David Vilandre's letter to Robert Cormier
David Vilandre, Director of the Worcester County Young Writers' Institute, writes to Robert Cormier thanking him for his response to student questions on <em>Fade</em>. He encloses three student essays and questions on <em>We All Fall Down</em> regarding Harry's role as an antagonist and the separation of the novel into two parts. A brief mention of Vilandre's infant son reveals a personal connection between Vilandre and Cormier.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=David+Vilandre">David Vilandre</a>
Robert Cormier Collection at Fitchburg State University's Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library
14 April 1994
Elise Takehana, Anna Consalvo
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael O'Bryant's essay for Mr. Vilandre</a></p>
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jacy Henerson's essay for Mr. Vilandre</a></p>
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stephen Thompson's essay for Mr. Vilandre</a></p>
JPG, 8.5 x 11 paper
English
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Letter">Letter</a>
Denise Concheri letter to Robert Cormier
Denise discusses the frequent questions the students had after reading <em>After the First Death</em> and producing a newspaper with interviews of the characters. She mentions her teacher's (Mrs. Anti) diligence in answering their questions. However, she believes that the author holds the answers to a book's meaning. She also expresses the hope that Robert Cormier will visit their class since she, too, wants to be a writer.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Denise+Concheri">Denise Concheri</a>
Robert Cormier Collection at Fitchburg State University's Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library
Elise Takehana, Anna Consalvo
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/56" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robert Cormier's letter to Mrs. Anti</a></p>
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/106">Robert Cormier's response to Mrs. Anti's class</a></p>
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/70" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mrs. Anti's Class Project "Hallowell Highlights"</a></p>
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/128" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belinda Lothrop letter to Robert Cormier 25 October 1988</a></p>
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/129" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">David Key letter to Robert Cormier </a></p>
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/131" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jamie Argento letter to Robert Cormier</a></p>
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/132" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kimberly Dawes letter to Robert Cormier</a></p>
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/133" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kristi Kozak letter to Robert Cormier</a></p>
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/134" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kristin Doton letter to Robert Cormier</a></p>
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/135" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael Ryan letter to Robert Cormier</a></p>
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/136" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mrs. Barbara Anti letter to Robert Cormier </a></p>
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/137" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pamela Carpenter letter to Robert Cormier</a></p>
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/138" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rachel Flynn letter to Robert Cormier</a></p>
<a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/139" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stephanie Synder letter to Robert Cormier</a>
TIF, 8.5 x 11 letterhead paper
English
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Letter">Letter</a>
Book Review: "Nightmarish Novel of Terrorist Violence"
Grover Sales' review of <em>After the First Death</em> for the <em>San Francisco Examiner-Chronicle</em> praises the book's treatment of terrorism as above the current trends on the topic. He specifically speaks of patriotism and Ben Marchant's spoiled innocence.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Grover+Sales">Grover Sales</a>
Robert Cormier Collection at Fitchburg State University's Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library
24 June 1979
Elise Takehana, Anna Consalvo
JPG, newsprint
English
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Newspaper+article">Newspaper article</a>
"Miro, The Terrorist With a Conscience"
<p>In this student-written piece, Haddie Bratwaite reflects on the character of Miro, in <em>After the First Death.</em> Specifically, she explores the sympathetic side of his nature that exists in contrast to his acts as a terrorist. Beginning with a look at his early life, Bratwaite argues that survival instincts shape Miro's nascent identity - that his desire to belong supersedes the better part of his nature. She cites his 'mask-wearing' as a sign of his need to distance himself from his terrorist identity. She also discusses Miro's complicated relationship with Kate - which tap into his repressed sexual identity. The division in Miro's personality comes to a head when he decides to kill Kate in an effort to truly and finally belong. Her death cements his identity as a terrorist.</p>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Haddie+Bratwaite">Haddie Bratwaite</a>
Robert Cormier Collection at Fitchburg State University's Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library
Elise Takehana, Anna Consalvo, Katy Covino
<a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/119" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">"Born to Kill"</a>
JPG, 8.5 x 11 paper
English
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=College+term+paper">College term paper</a>
Hall Alexander's letter to Robert Cormier
