I’ll Always Write Back

by Caitlyn Alifirenka

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

Unknown Binding

Reviews

[Nela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m surprised this book isn’t more popular?! It’s a different way of seeing things and learning different cultures. Highly recommend this book!

[Catherine Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A) A giant thank you to Skketch, my Goodreads friend, for recommending this AMAZING BOOK. One of the great things about Goodreads is people sharing the books they love. It is a very important part of this site that we should all use to find sleepers like I Will Always Write Back.

B) Having said that I rarely (never!) see books on Amazon with 2,500 ratings and a 4.7 vs Goodreads which has exactly 16 total ratings and 3 reviews. That is so unusual — I believe the reason may be that this is required reading in some high schools.

Let’s get those numbers up to Amazon’s on Goodreads!

This book should not be missed! Read it and share it.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very quick and easy read, but very memorable. It really showcases the differences of how people live around the world, and how small actions can make such a large difference.

[Grace Daulerio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the only book to ever make me actually cry. It's so moving, heartening, and inspirational. I Will Always Write Back will show you what real friendship looks like and to never judge someone based on their background or where they come from.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE BEST book I've read in a long time. So much hope, dedication, love and friendship in this book. You won't be disappointed if you like true stories. I read it in a day.

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute story that also brings wide perspective to the world. Very cool to hear a perspective of a story not far from where I grow up.

[Jennifer Parent · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 13 year old son and I listened to this today as we drove all day. It’s the true story of the friendship that develops between 2 pen pals over 6 years. Caitlin (on the official book cover, it’s spelled with an “i” not a “y”) of Pennsylvania and Martin of Zimbabwe slowly become familiar with how their worlds differ from each other and how they come to love, appreciate and support one another through the growing pains of their teen years. The narration on the audiobook was delightful because it was read by two narrators meant to best represent each character. There is exploration of how the circumstances into which we are born can impact our opportunities, but our attitudes and hard work and how we treat people can help to counter these disadvantages to a point. Some minimal, mild language and some descriptions of boy-girl relationships and pot use that made my son uncomfortable in a few moments. Overall, delightful, and I would recommend it to remind ourselves of the beautiful humanity that can exist in all of us if we nurture it. Definitely do the audiobook over just reading it, and that’s coming from someone who typically doesn’t do well with audiobooks.

[Sue.the.very.busy.reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll Always Write Back is a surprise Middle Grade book that was not on my radar until @homegrownbookpicks recommended it. It is a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star read that starts as a class assignment and ends as a lifelong friendship that impacts two families in very different ways.
Caitlin is a typical student living in Pennsylvania in the US. She is assigned to write a letter to a student in Zimbabwe.
Martin is the top student in his class in Zimbabwe and he gets to pick the first letter and he picks Caitlin’s. This begins six years of letter writing between the two friends.
This book is a dual memoir of Caitlin and Martin’s memories of how their friendship formed. Martin’s story is a reminder of the hardships and tough decisions that people in other countries are forced to make when they live in poverty. Caitlin’s story will inspire you to make a difference in your own community and maybe even the world. I highly recommend this book to everyone. READ THIS BOOK!!!

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this true story of a lasting friendship between pen pals and how education can shape lives. In her seventh grade English class, Caitlyn chose Zimbabwe for a pen pal project. Little did she know she would learn so much about herself, her family, and a country and culture thousands of miles away.
Martin eagerly replied to Caitlyn, wanting to know about the United States. Martin and his family lives in abject poverty, but Martin's thirst for learning and desire to go to college keeps him at the top of his class. Even when Martin's family cannot afford the school fees, he manages to keep up his studies until he can go back. When Caitlyn learns the truth about Martin's life, she and her family help them financially. After overcoming many obstacles, Martin achieves his goals and becomes part of Caitlyn's family as "our African son."

[Liza Maggio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the format of the book. I was truly invested in Martin coming to the United States. I loved reading about the two teens' wildly different lives.
I wanted to know more about Caitlyn's kindness project (reaching out to bullied, nerdy kids at school) and more about the demise of her relationship with Damon.
My students love this book!
The weird story of Caitlyn's night out drinking seems superflous to the story. It has nothing to do with Martin. Why include that, but not whether this happens again and/or more about Caitlyn's changing values, education, friendships, extended family, romantic relationships? My question is why discuss one seemingly irrelevant event, but not others that are mentioned later/earlier, esp. as this one event moves the book from a G rating to at least a PG...

[Pat Lentz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice idea for a book. Easy to read style; I’m sure that helps make it popular with young teens and teachers. I grew tired of how shallow Caitlin was, but she reminded me of lots of girls I knew at that age. Nice comparison of how differently kids of the same age live in different parts of the world. Martin’s story was definitely the more interesting one.
Instead of this book I’d recommend Long Walk to Water, a true story of one of the lost boys of the Sudan. My 7th and 8th graders really liked it.

[Roxanne Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The relationship of these two students corresponding from across the world was inspiring and beautiful! And it was started by a wonder teacher who made the pen pals possible!

Not only did Martin’s life experiences change Caitlin’s world view, but she chose to do something about his situation, which blessed his whole family. This is a heartwarming story that will hopefully encourage and motivate all readers to do what they can to help others!
Thank you Caitlin and Martin for sharing your incredible journey with us!

[Denise Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fascinated by this book!! It’s the story of a couple people in their early teens, one in Africa and one in America, who become fast friends through a pen pal writing assignment. As you read you get the chance to watch the pair grow and mature on opposite sides of the Atlantic. I found the peak into the hard life of the African especially interesting. You won’t be sorry if you pick this one up!!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely amazing I had to read it for a project and thought I wasn’t going to like it. After reading it I knew I was wrong it was so enlightening to see how 2 people across the world actually changed each others lives! The thing I loved more is that this is a true story this actually happened! This is proof that lives can change because of one person.

[Anna Kuehn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story! This experience happened during my youth while I was trying to find my way. I became a Peace Corps Volunteer and connected with a family in a similar way. The world is a big our small as we make it...I really loved this one.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book. I too had a penpal in school and found the process very eye opening! I loved reading about this true story and all the lives that were changed. Must. Read.

[Amy Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book. I loved every minute of it. I used this as a summer read for my students, and I’m excited to get back to school to discuss it with them.

[Shaina Hedeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another all time favorite!!! Great read for any age!

[Sandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably would rate this a 4.5. A very motivational book that lets others know that yes we can make a difference!

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an impressive and inspiring story! I listened to the audio book which was very well read.

[Erika Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this. It is by far my favorite book of the year. Wow!

[Corie McRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a lovely heart tugging story

[Laura Andriotis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on a true story. Always like to see how people's "world eyes" are opened.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational!

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This should be required reading in every suburban school in America.

[Erica Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars - obsessed with this!!

[Kristy Rudolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn’t want the book to end! I fell in love with Martin and couldn’t wait to look him up to see what he’s doing today!

[Stephanie Ammar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet story. I listened to it. It was great to hear it in the two voices.

[Jill White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely, heartwarming. Renews my faith in mankind. There are some very generous people out there.. I should be more like them.

[Emma Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming & at times unbelievable