Second grader John W. loves to send cards and write letters, not the email variety, but the old-fashioned handwritten kind. His favorite pen pal–Mrs. Keene, his former Summit first grade teacher.
This year, John read the book First Kids and presented his book talk in the form of a letter to the Obama children. He read it to his classmates and gave a copy to his teacher, Mrs. Denning, to post in the classroom. Just for fun, he sent a copy to Sasha and Malia Obama. John’s letter was filled with historical facts about some of the former Presidents’ children. He compared things they did with his personal experiences. (John’s letter appears at the end.)
Imagine the excitement when John opened an envelope addressed to him from The White House. Inside he found a letter and a photograph, both signed by Michelle Obama.
“Dear John,” it began.
“Thank you for writing to our family!
“Our daughters are happily settling into their new surroundings and routines. They’re having fun making new friends and working hard on their homework. The girls really enjoy living in the White House and discovering the history that surrounds them in their new home, The White House is a place that all Americans should treasure and enjoy. You can learn more about the White House and take an online tour at www.whitehousehistory.org. It is not just our house—it’s your house too!…”
“There’s nothing like receiving a response in the mail after you write someone a letter,” says John’s mom Debbie. “John loves to receive mail almost as much as he likes to write it. Maybe the art of letter writing will return with John as the trendsetter.”
(John’s Letter to the Obama Children)
“Dear Sasha and Malia,
I just read a book, First Kids, by Gibbs Davis and illustrated by Sally Wern Comport. It is about kids growing up at the White House. This is the best book ever.
I think that it is cool that you have 132 rooms. We have only 18 rooms in our house.
I found out that first kids can have sleepovers at the White House. I have sleepovers a lot too with my best friend, Max. At my sleepovers we eat dinner while watching Max and Ruby, we play Wii, and we watch a movie.
President Abraham Lincoln’s son, Tad, had a lemonade stand and charged money to the White House visitors for a drink. I had lemonade stand to raise money for the ABC of NC kids. They have autism, like me. We made $58!
First kids have had dogs, cats, horses, snakes, goats, a badger, and a kangaroo rat for pets. I have a dog at home named Julius Monkee. His best friend is Libby that lives across the street. They like to play with each other. Do you have a pet?
I read that you have a movie theater, bowling alley and swimming pool at the White House. Those would be fun to have at my house.
I hope you enjoy living at the White House. It looks fun for kids.”
Your friend,
John W.
Winston-Salem, NC
