December 7, 2006
Dear Ms. Holm,
In your book Our Only May Amelia, the thing that really got me thinking was that the grandma was really mean. I thought, “What if my grandma was like her?” But, she isn’t. My grandma is kind. She helps people in need, and she makes food for people who don’t have enough money for food. She gives money to the poor people. As you can see, my grandma is completely the opposite of Amelia’s grandmother. Amelia’s grandmother is cruel and wants everything to be perfect and clean. She beats on her grandkids.
Another thing that reminded me of my life and Amelia’s, is that Amelia’s baby sister dies, and Amelia blames herself for her sister’s death. It reminded me of how my father left me and never came back, but he left before I was even born. Still, he was my father, and I was really sad and hurt when I found out. He did not die like the baby, but he left. Anyway, I was really sad, but I now don’t care.
Amelia’s aunt was making a dress. This reminded me of when I used to live with my grandma in California. We lived in this very small apartment, and we had this really generous lady who was our next-door neighbor. I got to know her, and we became friends. I have forgotten her name because I was little, but she was a fashion designer. One day she made a light blue long skirt and a light blue matching shirt for me. When I found out it was mine, I hurried to the bathroom to try it on. I was really happy.
This book really got me thinking and it reminded me of things that have happened in my life. Some were happy, and some were bad, but I have gotten through everything, and I’m alright now.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Ruiz
6th Grade
Unalaska City School, Unalaska, Alaska
Teacher: Cathy Leu