Letters from Hillside Farm (16 page)

Dear George,

Oh, my, what a lot of ups and downs you have had during the past few weeks. I'm glad you like the pencils and writing paper I sent. Your letters mean more than you will ever know.

And happy birthday, once again. Just think, you are thirteen years old, a young man. I wish I could have been with you on your fishing trip. It sounds like it was lots of fun, except for falling in the lake. I'm not sure I would have liked that. It sure was a big fish you caught, though.

I guess I predicted that Amos would find a way to pick a fight with you. I'm glad that neither of you got hurt badly. A black eye is no fun, but it could have been worse. There is just no sense in fighting. No sense at all. I'm sure you are well aware of that now.

As for the fire at Grandma Woodward's house, you, young man, are a hero. You can't know how proud I am of you. And I'll bet you a nickel that you have a new friend. His name is Amos Woodward.

I will see you in just a week. I've checked the train schedule and look forward to seeing all of you on August 27, at the depot in Link Lake. Be sure to bring Depot along with you. I'm looking forward to seeing him along with the rest of your family. It has been a long, lonely spring and summer here in Cleveland. I'm so looking forward to spending some time in the country.

Much love,

Grandma S.

Afterword

The Importance of Letter-Writing

Although today many people use email, text messaging, and other electronic means of keeping in touch, letter-writing is an important form of communication. Writing a letter gives you time to develop an idea or thought or share a story of any length. Letters can be long or short, depending on what you want to say. Besides providing you a way to share your ideas with someone, a written letter becomes a historical record. A historian might someday read a letter you wrote “way back when” to learn about what life was like when you were growing up.

Kinds of Letters

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In this book you've had a chance to read personal letters. George is writing to his grandmother, and she is writing back to him. They are informative, friendly, and valued by the person receiving them.

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Many people send letters on special occasions. Birthdays and other holidays are a fun reason to write a letter and send along a picture you have drawn or a project from school.

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A thank-you letter is a great way to tell someone thanks for a present or for doing something nice for you. Thank-you letters are often short, but they are very much appreciated by the recipient.

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In a request letter, the letter writer is asking for something. When you apply for a job, writing a letter is often a part of that process. Another kind of request letter might ask for a donation for a good cause.

Letter-Writing Exercises

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Just as George did in this book, write letters to your grandparents. Tell them what you've been doing in school and at home. They will love receiving your letters and will probably be excited to write back to you.

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Write a letter to a cousin who lives in another city. Tell your cousin what you are studying in school, what books you are reading, and what it is like living where you live.

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Do you have a friend who has moved away or changed schools? Having a pen pal is a fun way to keep in touch and learn about life in a different place. The letters will help you continue your friendship until you can see each other again.

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Write to the author of one of your favorite books. Tell the writer what you like about the book and what it means to you. You might even mention some of the things you didn't like about the book! Authors like to hear from their readers.

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Write to the president of the United States about an issue or problem in your school or community that you feel strongly about.

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Write a letter to your school principal or the mayor of your city. Describe a change or an improvement you think is needed and explain why.

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Write a letter to students who will be in your grade next year. Tell them about the classes they will have, the homework they should expect, and what you like about being in your grade (and what you don't like, as well).

If you are already writing letters, keep it up! Writing a letter is not only fun, it is an important skill to have.