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Discussion Questions
We'll add publisher questions if and when they're available; in the meantime, use our LitLovers talking points to help start a discussion for I'LL ALWAYS WRITE BACK … then take off on your own:

1. Talk about the wide gap between Martin's hardscrabble life in Zimbabwe and Caitlin's privileged one in the U.S.  How did two 12-year-olds from such vastly different backgrounds and expriences bridge the gap between them?

2. What do each of the two pen pals reveal about themselves as they write to one another? What dreams do each have, especially Martin?

3. How does her growing awareness of Martin's poverty affect her? In what way does the correspondence change Caitlin with regard to her American classmates?

4. What do you make of Caitlin sending a portion of her babysitting money to Martin? Was her act naive, condescending, or a genuinely inspired act of kindness?

5. What moved you most about his book?

(Questions by LitLovers. Please feel free to use them, online and off, with attribution. Thanks.)

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