Secondary Characters
Who in Martin's family becomes a bully due to hunger?
Simba.
What are the houses called that Martin lives in?
Chisamba Singles.
Why was Martin worried when Caitlin asked him to send a picture back?
He couldn't afford a photographer.
Who wrote I Will Always Write Back?
Liz Welch, Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda
Caitlin's mom's job is what?
Teacher
Where do Caitlin and Martin live?
Hatfield, Pennsylvania and Mutare, Zimbabwe
How much money does Caitlin first give to Martin?
$1 American
When Caitlin first sends money, what does Martin tell his mother to spend it on?
Groceries; they eat chicken for the first time in a long time.
What year do Caitlin and Martin become pen pals?
1997
What does Martin's mom nearly die from, and why does she survive?
Malaria. Martin is able to buy her IV medication.
Where does Martin go to work for a summer?
Harare (capital of Zimbabwe)
What does Caitlin want her future career to be?
Nurse
How does Martin sleep, and what does his mother have to move each time he goes to sleep?
Under his parents' bed; kitchen pots and pans
Caitlin's dogs are named what?
Kava and Romey
What does Martin's father drink often?
Chibuku
Why are the Pentagon/World Trade Towers relevant to the story?
They are the locations where the 9/11 attacks took place, which Caitlin's father was nearby to
When talking to her parents, where does Caitlin suggest getting the funds to help Martin?
Her university fund
Who is Martin's first friend at the Catholic high school he attends?
Rabbit
What did Martin and his family eat daily (the name and what it is)?
Sadza: a cheap porridge made of cornmeal
Who is the teacher that sets up Caitlin's pen pal assignment?
Mrs. Miller
What is the name of the private school Martin gets a scholarship to?
Marist Brothers School
What does Caitlin name the bunny she receives for Christmas and why?
Lois, after Martin's little sister
Why does Martin want to go to school?
He knows that education is the key to a better life for himself and his family.
Why is Zimbabwe in such trouble financially?
Inflation