53 pages • 1 hour read
Pam Muñoz Ryan, Illustr. Peter SisA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Neftalí is now 11 years old and still the skinniest and weakest boy in his class. He is approached by Guillermo, a bully, who wants help writing a love letter to the girl he likes. Guillermo knows Neftalí is good with words, so he tells him to write the kinds of things girls want to hear, but sign Guillermo’s name to it. It’s for Blanca, the same girl Neftalí likes. He knows if he doesn’t write the letter, or if it fails to impress Blanca, Guillermo will make his life miserable.
Having never written a love letter, Neftalí reads the letters in Mamadre’s trunk for inspiration. They’re written by someone named Enrique, addressed to a Maria, and full of beautiful, memorable sentiments. Neftalí hasn’t experienced the kind of love in Enrique’s letters, but he does love Laurita, Uncle Orlando, Rodolfo, and most of all, Mamadre. He practices by writing all the words that express his affection and gratitude for her. Soon, sentences form in his mind that demand to be written.
The letter Neftalí gives to Guillermo is based on Neftalí’s own feelings for Blanca.
By these authors
Becoming Naomi Leon
Pam Muñoz Ryan
Echo
Pam Muñoz Ryan
Esperanza Rising
Pam Muñoz Ryan
Mañanaland
Pam Muñoz Ryan
Riding Freedom
Pam Muñoz Ryan
Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs
Pam Muñoz Ryan
5th-6th Grade Historical Fiction
View Collection
7th-8th Grade Historical Fiction
View Collection
Art
View Collection
Books & Literature
View Collection
Books on Justice & Injustice
View Collection
Childhood & Youth
View Collection
Daughters & Sons
View Collection
Family
View Collection
Fathers
View Collection
Juvenile Literature
View Collection
Magical Realism
View Collection
Realistic Fiction (Middle Grade)
View Collection
SuperSummary Staff Picks
View Collection
The Best of "Best Book" Lists
View Collection