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Why you should read I Will Always Write Back!Hachette

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I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives Hardcover – April 14, 2015

by Martin Ganda (Author), Caitlin Alifirenka (Author), Liz Welch

4.7 4,701 ratings

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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The true story of an all-American girl, a boy from Zimbabwe, and the letter that changed both of their lives forever.

It started as an assignment. Caitlin had never even heard of Zimbabwe when everyone in her class was told to write a letter to an unknown student in a distant place. Excited for the first time about homework, she went home that night and wrote about her favorite color and what sports she played, and asked her mystery pen-pal about life in Zimbabwe.

Martin had never heard of Pennsylvania when he read Caitlin’s letter. He was lucky to even receive a pen-pal letter—his class only received ten letters for fifty kids! But as the top student, he got the first one. He wrote Caitlin back, talking about his siblings and soccer and saying he hoped she wrote again.

These letters were the beginning of a correspondence that spanned six years and changed two lives. In this compelling dual memoir, Caitlin and Martin recount how they became best friends—and better people—through their inspiring long-distance exchange.

Praise for I Will Always Write Back
"An inspiring story that will change your life, too." ―Patricia McCormick, author of the National Book Award finalist Sold
"A little miracle of unexpected genuineness." ―New York Times Book Review
"Moving and uplifting." ―Award-winning author and journalist Peter Godwin

From the Publisher

Will Always Write Back by Martin Gandam Caitlin Alifirenka, and Liz Welch graphic

WARNING: California’s Proposition 65

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up—The true story of two young pen pals who forge a life-altering connection. In 1997, Caitlin, a typical 12-year-old girl from a middle class American family, began writing to Martin, a studious 14-year-old from a Zimbabwe slum. In her letters, Caitlin described her life, which consisted of shopping trips, quarrels with friends, and problems at school. Martin was initially far more circumspect in his responses. Inflation had rocketed in Zimbabwe, and even finding money for postage was a struggle for the boy. Staying in school, which required paying costly fees, became merely a dream. Eventually, Martin revealed the harsh realities of his life to Caitlin, who began sending money and gifts. What started as chatty letters turned into a lifeline for Martin and his family, as Caitlin and her parents helped the boy stay in school and achieve his goal of studying at an American university. This is a well-written, accessible story that will open Western adolescents' eyes to life in developing countries. Told in the first person, with chapters alternating between Caitlin's and Martin's points of view, this title effectively conveys both of these young people's perspectives. Caitlin's early chapters, however, in which she discusses friendship and boyfriend woes, feel somewhat superficial compared with Martin's genuinely troubled life. While these chapters provide an effective contrast between the two teens' lives, they may discourage some readers from continuing with what becomes a strong and inspiring story. VERDICT A useful addition to most collections and an eye-opening look at life in another culture.—Michelle Anderson, Tauranga City Libraries, New Zealand

Review

Praise for I Will Always Write Back:

An Indiebound Bestseller

An Amazon Big Spring Book Selection 2015

* "Sensitively and candidly demonstrating how small actions can result in enormous change, this memoir of two families' transformation through the commitment and affection of long-distance friends will humble and inspire."―Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"The remarkable tenacity of these two souls pulled like magnets across the world by their opposite polarities - one committed to helping, the other to surviving - is deeply affecting...It's quite a little miracle of unexpected genuineness."―New York Times Book Review

"A well-written, accessible story that will open Western adolescents' eyes to life in developing countries. Told in the first person, with chapters alternating between Caitlin's and Martin's points of view, this title effectively conveys both of these young people's perspectives...a strong and inspiring story...and an eye-opening look at life in another culture."―SLJ

"An inspirational story...eye-opening."―The Bulletin

"This heart-warming memoir will inspire readers to open their eyes to other cultures and realize that even the smallest of gestures can be important."―School Library Connection

"This compelling story of an unlikely friendship across continents will quiet your inner skeptic and inspire you to take a chance. Moving and uplifting."
―Award-winning author and journalist Peter Godwin

