I finished an amazing book this week. It's called I Will Always Write Back. It's the true story of Caitlin, who lived in Pennsylvania and Martin who lived in Zimbabwe and how they exchanged letters over a period of several years. It began as a writing assignment in a 7th grade class, when Caitlin chose to write someone in Africa. On Martin's end, his class of 40 students received only 10 letters, so he got Caitlin's letter because he was the top student in the class. It takes a while for Caitlin to realize the true differences in their lives. Martin is amazed at pictures of Caitlin's house, because his family lives in one room. When she sends him a t-shirt, the shirt doubles Martin's wardrobe. When she impulsively encloses $20 from her babysitting earnings, it becomes enough in Zimbabwe money to pay the fees to keep Martin in school. The exchange of letters has a profound effect on both their lives. This is a nonfiction book that reads quickly, one I had trouble putting down.
Another book I read this summer is The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney. This fiction account takes place in Sudan, following Amira and her family when events cause them to flee their home. When they wind up in a refugee camp, Amira, who has always liked to draw in the dirt, is given a red pencil that transforms her life.
If you like these books, you might also like books by Deborah Ellis. Begin with The Breadwinner, set in Afghanistan. Or try Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan, set in India. Or A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park. All are fiction.
For nonfiction, I would suggest I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban. Or try The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, a memoir by William Kamkwamba.
Reading one of these books will give you an insight into the way other people in the world live. Let me know how you like any of these books. I also welcome suggestions of other titles.
Another book I read this summer is The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney. This fiction account takes place in Sudan, following Amira and her family when events cause them to flee their home. When they wind up in a refugee camp, Amira, who has always liked to draw in the dirt, is given a red pencil that transforms her life.
If you like these books, you might also like books by Deborah Ellis. Begin with The Breadwinner, set in Afghanistan. Or try Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan, set in India. Or A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park. All are fiction.
For nonfiction, I would suggest I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban. Or try The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, a memoir by William Kamkwamba.
Reading one of these books will give you an insight into the way other people in the world live. Let me know how you like any of these books. I also welcome suggestions of other titles.