Below is a copy of the reply I mailed off:
Dear Alyssa,
Thank you for writing to let me know how much you enjoyed RUBY LEE & ME and for the braided yarn bookmark.
I grew up on a farm like Sarah Beth. I hope you got a chance to look at the photos of my family in the back of the book. I know you didn’t like the part where Ruby wouldn’t answer Sarah’s letter, but Sarah had called her a really mean name. Words matter. Some kids wouldn’t have forgiven Sarah, not ever, but Ruby had a big heart.
I’m enclosing two RUBY LEE & ME bookmarks, one for you, and one for a friend.
Have a great summer!
Shannon Hitchcock
Corresponding with kids about topics that matter is one of the best parts of my job!
