Corinne Gay

Level I - Third Place - Corinne Gay, Merrill Middle School, Des Moines
Parvana's Journey by Deborah Ellis

Dear Deborah Ellis,

There was no point in hurrying. Parvana had nowhere else to go. These are just two of the sentences that made me want to read Parvana's Journey.  This was just the first chapter too!  Parvana and I are alike because we both are kind to people.  We are dissimilar because I am not as brave as Parvana. 

Once when I was in first grade, my friend faced discrimination because she wanted to join on the playground. She was not allowed to join because she was a different race. I felt horrible, as if it was my fault, because I was white. She thought just because she was a different race, she was lower than anyone else. This affects everyone. I know everyone has either faced segregation, or taken part in making fun of someone else. I know I have.

To tell you the truth, before I read this book I didn't think much about discrimination. I got so used to blocking it all out, because I was afraid, and I just didn't want to see it, so I didn't. Now I notice it everywhere. In the hallways there is book dropping, in the lunchroom you don't let people sit at your table because they're new, or different. I know I have done that many times before. Thank you for making me realize what I'm doing. Maybe I can make a difference in my community today. Who knows, maybe others will follow me.

Sincerely,

Corinne Gay