State Library of Kansas  :  Kansas Center for the Book  :  Letters About Literature  :  Past Winners

2009 Winner: Lauren Marie Hart (Level 1)

Book Title: Wenny Has Wings

Book Author: Janet Lee Carey

Dear Janet Lee Carey,

Last fall I was looking for a good book. You see, I am an 11 year old girl who loves to read. I have read so many books that sometimes finding a good one is hard to do. This particular day I found and checked out your book, Wenny Has Wings. It was a Friday afternoon and I started reading it as soon as I got home from school. After the first page I was captivated. I felt tied to the book, and I could not put it down. In fact, I read the whole book that night.

Your book wasn’t just another good book. This book completely touched me in many different ways. Like Will, I have a little sister. She is my best friend. There is no way I could imagine losing my sister. But I know that in some families a child does die.

My dad was five years old when his older brother, Joey, died from a tragic accident at their house. I’m sure this was a horrible experience for my dad. I wish he had been able to express himself like Will did. When I read Will’s journal written to Wenny, all I could think about was how hard it would be to lose your sibling.

I could barely see the words because of the tears in my eyes. I have read this book five times. Every time I read it I am touched more than I was the time before. Initially, I didn’t even think about my dad and Joey. Then, it occurred to me that this had been his experience. I really wish your book had been published 30 years ago so my dad could have read it. I think that he might have been able to understand why he was so sad and lonely without his big brother if he had read your book. He would have been able to relate to Will and talk about his brother’s death.

The first book I recommend to a friend looking for something to read is Wenny Has Wings. You are one of my favorite authors and a great inspiration. Thank you for writing my favorite book and I want you to know that I enjoyed reading it as much as you enjoyed writing it.

Sincerely,

Lauren Marie Hart

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