We often know a book is great because of our connections to it. Reading can be the most pleasurable when we feel that a book is written just for us--when we feel that the characters are just so real. READ asked students to think about what they would say to their favorite characters, if they had the chance. We thank the students at Baker Middle School in Troy, Michigan for writing letters to their favorite characters and sending them to word. Hope you enjoy these letters as much as we did. And who knows, maybe the characters will too. Harry, are you out there?
Dear Gregory,
Remember me? It has been awhile now! But I still remember you, from Diary Of a Wimpy Kid and Diary Of a Wimpy Kid (Rodrick Rules) both by Jeff Kinney. So how is it with your brothers? Still a pain? My sister is sometimes though. Well as I remember from your book, Rodrick, your oldest brother put you in the back of his car with the drums and then went over EVERY speed bump in town. Also Manny, your little brother broke the disk drive for the console. So as you can see, I wouldn’t be surprised if Rodrick and Manny were still a pain.
Hey Greg? Do you know why you’re so interesting?
That is because of what you do. Like you write in a diary, you tell every single funny part of that day. Usually people just write what happened that day like “I rode my bike today.” But you’re totally different, pretty much the opposite, like when you and Rowley made up a secret language and Rowley’s dad found out and you got sent home, that was funny! And Greg, you inspired me about how you write in a diary, how you make it funny. It is so expressive! Like how you would tell me or someone else why you’re sad or mad, but you’d say it in a funny, nice and laughable way. Everyday was like it’s own little story and scene. That is why I LOVE the book, the days, and the diary. It makes it naturally funny!
Sincerely,
Calvin Rong, your Fan and Pen Pal
PS Please let me know when the next book is coming out!!! (REALLY EXCITED!!)
Dear Eddy Okubu,
I still remember the time when we first met in the book The Eyes of the Emperor by Graham Salisbury. I really liked you because you were so brave. I remember a time when you were very courageous, it was when you were in the attack circle and the dogs were jumping up on you and biting you and you remained calm. If that were me, I would have dropped out of the army!
Another reason why I liked you was because you could handle your temper so well. One example was even when they kept calling you a Jap you didn’t show that you were angry at all! (I still knew that you were angry on the inside). I would have done the same thing but it would be because I was scared to say anything.
I also admire your humor. One example is when you were in the forest and you had to find the parachuters. It was so dark that you could not see. It was funny because you thought you found someone and you shot at it and it turned out that it was a cow! That was hilarious! I know that you weren’t trying to be funny but it was anyway.
Overall, I think that you were brave and were always determined to do the right thing and I would want to be more like you.
From your good friend,Christopher McCallum
Dear Alex Rider,
I have read many books in my 11 years, but your series is one of the best. It is one of the most action packed series so far. But with all that action there were some valuable lessons too. Here are two of those lessons.
The first lesson I learned was to respect and love my parents. When reading in the first book, Stormbreaker, that your parents were killed and you were living with your uncle, it made realize how lucky I was. It also taught me to think twice before I got into an argument with my siblings or parents.
The second lesson I learned was to be thankful for what you have. By reading your books, I have realized that living it isn’t the same as reading it. You have been put in horrible situations such as in book one when you were put in a tank with a Portuguese man of war jellyfish. The closest that I have ever been to a jellyfish was when I was on vacation in Greece. One day the tide just brought in the jellyfish, but they didn’t have tentacles so they couldn’t sting me.
Those are two of many lessons I learned from reading your books.
Sincerely,Paul Alexopoulos
Dear Alex,
I have learned many things after reading the book Stormbreaker written by Anthony Horowitz. However, one of the many things you taught me is how to be brave.
For example, when you went to see how your uncle really died, you had enough bravery to get in the car while the two guards were standing outside by the car examining it. Another example is when the driver of the master’s cars jacket slipped off a little and you saw the gun and you had enough bravery to walk a little towards the guy even though he had a gun.
One lesson I learned after reading the book Stormbreaker is never give up even if you don’t succeed the first time. I learned that lesson when I read the book because when you were trying to get out of the car for the first time what you were trying to do didn’t really work. When you tried the second time to get out you succeeded and you got out.
Another lesson I learned is to always believe in yourself no matter what happens in life. I learned that after reading this book because when you tried to figure out who killed your uncle even if something was wrong you never started saying words like “I’m so dumb” you just kept on believing in yourself and never stopped trying.
