Monday, October 29, 2012

Reflecting on The Westing Game


As your reading of The Westing Game draws to a close, take a moment to reflect. Since its creation several decades ago, Ellen Raskin’s work has been a crowd pleaser for its fun and intricate plot, well-developed characters, and witty observations. It is the kind of book that is timeless and never forgotten once experienced.

Write about your personal reader response and experience of reading The Westing Game. Who has been your favorite character? Why? What most endeared you to this character? What aspect of the book most intrigued you as a reader? What, if any, lessons could a reader take away from such a book? As a writer, what lesson could you learn from Ellen Raskin’s technique in creating The Westing Game?

139 comments:

  1. While reading The Westing Game, I had many personal connections with some of the characters. I liked Thoe for his brains and writing interest, Otis for his pecularity, Sandy for his friendlyness, and Turtle for her Bravery, wits, and strength.
    I definitely think that Ellen Raskin had fun creating these characters and adding traits that would tug on the readers hearts.

    --MGA

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  2. The Westing Game has been my first mystery I have ever read. So , far have enjoyed it because of its interesting plot twists and dynamic characters. There are MANY interesting characters, but my favorite is Chris T. He appeals to me because even though he has a disability, he does the things he love, such as birdwatching. My favorite scene of the book involves almost all the characters. This scene is the party scene. This scene is interesting because Raskin (before the party begins) describes the thoughts of all the heirs on what may happen. I love how Raskin makes you feel as if you are a part of the story and "decieves" you on what may happen next. This has been my first, and most favorite mystery. I'm so excited to finish the Westing Game today! :)

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  3. turtle has to be my favorite character because of the way she responds to what happens in the plot and her funny sarcasm. the aspect of the book that endeared me was the mystery factor that keeps you guessing.a technique i could learn i guess is developing characters and plot.

    -chase reese

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  4. One of my favorite characters is Turtle Wexler. She is one of my favorite characters is because is is sort of like me. (in a way)She is a complex person, just like me. She is not afraid to show her true colors.She is also very nice and trys to feel excepted for who she is. (not who people want her to be) She has also been nice and a loving character to her sister, Angela and the other people in Sunset Towers. Her sister Angela and her have like a strong bond and a team sort of view. Like me and my family. CW

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  5. The Westing Game has been a great book. My favorite character is Turtle because it is funny when she kicks peoples' shins. This character is a very interesting character that is well develpoed. In the book, this character teaches people to be yourself and don't care what other people think.From Ellen Raskin's writing, I have learned that a good writing technique is suspense. If you use suspense, it will help keep the reader interested in the book. I have been kept interested in this book the whole time that we have been reading it, and I am excited to finish it.
    -CH

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  6. In the Westing Game, my favorite character is Turtle Wexler, because she has the attitude of a teenager, but the brains of someone far more older than she. She is the main character in the book, which makes it easy for me to like her, since I get top see a lot of what she's going through, and the events that are occurring in her personal perspective. As for my favorite part in the book, it ios hard, possibly impossible, to choose my best preferred part, for I never know what's coming next. To sum it up, the Westing Game is a marvelous book, and daring as I might be a mad Harry Potter fan, one of the most intriguing books I have ever read! :)
    ~Shweta Veda

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  7. As I read The Westing Game it became more interesting. My favorite character is Christos Theodorakis. I liked him because he still went on even though he was in a wheel chair, and couldn`t form words properly. Also he is extremely smart. The parts of the book that intrigued me the most are the unexpected plot twists that happen. A lesson you could learn from Ellen Raskin`s technique is that you can change what a person thinks what is going to happen multiple times. E.D.

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  8. my favorite character is turtle. i love her wits and ambition. i think she's a complex character; she has different sides. on one side, she's a shin kicking little girl. on the next side, she's a stock market genious. and on another side, she's a loving sister. i think it really adds to the many layers of the book- the twists and turns. i love how Raskin leads you to believe something, and then changes it entirely!!! overall, i think it's one of the best mysteries i've ever read! :D

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  9. my personal reference of the Westing Games is that it really keeps you wondering what's going to happen. my favorite character is Sam Westing. even though he seems to be "dead," he still is able to plan that these specific people would live in Sunset Towers and they would all play the "Westing Game." i would play to if there was $10,000 involved.

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  10. The Westing Game
    My reading rersponse to the westing game is that this was a good book. I enjoyed figuring out who was who and making guesses on what would happen next. My favorite character would have to be Angela. She delt with her mother wanting her to be perfect and having her dreams on the other side. I liked her because she listened to her heart and found out who she really was. She realized that she should stop living in her moms shadow. The westing Game was a great book full of mysteries and suspense. I would totally read it again.

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    1. I dind't like the book very much

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  11. I really liked the Westing Game, because it had that interesting thriller into it! I like the part most when bombs were starting to go off in Sunset Towers, and people started acussing each other! It was constant, and slowly the heirs were figuring out some of the clues, and so they start thinking some certain person is the murderer! It is almost confusing as the heirs have serious Westing connections that no one knew about! It involve the suicide of Violet Westing, and the murder of Sam Westing, and that history before they were alive made the story and the clues crucial! I like the character Turtle most, well because, she is neglected by her mother, and she can manage! Well, sort of, but she kicks people like a brat, but other than that, she is smart! It is just no one sees that in her! And, to add, people refuse to admit that they could be the murderer, because maybe they weren't the killer after all! Things are starting to get tense in the book, and very interesting!