"Caitlin and Martin seemed to have nothing in common--except a curiosity about the world outside their own and a willingness to reach out to each other. With a lot of postage and a lot more hope, these two pen pals changed each other's lives and the lives of everyone who knew them. An inspiring story that will change your life, too."―Patricia McCormick, author of the National Book Award finalist Sold

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; Illustrated edition (April 14, 2015)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 400 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0316241318
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0316241311
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 11+ years, from customers
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 790L
Grade level ‏ : ‎ 7 and up
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.1 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.38 x 8.63 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #590,583 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #24 in Teen & Young Adult Homelessness & Poverty Issues
- #67 in Teen & Young Adult Social Activist Biographies
- #203 in Teen & Young Adult School & Education

Customer Reviews:
4.7 4,701 ratings

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Caitlin Alifirenka
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Caitlin Alifirenka (Stoicsitz) was born in 1985 in Chestnuthill, Pennsylvania to Anne Neville and Richard Stoicsitz. Caitlin started corresponding with Martin Ganda, her Zimbabwean pen pal, in 1997 which led to a life long friendship. After graduating from North Penn High School in 2003, Caitlin attended Abington Memorial Hospital's Dixon School of Nursing and now works as an Emergency Room Registered Nurse. Caitlin lives outside of Philadelphia with her husband Dzmitry Alifirenka and their two young daughters, Mila and Dasha.
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Liz Welch
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I Will Always Write Back is Liz Welch's second book. Her first, The Kids Are All Right, won an ALEX Award in 2009. An ASME award winning journalist and a contributing writer at Inc. Magazine, Liz's work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Vogue, Real Simple, Glamour, O, The Oprah Magazine, The New York Times, and many others publications. She lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband and daughter. Visit her at: www.lizwelch.com
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Martin Ganda
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Customers find the book an engaging and inspiring read. They appreciate the edifying story that serves as a reminder about life in less fortunate areas. The book helps readers appreciate their first-world privilege and gives them a different perspective on priorities. Readers praise the message of kindness, compassion, and caring across cultural boundaries. Many find it moving and uplifting, bringing tears to their eyes. Overall, customers consider it a great value for money.

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Readability Inspirational story Eye opening Kindness Age range Value for money Pacing

291 customers mention "Readability"285 positive6 negative

Customers find the book engaging and enjoyable to read. They say it's a must-read for teenagers and book clubs. The story keeps readers engaged and is well-written.

"...An incredibly fantastic book that you will be so thrilled to have read!!!" Read more

"...It also changed her life. This book would be a great read for young people who just want to use kindness to help change others...." Read more

"Great book. Couldn’t put it down (and I don’t usually do that). The book itself was in excellent condition." Read more

"...The language of this story is simple and intended for young readers, yet at the same time it is filled with profound truths...." Read more

256 customers mention "Inspirational story"256 positive0 negative

Customers find the story inspiring and a hopeful reminder about life in less fortunate parts of the world. They appreciate the true story of a teen's small efforts that set an example. The book stirs emotions and is motivating.

"This was an absolutely amazing story that brought tears of happiness!!! An incredibly fantastic book that you will be so thrilled to have read!!!" Read more

"This book was inspiring. It is the true story of how a 7 th grade class project and one letter changed two lives...." Read more

"...Its value is in its being a true and edifying story: It sets an example to everyone of us, and it is told in a direct and uncomplicated way which in..." Read more

"...Read this book! Let it seep into your heart and soul and permeate your essence, and then together, we will lift and love this world . “..." Read more

62 customers mention "Eye opening"62 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful and a good read for all ages. It helps them appreciate their first-world privilege and gives them a different perspective on the things they take for granted. The book opens up the realities and deprivations in other countries or cultures to help them better understand the world. It has a good message about doing for others is when we receive the most.

