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.

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.

Community Reviews

age 12+

Based on 4 parent reviews

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.
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

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.

Book Details

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