    -Marvin

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  12. Chills down your spine, sweaty palms, uncontrollable out-bursts, this is what happens when I read The Westing Games. When reading the book the suspense for what will happen next kills you. With every twist of the plot you just can’t stop yourself. Turtle Wexler is my favorite character in the book, simply because she is not afraid to be who she wanted to be and she has the confidence in what she believes is right & wrong. From reading The Westing Games. I have learned it is ok to be who you want to be and to believe in what you think is right and wrong. The way Ellen Raskin wrote this is in such a wonderful format.

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  13. The Westing Game is an amazing book. Turtle, my favorite character, is the most interesting because she is extremely smart, so she knows what to do in a dangerous situation. She is also brave, like the way se created another bomb and pointed the evidence toward herself in order to save her older sister, Angela, from bing blamed. Turtle is definitely an amazing role model who teaches people about caring for your siblings.
    My favorite part of the book was the bombings. This is becase it added a little terror and mystery to the story. Even though Angela should not have done it, it was a very good idea to use the candles. She was also very good at covering up her act, except for the last one, when Turtle found out about it. You can't keep something away from a smart kid for long.
    Madison L.

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  14. My favorite character in the book is Otis. I think Otis is funny and somehow relates to Westing, which is why he is my favorite character. He also is annoying to others, which is why I like him. One part of the book which was suspenseful was when they read the will and bombs exploded. Another part was when they were figuring out clue and steling from each other. Th ebook iteself was suspenseful by just putting it in the cateogory of Mystery and the plot itself. Th ebook and story was not actually "scary" since I'm not scared of books. Raskin brings out alot of character and character devolopement in each person over time, byu showing things they do, You can clearly see which one is the main character. Rakin also mixes in Horro, mystery and humor, which I do not like!!!! I think there should be dark humor instead. Overall I like the book but it wasn't a "great" book.
    ~~~~~~~VL :33333

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  15. One of my favorite characters was Theo Theodorakis. Although he never really did pop up as much as characters like Turtle Wexler or Grace, he is significant to the plot. I like him because he is a writer like myself as well as a chess player. Two things I like to do in my spare time.

    Almost the whole book intrigued me as a reader. I liked how we get to go into the backgroud of all the characters and especially Mr. Westing. I liked that Ellen Raskin gave you things to think about, but really never gives you an answer until the very end of the book. It was fun reading, but even more exciting figuring out the big secret of Mr. Westing.

    As a lesson I might take for a book, I'm going to use my defonition of a lesson. I like how Raskin uses things to create the voice of her characters. That's one thing that I really can't get down within my book. Everyone has the same personality and the same boring voice. Man, I need help.

    As a writer, (this might go along with the paragraph above,) I learned that putting a little bit of mystery in my book won't hurt anything. I didn't like mysteries and thrillers before this. Everything was fiction. But by reading this, I expanded my thoughts and learned that this book was better than I had expected.

    M. E. Hince

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    1. Although I really like Theo Theodarakis, I feel like I like his brother more... I also think that Ellen Raskin put lots of work into this suspenseful mystery writing piece! :)

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  16. The Westing Game is a confusing,frustrating, nerve wrecking,mystery about the death of Samuel Westing.8 groups have to find the murderer of Sam Westing while trying to find the bomber and theif of sunset towers.Can Turtle and the otherheir solve the mystery?

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  17. The Westing Game is a super book! My favorite character would have to be Angela. She is so sweet but has a secret identity too... a bomber! She's is beautiful inside and out, and I really felt a connection towards her because she is forced to marry Dr. Denton Deere. My favorite part would have to be Turtle's trial. My lesson about writing is to include an extreme plot twist. Have every reader think the suspect is some one different. :) So yeah... :P ~ Natalieee<3

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  18. Christos Theodrakis is my favorite character in The Westing Game because he is very smart. He seems to really love learning about birds and birdwatching too. I think that the most interesting part in the story line waswhen we found out hat Flora Baumbach, the dress maker, made Violet Westing's wedding dress, the same thing that Angela Wexler is having done. I also find it intriguing to read more now that we have found out that there seems to be reoccuring eventsin this plot line. i think that this book's theme is "People aren't always who they seem to be."

    -Callie Mauersberg

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  19. my favorite character is turle. She is smart and brave ,and she packs a pucnh when it comes to kicking people in the shin.
    The best part of the book is the plot. It is intricate and it leaves you guessing.

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    1. Don't forget that she took the blame for Angela, that's really caring

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  20. The Westing Game is and amazing book that is a real "page-turner." From its quirky characters, to its strange plot, to its twist of an ending, the Westing Game is the book for me. My favorite characters are Turtle Wexler and Chris Theoderakis. Turtle Wexler is always so sure of herself and everyone knows it. If she is feeling insucure, she just gives someone a good hard kick in the shins and she is feeling back to normal. She reminds me very much of myself (except for the whole kicking people thing, unless, you know who you are...) Chris, on the other hand, is quiet and composed, but is permanently boud to a wheel chair and has multiple seizures, but its not hat on the outside that counts, as most has learned. Chris Theoderakis is the smartest of all the heirs, and I believe that he will uncover the murderer. Everything about this book is intriguing. It is suspenseful, humorous, had many twists, with a smidge of romance. Everything I love in a good book.
    --Katie M. Cookie
    Book Editor
    Awesome Person
    Yeah...
    :) :P :D

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  21. The Westing Games is a great book it keeps you guessing until the very last page. First you might think it was mr.Hoo that did it and then You read the next page and you think it was Sydelle Who killed Sam Westing.My favorite charater is Angela because she looks sweet on the outside but when in reality she really is"nt and just acts like it.~Emily C.

