Alicia+Rescigno

=Passage Picker =

**There are many riveting scenes throughout the book of //Adrift on the Sea of Blue Light// by Peter Muilenburg. His descriptive writing allows readers to imagine exactly what's going on in the waters and on Breath. As the Passage Picker, I have chosen a few passages or chapters that jumped out at me for various reasons that are listed below.**

Title of book: Adrift on the Sea of Blue Light Author: Peter Muilenburg Number of pages: 253


 * __Destiny At Denton Bridge; Chapter 22 __**

This chapter really took a toll on me as the reader of this book. It's one that I remember the most and I would think it's because of the descriptions Peter Muilenburg uses to capture the attention of his readers. This chapter explains the wild fire that sets forth on the boat, nearly killing the passengers, but what's so miraculous is how they survive. Without the companionship of Santos, the Schipperke dog, I do not think anyone would've survived. His dedication to his master and his courage is what made this book enjoyable for me. I know it may not be the greatest chapter out of the entire book, but this one really opened my eyes to how loyal a dog truly can be.

Throughout the chapter, the Muilenburg family tries to do what they can to get out of a scary situation. Muilenburg's descriptions of the fire and the reactions around him allow you to step into this scene as if you were there with him. It is also a heart-wrenching chapter as the reader is pleading for the family to be ok, Santos included, and hoping that Breath will be able to take the treacherous fire and come out unharmed. Gratefully the family comes out ok, but it's unfortunate for Breath and Santos. Santos is missing and like a cat, has many death-like experiences and has always survived, but this time, the family feels it was his last and they will never see him again. He was a courageous, loyal dog and the family is heart broken at his departure but proud of the dog he was.

**__Importance: __** The importance of this chapter I believe was seeing the loyalty of Santos and demonstrating how difficult a situation can be and what a dog can really do for us as people. This part of the book was the climax of the story as readers feel Breath has come to an end as well as the life of Santos.

**__Quotes:__** "Santos made an admirable ship's mascot. His virtues inspired the rest of us-he was brave, selfless, intelligent, passionate, indomitable, as well as dignified, courteous, charming and very lucky." pg. 171, 2nd paragraph

""Come here, Santos!" called Dorothy, a center of calm sitting in the cockpit as shouts flew overhead and bodies lurched back and forth. She held him in her lap and tried to soothe him. He was quivering with excitement, eager to act." pg. 173, 6th paragraph

**__How does this passage reflect me as the reader:__** I am an animal lover, so this part of the book really hit me personally. I was rooting for Santos and for Breath because the world this boat has seen and the family it's taken with her, is just incredible. This climax of the story made readers root for the survival of the family, santos and the boat. It captured my attention and allowed me to think deeply about a time in my own life where I was rooting for myself or my family's recovery. I think this was a chapter that any person can dig deep into their memory about a time where they fought, cried, and triumphed.

Passage Picker Rubric
 * || NR || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 ||
 * Thinking || Justification of passage is inadequate || Justification of passage demonstrates limited insight || Justification of passage demonstrates some insight || Justification of passage demonstrates insight || Justification of passage demonstrates excellent insight ||
 * Reflection || Reasoning is not stated in choice of passages || Some reasoning is stated in choice of passages || Some descriptions and reasonings are stated in choice of passages || Descriptions, meanings and references are stated in choice of passages || All two passages have descriptions, reasonings and references stated in choice of passages ||