milkweed blog #1

                In the beginning of the book Milkweed, by Jerry Spinelli, the main character, Misha Pilsudski, is a gypsy who is fighting for survival. He has no family, and has been taken under the wing by a Jewish boy named Uri. Since Uri has red hair, unlike any other Jews, he is not recognized as a Jew, so he is able to roam the streets without getting harassed by the Jackboot soldiers. He teaches Misha about want to do, and what not to do. For Misha and Uri to survive, they steal. They steel food, objects, and about anything they can get their hands on.

                Misha is a character who is smarter mentally than he appears. When he talks to Uri, he is very oblivious about what is going on around him with the whole war. When Misha tends to be disobedient with Uri, Uri has one word to describe it. Stupid.  Also, Misha is perfect for stealing from other civilians. He is small and hard to catch. But the most gifted physical attribute Misha has is his speed. Once he gets his hands on a loaf of bread, no one is catching him. 

                The story takes place in the town of Warsaw, Poland. Misha defines the town as a town with "large, fine houses," which are perfect for stealing from. Warsaw is a town right in the middle of the war. The Jackboot soldiers are constantly abusing Jews.

                The biggest problem in the book so far has been Misha and Uri's fight for survival. I do not expect that problem to change throughout the book because in a town of mischief and dictation, what person would accept a gypsy boy into their life and raise and care for him?