[Lina]

Dear Gordon Korman, 

my best friend wrote you yesterday named addie. so my name is Lina, I really want to meet you so am want to talk to my princeble  to see if you can come. I am writing a book at the age 11 and a half, its called the war in me. its a really sad book and about war, but I want to show to my teacher but scared she will tell my parents I am thinking about bad things. so do I just get in trouble or, not show her my creation? 

                                          please help your troubled fan, Lina

Hi, Lina,

I've been in your situation -- I was 12 -- and my advice may sound too casual to you, but it's the VERY best advice. The first people to see your book should be your Mom and Dad. I'll bet your teacher will agree with me. You need someone to assess your work with honesty and thoughtfulness, and no one is better at that than a parent. Don't be afraid of what they will say -- honesty is very important to you at this stage of your career. It's also a good idea to tackle a lighter subject to start with -- something you have experience with -- friendships, school, becoming a writer at an early age.

Good luck, Lina.  I'm thinking of you.                                                                                            -----Gordon Korman-----