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  22. i really enjoyed the westing games. it was a type of book i would usually read. my favourite charecter is turtle.she is different and not afraid to be herself. the part i enjoyed the most was the beggining, when sam westing was found dead and he claimed to be murdered.
    <3, MK

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  23. The wesing games is very good with all of its suprises and discoveries they unlock.My favorite character is Turtle shae is my age and she knows what she is doing qand when she is. She figures out alot of the clues in the book.

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  24. the westing game is a great book and it keeps you guessing at what is going to happen next i love this book because it keep get my mind to flow . but my favorite chactacter is Turtle because she feisty and nice. which is a good mix sometimes.

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  25. Westing game
    I love this book!!!!!!!!
    Turtle is my favorite charecter she is not scared of anything and is brave. I think everyone should respect her braids, I girls braid is her pride. kiding. I think i am a little like sydelle cause I sometimes fake stomach aches but i have not this year. I think if i put myself in the charecters place i understand the book better.A lesson i learned from this book is 1 not to pull or touch or look at peoples braid and 2 when you work as a group it is better. My favorite part in the book is when they put the song together.

    by
    a.c
    alexis cheek

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  26. the westing was one of the best books ive ever read.It's a thriller and a nail biter.My favorite character is sam westing him self and all of the characters he played.(Barney Northrup ,Sandy Mcsouthers ,and Mr.eastman).The wasting game is a great book and if you havent read it you should.

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  27. My favorite character is Turtle Wexler because she is very smart even though she is the youngest. One lesson I learned from this book, was to be careful of who you trust because not everybody is who they say they are. Some people can be totally different then who they really are!

    This book was really cool! I loved knowing that something was going to happen but because of all the twists, it doesnt allow you to be able to predict anything! It requires you to think and really, you have to keep track of everything and that is very difficult! It is very confusing but it makes sense in the end, but also leaves you wanting more. I very well enjoyed this mysterious and very fun book! Sam Westing was a very smart man, whom tricked everyone and made his death a game! In the end, eventually one person figured everything out the cunning Westing Game! I loved this book and will probably read it again to get a better understanding of it!


    -KMF <3

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  28. I think that The Westing Game is a great book. It has a lot of suspense and there are a lot of twists and turns in this book. My favorite character is Turtle because she kicks people in the shin and she isn't afraid of anybody. She is smart and brave. What really surprised me in this book was that how many tenants there are that are related to Sam Westing and know him personally. Overall, I think that this is a really, really good book.

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  29. My favorite character in the westing games is Chris Theoderakis. Why?? well, I like him because he may not look smart but he is and he knows how to pay attention and pick up on things before anyone else. I think the wierdest/mindblowing scene in the book is when the tenants return to the Westing mansion for the second time. I thought it was especially crazy when Sandy all of a sudden colapsed dead. I also thought it was cool when the bombs exploded in the coffee shop and in Mr. Hoos' resturant.I dont believe there is really any lesson to be learned from this book... its just crazy. I think Ellen Raskin did a great job of making this book full of mysteries and crazy, mind-blowing ideas.

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  30. My favorite character would have to be Turtle. Why? I like her because she is a kid just like me and she likes to kick people. She is very fun and entergetic. You will never know whats going to happen next with Turtle.. When we started The Westing Game i didn't know what to expect. When we were reading the 1st few pages and it said that Sam Westing was dead, and turtle found her lost necklace on the dead body of Sam Westing really got me thinking how that is possible. This book is very interesting but can also be boring at some parts like any other book. I give this book a 6. I think other people should read this book and get the mysterious feeling that i felt.

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  31. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  32. As I started reading the Westing Game I was very excited I love murder Mysterys. Th ebook was awesome!!!! I liked all the charecters but my personal favorites were Sandy and Turtle. I liked Sandy because is is acually SAm Westing and he is vert nice! Also he is good at pretending to be confused . Also because he pared himself with the judge she would never suspect him. Also i like Turtle because even though she kicks people she takes the blame from her sister about the bombs. This book intruged me because it kept you intrested the whole time. In this book I leaerned stick up for the people you love! For the writing style I lopved the cliff hanging mystery book. Over all I loved this book and would read it again

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  33. The Westing game was a great book. It was very mysterious and interesting. One of my favorite characters was Turtle Wexler. She was very bold and speaks her mind whenever she wants. Although, some of the people in the building thought that she was a pest, she doesn't hold back when she wants to do something. I loved that the book was a mystery. It was very tricky and interesting. Every chapter was practically different. I think that overall, the plot was very good. One lesson that you can take away from this book is to learn from you and your friends mistakes. If you do something own up to it. Don't give the blame to someone else. I think that the author used some very good aspects of writing in this book. It was fun and enjoyable. It was an awesome book. It drew the reader in very well. Therefore, I thought that this book was amazing!

