Analytical Response: C.

Overall the story "Welding with Children" was a good read. I liked how it related to society today, and that almost anyone could get something out of reading the story. The lead character Bruton was a grandfather of 4 children who are totally caught up in the media, and technology. It's sad to see how involved children these days are with watching television and celebrities. Bruton tries to sway them away from it by taking the children for Icees and reading them the bible, and other story books. I love how Mr. Fordlyson was harsh when they talked and really made Bruton realize that he HAD to take care of these kids and not let them turn out like their mothers did. I didn’t like how vague the story was about details of Brutons daughters’ lives, because I would have liked to know more about their family situations. I believe that message of the story is that you always have a second chance. Bruton gets a second chance with his grandkids, to raise them into good children, because he messed up with his own daughters. Compared to other stories I have read this year I would say this story was one of my top choices, I like Tim Gautreaux over the other authors we have read. The moments of grace in the story were when Mr. Fordlyson talked to Bruton and gave him some advice, and Bruton actually listened, then also when he cleaned up his yard and Nu-Nu and Freddie came over and he talked about getting a tire swing.