<p>This two-page, typed, undated fan letter to Robert Cormier comes from a high school student, Hall Alexander of Ottowa, Kansas. Hall is very caught up in <em>We All Fall Down</em>. He has questions about both events and characters and he has opinions, as well. He is not writing as part of a school project but appears to have written on his own. In many ways, Hall epitomizes the engaged reader.</p>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Hall+Alexander">Hall Alexander</a>
Robert Cormier Collection at Fitchburg State University's Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library
Elise Takehana, Anna Consalvo
<a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/75" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robert Cormier's response to Hall Alexander</a>
JPG, 8.5 x 11 paper
English
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Letter">Letter</a>
Hugh Agee's letter to Robert Cormier
<p>In this short letter, Hugh Agee, an instructor at the University of Georgia, shares an article he wrote that explores student responses to <em>After the First Death</em>, specifically their questions regarding the narrative perspective. Agee shares with Robert Cormier his enjoyment of teaching the author's work, and his students' feelings that Cormier is "a major writer of Young Adult literature."</p>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Hugh+Agee">Hugh Agee</a>
Robert Cormier Collection at Fitchburg State University's Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library
24 June 1992
Elise Takehana, Anna Consalvo, Katy Covino
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/112" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robert Cormier's draft response to Hugh Agee</a></p>
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/113" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">"The Reader and the Text: Transaction and Reaction in Cormier's After the First Death"</a></p>
JPG, 8.5 x 11 paper
English
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Letter">Letter</a>
"The Reader and the Text: Transaction and Reaction in Cormier's <em>After the First Death</em>"
<p>In this scholarly article, written by Hugh Agee and Eugenia Vazey, the authors explore the narrative ambiguity of <em>After the First Death</em> through the lens of student responses. Drawing from writing produced by his college class of English education majors, Agee and his co-author draw upon Louise Rosenblatt's transactional theory and address the personal dimension of the literary transactional experience. Specifically, they contrast the author's intention with the reader's personal response and interpretation. That is to say, where two interpretations are possible, what should hold sway - the author's plan or the reader's feelings? Agee's conclusion - the best interpretation is based on textual evidence.</p>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Hugh+Agee%2C+Eugenia+Veazey">Hugh Agee, Eugenia Veazey</a>
Focus: Teaching English Language Arts Volume 18 Number 2
Robert Cormier Collection at Fitchburg State University's Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library
Spring 1992
Elise Takehana, Anna Consalvo, Katy Covino
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/111" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hugh Agee's letter to Robert Cormier</a></p>
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/112" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robert Cormier's draft response to Hugh Agee</a></p>
JPG, 8.5 x 11 paper
English
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Journal+article">Journal article</a>
Jacy Henerson's essay for Mr. Vilandre
This student essay on <em>We All Fall Down</em> compares Buddy and Jane and how each responds to being victimized. The role of family guidance in overcoming adversity factors largely in the comparison. Henerson also considers Jane and Buddy's relationship.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Jacy+Henerson">Jacy Henerson</a>
Robert Cormier Collection at Fitchburg State University's Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library
Elise Takehana, Anna Consalvo
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael O'Bryant's essay for Mr. Vilandre</a></p>
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stephen Thompson's essay for Mr. Vilandre</a></p>
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">David Vilandre's letter to Robert Cormier</a></p>
JPG, 8.5 x 11 paper
English
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Essay">Essay</a>
Jamie Argento letter to Robert Cormier
Jamie mentions specifics of the newspaper project Mrs. Anti assigned on <em>After the First Death</em> and asks Robert Cormier about the motive for writing a book on terrorism for children and how he melded those seemingly contradictory elements.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Jamie+Argento">Jamie Argento</a>
Robert Cormier Collection at Fitchburg State University's Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library
Elise Takehana, Anna Consalvo
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/56" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robert Cormier's letter to Mrs. Anti</a></p>
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/106">Robert Cormier's response to Mrs. Anti's class</a></p>
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/70" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mrs. Anti's Class Project "Hallowell Highlights"</a></p>
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/128" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belinda Lothrop letter to Robert Cormier 25 October 1988</a></p>
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/129" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">David Key letter to Robert Cormier </a></p>
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/130" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denise Concheri letter to Robert Cormier</a></p>
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/132" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kimberly Dawes letter to Robert Cormier</a></p>
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/133" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kristi Kozak letter to Robert Cormier</a></p>
