Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a short novel by Roald Dahl. The story revolves around a young boy named Charlie Bucket. Charlie lives in a tiny house with his parents and grandparents. They are very poor, and life is extremely uncomfortable for them. Charlie is almost always hungry, and even though he loves chocolate, he only gets to have it once a year. Every year, his family saves up so that Charlie can have one small chocolate bar as a special birthday gift.

Despite his challenging circumstances, Charlie is cheerful and kind-hearted. He loves to hear stories from his grandparents about a magnificent chocolate factory that is run by a man called Willy Wonka. One day, the newspaper has a huge headline that Willy Wonka will allow five lucky children to visit his factory. To select these children, he will hide five golden tickets in completely random Wonka bars. The children who find these golden tickets will be allowed to enter Willy Wonka’s factory. 

Once this exciting news gets out, everyone in town rushes to find one of the golden tickets. Charlie wishes that he could get one of the tickets, but he knows that he has very little chance. However, one day he miraculously finds a dollar bill. He uses it to buy a Wonka chocolate bar. As he opens the wrapper, he is shocked to see a brilliant flash of gold.  Against all odds, Charlie becomes the last child to discover one of the five golden tickets. The experiences that come next are more amazing than he could have ever imagined.

I really enjoyed reading this book, because I liked all of the fun and entertaining characters. I especially liked reading about Willy Wonka’s eccentric personality. I also found the story very engaging. I constantly wanted to know what would happen next. The book is filled with surprises and it was hard to put it down once I started reading. I also especially enjoyed all of the quirky inventions that Willy Wonka kept secret inside his factory. Overall, this book is exceptionally humorous and exciting, and I would recommend it to readers of all ages.

My Favorite Quotes and Why

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Quotes are often discarded and ignored, seen as meaningless words that are repeated uselessly. However, there are many quotes that are actually quite inspirational and can be applied to anyone’s daily life. Here are some of my favorite quotes, along with explanations and analysis.

“Everything you want is on the other side of fear” – This quote suggests that growth and success cannot be achieved without facing our fears. Hesitation and discomfort is what stops us from achieving what we want. By stepping out of our comfort zones and taking action, we are able to reach our goals. Taking risks is the first step in growth.

“Don’t be afraid of losing people, be afraid of losing yourself” – As the quote indicates, it is not our jobs to worry what others think or believe. Let people assume what they want to, because what truly matters is your own personal opinion. Changing yourself just because of another person’s opinion is harmful and unauthentic to your identity.

“Hatred is the poison we drink, hoping the other person will die” – This quote compares hatred to poison metaphorically; poison hurts the one who consumes it, just as hatred harms us. This quote indicates that holding onto anger or resentment hurts ourselves emotionally and mentally. It highlights the irrationality of hatred, showing that although we may think our anger punishes the other person, it only damages us.

“Nothing changes if nothing changes” – This quote is repetitive and seemingly ridiculous. But if you stop to think about it, it accurately represents the world. So many of us complain about problems, but do not actively try to fix them. Nothing changes, if nothing changes. We cannot improve anything if we do not do anything about it. You can either continue to live a life you are just okay with, or you can take responsibility and live a life you truly enjoy.

“you don’t meet anyone by accident” – Nobody in your life is meaningless. Even those that harm you, even those that seem to distract you from your goals. Everyone you meet has a role in your story and an impact in your journey. Each person teaches you a new lesson and can help you improve yourself. It is important to understand that interactions with others are valuable.

“It won’t happen overnight. But if you quit, it won’t happen at all” – Small progress is still progress. Oftentimes, we lose motivation and interest and begin to drift away from our goals because it seems unachievable. But this quote reminds us that anything will bring you closer to success, except for stopping. You cannot achieve anything by quitting.

Book review: Daisy Jones & The Six

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Book cover of Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

Daisy Jones & The Six are one of the few books to leave a lingering ache after the last page. This book explores the lives of a band and a talented singer and songwriter Daisy Jones. The interview-style format for this book was captivating and I thought it was different.

