Brave+Irene

We read Brave Irene today on Feb. 2, 2010. During our read, we discovered that Irene was a very considerate, noble, and responsible little girl who never gave up even when the situation became really, really difficult. We know this because in the story Irene was going to deliver a dress to the duchess through a horrendous snowstorm because her mom was sick and couldn't deliver the dress for herself.

One theme of this story is that it is important to believe in yourself even in tough situations. I know this because in the story Irene wanted to die because it was so cold and miserable. Then she remembered her mom, and forced herself to get out of the snow and find a way to get to the duchess.

Another theme that we discovered is it's important to carry out your responsibilities even when it is difficult. Irene was determined to deliver the empty box even though she lost the dress because she wanted to explain to the duchess so she knew that it wasn't her mom's fault.

Don't give up just because things get tough. We know this because Irene was determined to deliver the dress during a snowstorm and things kept on getting worse for her but she continued on.