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  34. The Westing Game is a great book full of adventure and mystery. I think that Turle Wexler is my favorite character in the book, because she figures out a lot of the clues, and discovers things that nobody else would. Even though Angela is her mother's favorite, she still covers for Angela and makes it seem like Turtle is the bomber. The most dangered person is probably Bertha Erica Crow. She is the most dangered because she is the ex-wife of Sam Westing, and she killed Sandy(maybe). Also, a lesson that i learned from the book is that people aren't always who they say they are.
    -Kathryn Cuadra

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  35. In the Westing Game, I personally like Douglass Hoo. Doug Hoo is my favorite because hes asain, Smart, a good runner, and a whole bunch more.I feel that I'm quite similar to Doug, because Im a runner, good at math, and Asian!!!! TO me Doug is entraging from his personality. =^_^=
    Stephen Pipes☺

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  36. In the Westing Games by Ellen R, I like Sandy the best because of this goofy personality! He has alot of smarts i believe , but he just doesn't show his potentail in the first part of the book. He was a very good actor as well!In this book , I learned many things like , never really trust anyone in a case and always have suspitions about EVERYONE! Ellen R's teqnique was very interesting because , you could never really leave the book AND stop! She always had you wanting even more!
    -JCho;)

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    1. BY THE WAYSSS(: I already read the whole book.. :D

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    2. me too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  37. The Westing Game is a great book full of mystery and lots of charecters. If I had to pick one charecer it would be Turtle. I endear her because she can be herself and doesn't care what everyone else thinks about her. Also I like how turtle helped her sister and they care for each other. Like the scene where the bombs went off at the wedding shower that was the scene that intrigued me along with the other bombs. The lesson that I learned in this book was to always stick up for each other. I think Ellen Raskin did a great job of keeping the book interesting and full of mystery.
    ~Madeline S.

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  38. The Westing Game has been one of the best books I have ever read. Raskin's plot twists, suspence, and strong words have been the greatest. These things have been a lesson in writers' technique ,for me. My favorite character was Turtle because of her strong mind, determination, and cunningness. The part where Turtle puts together what happened intrigued me the most, but when the clues were solved was a close second.TThe one thing I take away from the wonderful book is to trust no one, because who knows who they really are!!! ;D

    -Shreya

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  39. I think the Westing game is a wonderful book, you never know what will happen next! Everyone seems to have their own dilemma. Turtle has to be my favorite character. She's strong and smart and she proves that you dont need to be pritty to have friends. -Maggie O.

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  40. I really liked the Westing Game. It was suspenseful and really funny. My favorite character was Turtle because she is confident,funny, and has a quick witt.One aspect of the book that intrigued me was that it was a mystery book,but it was funny and not too serious. I thought that it was a really good and intertaining book.
    -Olivia Brookes

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  41. in the westing games everyone has different views on everything.my favorite character in the bookm would have to be turtle wexler. she's my favorite because of how different she is. i think that she's very intelligent and that she does alot to get the job done. the lesson that i learned in the book was to always be yourself, for example angela thinks that people only pay attention to her because she is going to marry a doctor. i think that ellen raskin made a very interesting book

    -ADG

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  42. The Westing Game is a very interesting book with lots of twists and turns. Along with that there are many characters in this book. My favorite out of all of them has to be Chris. He has had a hard time in this book and through his life. even though he is in a wheel chair he is just as important as everybody else in the book!

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  43. My favirote character is theodar because hes truthful and helps his brother. what intruged me to this character was that he is midful thinking. What intruged me was was he is shy and likes angela, a lesson learened is dont look guilty and its not what you have its what you dont have . As awritehelpful things would be to be open minded.

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  44. In the Westing Games my favorite character is Turtle because she helped out her sister by blaming herself for the bombing. my favorite part about the book is that when angela wants to go to medical school but her mom wouldn't let her. one lesson is that to always have your siblings back.

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  45. The Westing Game is a good book and it leaves you hanging, and it is a mystery book that keeps you going. My favorite character in The Westing Game is Turtle Wexler because she can be very nice and she can also be very mean and stubborn. Turtle is also brave and she takes a lot of dares. What intrigued me in this book was how Turtle's sister, Angela Wexler was the person that set off all those bombs. All the heirs expected Angela to be perfect, but she isn't. A lesson that I have learned throughout the book was how you couldn't solve a mystery all by yourself, you would have to share your clues or ideas. J.D.

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  46. As the Westing Game comes to a close, I think Crow should be put in jail for sellfish reasons and Sam Westing too for revenge. My favorite part in the book is when everyone discovers who is Crow. During the Westing Game I have grown fond of Turtle because I sometimes feel like she does. Her mother, Graceignores her but treats her other daughter, Angela sweeeter. JUst like my mom. She is sometimes nice to me and speakes to me with a nice voice, but with Sebastian it's sweeter.