Each character had their own internal thoughts. You really got to know what each character’s thought process was like and I thought that was interesting. I think Daisy Jones is definitely one of the most complex yet relatable characters ever written. The way Reid introduced her background story was a strategic move. It made sense she acted the way she did with how she handled addiction. It was really interesting how she seemed lost yet found with the band. I really wished Reid added more angst and interactions with Daisy and Billy. I understood that they were probably going to fall for each other but I wish there were more conversations between them before Daisy almost kissed him. Camila was also one of the most infuriating characters for me. She really got on my nerves throughout the entire book. I hate how the book made it seem like she was this extraordinary woman when really she was just a selfish woman who wanted things her way no matter what. I understand she stayed because she loved Billy and had a baby on the way. What I don’t understand is why you would stay with him knowing he loved another woman. I think Billy definitely just convinced himself he loved Camila more than he loved Daisy because of what she endured for him. The talk Camila gave Daisy before she left the band honestly gave away what type of woman she is. I honestly don’t believe Daisy would have left the band if Camila didn’t talk to her that night. She talked to her in such a manner that it seemed she wanted the best for her, when really she just wanted Daisy out of the way of her marriage. The Graham and Karen dynamic was also pretty messy. If Graham and Karen had talked the whole baby situation out I do think they would’ve been together or the very least friends. I also understand Karen’s frustration towards Graham when he insisted on her keeping the baby, considering she wanted to focus on her career. Eddie also made me kind of man. I get why he was upset at times but he’s literally not the main focus of the band. Pete and Warren were kind of in their own world. They were a part of the band but they weren’t really a part of the drama. It makes sense they all broke apart at the end but it was sad to see. Overall, this book really showed a lot of insight on what type of lives people in bands live. Looking past the romance and drama, the novel looks into how addiction and talent can create extraordinary art and destroy it. Each character goes through obstacles that test their limits. 

My Top Songs By Drake

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Drake is definitely one of the best artists of all time. His use of clever wordplay and his catchy flow always get me hooked on many of his songs. Drake’s versatility and ability to blend multiple genres allow him to reach a wider audience and appeal to people in different moods.

  1. Tried Our Best – This song has a calm and late-night kind of vibe. The beat feels smooth and reflective, almost like driving alone at night. It is soft, emotional, and easy to get stuck in your head.
  2. What Would Pluto Do – This track has a confident and hype energy. The beat is very steady and catchy, with a cool and laid-back feel. It gives off a smooth and powerful mood.
  3. Feel No Ways – This song feels nostalgic and mellow. The beat has a soft, almost dreamy sound that makes it feel emotional but still catchy. In my opinion, his singing sounds great here. It is perfect for relaxing or thinking.
  4. You Broke My Heart – This one has more intensity and energy compared to the other songs. The beat hits harder and gives off a bolder vibe. It feels emotional but also strong and energized. It’s a great song for getting your energy up during a workout or pregame.
  5. Star67 – This song has a dark feel at first, which shifts into something more upbeat. The beat switch makes it more dynamic and exciting. It feels like a movie when you are listening to this song.

Importance of Reading Books

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In a time when people are so engrossed in their phones and social media, scrolling endlessly for hours, and focusing on their digital lives and those of many others they might not even know, people sometimes forget the power of reading. With the rise of technology use in the world, people are reading books less often. For billions of years, books have been a beacon of knowledge for everyone. The many different genres and styles of books from various authors provide people with entertainment, information, or different insights about things in the world. Reading is not only a way to tackle boredom, but it can also strengthen the brain when reading for long periods of time. Unlike the short videos on social media that lower the attention span, reading strengthens concentration as the brain reads for long periods of time. It also expands the vocabulary because, as people read, there will be many words that appear and get assimilated into the vocabulary. These will be beneficial in school, as an expanded vocabulary and a focused brain can aid in absorbing knowledge in school. 

Many books inform about the parts that people don’t see, such as the downsides that show the true colors of society, or the upsides that make life worth living. This allows the readers to experience life through different lenses. Reading about things that people are unfamiliar with can build empathy because it gives people the opportunity to understand and empathize from a different perspective. This will not only aid in personal growth, but it will also help people understand things in real life, which is great for society. 