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/134" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kristin Doton letter to Robert Cormier</a></p>
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/135" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael Ryan letter to Robert Cormier</a></p>
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/136" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mrs. Barbara Anti letter to Robert Cormier </a></p>
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/137" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pamela Carpenter letter to Robert Cormier</a></p>
<p><a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/138" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rachel Flynn letter to Robert Cormier</a></p>
<a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/139" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stephanie Synder letter to Robert Cormier</a>
TIF, 8.5 x 11 letterhead paper
English
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Letter">Letter</a>
Jamie Lavender's letter to Robert Cormier
In this one-page, typed letter by Jamie Lavender, a high school student living in Lakewood, New Jersey, and dated 20 October 1983, the writer wrestles with the question of the purpose of fiction. S/he believes it is to "free the mind" not "burden" it with thoughts of terrorism as she experienced while reading <em>After the First</em> <em>Death</em>. S/he struggles to reconcile the competing views of his/herself and those of his/her teacher.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Jamie+Lavender">Jamie Lavender</a>
Robert Cormier Collection at Fitchburg State University's Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library
20 October 1983
Elise Takehana, Anna Consalvo
JPG, 8.5 x 11 paper
English
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Letter">Letter</a>
Janet Fredericksen's letter to Robert Cormier
In this two-page, handwritten letter by Janet Fredericksen to Robert Cormier, the adult writer explains that she encountered the book, <em>After the First Death</em>, in a Children's Literature class. Almost angrily, she demands to know who his audience is and why the book is a YA book. Toward the end of the letter, she relates how engaging the book is and applauds him as a writer. In a postscript, her daughter has asked who she was writing to - then said: "he's the guy that wrote <em>I am the Cheese.</em>" The writer indicated that she intended to read that book soon.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Janet+Fredericksen">Janet Fredericksen</a>
Robert Cormier Collection at Fitchburg State University's Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library
18 December 1985
Elise Takehana, Anna Consalvo
JPG, stationary paper
English
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Letter">Letter</a>
"Fact nor far behind fiction"
In this published news story included in <em>The Plain Dealer</em>, author Janice Carter discusses how the events detailed in <em>After the First Death</em> are not too far from fiction. Referring to a conversation with Robert Cormier, she shares how some of the novel's features reflect recent terrorist acts. Cormier notes how there is little research available to those interested in writing about terrorism. To that end, he wanted to use the novel to "explore the mind of a terrorist" - specifically the human side. Carter notes that these types of stories - violent, fast-paced and compelling - are often at the forefront of Cormier's young adult fiction.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Janice+Carter">Janice Carter</a>
<em>The Plain Dealer</em>
Robert Cormier Collection at Fitchburg State University's Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library
2 May 1980
Elise Takehana, Anna Consalvo, Katy Covino
JPG, newsprint
English
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Newspaper+article">Newspaper article</a>
Jared Turgeon's letter to Robert Cormier
In this one-page word-processed letter by Jared Turgeon's to Robert Cormier dated 18 October 2000, he asks Cormier about his use of "symbol titles." He references specifically <em>Tunes for Bears to Dance To</em>. Then, he shares that he did something similar when writing fiction based on a tough experience he had had in sixth grade. It's not clear what grade Jared is in, though he does mention his classmates.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Jared+Turgeon">Jared Turgeon</a>
Robert Cormier Collection at Fitchburg State University's Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library
18 October 2000
Elise Takehana, Anna Consalvo
JPG, 8.5 x 11 paper
English
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Letter">Letter</a>
Jennifer Cowan's letter to Robert Cormier
In this one-page, typed letter dated April 14, 1986 by Jennifer Cowan, a high school student living in Hudson, she asks Cormier specific questions about character development in<em> After the First Death.</em>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Jennifer+Cowan">Jennifer Cowan</a>
Robert Cormier Collection at Fitchburg State University's Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library
14 April 1986
Elise Takehana, Anna Consalvo
<a href="https://terrorandbullies.omeka.net/items/show/81" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robert Cormier's response to Jennifer Cowan</a>
JPG, 8.5 x 11 paper
English
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Letter">Letter</a>
"Exposing Teenagers To One Fact of Life"
In this brief review of <em>After the First Death</em>, Jim Haskins, an associate professor of English at the University of Florida, offers his impressions of Robert Cormier's novel. After summarizing the plot broadly, Haskins goes onto compliment Cormier's writing as honest and powerful - in some cases as brutal as it is riveting.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Jim+Haskins">Jim Haskins</a>
Robert Cormier Collection at Fitchburg State University's Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library
11 March 1979
Elise Takehana, Anna Consalvo, Katy Covino
JPG newsprint
English
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Newspaper+article">Newspaper article</a>