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  47. When I read the Westing Games, I really enjoyed it. This book was full of mysteries and some humor. At some parts of the book, you would be like "Oh! He's the murderer!" and then at the next chapter, you would be like "Wait, no! She's the murderer!" My favorite character in this book is Chris, because he was the one who had the brains. He's quiet, but he is the person who was actually getting somewhere. A lesson you can take from this book is that some people may not be what they seem to be.
    -J.S

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  48. The Westing Game is a very mysterious book. My favorite character in the book was Otis Amber because he was funny and interesting. This was a very unusual book. I have never read another book like it. The lesson of this book is to not steel or cheat. Ellen Raskin is an extreamly good writer. I don't know how she thought of those ideas.

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  49. My favorite character is Chris Theodarakis. He is smart, funny, and positive. In the worst of times he always stays positive. He always thinks to himself “wow, this is fun”. He is also interesting . because when he bird watches he knows every Latin name. I think his mind is like a roller coaster. There are exciting and thrilling parts and scary and terrified parts. That is why I like him as a character.

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  50. I think that the westing game was quite clever. My favorite character was Chris.

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  51. I think the westing game is still a fresh take on the mystery genre. None of the charachters are searching for the answers in the same way, but all of them think they are doing it right.I'd have to say my favorite charachter is Sandy, because he is like the crazy uncle that encourages you to do stupid stuff and understands how kids think.

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  52. Chris was a nice, kind, caring caring character who was not hindered by his diability. Chris was quite smart too.
    S.T.

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  53. the westing game is a great book. it keep you thinking on what is going to happen later on in the book. it is a great book and i would recomend to someone who hasnt read it to read it. turtle is my favorite charactor because she has an awesome name!!

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  54. I like Mr.hoo the best. He was funny, and a bit of a "jester". He is very smart, and can out play anyone. Be careful though! Don't let him fool you, he is a master of disguise and can trick you fairly easily. Sort of like how Crow was convinced he was the bomber, but then he acted so kind that she thought he could never be the bomber. Mr. Hoo is quite the deciver!

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  55. I liked Mr. Hoo the best, because he is a little angry troll. He is always angry, not because it makes him louder, but because he is angry. I liked how he would always stay calm in mild situations like when someone dies. I think his invention of the paper diaper was a mass produced for adults with bladder probs. His first name was also my last name so that makes us like.....................................Relatives. Interesting




    Angry Troll Reflection Week

    Writer,Reporter, Editor, Producer, Exc. Ethan .J

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  56. the westing games is a very interesting murder story. i think it is a very good book but i have one favorite character. my favorite is Turtle because she is so cute and nice but she is also very smart. she has figured out a lot of the cluse too. i think this book keeps you on your toes and i cant wait to read the end and find out who did it.
    SR

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  57. The Westing Game is full of suspense and mystert, I love these types of books. I especially loved the part when everyone found out that Mr. Westing wasn't actually dead, the person in the coffin was actually a wax dummy. My favorite character in the book is Turtle Wexler, because not everyone values her for herself, like her own mother. A reader could learn that you should find out every little detail when you are trying to find out a mystery, or a problem. I learned that the author tries to do a twist about a twist trying to keep the reader reading.

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  58. When i read the westing game i got exited and i dont want to stop reading it. My favorite charachter is otis amber cause he was dumb and it made him funny. the aspect that intruged me as a reader was the mystery and exitement. a lesson that the reader could get was to always stay focused cause you can acheive great things.
    madi thomas

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  59. My favorite character is Sandy. I like him because he is funny. He is also "dead". Plus, he was Sam Westing and he kept that secret for soooo long. The Westing Games is about the murder of Sam Westing. But, soon it erupts into much much more. Because, among the tenants there is a bookie, bomber, mother, and other mysterious characters. I think that if I would take anything away from this book, it would be how to disquise the plot for so long. This is a great "whodunnit" book.
    ~Courtney Jacome.

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  60. the westing game is very good book. i like the twist at the end and all the suspense that keeps you reading.my favorie charaters is turtle and sam westing. i like turtle because she finds out alot of the clues. i aslo like sam westing because of how he made this game so tricky for the people of sunset towers or the heir/herirss.


    ..........................T.M.K...........................:)

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  61. I really am enjoying the Westing Game. It keeps you suspenseful. Out of all the characters my personal favorite was Turtle Wexler. She didn't care what people thought about her. She was just herself throughout the whole book. She also was very funny and brave. Theo was also a personal favorite because he was very smart and cunning. This book made me think a lot. It was like I was in the game too, trying to find out who the murderer was. Ellen Raskin did an outstanding job! :)

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  62. My favorite character is turtle wexler. She is funny. I like when she kicks people in the shins when they touch her braid. In the book the westing games you can learn to work better with a partner also these people never give up. Also this book is very mysterius.

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  63. if i had to be an heir in the westing games i would want to be jake westing because he is so calm in the book. i also like cris theodarakis because he is also very calm and isnt scared. they are my favorite characters. cris also watches birds. i think that i can write better now that i have red this book. it has given me better comprehention and writing skills. this also is a book with lots of suspence and thrilling scenes in the form of writing.

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  64. My favroite person in the westing games if DOUG HOO
    He isnt really that big of a help.... BUT HES is just like STEPHEN. Stephen is a fast runner i mean fast. he runs a 22 minute 5k. Thats why i like doug hoo

    The book was THE WORST MYSTERY BOOK. well it was also my favroite because this is the only mystery i have ever read. It is very well said. and the charaters are detailed.