Obviously, people still read books in the world, but it has definitely decreased over the last few decades. However, technology is not the sole reason for these results. In fact, technology can also be used to read books digitally. The lack of reading is also caused by easier entertainment alternatives, such as social media, streaming platforms, and gaming, which entertain people with little mental effort. Also, some people just don’t want to read. People don’t read books for leisure, and mostly read them when it’s a requirement. Although fewer people are reading for fun today, it’s never too late to start or rediscover this habit. Even if it’s just a few pages a day, reading can go a long way.

Things to do in San Francisco – Part One

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Growing up, I often went to San Francisco to visit my family up north. San Fransico is a charming city with beautiful sites, delicious food, and plenty of fun activities to do. Below are some of my favorite must-dos when visiting the city.

Places to Explore:

Crissy Field – this area is near the marina part of San Fransico. Crissy Field offers an amazing, safe place to walk around and see great views of the Golden Gate Bridge, as well as nearby attractions like the Palace of Fine Arts. Over the summer, I loved running in this area and found Crissy Field to be a nice, open area to run. Another plus of Crissy Field is that there are plenty of other active people around, so you don’t feel unsafe running or walking alone.

Palace of Fine Arts – I mentioned this earlier, but the Palace of Fine Arts is a fine place to walk around and view the beautiful temple-looking architecture. Stop by this attraction to take nice photos and enjoy a peaceful walk.

Golden Gate Park – this is hands down my favorite park ever. I also ran here and completed 10 miles in this park. There was never a dull moment on this run, and I found myself constantly looking around to sightsee all the wonderful things around me. The Golden Gate Park is home to beautiful greenery, pretty gardens, and endless fields. It’s such a secluded part of the city, and it’s a great getaway from the bustling town. I saw many people here biking, walking, and running. On warmer days, it’s a popular place for picnics. Below is a list of other gardens or places you can visit at Golden Gate Park:

  • The San Francisco Botanical Garden
  • The Japanese Tea Garden
  • The Rainforest and Aquarium at the California Academy of Sciences
  • The Conservatory of Flowers
  • Stow Lake
  • Shakespeare Garden
  • The Dutch and Murphy Windmills
  • The Beach Chalet (great view)

The Ferry Plaza Building – a great place to see local businesses selling all kinds of products, mostly food. This historical building displays pop-ups from many different businesses that sell unique, handmade goods. Stop by to buy homemade sourdough, a cone of Humphry’s Slocone, or a cute souvenir. If you aren’t into shopping, the Ferry Plaza Building is a great place to window-shop.

The Painted Ladies – although this is a very touristy attraction, The Painted Ladies are a must-see when in San Francisco. These iconic houses are featured in the show Full House and Fuller House. Stop at the park across the street to enjoy a peaceful sunset picnic with The Painted Ladies in full view.

The Fillmore District – San Francisco is home to numerous neighborhoods that are cute and filled with fun shops and restaurants. The Fillmore District is one of my favorite neighborhoods to walk around and window shop. I highly recommend visiting it if you have a chance!

That about wraps up some of my favorite places to explore in San Francisco. I hope this article was helpful and insightful!! 

Allen Iverson-The small giant

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Have you ever watched NBA? When you watch NBA, you will see lots of giants such as Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio Spurs, LeBron James in LA Lakers, and Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee Bucks. These guys are at least 6’8. But there were many short basketball players in NBA history especially Allen Iverson who played for Philadelphia 76ers and got MVP in 2001. In this post, I am going to talk about Allen Iverson, the small giant in NBA.

