What if you wrote a letter to the past and the past wrote back? That’s the premise of Right Back at You, the latest brilliant novel from award-winning author Carolyn Mackler.
Right Back at You follows the story of Mason, a boy living in the year 2023. Things aren’t going great in his life. His parents have separated, and there's a guy at school who won't get off his case. As part of an assignment, Mason writes a letter to Albert Einstein, but after it ends up getting a little too personal, he throws the letter in his closet….
The next day, Mason finds a response to his letter in his closet! Even more strange is the fact that the letter is from a girl named Talia who is living in the year 1987. She has problems of her own, including classmates who tease her because she's Jewish. She thought her friends would have her back but it seems like the only person she can really talk to is... a random boy from the future?
Check out this free Right Back at You reading guide.
In this thrilling book, Mackler expertly deals with themes relatable for students in grades 4-7, such as friendship, bullies, and school life. Through authentic characters, she deftly teaches readers about the Holocaust and antisemitism. And when you throw time travel into the mix — along with both heartbreaking and hilarious moments — you’ve got a novel you and your students will love!
The Right Back At You Project: Mackler Is on a Mission
Inspired by her novel, Mackler is determined to bring the art of letter writing to classrooms across the country and encourage young people to reach across differences and forge connections.
Here’s how it works: Students from schools in different geographic regions read Right Back at You, meet with Carolyn Mackler together in a joint author visit, and are paired as pen pals. If you think your school or library would be a good fit for The Right Back at You Project, you can fill out this form on Mackler’s website.
Letter-Writing Prompts for Students
To get your students inspired and excited about letter writing, have them try some (or all!) of the ten writing prompts below:
1. What would you write to Albert Einstein?
Would you ask him about his favorite candy, or what kind of music he liked, or what scientific breakthroughs he was most excited about?
2. Write a letter to your future self ten years from now.
What are your hopes and predictions for the person you’ll become? Do you have advice for your future self?
3. Write a letter to your favorite fictional character.
What do you want to ask them? Would you want to visit their world? Would you want them to come to your world?
4. Write a letter to your pet or an animal you wish you had.
What would you tell them? What do you think they’d say back?
5. Write to someone who’s never seen Earth before.
Imagine a pen pal from outer space. How would you describe life on our planet?
6. Write a letter to your favorite food.
Pizza, ice cream, tacos… tell them how much you love them (and maybe apologize for eating them).
7. Write a letter to your school, thanking it — or giving it a few suggestions.
What do you appreciate about how your school is now? What would you change if you were in charge?
8. Write a letter to your favorite season.
Tell summer why it’s the best or ask winter why it has to be so cold!
9. Write to a person who inspires you, even if you’ve never met them.
Tell them how they’ve made a difference in your life.
10. Write a letter to the author of your favorite book.
Ask them how they came up with the story, or tell them what their book meant to you.
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