Congratulations to Letters about Literature 2004
RI Level I Winners
Level I State Winner
T.J. Cienki, 5th Grade, Hanaford Elementary School, East Greenwich
Submitted by Parent: Sue Cienki
Dear Avi,
A body hanging limply from the gallows, his dead body swaying in the wind. I was repulsed, but intrigued. I could not put your book Crispin: The Cross of Lead down. It caused my heart to beat rapidly in suspense. I was so inspired by your vivid descriptive voice in this historical novel that I want to become a writer. I want the ability to accurately describe a scene for a reader so that they believe they are actually there.
A good writer I believe should want a reader to learn, wonder and question. After reading your book, I became fascinated with the middle Ages. What was it really like? I ran to the library and scoured for book about knights, and continued reading about the subject. You opened my mind to a new area of interest. You made me believe I was actually in the novel. I could picture the scenery and I became one of the characters. I fought with a sword, and ate with the people. For a short moment in time, I became part of the book.
I want to be a writer that opens up doors for people. I want people to set scenes and describe occupations that not everyone can become. People may not have the physical nor mental capabilities to be an astronaut, or racecar driver, teacher, dancer or baseball player but for a moment in time, I want them to realize, what each of the profession would be like.
I am a ten-year-old boy living in 2003. I have mild cerebral palsy, but for one 'cool fall afternoon, I became Crispin living in the middle ages. Thank you for that gift.
Level I Honorable Mention
Kevin Carriere, 6th Grade
Mercymount Country Day School, Cumberland
Submitted by Teacher: Dolores Guerrier
Dear J.K. Rowling,
I had saw myself as a person who did not know what I wanted out of life. I sometimes saw myself hating everything in my life: my family, school, my friends, and the whole world. I felt I needed to get away and somehow find a different world. I even thought about running away forever.
Then I heard about your Harry Potter books and read them. Harry's attitude about his family was similar to mine. When Hagrid told Harry he was a wizard, it was like I was finding out who I was. I was absorbed into the wizardry world, and fascinated by all of the new places and creatures he met. It was like anytime I needed "to run away" or "find a new world" I just opened up the book. I read the book in any spare time I had. All of the witty characters, new places, and crazy animals became part of my life. But as the book ended, I didn't. I read the book over again and try to find any lessons taught in there that I might have missed.
All in all, the book gave me new life. I found out who I was and who I am. I decided not to hate anyone or myself and took each day looking for something good to happen. I found if I looked at the world from a different view, everything could change.
Thank you,
Kevin Carriere