Max decides to send a letter in a box of grapes that are going to America. He then recieves a letter in return from a girl in America. They soon become friends. When tragedy strikes Max his friend is there to help through packages. This is a great book to read when talking about true friendship as well as different cultures. Its a great way to implement coming together. I would recommend this to any teacher trying to teach a lesson on friendship and culture differences. ( )

Max lives in South America on a Farm, he learns that a box of grapes at a local market is going to America and decides to leave a letter inside. Weeks go by and finally he receives a letter back from someone, a girl about his age! Though they speak different languages, they have friends translate the letters for them and become friends. One day there is a huge earthquake in Max's town and his school closes for a while to rebuild - when they return there are packages waiting for them with new supplies and a letter from his pen pals whole class!

Ages: 5-8
Source: Pierce County Library

Summary- This book was about a little boy from South America who put a note in a box heading to the US. He hoped someone would get it and write back to him so he could have a friend in a far away place. He got a letter back from a little girl and although neither of them knew each others language they managed to continue writing letters back and forth. Then a tragic earthquake happens in South America and the little girl and her class send supplies and games to the little boy and his class and ask if they all want to be pen pals.
Genre- This book would be realistic fiction because it is a story that could happen although the author made it up.
Age- 2nd-4th (I think this is a good age group for pen pals to start up)
Media- It is not specified but I would guess oil paint along with ink and wash or water colors.

A genuinely sweet book about a boy who put a letter in a box of grapes at the vineyard where his family lived which was delivered to the U.S. The letter found a friend for Max to write with and after an earthquake hit Peru his pen pals class sent a care package to his class. So Sweet. I would use this book in discussing earthquakes, letter writing, friendship, cultural issues, ELL issues, etc... so many possibilities. Grades K-4 ( )

It was good. Had diversity of Spanish and English ( )