Afghanistan, pen pals and Andrew Clements

By Donna Teresa, Staff Writer

There are many wonderful authors who write for young people. And there are those who can magically capture the elementary school and middle school experience.

One such author is Andrew Clements. He is the author of those best-selling, thought-provoking books "A Week in the Woods," "The Report Card" and the popular "Frindle." His latest book covers a difficult topic. Some might be reluctant to write a book for young people that tackles sensitive subjects. But Andrew Clements has written a story that I hope many teachers will read to their classes and parents read to their children. "Extra Credit" is a terrific story that will encourage much thought and debate.

It is a fictional story about a sixth-grade girl named Abby Carson who is failing due to a lack of motivation. Abby is scared by the possibility that she may be held back a year. In order to avoid another year of sixth grade, Abby must complete an extra-credit project. The project involves finding a pen pal in a foreign country. Abby becomes pen pals with a boy in Afghanistan named Sadeed Bayat, who is a very good writer.

However, Sadeed has obstacles of his own.  

He is forbidden to correspond with a girl because of village rules. He recruits his sister to write and sign letters to avoid trouble with his family. One day, Sadeed decides he wants to be the letter-writer and soon Sadeed and Abby are corresponding between Afghanistan and central Illinois.

Not only does a friendship develop between them, but they also learn much about each other’s culture, lifestyles and traditions. The friendship is not an easy one, as both children must face the reality of Sadeed bringing shame to his family by corresponding with an American girl. I can’t give away the ending, but once you start reading it, you’ll be anxious to see what becomes of the friendship of Abby and Sadeed.

Although a fictional story, you can find many parallels to present day. The obstacles and barriers of war have created so much misunderstanding and devastation that have prevented the potential of friendship our countries could achieve. Children have this uncanny ability to look beyond cultures, religions and rules, and make friends if given the opportunity by their families. Perhaps everyone all over the world could look upon each other through the eyes of young people and learn something about breaking down barriers and attempt to make peace for the sake of the children who will inherit this Earth.

I want to dedicate this to all the pen pals all over the world. Your letters, as simple as they may seem, build friendship and understanding, and open the doors to compassion. I’d especially like to thank all the pen pals who have corresponded with our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Your pictures, letters and care packages have brought a touch of home to those so far away from theirs. With the holidays coming, I can’t imagine the homesickness and loneliness the miles bring. Your letters make the time over there bearable. Keep writing!

To all the teachers out there who had to endure pens being renamed "frindles" by their students, you have to agree that Andrew Clements is one of the few authors who can tell the school story the best, even if the setting is Afghanistan.

Donna Teresa can be reached at donnateresa@sbcglobal.net.