Some people might find the library to be more open and cozy, which is why they would prefer to work there. Also, libraries are great for taking small breaks in between your work. You can look through different books, get snacks from the vending machine, or just walk around the library and look around. 

Overall, I enjoy visiting the library every now and then because I find it refreshing and productive. I think I am able to get so much more work done at the library than at home because I can limit my distractions better. I think every teenager needs to take advantage of  libraries because  it can improve their efficiency.

“Dark Matter” by Blake Crouch Book Review By: Sujal Mirchandani

 “Dark Matter” by Blake Crouch Book Review

By: Sujal Mirchandani

The book “Dark Matter” by Blake Crouch is a sci-fi thriller that deals with alternate universes. The story revolves around a college professor, Jason Dessen, who lives a very ordinary life with his wife and kid. When Jason was young, he had big aspirations of being a scientist and inventing time travel, but he gave up on his dreams after he got married and had a kid. He sacrificed his dreams and talents to care for the family. But, he always wondered if it was worth it to value family over his dreams. 

One night, he gets kidnapped and wakes up in a new world which he is not aware of. He realizes that he is not the same person in this world. He no longer has a family nor does he teach astrophysics in college. Instead, he is a talented and respected scientist who has invented time travel. In this world, he is the person he always dreamt of being. But, Jason doesn’t enjoy this identity, and wishes to go back to his own world, with his family. In order to return, Jason goes through many other realities, in which he sees different versions of himself and his family. Ultimately, he returns back to his family and tries to start a new life with them. 

The best thing about this book was that it was very engaging and sparked curiosity. It kept me interested all along and encouraged me to continue reading. It didn’t feel boring or complicated, instead it explained concepts of time travel in a fun and easy way that kept the readers interested. This book taught me how people make so many choices in their lifetimes, each choice leading to a different reality. 

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book because the topic was very fascinating to think about. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes astrophysics or psychology and I would rate it a 5/5.

How art helps me express emotions By: Madhurika Velayutha Perumal

  How art helps me express emotions

By: Madhurika Velayutha Perumal

Grade 9 - South Brunswick High School

Art is one of the most fulfilling ways I’ve found to express my emotions. Whether I'm in  a mix of joy or sadness. I often turn to painting or drawing. It's like a way for me to step into a blank space where I can let my feelings flow to feel a sense of peace. Words sometimes do not capture what’s in my mind, but with art, I can express all those feelings out visually, making it truly personal. 

Each time, I notice how my emotions have influenced my work. On brighter days, I focus on vibrant colors and playful ideas, while on tougher days, I usually find myself using darker shades or more chaotic lines. It's fascinating how my mood can shape the art I make, and looking back at my creations helps me understand what I was going through at that moment. 

Sharing my art with friends or family has also been another great experience for me. When I show them my work, it lets me have deeper conversations about feelings. It’s kind of amazing to see how sharing what I’ve created can lead to discussions about similar experiences. This makes me feel connected, reminding me that we all have our struggles and triumphs, and we don’t have to face them alone.

On the other hand, I also love immersing myself in the art created by others. Whether I’m visiting museums or exploring art sections in public places, it’s inspiring to see how different artists express their experiences in different ways. Each artwork tells its own story, and sometimes, I can relate so closely to them because of the emotions behind it. This gives me new perspectives and motivates me to dig deeper into my own emotions and understand what they are trying to tell me. 

Overall, art has become a helpful tool for expressing my emotions. Whether it’s creating something new or enjoying the work of others, these experiences have helped me connect with my emotions and with people around me. The next time I’m feeling overwhelmed, I’ll surely reach for my art supplies, knowing it could lead me to a better understanding of myself. If you’re looking for a way to explore your emotions, I recommend using art as a strategy to help improve your mental health and connect with your emotions. 

Why I’m Interested in Aerospace By Mirudhula Velayutha Peruma

        Why I’m Interested in Aerospace 

By Mirudhula Velayutha Peruma

Aerospace engineering is not just about building planes and rockets, it is a field that combines curiosity, problem-solving and innovation.

When I first became interested in Aerospace engineering, I thought it was mainly about designing aircraft and building rockets. But I soon realized it is much more than that. It involves understanding how things work, thinking carefully and solving complex problems.

One of the main reasons I’m interested in this field is because I am always curious about space and how airplanes stay in the air and how rockets can leave Earth. These questions made me want to learn more about physics and engineering. The more I learn, the more I realize there is so much to learn.

Another reason I'm interested in this field. Is how it inspired me on how vast Aerospace goes. From our skies to outer space. How a field combined with robotics, computer science and math.

Aerospace engineering has also shown me the importance of problem-solving. It is a challenging field that requires logical thinking and careful decisions. It is a field where every piece and every screw matters. With many challenges on the way. Where I enjoy pushing myself to think harder and improve over time. 

Lastly, Aerospace is a field of the future. With many new tools and mechanics advancing. With each aircraft and each rocket a new idea and a new invention coming to light. I believe Aerospace has so much potential in the future for everyone.

Overall, Aerospace engineering interests me because it challenges me, makes me curious, and has a real impact on the world. It is not just a career, but a vast and amazing learning field.

Distant Light By: Aditi Anumolu

 

Distant Light

By: Aditi Anumolu

Tiny sparks in the sky

That seem so untouchable and high

Each one is different, never the same

They hop in the sky like it is a game

Stars scatter whispers across the night

The flickers of hope are illuminated by the light

People reach for the stars with their hands

But we can only grasp shadows in distant lands

Fragile Flame By: Aditi Anumolu

 

Fragile Flame

By: Aditi Anumolu

A candles flickers in the quiet night

Its flame bringing warmth and soft light

Each flicker holds a wondrous thought

A piece of hope that can be sought

I watch the glow grow small and near

Its flame is fragile against my fear

The wax drips slowly, marking time

It slows like dreams that fade with time