Two differences we have is you like to be a main character in a story while I don’t. Another difference we have is you like to have an enemy in a story while I don’t because I get scared easily.
Two similarities that we have are you like to solve mysteries and so do I. Another similarity we have is you like to try new things and not just stick with one and so do I.
In conclusion, I would like to say that this was one of my favorite books and I recommend everybody to read Stormbreaker.
Sincerely,Maya Ahmad
Dear Calvin,
How are you? I love your book series Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson. You are so entertaining and humorous. You have inspired me to read more. You have taught me more about myself and how I react to certain situations. Like the time Moe took your money, you didn’t go up to him and punch him to get your money back.
Our lives are similar in many ways, for example: I doze off frequently like you. I don’t “love” school. Some ways our lives are different are: I am actually a good student and I am not a troublemaker.
You and your books make me happy when I read them because of your imagination. You dream up strange worlds, dinosaurs, even your best friend, Hobbes a tiger! Even when I’m sad I can count on your books to cheer me up. That is why I love your books. I know you’ll bring joy many other people who read your books.
Sincerely, Shesanth
Dear Madlyn,
You're an absolutely astonishing friend and an even more remarkable inspiration. I'm so glad that Eva Ibottson introduced you to me in her book The Beasts of Clawstone Castle. I think that the book is utterly fantastic and your adventurous spirit just made the entire thing incomparable.
Madyln, you have inspired me very much with the kindness and wit you possess For example, you inspired me to go after what is right after you, your brother, Rollo, your friend, Ned, and the 5 ghosts faced great odds to save the great white cattle of Clawstone Park. You're bravery and courage from this amazing act got you my total attention and friendship. But this was not the only lesson that I learnt from you. Your patience and caring with Rollo taught a lesson that is very important in my life. That lesson is patience equals love, with little brothers at least.
Madyln, my dear friend, although our lives might be very different, there must be some similarities that bring our worlds together. Otherwise how could I be drawn to be your friend? One big similarity is that we both have younger brothers. Although my little brother is unlike Rollo, there is one huge aspect of their life that they have in common, both of them are dependent on us. For example, my brother is dependent on me because whenever he doesn't want to eat (which is quite often) I'm the only person who can get him to consume his dinner. But I do understand that for you it's quite different for you. For example, you soothe him after dim-witted people call his skink a skunk; you stopped the cleaning lady from throwing out the snails he kept under his bed and many more. It is a big responsibility, however, the rewards (caring, kindness, understanding) are priceless. Another thing that we have in common is that we come up with awkward ideas. For example, you decided to have a haunted house with real ghosts, and I tried (but failed) to get my friends to help me raise enough money and create an environment fair, with rides, carnival-style games, and a snack bar, all made environmentally friendly.
Again, I can't thank you enough, Madyln, for the inspiration you provided me. It has just helped me outline my profile, and change my perspective when it comes to my younger brother. Your courage is truly an inspiration to all, and everyone who reads The Beasts of Clawstone Castle, will realize that. It has been my pleasure to write to you, and I hope that you will inspire many people to do what is right. Good-Bye!!
Your Friend, Keerthana Byreddy
Dear Harry,
You will not believe it, but it’s true! I, Hiranmayi Akkoor, am your #1, absolute, biggest fan in the entire universe! Why, you may ask? Well because your daily life adventures have inspired me to follow my dreams and be anything I want to be. I would like to share with you some wonderful moments of my life while I was reading your latest adventure, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, by J.K. Rowling.
Your determination has sparked my senses and, because I happened to come across your life-changing character, I am more than determined to achieve my goals, no matter how high, or how ‘impossible’ they might be. We are alike in the way that we both set our goals beforehand, and do not let anything get in the way of what we are reaching for.
I’m so lucky I got to know you because, you have taught me some very important life lessons. I have learnt to respect my parents, and to be extremely grateful to them. Since you have no parents, (My highest condolences), I have realized that I should not take advantage of the fact that I do. One more life lesson I learned from you is to be happy, no matter what happens, good or bad, such as when you three (Ron, you and Hermione) escaped from Bill and Fleur’s wedding. You also really stressed the importance of sticking to your friends whatever pleasure or calamity occurs.
