Brief summary

I Will Always Write Back is a heartwarming memoir that tells the story of Caitlin and Martin, two pen pals from different worlds. Their friendship transcends borders and changes their lives forever.

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I Will Always Write Back
Summary of key ideas

Unlikely Friendship Across Continents

In I Will Always Write Back, Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda with Liz Welch recount a life-affirming friendship that blossomed between two pen pals living thousands of miles apart. Caitlin Alifirenka, a 12-year-old girl from Pennsylvania, and Martin Ganda, a 14-year-old boy from Zimbabwe, form an unlikely bond that changes both of their lives dramatically.

It all starts in 1997 when Caitlin chooses Zimbabwe out of her pen-friend options in French class for no other reason than it sounds exotic. Caitlin shares her normal teenage life while Martin opens a window for Caitlin into his impoverished world, where even a single pen can be a prized possession.

Heartfelt Exchanges Bolstering an Improbable Bond

As they write back and forth, Caitlin learns about Martin’s stark reality—his daily struggles, his intelligence, and his ambitious dreams. She shares her life innocently, without realizing the disparity between their worlds. Martin cherishes these letters, even though responding becomes tougher due to his financial constraints. He conceals his penury, infusing positivity in his return letters.

Time passes, and their friendship grows. Eventually, Martin gathers the courage to disclose his situation to Caitlin. Shocked and moved by his confession, Caitlin, with the help of her mother, starts sending him life-changing resources—school supplies, clothes, and ultimately, money.

Overcoming the Hive of Social Disparity

This act of kindness marks the turning point in Martin's life. Caitlin and her family's support allows Martin to stay in school, performing excellently in his studies—he went on to become the top student in Zimbabwe, earning him scholarship opportunities from international entities. It's an achievement that was almost unthinkable given his backgrounds.

However, his road to success was not smooth. Martin faced plenty of obstacles, the most significant being his denial of a visa that almost dashed his dreams of studying in America. Caitlin's family again steps in to help Martin, fighting tirelessly to ensure he's given the opportunity he deserved.

Inspiring Outcome Born from Cross-border Friendship

Eventually, Martin is granted a full scholarship to Villanova University. His path was paved by hard work, aided by the kindness and determination of Caitlin and her family. His feat demonstrates the power of friendship, generosity, and the relentless spirit of human resilience against all odds.

In conclusion, I Will Always Write Back is a heartwarming tale of hope, compassion, and the transformative power of friendship. It underlines the fact that benevolence has no borders and asserts the commendable truth that even modest acts can make a significant difference in someone's life.

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What is I Will Always Write Back about?

'I Will Always Write Back' by Caitlin Alifirenka is about the transformative friendship between Caitlin, a typical American teenager, and Martin, a poverty-stricken boy from Zimbabwe. Their pen-pal relationship develops into a life-changing experience as they support and inspire each other through challenges and cultural differences, ultimately discovering the power of empathy and compassion.

About the Author

Caitlin Alifirenka is the co-author of the book 'I Will Always Write Back'. She is also an advocate for education and global understanding. Through her book, Alifirenka shares the remarkable true story of her 7-year pen pal relationship with Martin Ganda from Zimbabwe, which began as a school assignment and blossomed into a life-changing friendship. Alifirenka's work highlights the power of connection and the transformative impact of education on individuals and communities.