Allen Iverson was born in Hampton, Virginia, 1975. When he was a high-schooler, he played two sports, basketball and football. He was also really good at football as a quarterback. Although Iverson was so good at football, he decided to play basketball in college and scored 23 points per game. In 1996, Iverson joined NBA draft and Philadelphia 76ers selected him as the first pick. When he made a debut, a lot of fans concerned because of his small size and skinny body. But he proved his skill and capability as a result. One of the moments that showed Iverson’s fearless mentality was when he confidently faced Michael Jordan early in his career. Despite being much smaller, Iverson attacked his defender and played without hesitation, proving that confidence and skill can challenge even the greatest players. Even though Iverson became NBA star, 76ers still didn’t go to playoffs or eliminated in 1st or 2nd round because nobody helped Iverson in offense. But in 2001, Sixers became different team and they got 56 wins against 26 loses. Iverson improved again he averaged 31.1 points per game and won 2001 MVP. In 1st round, Sixers won against Indiana Pacers in 4 games but they played 7 games on 2nd round and Conference final against Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks. It made all Sixers players were exhausted. They faced LA Lakers they had Kobe Bryant and Shaq. Sixers played 7 games on 2nd round and Conference final, while Lakers went to final without losing. Many NBA fans expected Lakers will crush Allen Iverson. But in game 1, Iverson scored 48 points including 30 points in first half. Thank of his performance, Sixers defeated Lakers in overtime. Although they lost in final, his performance proved that size was not a limitation for him; instead, his confidence, skill, and competitive spirit allowed him to compete against the league’s biggest stars on the biggest stage. After 2001, his performance was still top of the NBA, but not like 2001. He played for Denver Nuggets and Detroit Pistons. In 2013, he retired.

Although some critics pointed to his field goal percentage or ball-dominant style, Allen Iverson changed the way people viewed smaller players in the NBA. In a league dominated by height and physical power, he proved that speed, skill, and fearless confidence could compete with size. His 2001 season and Final performance remain one of the most iconic moments in basketball history. Iverson did not just become a superstar — he became a symbol of belief for undersized players everywhere. That is why Allen Iverson will always be remembered as a true “small giant.”

Shaq and Allen Iverson Headline the Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2016 - Maxim

The Rent Collector by Camron Wright

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Some books make their impact slowly. The Rent Collector by Camron Wright is one of those stories that doesn’t rely on plot twists or dramatic pacing, but instead settles into you through its ideas. Set in a Cambodian landfill, the novel follows Sang Ly, a mother whose life is defined by survival: finding food, protecting her son, and enduring poverty that feels inescapable. But the heart of the story isn’t just where she lives; it’s how she learns to see herself.

What struck me most while reading was how literacy is treated as something deeply personal, not just practical. Learning to read doesn’t immediately change Sang Ly’s circumstances, but it changes her sense of possibility. In a place where dreaming feels risky, education becomes a quiet form of hope. That idea felt especially meaningful to me, because it reframes learning as more than schoolwork or achievement; it becomes a way of reclaiming dignity.

The most unexpected part of the novel is Sang Ly’s relationship with the rent collector, Sopeap Sin. At first, Sopeap represents fear and control, someone whose power is built on intimidation. But as her love for literature and storytelling is revealed, the novel complicates the idea of good versus evil. Sopeap’s character shows how people can be shaped by trauma and still be capable of beauty. This relationship is uncomfortable at times, but that discomfort is what makes it honest.

For teen readers, The Rent Collector offers a perspective shift. It’s easy to think of education as an obligation or a burden, especially when school feels overwhelming. This novel reminds us that learning is a privilege and one that can become a lifeline. Sang Ly’s determination to learn, despite exhaustion and fear, highlights how access to knowledge can change the way someone imagines their future, even if it doesn’t change their present right away.

By the time I finished the book, I wasn’t thinking about the landfill as much as I was thinking about stories themselves. The Rent Collector suggests that stories preserve humanity when everything else is stripped away. They hold memory, identity, and hope, things that can’t be taken, even in the harshest conditions. This book didn’t leave me feeling devastated or inspired in an obvious way. Instead, it left me more aware of how powerful something as simple as a story can be and how easily we forget that.

Science Series – Article Two: Essential vitamins 

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Everyone comes from a different upbringing, with different opinions, traditions, and expectations. However, almost all families would agree that fruits and vegetables are essential for providing vitamins that strengthen health. In my life, I’ve always heard about the importance of vitamins and supplements that help the body. This widely taught truth (of the importance of vitamins) was one I never fully understood as a kid. To me, vitamins were just there. They were just pills I dreaded to take in the morning, a part of my routine that I was forced to do. I never felt any significant change from taking vitamins, so I didn’t understand their importance. To be honest, I still don’t know their full purpose and benefits.

