Runner-Up
Letters About Literature 2003
Level II

Dear Mrs. Velma Wallis,

Your book, Two Old Women, is an inspiring book that possesses values and morals that seep through the skin and into my heart. This rarity in other books that I have read will endure in my mind forever. Even with your altering in the Alaskan oral myth of the Two Old Women, you have put your words in a dominant position in a comparison with one's different views of this legend.

One of the most spurring and mind-sticking (and probably my favorite) phrases in this story, is when Sa' spoke, "If we are going to die, let us die trying." This saying, yet so small and with so little words, says so much if you read between the lines. In Sa''s situation, with fatal dangers and so little hope, she speaks these courageous and encouraging words with just a minute amount of belief in her, but with the largest amount of faith.

These two women are the bravest and the strongest women I have ever heard of, contrary to their fictionality. I admire their determination and their loyalty to each other, despite their anger towards The People and their differences between each other. One example is when Ch'idzigyaak did not want to keep going on their journey, but she forced herself to persevere, for she knew if she gave up, her friend would also give up. That was a deed in which I could describe to you infinite esteem.

Another part of the story that I marvel over is when Ch'idzigyaak and Sa', although at first reluctant (which I totally understand) shared their rich supply, and gradually forgave The People. If I were in a similar peril, I doubtedly would have forgave my betrayers if I hadn't had read this book.

This book has taught me to be a loyal and trustworthy friend and component of a community. I, and everyone else, should not look down on people because of his/her age. One verse in the Bible came to mind when I read this book; KJV 1 Timothy 4:12a "Let no man despise thy youth."

This book taught me that we all should not look at the cons of a situation, but count our blessings. Show courage and determination, loyalty and faithfulness, and finally forgiveness and forgetfulness.

I will highly suggest this book to my friends. I really admire this book and I thank you for showing me this diversity of morals and true values of life.
From one of your admiring readers,
Jacob Courson

Jacob Courson
7th Grade
Palmer Junior Middle School
Teacher: Kim Vasauskas