I will always remember the first time I read this book (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows). What bravery! You showed the utmost maturity in the way you handled the conflicts (with the Gringotts Goblins). Perseverance was very significant in you until the last moments of the Battle of Hogwarts. Even though the time/setting was supposedly dark and dreary, you still showed snippets of humor and happiness. Another imperative lesson I learnt from you was to be happy in the darkest of times. Again, going back to the humor and happiness, this point in time in the Wizarding world was theoretically terrifying (with Voldemort and all); and you were still able to show cheerfulness and optimism!
What is significantly different from you and me is that you are a Wizard and I am a normal human being (a Muggle), of course. Also, we are completely different in the way that I am totally not the adventurous type, like I would never be caught dead in a tent out in the middle of the woods looking for Voldemort, as you did in the book. I’m more of a book-worm, similar to Hermione more than you.
What I really truly liked about it (the book) were the interesting acquaintances and foes you made, your stubborn but easy-going attitude, (which is a definite Laugh Out Loud moment), and above all, your motivating personality. You never lost confidence, got disappointed, or gave up. I know I keep repeating this but I can’t stress how much your character, in a way has made me an emotionally stronger person.
Continue being how inspiring you are. My best regards to you and your family. Best wishes!
Sincerely, Hiranmayi Akkoor
Dear Brian,
First and foremost I want to thank you for being in Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. You inspired me by teaching me so many life lessons.
How do you live with such a tragic secret clinging like a leech to your heart? I know that kind of thing would stay with me to the very end. If my mom was cheating on my dad and wasn’t telling anybody about it, I would never want to see her the same again. I learned that honesty is important and if we aren’t honest then we are hurting ourselves and everyone around us. I learned this from how your mom didn’t tell anybody about the “secret.”
I have to say I wouldn’t be the same person I was today without you. I admire the way you just took all of nature’s natural beauty and put it to good use so you could survive. You taught me to use nature’s resources in unconventional ways. For example, you used rocks and some branches to make a livable shelter. Also when you killed that raging moose and used its meat for food, its hide for clothing, and its bones for food, I learned survival techniques. I learned that everything you do now, can impact the next part of your life. You have to overcome obstacles that dare to change your path. I didn’t realize that until I read your story.
It is amazing how much we have in common. We are both in middle school. We both are faced with challenges everyday, like finding food or shelter.
We are also very different. For example, you’re 13, I’m 11. You had to survive in the wild I had to fight for the remote at home. You had to fight for food, I had to look in the fridge. You had to create a bed, I had to get comfortable in the blankets. All very different.
You inspired me to be who I am today by fighting for food, keeping horrible secrets, and just surviving in the wild. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication.
Your Friend, Nick Boynton
PS Good luck in the winter!
Dear Brian,
Wow! What a great story! I want to first thank you for making your story, Hatchet, by Gary Paulsen such an interesting novel, unlike other stories that I have read. Let’s start with the “secret.” I feel really bad for you because if my parents broke up I would be torn apart. When you saw your mom with another man you must have been devastated.
After you got in the plane crash, it freaked me out. Considering that you and the pilot were the only ones on board and the pilot had died. Now I’m a little scared of going on a plane. After you made that shelter out of that hill, it made think of nature in a different way. I learned that you can use items in nature in several ways. I was thinking about how you could have survived without basic needs such as running water, fresh food, and even TV. If I didn’t get TV, I would go mad! That inspired me to think more about wants and needs.
We have some similarities, one of them is the way we think of nature. When you thought of a hill as a potential shelter, I got a visual in my head because of how well you described it. I used to think of a hill as a hill, but now after reading what you did, I now think of it as a shelter also. Another similarity is our survival skills. You learned your survival skills from reading many books. I was taught my skills from belonging to Boy Scouts of America since I was seven years old. It’s good to know that skills like those work regardless of how you learn them.
You have inspired me to look at nature differently and I thank you for that. When my life gets a little rough, I only hope that I handle it as well as you did.
I hope that if you go on any more plane rides you bring your hatchet with you!
Sincerely, Ryan Bean
Dear Eddie,
I was delighted to meet you when I red you book, Eyes of the Emperor by Graham Salisbury (which was one of my favorite books of all times). You are such an inspiration to me and taught me a couple of major lessons. One of these major lessons was to always fight for what you believe in. You taught me this lesson when you went against what your father believed in and did what you thought was right. This happened when you decided you wanted to go to war against Japan and joined the American army, which was against everything your father believed in.