    I LIKED THE WESTING GAMES




    Best wishes,

    === TANNER MAZANETZ ===

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  65. I really am enjoying the Westing Game. It keeps you suspenseful. Out of all the characters my personal favorite was Turtle Wexler. She didn't care what people thought about her. She was just herself throughout the whole book. She also was very funny and brave. Theo was also a personal favorite because he was very smart and cunning. This book made me think a lot. It was like I was in the game too, trying to find out who the murderer was. Ellen Raskin did an outstanding job! :)
    ~S. Alusma~

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  66. The Westing Games was a great book, with a very interesting plot line. It is definatlly a page turner! It was a great expirience to read the Westing Games. Along with the great book, Turtle Wexler was also great charictor. She was funny, smart, and was always herself. My personal favorite part of the book was the scene when Sandy died, and Crow confessed. It was a very suspenceful, dramatic part of the book. I think its important to be able to work together, and solve problems, as done in the westing games. I like the mystery genera that Ellen used in the Westing Games.

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  67. My favorite character is Theo Theodorakis. He is smart and cares a lot about his younger brother Chris. I am really interested in seeing how he looks in the movie. Theo is also pretty good at chess. I like it a lot but I'm not very good at it. I think what makes this book suspenceful is it always point to a different person like the book is pointing toward Sydelle Pulaski which didn't murder Sam Westing.
    -JN

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  68. the westing games left me wanting to turn the page even after we had to stop, and only a few books have left that feeling that.:()

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    1. I also wanted to keep reading. I didn't want to stop.

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  69. My favorite characters were Angela and Grace.
    Angela I liked because her relationmship with Turtle reminds me of my sister and I. Also, Angela's secret dream of being a doctor was very relistic, as was the fact she was the bomber.
    I liked Grace because I think she kind of knew that no one liked her except her husband (and it was hard for him) and that discouraged Grace. She certainly wasbn't the classic hero, but I feel for her. She already felt like no one really liked her, and then she was villianized as the controling mother in Westing's will.
    As a writer, I wish that my writing could have a similiar humor and sense of fulfillment to The Westing Game.

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  70. As we come to the end of the Westing game,we learn alot of lessons. one of those lessons, is to always be true to yourself. A good example of that is angela. she was one of those characters who is afraid to speak her mind, but thougout the book, she beacomes stong with herself. Thats why she my favorite your frinend J.S

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  71. In the Westing Game, Turtle Wexler is my favorite character. She isn't treated fairly by her mother, and has to live in perfect Angela's shadow. Even so, when Turtle finds out her sister is the bomber, she accuses herself of the bombs in order to protect Angela. Turtle also isn't just some weak, fragile girl. Don't pull her braid. You'll go away limping. Also, I thought Chris was underestimated due to his disability. Don't judge a book by its cover. He smarter than most of them and helped when everyone was confused about the clues. They're both kind and helpful to others so why do people judge them so easily?

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  72. The Westing Games is a very interesting book it is fun to read and throws you off into different directions leaving you to wonder who was the killer. My favorite character is Turtle. Turtle is a strong independent girl. C.N.

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  73. My favorite charactor is Theo because he is quite and has lots of good clues. But he keeps them to his self. The whole part about everybody going to the apartment building and them being expected to arrive and stuff. That whole part got my attention in the beginning and made me want to read more. A lesson that a reader could take out of the book is to work with other people and to be self reliant. A writer could learn from her technique is make suspense.
    - murphy

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  74. the westing games is an interesting book.it has suspence and mystery. my personal favoerite caractor is sndy/barney/ sam westing. he is kind, sharing but is also very suspecious.the lesson of this book is to never blame someone unless you have proof.
    wesley m

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  75. My favorite character is Sam Westing beacause he always kept it interesting.He had hidden himself so well no one would have guessed what his plans were.He was very smart and cunning.I loved the suspense!!

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  76. I have really enjoyed reading the Westing Game because it has kept me intrested in the murder and it has had crazy turns and twists. My favorite has to be Judge Ford. Throughout the entire book she has displayed amazing amounts of perseverence and smarts. She figured out who was mr and mrs. westing were and she took on the westing game with perfect organization and order. She was nice to everybody and she never judged anyone without a good reason. The book facinated me with its twists, turns, and suprises.

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  77. the westing game thee is a charator named turtle. she is my favorite charator because she will never let anyone take her down. she never is scared of anything she would never do anyhthing that would hurt someone with a bomb or anything she kicks.
    eh

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  78. the westing games is about how sam was murdered and who did it. all the people were put into teams. turtle was on a team with flora b.
    Turtle was put on a team, and she is very stong headed

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  79. Mrs.Baba has been my favorite since the beginning of The Westing Game. She's been so sweet and nice to others especially to Turtle Wexler. I felt sorry when Grace compared Turtle and Angela. She was judging and criticizing her 2nd daugther! Anyways, Mrs. Baba is like Turtle's, she call her Alice, mom. She greets Turtle with warmth and love. How could I not like her??

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  80. My favorite character is Turtle Wexler. I like her because how she is good with pranks. Almost everyone likes a good prank, except for the person who was pranked. I also like her because I see some of her in me. Such as how she gets away with pranks. Watch out I've got plans.

