Claire Birchmier

Dear Louis Sachar,

I 'm writing this letter to you about your book Small Steps. Small Steps taught me that no matter what; good friends stick with you until the end. Your book also taught me that everyone deserves a second chance, no matter what he or she has done or what they've been through.

I admire the way Ginny and Armpit stuck together. Even though Ginny had a disease and people made fun of her, Armpit didn't care, he just knew that she was a good person and that's all that mattered. Every time I walk by people in public who look weird, I remember your book and Ginny. I remind myself they are probably very good people, and I say silently, " Give them respect just like you would to any other person." One time I was at a dentist appointment and there was a scrawny little girl and she had a disease and had to be held down to brush her teeth. I didn't make fun of her though because I knew she couldn't help it. I thought again to myself "She can't help it, she's probably a very nice person and somebody who wants a friend." That lesson in particular will help me in the future.

I've always thought second chances were very hard to give, but your book taught me that everyone deserves a second chance. It's only human to make mistakes. Nobody should ever hold a grudge on anybody forever. Maybe the person you know to be a "mean person" or a" bad person", could be a very nice person even though they don't seem like it all the time. Just like how Armpit got a second chance from Ginny, even though he made some bad decisions.

Thanks to your book, I now know how friends can greatly impact your life and no matter what you should not take advantage of them. Your book taught me a number of lessons that I never will forget. I'm sure your book touched all of your readers, including me!

Sincerely,
Claire Birchmier, Grade 5