Discussion Questions for I Will Always Write Back by Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda

In what ways were Caitlin and Martin and each of their cultures similar and in what ways were they different?

How did you feel about the way Martin’s mother pushed him to always be number one and then showed great disappointment the year that he placed second in school examinations?

What did you think of Caitlin sending a photo of herself to Martin and requesting one in return?

What did you think of Martin’s request that they exchange dollar bills from their respective countries?

What did the two pen pals choose to share and choose to hide from each other and how do you think the secrets affected their friendship?

 In what ways did the two friends make sacrifices for each other?

How did the unlikely friendship between Caitlin and Martin improve the lives of these two characters and their families?

How did you feel about Caitlin and her mother’s determination to find a college scholarship or sponsor for Martin?

How do you feel the concerns of Caitlin and Martin compared to that of their peers?

What did you learn about Zimbabwe from this book?

Have you ever experienced cultural shock abroad or helped someone adjust to the culture in the United States? If so, what was that experience like?

Did you want or expect Caitlin and Martin’s friendship to develop into that of girlfriend/boyfriend instead of simply remaining best friends?

Have you ever had a pen pal from a foreign county? If so, what was that experience like for you?