Part II

A Pen Pal for Max
Author: Gloria Rand

A Pen Pal for Max is a novel that shares the importance of friendship and fate. When Max, a small Chilean boy living on a grape farm encounters a grape carton that is headed to the United States, he makes a life changing decision to include a letter in search of a pen pal. After weeks of anticipation and waiting, Max finally receives a letter from the U.S., and this initiates a new friendship. This is a tale about undiscovered friendship and the possibilities that arise from taking a chance. After months of correspondence, Max’s town suffers an earthquake and is devastated. Max’s pen pal sends Max gifts and school supplies, in hopes of making a difference in his life. The author’s assumption of the Chilean way of life in the end of the book assumes that the children need supplies from America and this may cause the reader to loose the true purpose of the story, which is a friendship that transcends all cultural differences. The book demonstrates the colonialism of the Latin culture, through the relationship of Max and the farm owner. This helps children of all backgrounds understand the importance of the landowner’s role as a caretaker/father figure in relationship with the working class. The vibrant illustrations allow the reader to experience the cultural setting in Chile. The story demonstrates that regardless of how diverse the world is, there is always a common bond between children (that adults sometimes do not understand). A Pen Pal for Max is a story that reminds the reader of the power of friendship and how it can help increase multicultural understanding in the world.