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  81. My favorite character is Angela because of her internal struggle. I also think that we are kind of similar because we are both quiet.
    My favorite part of the book would have to when Turtle goes into the Westing House on Halloween night. I like this part because in real life it is close to Halloween and I have also wanted to go into a haunted house.
    While reading the Westing Game, I have learned some new writing skils. For example, I have learned how to raise suspense and how to make an intricate plot.
    Overall, The Westing Game was an awesome book.

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  82. I really liked the suspense used in The Westing Game. I was excited everyday at language arts to see what would happen. I realy liked the character of Crow, because at the beginning, she was a very mysterious character, but towards the end, you saw her as a round instead of flat character. I have learned by reading this book to always leave the reader hanging until the very end.

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  83. in the Westing Games, my favorite character is Turtle Wexler. She is my favorite character because she would never hurt anyone with a bomb but she will kick people in the shins very hard. She always protects her elders and she is a very good person
    Sincerely,
    Anonymous(S.L)

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  84. My favorite character is Turtle because i think it would be the most fun to be her. I like this book because it is so suspensful and has so many details.
    (_() - that is a marshmallow

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  85. The Westing Game is a very intriguing book. There have been many surprising and suspensful connections between characters, for example how Angela Wexler looks and acts an awful lot like Violet Westing, and how Grace Windsor Wexler is Erica Berthe Crow's daughter. But trust me, there are many more. Throughout the book, my favorite character has been Grace Windsor Wexler because of her different, funny, although somewhat obnoxious outlook and mindset. However, I think I relate most to Turtle Wexler because she is young like me, and I think that other readers around my age will agree with me when I say that we can understand how Turtle feels in some situations, especially with her position in her family. Although I have to say that I don't kick everything around me whenever I get upset...

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  86. In my opinion Turtle wexler is my favorite character because she is very clever and mischeovous. She isnt scared to voice her ideaas and what she wants and if she is in a bad mood she kicks people. She is extremely trusting of Flora Baumbach becase she acts like floras daughter and flora likes her because she reminds her of her daughter, Rosalie.

    ~C.H. :{)

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  87. YOU DONT KNOW WHO THIS IS.... FROM
    ANONYMOUS

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  88. The person that endeared to me the most was Theo Theodarakis, because he has a dream to be a writer. My dream is to go to Stanford University. The best part of the book was trying to figure out the mystery in the book. I love mysteries because the are like a puzzle. You have to figure out who culprit is. You never know what is coming next, and you don't know who the murderer is.

    A.C

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  89. I loved reading “The Westing Game”. My favorite character is J. J. Ford, or Josie Jo Ford. She was very clever, and always supplied for herself. I became interested in her when she told Sandy about her past. Ford also tried to protect Crow when she was in danger. That shows her selflessness. My least favorite character is Mr. Hoo. I didn’t like him because he wasn’t proud of his son’s accomplishments. Ellen Raskin taught me how to weaver clues into her writing when writing mysteries.

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  90. (_() i like Mr. Hoo because he just has always been my idol in cooking. One day i want to be a professional cook, but not with a chinese restraunt. I want a tv show.
    -Marshmellows are yummy
    (_()

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    1. Haha! Wonder who you are XD. I like your marshmellows..... YUM

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  91. The Westing Game is a book I will never forget. My favorite charecter is Turtle Wexler because she is a young adolescent like us. Even though she acts a little bit childish, she is very smart (escpecially stocks.) She is also brave, when she went into the old house of Mr. Westing she was a little bit nervous but she faced the challenge. My lesson learned from this book is to follow this book is to follow your dreams. When Angela said she always wanted to be a doctor but getting married got in the way, I would never let someone in the way of my dreams

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  92. i thought that the book was really well-written,funny and overall intresting.I think my favorite charactor is Turtle because she reminds me of me she's not afraid of what other think and is her own person, but she also has her insecurities.An aspects of the that most integuied me would probaly be the overall the mystery itself and the clue. Alesson that a reader could take from the book is to be yorself and nobody else.A lesson that I could take away from has a writter is try to had intersing parts, twists andturn and keep it intesting.
    Alex S.

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  93. My experience was very good while raeding the Westing games. My favorite character so far has been Turtle. This is because she protected her sister.As a reader i like the mystery of the book.What i have learned from Ellen Roskin is that you always have to leave a reader on the edge.

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  94. We are finishing up our Westing Game reading. In the book I liked that it was hard to tell who it was, but I don't like that no matter how far you get in the book, it doesn't feel like you're getting any closer to finding out who it is. Most of the book was confusing (partly because I missed a day of reading) and it felt like at the end you just suddenly find out with no sort of suspence.
    -Walker Greene

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  95. The Westing Games has probably been one of the best books I have ever read. One of the things I liked about it was the characters, my favorite being Judge Ford. Why I liked her so much was because she is nice and smart, too. Also, her theory is probably the most realistic one. Another thing I liked about Ellen Raskin's technique is her humor. This is good from a child's prospective because it isn't formal. These different aspects make the Westing Games one of the best books I have ever read.

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  96. The Westing game is a great book so far. My favorite characters are Sydelle and Judge Ford, because they are the most clever to me and used their clues well. Ford waas able to make a hypothesis about how Sam Westing isnt dead and who he is. The book has gotten better as it progresses in my opinion.

