Parents' Guide to

I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives

By Amanda May Dundas, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Moving, eye-opening memoir of cross-cultural friendship.

Book Martin Ganada, Caitlin Alifrenka, Liz Welch Autobiography 2015
I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 12+

Based on 4 parent reviews

LK Evans
LK Evans Adult
October 11, 2016
age 13+

I have an issue with the who their audience is...

I teach middle school literature and there are two pages of this book that made me decide I wouldn't assign this as an in-class novel. This was a GREAT book except for the description of Caitlyn and her friend drinking at a party, lying to her parents, and driving home going 90 mph with a guy she doesn't know. Then, she "feels bad" and even though she doesn't want to kiss him, she does. There are no consequences for her behavior and she walks away unscathed. It's just pointless to include this short event in the story because it has nothing to do with the plot and it stands out as inappropriate for those students who have a YA reading level, but aren't YA...

This title has:

Educational value
1 person found this helpful.
Goodforumkvies
Goodforumkvies Parent of 12-year-old
March 3, 2023
age 10+

An amazing read, with just a little content

I honestly loved this book! It teaches people about love, kindness, not to judge someone without getting to know them, and generosity. Just a little kindness can change someone's life. The good thing is, there's very little mature content. Mild flirting and romantic attractions are present in some pages, and characters attend parties and are offered drinks- - no one gets drunk though. I think the book is fine for kids 10 and over, as it will teach them great messages and life lessons

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

I WILL ALWAYS WRITE BACK is the true story of two pen pals: Caitlin, a typical American teenager, and Martin, a poor but incredibly bright and hard-working boy in the African country of Zimbabwe who's struggling to get enough money to stay in school. Caitlin has no concept of Martin's poverty and sends him photographs and small gifts. She asks for similar items in return, not knowing that Martin's family barely has enough money to eat or pay his school fees, much less buy stamps or even have a photograph taken. Slowly, Martin reveals the depth of his poverty to his new American friend, who responds by sending him $20 she earned babysitting -- enough to keep him in school and prevent his family from being evicted. As Martin's financial situation grows dire, Caitlin and her family increase their support, eventually changing both Martin's and Caitlin's lives forever.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4):
Kids say (28):

Caitlin and Martin’s correspondence is an eye-opening look into the real-life implications of global poverty. It’s hard not to be moved by Martin's plight, and even more difficult not to suddenly feel incredibly fortunate as you read about the overwhelming obstacles he and other Zimbabweans face. Like Caitlin, most readers will be shocked by the particulars of Martin’s poverty, which includes having to drop out of school because his family is too poor to afford the fees and the power that only a few American dollars have in sustaining a family. Their story is a testament to the power of friendship, charity, and ingenuity and may inspire many more acts of kindness.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Martin and Caitlin's unusual friendship. Have you ever met anyone who changed your life?

  • Are you more like Martin or Caitlin, and in what ways?

  • Does Martin and Caitlin's story inspire you to take action to make the world a better place? What are some ways you could do that?

Book Details

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