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Today’s post was a tip off from Beth at elizabethannewrites. I love all the links and connections one makes in the Kidslit blogosphere, so thanks Beth 😉 At Share a Story Shape a Future they have had a week of “Unwrapping the gift of Literacy” with various creative prompts. I selected to respond to the following prompt, which would also be wonderful to use in the classroom. Do check out their site.
If you could write a letter to a friend, beloved book character, author, parent, teacher, what would you say about how/why they’re influenced your reading life?
I have written a letter to Nancy from Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons.
Dear Nancy,
I know I should probably mention the other five children, but you were truly the one that captured my heart. The captain of the Amazons – such a feisty, swashbuckling heroine, I just knew as soon as we “met” on your first encounter with the Swallows, that we would be friends. You were truly a tomboy after my own heart. Your adventures were my adventures. I came with you on each of your escapades in the heart of the English Lake District, which I loved so much, and beyond.
When I visited Lake Windermere and gazed across at “Wild Cat Island”, everything seemed possible to my believing heart. I can picture the camp site near the bay and smell the pemmican and grog picnics. What fun adventures we had. Do you remember heading up the fell and coming upon those strange charcoal burners? My adventurous, daring spirit found a real soul-mate in you, that has remained with me into adulthood.
I have to tell you that you were the one who inspired my obsession with islands. Real and fictional islands seem to have always played a role in my life since the days of “Swallows and Amazons”. You were pretty emancipated for a young girl in the 1920’s, which is I guess why some might have seen you as a little dominant. I personally liked your spunk. I don’t think you all would have had so many adventures if you hadn’t been open to pushing the normal parameters a little.
I have already introduced you to many of my younger friends and will continue to do so. Thank you for your life long companionship.
Joanna
In my 20's, with only my guitar and a rucksack, I wandered the continents, immersing myself in the lives of some wonderful people, projects and stories, which changed the way I view my responsibility to others and this earth. Right now I'm a European transplant in the US who writes books for children and young adults. Stories can help us not only navigate our world but can connect us to others, and allow us to inspire and help each other. I believe that equity and empathy should be at the core of our all actions, words, and stories.
I am also a school librarian and I get a kick out of book-matchmaking! And I use the pronouns she/her.
Read the link with the challenge and found it very interesting. Wow, Iloved your letter to Nancy in “Swallows and Amazons,” a book I don’t know. It was so heartfelt that I forgot it was to a character. Very creative. My favorite early charachters were Pippi Longstocking because she carried me away on adventures, as well as Anne Shirley, because of her passion for life, and Nancy Drew, for her love of the mystery of life. Well done. Glad Beth shared this.
wasn’t this fun? I am so glad Beth came upon that blog. Swallows and Amazons is very British! I confess I have heard much about Pipi Longstocking and Nancy Drew, but not yet read them. Anne Shirley seems to be that wonderful common denominator for many of us.
I love your letter to Nancy so very much! It makes Nancy so real, and makes me want to know her as well — so you’ve just introduced her to one of your older friends, as well! (Here’s hoping the local library doesn’t let me down on this one!)
(And I love that we all “know” Anne Shirley!)
You and Pat make me want to reread the Montgomery series. I have the first three, very old editions, on my shelf, and think I may just do that but during my next vacation when I have some extended time ahead.
What a great letter and I can really see how you and Nancy are alike, how you have embraced and lived some of her characteristics. I can’t wait to read these to Amelie – they are waiting in her room for an opportune time – as I too loved the series as a child. She has watched a GREAT film and series based on the books – which we haven’t let her do for other books until they are read! – so I hope this inspires rather than limits. XR
I first had Swallows and Amazons read to me by my Grade 3 teacher, so I was around 8 or 9. I remember it vividly because when she told us the title, I thought “Oh No, some natural history type book.” Was I wrong! I hope Amélie loves them too and I would love to see the film and series 🙂 x
I have never read this book, but your letter has really made me intrigued in it! Who doesn’t love a little spunk?!? I sure do!
I really enjoyed the prompt. I am fairly new to the Kidlit sphere and am just loving all the creative ideas I am discovering.
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A beautiful letter Joanna, and well done on getting 4th place. I have never heard of the book. I was tempted to write a letter to, but I guess I left it to late. Congrats on a lovely letter.
Thanks Diane, I had such fun writing it.
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