6th grade students (Emily and McKenna) show off the book with their teacher Missy Klapperich, and Dina Fesler of WKR.
A group of Carleton College students have joined forces with War Kids Relief and the Cannon Falls Public Schools to produce Dear Friend: U.S./Iraqi Kids Connect, a new book featuring letters exchanged between U.S. and Iraqi children. The book will be presented at a special reception on Wednesday, November 11, at 7 p.m. in the Carleton College Gould Library Athenaeum. This event is free and open to the public.
Dear Friend chronicles the letter exchange between Cannon Falls and Iraqi students. Aimed at humanizing war, the project was designed to celebrate peace and promote understanding, giving children on both sides of the war active roles in preventing future conflict. The result is a compelling book that helps the young authors—and their readers—to recognize the common humanity uniting Americans and Iraqis.
Carleton College sophomore Mahal Burr (Memphis) spearheaded the project earlier this fall and, after enlisting other Carleton students, she organized the “Dear Friend” publication. The book has five sections: what the Cannon Falls children see; sharing culture; asking questions; finding common ground; and taking action.
The reception will feature Missy Klapperich, Cannon Falls Public School teacher, and selected Cannon Falls students, who will read excerpts from Dear Friend. Copies of Dear Friend will be available for purchase and light refreshments will be served.