My Advanced Reading teacher, Ms. Kennedy, introduced me to you when she gave the class an assignment to read Eyes of the Emperor. I usually do no like historical fiction but I was able to relate, learn and enjoy your story. I related to your story because you and I have many similarities. For instance, whenever you did not like something your parents said, you would tell them what was on your mind which is exactly what I would do. Another connection that you and I have is that we were both born in America and are both American citizens. If I had to go to war and was able to choose which side I wanted to be on I would choose the American side just as you did.
Some differences that we have is that your parents honor their home country, Japan, while my parents honor their new homeland, The United States of America, rather then their country of origin. Another dissimilarity is that your parents have their homeland’s patriotism while my parents have their new homeland’s patriotism.
Some things that I learned from you was to always fight for what I believe in and another lesson is that you should always stick to your guns, especially if you know what your doing is right for you. You taught me that loyalty is a quality to be respected by doing whatever the army said for you to do. After the project about the dogs (where the haoles had dogs attack you to make sure that during war that they could sniff out Japanese by scent), the American army finally decided that they could trust you and ended up sending you to war which was exactly what you wanted. Another thing that I learned was that not all people were treated right and it was not just the African Americans that were treated badly. Some parts in the story were actually hard for me to read because of what the people were doing to you. Some of these things were that when you watched the harbor, they had people watching you to make sure you did what you were supposed to do. Another thing was that you had to hit the dogs to make them dislike you, which was not only unfair to the dogs but discriminatory to you too.
I was able to enjoy your story because it was realistic and most of what happened to you happened to other Japanese who joined the war. Your story was also entertaining because it was funny at parts and it also was suspenseful. Your story was funny mainly because of Chik, who really only cared about girls and music. While you where in the middle of war, Chik was thinking about his two girlfriends. Your story was suspenseful because you always left a chapter with a cliffhanger and you were always doing something that most people have never done (such as being able to go to war). Some of the things that most people never did include knowing how to build boats; going to war even though two years under age; and finally that you got to experience World War II and saw what happened to Pearl Harbor.
Eddie as I said before you are such an inspiration to me and have changed my life forever. I will always remember you as a friend and a mentor. Thank you for an entertaining and inspirational story, and I hope that you have a sequel. If you do, I am sure to read it.
Respectfully, Jacob Arabbo
PS Good luck in war!
Dear Eragon,
I had a lot of fun reading about your adventures in the books Eragon and Eldest by Christopher Paolini. I can’t wait to read about your newest adventures in Brisingr. I don’t now what it is about your adventures, but they bring out something in me, a feeling I only get while reading about your struggles. Just today I found out why; they have a deeper meaning.
You are fighting out against the Empire and you have made some powerful allies. With their help you have won two great battles and countless little skirmishes. But still the war rages on. Due to your efforts I have a feeling it will be ending soon. You have inspired me to believe that one person (with a little help from friends) can do great things.
You and I are not so different, you know. We take rash and immediate actions about many things (no offense), and both of us are very, very curious. Remember when Brom had to scold you for asking so many questions? Both of us admire poetry and love reading. We both learned very fast how to read. You learned in Teirm with Brom as your instructor, me at my school and home usually learning by myself. I loved the poem you wrote in the book Eldest. Alas, we have one great difference; you are dragon rider and I am not. Still, our similarities outnumber our differences.
Because of our similarities, I could relate to you. Because I could relate to you, you taught me two great lessons: that destiny and fate are most unexpected and that one person can do great things. You would know this of course, because Saphira chose you out all the people in Alagaesia and you were just a mere farm boy. That is the work of fate. For this and for all the entertainment you’ve given me, I give you my deepest gratitude. I hope you succeed in your quest to kill Galbatorix.
Your fan, Tarun Gogineni
PS Don’t get yourself killed, and take care of Saphira.
Dear Harry,
You were amazing in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling. Ever since I picked up your life story about how you are reflective and caring, has changed my life. My fearsome heart is now something I could have never imagined. When you got caught by Snatchers, I realized how much I fear and I am now a lot stronger.
You’re a person I could trust my life with. You have showed millions what it’s like to share, care, and dare in life. For example, when you saved Ron, you showed that you are caring and daring.
Thank you for giving me a story I will never forget. I could feel your feelings burst from each page. Like when you were hiding or fighting your excitement and sorrow showed. When you were fighting your final battle, in the final war vs. Voldemort, the suspense was sooo intense! Thank you for that great entertainment!