"...Its value is in its being a true and edifying story: It sets an example to everyone of us, and it is told in a direct and uncomplicated way which in..." Read more

"I really loved this book, it was eye opening how people live in other countries. One of the best books I've read! I highly recommend!" Read more

"...I was smiling and in tears as I read the story. Such a good reminder that doing for others is when we receive the most joy. Highly recommend...." Read more

"...It is motivational, shows appreciation and thankfulness, and makes students question (What can I do that can change the world?)...." Read more

52 customers mention "Kindness"52 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's message of kindness, compassion, and caring. They mention it shows gratitude, faith, and selflessness. The theme of kindness across cultural boundaries is appreciated.

"...As time passes she learns compassion and exhibits generosity and kindness becoming the means of survival for Martin and his entire family...." Read more

"...It also educates the readers about the importance of empathy, kindness and generosity." Read more

"Small acts of kindness can change anyone. Caitlin and her family have a heart of gold. This book brought so many tears to my eyes...." Read more

"...Such a good reminder that doing for others is when we receive the most joy. Highly recommend. Plan to have my husband and children read it too." Read more

17 customers mention "Age range"17 positive0 negative

Customers find the book accessible for all ages. They say it's a great read with life lessons for adults and teens. The story is described as an easy-to-read coming-of-age novel that is enjoyable for both young and old.

"Amazing true story that young, old, all people have to read! It talks about looking at a person for what is on the inside and not on the outside!..." Read more

"...Very powerful and WOW. A must read for everyone, young and old." Read more

"...Our book club read it but it was just as accessible to a 12 year old. You will laugh & smile & cry throughout." Read more

"...I recommend for older children. Perfect for 12 and above. Shows what the results of our interaction can be. Well written." Read more

9 customers mention "Value for money"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's value for money. They find it a wonderful true story with an affordable price and nice cover.

"...Thank you so much, It's an amazing book and great deal from where I bought it from." Read more

"Great book and good price" Read more

"...I ordered the paperback which has a nice colourful cover and cheap and affordable price...." Read more

"Book arrived in great shape. Great price for a summer school project. Price was great" Read more

9 customers mention "Pacing"6 positive3 negative

Customers have different views on the pacing of the book. Some find it engaging, while others feel it's slow and boring at times.

"...I wasn't sure if I could finish the book as it was so moving and stirred so much emotion in me...." Read more

"...The story itself felt a little slow at times, but I know it was necessary to include every part of the journey in order to make the story authentic...." Read more

"This is a lovely book -- well written, moving and inspiring. I liked it so much I wanted to keep it as much as I wanted to share it...." Read more

"Extremely moving and inspiring story. It was very well written and difficult to put down. I would highly recommend this book." Read more

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karmich
Beautiful story!!!
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2025
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This was an absolutely amazing story that brought tears of happiness!!! An incredibly fantastic book that you will be so thrilled to have read!!!

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Karen
Fantastic Story and So Inspiring
Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2024
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How could a girl from America take a pen pal and start sending her babysitting money to a boy in Zimbabwe and change his life? It also changed her life. This book would be a great read for young people who just want to use kindness to help change others. It reinforces that we can help others by just being their friend.

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Bonnie K. Lee
Great buy
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2025
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Great book. Couldn’t put it down (and I don’t usually do that). The book itself was in excellent condition.

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M. Williams
Look around and get messy
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2016
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This book was inspiring. It is the true story of how a 7 th grade class project and one letter changed two lives. When Caitlin, a 12 year old girl, from the United States becomes pen pals with Martin , a 14 year old boy from Zimbabwe, they don't realize the impact and life long bond they are forging. Caitlin is typical American teenage girl caught up in a whirlwind of boys and clothes who through letters with a boy in Zimbabwe comes to realizes the struggle to survive others encounter in 3rd world countries. As time passes she learns compassion and exhibits generosity and kindness becoming the means of survival for Martin and his entire family. The language of this story is simple and intended for young readers, yet at the same time it is filled with profound truths. It is a reminder that you can make the world a better place no matter what your age. It encourages all of us to pick our heads up, look around and get messy in other people's lives.

