Common Sense Media Review
A heartwarming story of hope triumphing over pain.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
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Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
When Tate P. Ellerbee gets a school assignment to write to a pen pal, she chooses singer Hank Williams, who at the time is just starting to gain popularity. Tate continues to write to him and pepper him with questions about his life, even though she never hears back from him, except to receive multiple signed autographs. Tate uses her letters as a type of diary, first making up stories about her life (about adventures she has with her little brother Frog as they await the return of their movie star mother and world-famous photographer father) and ultimately revealing the truth behind her difficult childhood, which includes an incarcerated mother and absent father. Tate's writing becomes a form of therapy as she works through difficult social situations at school and her loneliness at home with her great-aunt.
Is It Any Good?
DEAR HANK WILLIAMS is a fascinating glimpse into 1940s America, as characters struggle with shedding prejudices and readers get a sense that prosperity is on the horizon. Tate's letters are written in a slang typical of the time, and her friendliness and excitement are contagious. Most readers will empathize with Tate as she struggles to become a better singer and find her lost dog.
Younger and sensitive readers may have trouble handling some of the more tragic aspects of Tate's life. But her optimism through it all is inspiring.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Tate chooses Hank Williams as her pen pal and continues to write to him despite never receiving any letters in return. What does Tate get out of this assignment?
How did you like reading a whole book written in letters? Do you think it was an effective way to get to know the main character?
Have you ever had a pen pal? Who would be your ideal pen pal, if you could choose one?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Historical Fiction
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , History
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Henry Holt & Company, Inc.
- Publication date : April 14, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
- Number of pages : 224
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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