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  97. My favorite character is Otis Amber because he yells BOOM all the time and he taught madame Hoo to say BOOM too yeah boom boom powwww

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  98. I found The Westing game exciting and suspenseful. My favorite character of the story would be Turtle Wexler, becaue i feel like i can relate to her the most. she's my age and i know that she has experienced a lot of the things i have. The westing game most intrigued me because first off mystery is my favorite, and it made me want to read more and more each day. Also, i feel the life lesson of the book is to be yourself, and experience new things. Finally, like Ellen Raskin's writing, i want my writing to keep my readers guessing like the westing game did for me.
    - R.G :)

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  99. The Westing Game is a very good mystery that keeps you turning the pages. So many conflicts and stories in one book gets the reader to add up to the murderer of Sam Westing. The creativity should be an inspiration to all readers and writers. My favorite character is Angela who decides to step out of the shadows and be herself. That taught me that rebellion of the norm is ok!!!!!!!



    Fredward
    "What about second breakfast?"
    P.S. It's coming.

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  100. TROLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOOLOLOLOOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLL

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  101. Every person has their own idenity, and they all have completely different personalities. In the book "The Westing Games" this very much applies to the characters. People such as J. J Ford who realize what they are really up for.
    Out of the many character iin "The Westing Games", my favorite is Angela Wexler. She looks sweet, and acts as if nothing in the world is wrong, when really she is bottling up all of her anger. She's angry at her mother for trying to control her life, and she doesn't want to marry Denton Deere. In public, she sucks it up, and acts as though nothing is wrong. Into the story, you realize that Angela is the bomber, purposefully tilting the box towards herself and not Turtle. Angela feels as though she can't control her life, but that her mother is taking over herself.

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  102. To me, the Westing Gamewasn't as good as I expected it to be.It's confusing how no one is able to figure out the clues. Still,my favorite character is Turtle Wexler. She's funny, smart, unique, and a dare-devil, so I can relate to her a lot.

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  103. The Westing Games is a great book about mystery and suspense. I tihnk the leason learned form this book is that no matter how much pressure is on your shoulders, after you do what you want to do, im a sure it will be gone. So, i think this leason points directly towards Angela Wexler. She was forced to marry Deenton Deere, and now she wants to be a docter, but her mother doesn't approve. This puts alot of pressure on Angela because she wants to plan out her future, but she is not able to. I also feel like i connect directly to Angela because we are both young people trying to figure out what to do not only with our lives, but with our friends and family too.

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  104. My favorite character in The Westing game is Sam Westing himself. I love how Ellen Rakin portrays him as an all-knowing character, almost like a god, because at his word, all of the other characters scatter like rats trying to figure out whatever mystery that he has layed down. I also have a feeling that soon, he is going to strike out at the one who he is out to get. This is a brilliantly written book, and it is one of my new favorite titles.

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  105. My favorite character from The Westing Game is Turtle Wexler. She's smart, funny, strojng, and much, much, more. She's brave too. Here's an example of her smartness combined with her bravery. When she hears about the Westing House, and how haunted it is, she's tempted to go in there for $2 a minute. She brings supplies with her (smartness) in case she must spend the night there on Halloween (bravery). And she brings her mother's cross for good luck. She's also the #1 shin kicker. And can be very dangerous.

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  106. I personally like Turtle the most. She is smart and is fine with the way she is, even though her mother wants her to always look nice and to be nice.
    The story itself keeps the reader guessing. I think that is what has kept the book "alive" and interesting to readers of all ages.
    I have also taken away a writing tip or two. Throughout the story, important information has been repeated. Examples are; clues, parts of the will, important incidents, and important situations.

    S.P.

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  107. The Westing games is a great book. I think the lesson I learned from this story is that you should do whatever you want to do, like Anglea wanted to go to college, but her mother pulled her out and is making her marry Denton. My favorite character is Doug, because everyone loves a good, dedicated athlete! What I learned from Raskin's technique is that foreshadowing and suspense is very entertaining as a reader and makes it feel like there are a lot of climatic points. I really like books that make you want more and ask questions. That really intrigued me as a reader.
    -Chandler C.

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  108. The Westing Game is a great and suspenseful book. It has a change of most likely suspect. As I kept reading it, the constant question I always had was " Who in Sunset Towers murdered Sam Westing? " My favorite characters were Otis Amber for being insane, Turtle for business knowledge and kicking shins, Chris for his optimism at any situation and Sydelle Pulaski for her feelings and cleverness. The bombings and paranoia made it even more suspenseful. A reader can learn about suspense in this literature piece.

    Signed James Geum AKA the Energy Dynamo.

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  109. I really liked The Westing Game! I've read the book in the past, but I think I liked reading it more this time because I understood more of the characteres. Ellen Raskin developed all the characters very deeply, and throughout the book, you start to feel as if you know all of them. My favorite character would have to be Angela Wexler, and she is also the one I can relate to. She is known for just one tiny thing about her, yet she has so much more to offer. She is very intelligent, though she isn't really able to show that side of her. She doesn't want to marry Denton Deere; she really just wants to live, and find out who she is. Ellen Raskin displayed excellent techniques of foreshadowing and suspense throughout this novel.
    ~Abbey Pinkerton :)

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