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

2010 Winner: Cicely Krebill (Level 2)

Book Title: An American Summer

Book Author: Frank DeFord

Dear Frank Deford,

I appreciate you writing An American Summer. It opened my eyes in so many ways. It showed me that many people have problems in their life, but they each are able to cope with them. Your story showed me how to see the true beauty in life, even if it’s somewhat clouded by troubles. I strongly identified with the problems that Kathryn had to face.

Although I had nothing quite as serious as Kathryn, I learned from her strength and sensational love for life. You see I have chronic migraines, and every time I get a migraine my life has to be put on hold. I always get nervous when I get a headache; I even begin to stop doing things if I get one. I’ve given up hope of not having migraines. They overpower me, no matter what I do to cope with them. Just recently I have been diagnosed with a minor heart problem. I think why me? Why does it always have to be me? I get frustrated with myself and my body. As I read your book I saw what Kathryn was going through. I thought she’s in an iron lung, and yet nothing’s stopping her! I realized that she hadn’t seemed to give up hope. She had control over her disability; her disability didn’t have control over her. I realized why can’t I be that way? Like Kathryn, a strong girl.

So I began to cope with my migraines and avoid thinking about my heart using Kathryn’s tactics. She was always living life in her own way, distracting herself. She had attempted to normalize herself, by almost forgetting her disability. So I decided to attempt it. I hung out with friends, did everything I wanted to, and when I got a headache or noticed my heart acting strange I would relax myself. Every time I was on the verge of breaking down with frustration of my body, I’d think of Kathryn. How she had an incurable disability and yet she never minded. So I worked at it, slowly but surely. If I had a setback I’d turn back to your book, reading and rereading it, looking for guidance almost. Each time I read it, I got a new lesson in coping. I applied the lessons to my daily life; the aggravation seemed to melt away.

Thank you so much for writing this book. I don’t know what I have done without it. I can only imagine the problems of my life would be through. Kathryn was a sensational mentor for me, she was always there, and always remarkably tolerant. She seemed to come to life with in your pages and tell me directly what to do, how to cope, to be patient. She’s made an incredible impact on my life. Thank you for allowing her to do that, I really appreciate it.

Sincerely,

Cicely Krebill

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