Date of Award

2000

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Education (MSEd)

First Advisor

Luisa Costa Garro

Abstract

This project is an original bilingual story of two cousins who live in two different countries. The United States and Costa Rica. They bridge their separation by writing letters and emails throughout the story. Through this correspondence they learn about each other and the have more in common in their seemingly distinct worlds than they realize. The text of the book is written in English. The correspondence between the two characters is in English with Spanish translations.

This thesis includes a rationale which explains the need for this book in a world that recognizes the importance of bilingualism and on a personal level for the author. There is also a section illustrating the author's writing process. In addition, this paper includes a review of children's literature that considers with both penpal writing and being bilingual. Also included is a section on how this book can be used in the curriculum. The two appendixes contain samples of children's responses to the story and sample letters that the author used to help write the story.

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