However, this article will answer the important question of “Why do we care about vitamins?” 

First of all, what are vitamins? Vitamins are essential substances that help our cells to function, develop, and grow properly. Fascinatingly, the word vitamin embodies its meaning, with “vita” meaning life and “amine” referencing essential organic substances. Without vitamins, our bodies would not work properly.

Our bodies rely on 13 vitamins, including A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, C, D, E, and K. Here is a short summary of what each vitamin does:

  • A: forms healthy and strong bones, teeth, tissue, skin, and helps improve sight
  • B1: turns carbs into energy
  • B2: produces red blood cells, which improve our immunity
  • B3: maintains healthy skin
  • B5: metabolizes food and produces hormones and cholesterol
  • B6: maintains brain function
  • B7:  metabolizes proteins and carbs
  • B9: helps produce DNA
  • B12: assists metabolism + nervous system
  • C: helps wound healing, promotes healthy teeth, and absorbs iron
  • D: helps the body to absorb calcium
  • E: helps the body form red blood cells
  • K: helps bone health

Overall, without vitamins, our bodies would not function, and they would surely fail. Some consequences of not taking vitamins include: increased fatigue, increased anxiety,  a weak immune system, and illnesses. So, the next time you dread taking vitamins or eating vegetables, remember that there are a plethora of benefits that could help you become your best self.

Protein: The New King of the Food Pyramid

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For most of us kids, when we hear the word “breakfast,” the first thing that comes to mind is cereal—especially sugary ones like Froot Loops. For a long time, cereal has been the go-to breakfast because it gives quick energy to start the day.

But advice about healthy food has changed a lot since the old food pyramid came out in 1992. The old pyramid put foods rich in carbohydrates—like bread, cereal, rice, and pasta—at the bottom, which basically meant “eat the most of these.” These foods were cheap, easy to make, and seen as “basic fuel,” so protein foods didn’t get as much attention. Also, people were told to avoid fat—especially saturated fat—because they thought it was bad for your heart.

However, the new food pyramid introduced in 2026 by the U.S. government has turned things upside down—literally. Now, protein and healthy fats are emphasized, and it reminds people to cut down on refined, sugary, processed carbs. Near the top are protein and healthy-fat foods like eggs, chicken, fish, beans, yogurt, nuts, and avocado.

Illustration of a food pyramid featuring three sections: Protein, Dairy & Healthy Fats; Vegetables & Fruits; and Whole Grains. The pyramid showcases various food items such as meats, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and grains.

The recommendation to cut down on carbs is based on research that shows that eating a lot of carbs – especially sugary, processed, packaged foods like candy, sweet cereals, and cookies – can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of diabetes over time.

On the other hand, the new pyramid recommends eating more protein-rich food because protein helps you feel full longer and can reduce cravings. For kids, protein also supports growth and brain development. It also supports your muscles and bones, helping you get stronger. Protein is made of building blocks called amino acids. Your body can make some amino acids, but it can’t make all of them, so you must get the rest from food – mostly from protein foods.

Experts say a simple way to figure out how much protein you need is to take your weight in pounds and divide by 2. For example, a kid who weighs 100 pounds should aim to eat about 50 grams of protein each day. That could look like 2 eggs at breakfast, a cup of yogurt for a snack, a turkey or chicken sandwich at lunch, and a glass of milk or a cheese stick later. Adding small protein foods throughout the day makes it easier to reach your goal without feeling too full.

In the end, it’s important that we change our eating habits to focus more on protein and less on sugary, processed carbs. It’s also important for schools to adjust what they serve, because most of us eat at least two meals at school on weekdays. Many school menus still include lots of carb-rich foods (such as pizza and sugary cereals), so schools should act fast by adding more protein options. For example, they could offer eggs or yogurt at breakfast, add chicken, turkey, beans, or tofu to lunches, and replace some sugary snacks with healthier choices like cheese, yogurt, or hummus.

Small changes like these could help students stay healthy, feel full longer, focus better in class, and have more energy throughout the day.