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When Reading Leads to Writing

Kenneth Melnick's letter to Robert Cormier 29 Nov 1981

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This three-page typed letter on personalized stationery, written by ninth-grader Kenneth Melnick to Robert Cormier, dated 29 November 1981 is a series of specific questions about After the First Death. Kenneth has discussed his questions with both his English teacher and his mother who may have read the book, as well. Furthermore, Kenneth extends an invitation to Cormier to visit his school with all expenses paid.

Kenneth Melnick's letter to Robert Cormier 10 Dec 1981

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In this second letter by Kenneth Melnick to Robert Cormier 10 Dec 1981, Kenneth alludes to a newspaper that his class made inspired by After the First Death. The letter appears to be a cover letter for the package from his school, Mamaroneck High School, in Mamaroneck, New York.

Hallowell Headline Mrs. Gottenfeld's Class Project

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In this 12-page student-created magazine, Hallowell Headline Mrs. Gottenfeld's Class Project, dated 26 November 1981, students have written essentially fan fiction inspired by Cormier's books After the First Death.

RELATED LINKS:

As an invention that defines humanity, writing serves several purposes. George Orwell details what he figures are the four most significant motives to write in his essay "Why I Write."

FlavorWire gathers the motives of 15 authors in a satisfying listicle "15 Famous Authors on Why They Write."