LESSONS

The following are novels studied in the literature

component in English Language.
Dear Mr. Kilmer
- Anne Elaine Schraf
Captain Nobody
- Dean Pitchford
Sing to the Dawn
- Minfong Ho
Using the details from the novel that you have studied,
describe what lessons you have learnt.
From the novel Dear Mr. Kilmer, by Ann Elaine
Schraf, a lesson I have learnt is that you should be
proud of who you are. You should also be strong, loyal
and upright. In this story we see that Richard, the main
character, had to face many challenges. He loved poetry
and though he wrote poems, he kept this a secret as he
was afraid others would make fun of him.
Mr Kilmer encouraged Richard to share his poetry,
and when he did, he felt relieved. He was no longer
afraid of what others thought of him. When people were
mean to the Schermers and vandalised their tavern,
Richard thought it was unfair. He felt sorry for Hannah
and her family. He was the only one in his class who was
brave enough to sign the sympathy card for Hannah.
In spite of the consequences, he continued to be
friends with Hannah. He realised if Mr Kilmer could be
brave enough to join the war, he, Richard should be
fearless in standing up for what he believed in. He even
decided not to be Doughboy in the Liberty Programme
just to support Hannah.
I have also learnt the importance of friendship.
Richard became good friends with Mr Kilmer through
their correspondence though they never met each other.
He also remained good friends with Hannah even when
the other students shunned her and treated her badly.
He knew the importance of having a friend in bad times.

Another valuable lesson I have learnt is how wrong it

is to be prejudiced and cruel. The people in the town
were ignorant and labelled the Schermers as unpatriotic
just because they were Germans. Richard thought for
himself and stood by his own beliefs. He had integrity
and strength of character. Mrs Hansen wished more
students were more like Richard.
So, I hope I will be strong, loyal and fearless in the
face of challenges like Richard.