Your story helped me be happy for what I have and for who I am. I’m closer to my family now, all thanks to you. I can interact more to them.
I also want to tell you how we are alike, but it’s our differences that set us apart. First of all we are both selfless and prepared to die for others. Our kindness can melt the icicles in others. We also have felt the feeling of bitter disappointment toward someone we trust. Yours’ being Dumbledore and mine being my best friend, Kirthi. As well as our similarities, we have our differences. I love to read and read some more, while your always throughout Hogwarts and all about. You’re a big risk taker and take action immediately, I more of a worrywart and think about a single thing. You always have to make last minute choices in life like giving up your own love or life for others. My life is steered and ready to go. As you can see, we can be the same, but nothing can keep us from being our own person.
I know I’ve said this many times before, but thank you for everything. What you have taught me will be with me forever and more. You have showed me what the outside world really looks like. I will never forget what friendship, compassion, and love really is.
Your Friend,Niharika Dantuluri
Dear Harry Potter,
Hello! I am Husain Taher. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is my favorite book. I liked it so much I decided to write to you! J.K. Rowling is an amazing author.
You and your friends have taught me many lessons and have inspired me even in your first adventure. Like when you and Ron were at the Halloween feast and a troll from the dungeons attacked the girls’ bathroom. You and Ron were getting evacuated when you realized that Hermione was in the bathroom, and slipped out to save her. You put yourselves in danger to save someone else. You showed great courage when you did that.
You showed amazing trust in your friends when you were in the secret chamber and you had to pass the wall of fire. What a difficult choice you had between one potion that would let you pass safely and the four others that would kill you. Hermione examined the potions and told you which one would let you go. You trusted her on your life and she was right.
I’m a lot like you in many ways. You must have been anxious when you first went to Hogwarts; on my first day at Baker I was really worried. Some kids at my school I like and some really annoy me. Like you and Dudley, I can’t stand some of my cousins. I love adventure as much as you do.
Hogwarts is alike and not alike my school, Baker Middle. Like you, I don’t like some of the teachers I have. Baker seemed really big at first just like your first time at Hogwarts. Baker isn’t a boarding school and I come home after the school day. Hogwarts has fantastic food; the food at Baker is good too. Also Baker isn’t a thousand-year old castle. My principal, Mr. Hahn is even a little bit like Dumbledore.
Well I should wrap it up, you must be pretty busy. It was great being introduced to you. You’re a terrific role model!
Your (new) friend, Husain Taher
Dear Nesta,
I really enjoyed reading your book, Earthborn, by Sylvia Waugh. I loved your story so much that from the moment I got it, I just couldn’t put it down!
We have so much in common. Besides the fact that you are part alien! We are both only children, we both have the same hair color, and we are both very tall for our ages.
You provided a lot of inspiration to me, whether you knew it or not. You really helped me to not let in and to not give up. When your parents wanted you to go to Ormingat, your home planet, and you didn’t want to, you hid at your friend Amy’s house. That was very brave of you and I was on pins and needles trying to figure out if your parents were going to leave without you or not. You are a great risk-taker! I don’t think that I would have been brave enough to do what you did if I was in your place. I probably would have gone to Ormingat against my will.
Your story really inspired me! You made me realize that you should really be prepared for the worst. Your life could drastically change in just one second.
Thanks again for all the inspiration! I really enjoyed reading your story!
Sincerely, Alyssa
Dear Peter,
Wow, it’s great to be able to write to you! Ever since I read Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume, I’ve been thinking of things I’d like to say to you. First off, I believe that reading about you and your struggles with your little brother, Fudge, has really helped me to resolve issues with my little brother and maybe even my whole family. Whenever my brother is doing something that drives me absolutely nuts, I close my eyes and think to myself, “Someday, we’ll all have a good laugh about this,” Just like you would in a situation like that. I think that is one of the most important lessons you’ve taught me.
Another reason I loved Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, is because I can really relate to how you feel. One example is the time when Fudge swallowed your turtle and was in the hospital for days. When he was feeling better after the operation, everyone was giving him presents and ignored you like a pile of dirty socks! It was your pet, and he killed it! I know how you feel: Ignored, crushed, and mistreated. I sure know that feeling.
In conclusion, I’d like to thank you on behalf of me and all the other satisfied readers for a wonderful, humorous, outstandingly enjoyable novel.
Your biggest fan, Katie
