Alifirenka, Caitlin, Ganda, Martin, and Welch, Liz. I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives. New York, Little Brown and Company, 2015. ISBN-13: 978-0316241311. Hardback. $18.00. Ages 12+Formats Available: Hardcover, Audio, Ebook
Annotation: The true story of an all-American girl and a boy from Zimbabwe and the letter that changed both of their lives forever.
Review: In 1997, Caitlin was assigned to choose a country and write a letter to a pen pal there. At the end of the list was the country of Zimbabwe. For some reason this country stood out to Caitlin. As someone who usually didn't raise their hand first, she shot her hand up in the air to claim her country. Caitlin was an average student who came from a modest home in Hatfield, Pennsylvania. She wrote her first letter with excitement and sent it out in hope of a reply from a brand new friend. Across the Atlantic Ocean in Zimbabwe, we meet Martin. Martin is a very bright student. He is at the top of his class and hopes to one day be the first in his family to go to university. He is delighted to receive Caitlin's letter and writes his reply as fast as he can. As their correspondence grows stronger, Caitlin and Martin form a friendship thousands of miles away from each other. While friends teased her for having an "African boyfriend", Caitlin knew Martin's friendship was deeper than any she ever had. As Martin struggles for school fees and to care for his family, Caitlin with the support of her own family begin to provide more than Martin could ever imagine.
Unexpected friendships are the best kind. When you meet someone that you immediately bond with, it is incredibly special for anyone. Reading about how Caitlin and Martin's friendship blossomed, it isn't hard to get wrapped up in what will become of this special duo. Caitlin's family can see the care and concern she has for Martin and his family's well being all the way over in Africa. It is especially wonderful to read this journey of such an unlikely pair and learn of their success as individuals, and as friends. A perfect match for those interested in international lifestyles and how reaching out to those you normally would not think to, can make for a wildly exceptional experience no matter who you are. Readers 12 years and older will treasure the bond between Caitlin and Martin and will walk away with the feeling that they too, have made two very special connections.
Watch an Interview with Caitlin and Martin following the release of their book!
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