In the epilogue, Caitlin issues this challenge to us as readers:
So, let’s answer her question. What will kindness do for you? How will you let it make a difference in your life? What are some specific ways you can be intentional about showing more kindness?
From Mrs. Sprague:
I just read a great book that goes along with our summer reading book. It is titled The Running Dream. It is the story of a girl who suffers a tragedy in her life, and how she adjusts with the help of a disabled girl. The story continues with how she repays her friend for all of her help. It was an easy read and a great story!!!
Interested in checking this story out? Find it here on Amazon or see if it’s at your local library!
In Part 3, Caitlin recalls an incident with one of her classmates, Amanda, who often has unwashed hair and an unclean face. Amanda gets picked on by people, but Caitlin mostly left her alone… Until one day when a piece of dandruff fell out of Amanda’s hair and onto Caitlin’s notebook. She told her friends about it, and they said mean things to her like, “Um, have you ever thought about washing your hair?” Amanda was clearly upset and embarrassed about that comment.
Caitlin’s experience with Martin is showing her some things about poverty, and she starts to make some connections between what she knows of Amanda and what she’s learned from Martin. She realizes that it’s not Amanda’s fault, and she feels bad about the way she’s been treating her.
Then, Caitlin makes the following vow not to be mean again, and to stick up for people like Amanda. Who will make this same vow?
In Part 3 of our summer reading book, Caitlin begins to understand just how much she’s helping Martin when she sends him things along with her letters.
Read the excerpt below and respond to any of these questions in the comments:
Also, there are several great charities that focus on providing shoes for those in need. Check out these organizations for ways to get involved (and donate your old clothes/shoes):
Click here to access a heartwarming article featuring Caitlin and Martin from our summer reading book, I Will Always Write Back.
After you read it, come back to this post and let us know what you think in the comments below!
We’re trying something different this year – ALL Queen’s Grant Middle School students and teachers will be reading the same book this summer, regardless of grade level. This shared reading experience will give all of our students and staff a common text to use as a springboard for discussion when we return to school in the fall. I Will Always Write Back was chosen for its strong moral focus elements (especially compassion) and we look forward to seeing the impact it has on our school culture.
I Will Always Write Back is available here on Amazon, but you can also probably find a copy locally – we have called Barnes and Noble at the Arboretum and asked them to order copies to have in stock.
As always, we thank you, the parents and students of QG, for partnering with us in education. We’re excited about the 2016-17 school year and hope that you are, too!
