When Caitlin was in 7th grade, she was a assigned a pen pal. She chose to write to someone from Zimbabwe because that country sounded exotic and fascinating. As a top student, Martin was one of the lucky boys to receive letters from America, and he received Caitlin's letter. Little did they realize how this one letter would dramatically change the direction of both of their lives. While Caitlin comes from a wealthy, suburban home, Martin comes from an impoverished family who struggled to pay for his schooling, clothing, and food. While other students lost touch with their pen pals, Caitlin and Martin continued to write to each other year after year. As Martin's home life gets so desperate that he can't even afford school, he reluctantly shares his struggles with Caitlin in hopes of getting enough money, less than $50.00, that would let him attend school. When Caitlin becomes aware of her friend's struggles, she vows to help. Both Caitlin, Martin, their families and friends lives are transformed by this amazing friendship. I am not a huge fan of nonfiction, but I read this book in one setting. I was entranced as I watched Caitlin and Martin become friends, even though their worlds could not be more different. Things we take for granted like having a picture of yourself, owning your own pair of shoes, and having the right to a free education were luxuries in Martin's world. I also loved watching Caitlin's family adopt Martin and one of his friends to help them get the education and support that they needed. This book demonstrates how one small act of kindness can change the world forever. Caitlin giving up some of her babysitting money allows Martin to go to school and helps feed his family. I could go on and on about how much I learned from this story and loved this story, but instead, I will just encourage you to read it yourself. Prepare to be transformed!
I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Change Two Lives by Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda with Liz Welch
When Caitlin was in 7th grade, she was a assigned a pen pal. She chose to write to someone from Zimbabwe because that country sounded exotic and fascinating. As a top student, Martin was one of the lucky boys to receive letters from America, and he received Caitlin's letter. Little did they realize how this one letter would dramatically change the direction of both of their lives. While Caitlin comes from a wealthy, suburban home, Martin comes from an impoverished family who struggled to pay for his schooling, clothing, and food. While other students lost touch with their pen pals, Caitlin and Martin continued to write to each other year after year. As Martin's home life gets so desperate that he can't even afford school, he reluctantly shares his struggles with Caitlin in hopes of getting enough money, less than $50.00, that would let him attend school. When Caitlin becomes aware of her friend's struggles, she vows to help. Both Caitlin, Martin, their families and friends lives are transformed by this amazing friendship. I am not a huge fan of nonfiction, but I read this book in one setting. I was entranced as I watched Caitlin and Martin become friends, even though their worlds could not be more different. Things we take for granted like having a picture of yourself, owning your own pair of shoes, and having the right to a free education were luxuries in Martin's world. I also loved watching Caitlin's family adopt Martin and one of his friends to help them get the education and support that they needed. This book demonstrates how one small act of kindness can change the world forever. Caitlin giving up some of her babysitting money allows Martin to go to school and helps feed his family. I could go on and on about how much I learned from this story and loved this story, but instead, I will just encourage you to read it yourself. Prepare to be transformed!
2 Comments
Grace
1/10/2019 06:58:55 pm
I love this book!
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Emma
2/6/2021 02:04:01 pm
Can you post a PDF of this book?
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AuthorMs. Smith has been the librarian at Washington HS in Sioux Falls, SD, since 2005. She enjoys reading, watching K-Dramas, Harry Potter and hanging out with her family. Archives
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