why do we write for the younger reader? because of this. always.

I sprinted outside when I saw the mailman coming; I was eager to conduct a quick exchange.  But when I realized what it was that he was handing me—a fat envelope containing a bright red folder, a folder full of thank you notes—I stopped in the cold gray air.  Stopped right there in my tracks.

I'd visited Mrs. Skrzat's classroom at The Eighth Grade Center at Springford just before I'd left for London.  I'd sat in a classroom talking about what we believe in, what we write, what we reach for, how we live.  And then, in a mad fury, I had dashed off.  Not forgetting those dear students—I never do that.  But imagining that they would soon forget me.

My high school friend Cynthia Feimster had arranged for the morning.  I want her, and Mrs. Skrzat, and all those students (they made me think, they made me laugh) to know that l hold that memory dear.  Every single letter in this bright red folder of letters is an indelible treasure.