Common Sense Media Review
Moving, eye-opening memoir of cross-cultural friendship.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
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?
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
- Authors :
- Genre : Autobiography
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publishers : Little , Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : April 14, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 18
- Number of pages : 400
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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