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3 people found this helpful

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Signe Jacobsen
A truly uplifting book
Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2016
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I started the book without really knowing anything about it, apart from a friend having told me that if I needed something truly uplifting in this terrifying world, this was the book to read. I immediately ordered it without reading reviews or knowing anything else, and left it for a couple of months. So I started reading it without realising that it was a true story. I was deep into reading it and very touched, but thinking it almost too sentimental, until I told my husband about the book and for his sake was trying to make out who the author was ( the book-icon on my Kindle being too small for me to have been able to read the names here) - and not until THEN did I find out that it WAS indeed a true story. I was so amazed and moved to tears for the rest of the book. The thought that in this world there are still people behaving so truly RIGHT, trying to exert themselves and make a difference and not just for selfish reasons and show, felt like such a relief and as real hope in a world where you may otherwise easily fall into despair.
The virtue of this book is not its literary qualities, it is not highbrow or sophisticated reading at all. Its value is in its being a true and edifying story: It sets an example to everyone of us, and it is told in a direct and uncomplicated way which in my opinion ought to make it good school reading for any teenager, and maybe especially so in the western world of affluence.

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9 people found this helpful

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KRS
"Kindness is contagious. It changes lives."
Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2022
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** Kleenex Warning. **

This book is a hug and tears from the title page to the back cover. And mostly happy tears. But there are sad and frustration tears as well.

It started out as a simple school project - write to a penpal from a different country. I had to do that in jr high too. Unfortunately, my penpal and I weren't as dedicated as Martin and Caitlin.

This "simple" school project ended up changing the lives of at the very least 3 or 4 entire families, not to mention the extended families, neighbors, friends, governments, schools.

And THAT was BEFORE it became a book and their story was known worldwide.

This book is now on my To Do list. To add to my mantra of "Live a life of Love" This is the "How To" manual.

Read this book! Let it seep into your heart and soul and permeate your essence, and then together, we will lift and love this world .

“One small act of kindness,” I said in closing. “You have no idea how powerful that can be, whose lives it can change, including your own.” Caitlin Alifirenka

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Glo Rich
Heartening!
Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2024
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Loved this book. We all need to be reminded of common humanity, and celebrate that. Lest we lose ourselves in what is not important.

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Anays
Good book
Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2024
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Heart warming story, kept my son engaged while reading it

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Rhonda
Fantastic book
Reviewed in Canada on March 31, 2021
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This is a fantastic book. I'm a teacher. Last year, I saw it in my school library, and decided to have a little light reading for the weekend. I loved it. This year, I was asked which book I would like to have in my grade 7 English class (Each class is allowed one new book a year) and I asked for this one. My kids are loving it! It's different from what they are used to.
Definitely 5 stars.

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Guadalupe Felix Barajas
Hermoso libro.
Reviewed in Mexico on April 19, 2019
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Le encantó a mi hijo.

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Pushker Mawri
I waited years for this
Reviewed in India on August 22, 2019
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Yes, that's true. The book itself sells at 700+ rs while I love to buy books at discounted price. I heard bout this book soon after It became a bestseller and I got a sample to read. I'd never read anything like this before and wanted to buy it. They weren't publishing it here and the price stayed the same since then. The book was itself available for cheap on Kindle but I wanted to have a soft copy. So I waited for years... And then just 2 weeks back it sold for half it's price and I grabbed it😍😍😍 I'm now reading it and it will always be one of the gems of my personal little library

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Amazon カスタマー
SO INSPRING
Reviewed in Japan on July 2, 2020
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This book literally touched my heart. A story of 2 kids from opposite sides of the world writing a pen pal letter turned into best friends and then met! This was a book that I won’t forget

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Nancy Guerin
connaitre l'autre
Reviewed in France on November 4, 2016
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j'ai trouvé ce livre un MUST pour nos "teenagers" ainsi que leur parents... ok
c est écrit pour les jeunes mais l'histoire m'a touchée

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I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives Hardcover – April 14, 2015

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5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book

5.0 out of 5 stars Hermoso libro.

5.0 out of 5 stars I waited years for this

5.0 out of 5 stars SO INSPRING

5.0 out of 5 stars connaitre l'autre

Fantastic book

Hermoso libro.

I waited years for this

SO INSPRING

connaitre l'autre