Delphine and her sisters, Vonetta and Fern, have just come back from California. In California their experiences had changed their perspectives. Now back home, they are thrown back into reality. Dad has a new girlfriend, and their uncle returned from Vietnam, scarred from his experiences. Throughout the book, Delphine talks to her mother, Cecile, in letters. She receives the constant reminder that she needs to be eleven while she can. Through the trials of her livelihood, as well as learning to forgive, Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern are up for another adventure.
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Response Activity associated with the Book: Letter/Response
This activity involved writing a letter acting as one character to another character in the book. Then to trade the letter with another student and have that student write a reply impersonating the character who is receiving the letter.
Example:
Dear Vonetta,
The monster called, but a bigger monster stole from a most beloved niece. I didn't know it at the time how much pain I inflicted. I have sought help, and am currently in therapy to get rid of these monsters that keep calling me back to the trap. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. I have struggles with the demons of Vietnam. I hear explosions and see people I know, that I call my friends, killed. These bad things implant a bad spirit where my happiness used to be. I used to have fun with you girls, but instead, I found pain and misery. So instead of facing your hopeful faces that believed in me, I did the unspeakable, I stole and left.
I did not know how to face my demons at the time, and I got scared and decided to run. I managed to make my way to Washington D.C. where I am currently in therapy. A month ago I sent an apology gift. I hope you enjoyed it and that when I eventually return, that I can have fun like we used to, and jam out to the Jackson 5. I am sorry, Vonetta, I wrecked an event you had worked so hard towards and I have no excuse except that it was not me that stole the jar, it was another version of me that I don't know anymore. I hope you enjoy the gift I sent and that you can find it in your heart to forgive me.
Love,
Uncle Darnell
Response:
Dear Uncle Darnell,
Although your actions were cruel and heartbreaking, it wouldn't be fair for me to hold a grudge against a man filled with so much pain. I appreciated the record as a gift. We both know my obsession with the Jackson 5 is huge. I miss spending time with you and I hope the help you are branching out to can make those demons disappear. You are a good man despite the poor decisions you have made. Continue seeking help and come back to your nieces for laughter and fun. I accept your apology.
Much Love,
Vonetta
This activity involved writing a letter acting as one character to another character in the book. Then to trade the letter with another student and have that student write a reply impersonating the character who is receiving the letter.
Example:
Dear Vonetta,
The monster called, but a bigger monster stole from a most beloved niece. I didn't know it at the time how much pain I inflicted. I have sought help, and am currently in therapy to get rid of these monsters that keep calling me back to the trap. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. I have struggles with the demons of Vietnam. I hear explosions and see people I know, that I call my friends, killed. These bad things implant a bad spirit where my happiness used to be. I used to have fun with you girls, but instead, I found pain and misery. So instead of facing your hopeful faces that believed in me, I did the unspeakable, I stole and left.
I did not know how to face my demons at the time, and I got scared and decided to run. I managed to make my way to Washington D.C. where I am currently in therapy. A month ago I sent an apology gift. I hope you enjoyed it and that when I eventually return, that I can have fun like we used to, and jam out to the Jackson 5. I am sorry, Vonetta, I wrecked an event you had worked so hard towards and I have no excuse except that it was not me that stole the jar, it was another version of me that I don't know anymore. I hope you enjoy the gift I sent and that you can find it in your heart to forgive me.
Love,
Uncle Darnell
Response:
Dear Uncle Darnell,
Although your actions were cruel and heartbreaking, it wouldn't be fair for me to hold a grudge against a man filled with so much pain. I appreciated the record as a gift. We both know my obsession with the Jackson 5 is huge. I miss spending time with you and I hope the help you are branching out to can make those demons disappear. You are a good man despite the poor decisions you have made. Continue seeking help and come back to your nieces for laughter and fun. I accept your apology.
Much Love,
Vonetta