DEAR MR.

KILMER
BY ANNE SCHRAFF
CHAPTER 4
 Richard reads Mr. Kilmers letter in his room.
He is now training to be a soldier. He advises
Richard to overcome and share his poetry
with people around him. (pg 44)

Over dinner, Richard asks Angie to read Mr.

Kilmers letter aloud. She reads it but nobody
seems interested. Gus does not believe that
Mr. Kilmer is famous, and Pa does not believe
that Richard writes poetry. (pg 46)
 Richardasks his family members if they want to
read his poems but nobody is interested. Pa tells
him not to let poetry interfere with his farm
chores and schoolwork. Richard then goes up to
his room sadly. (pg 47)

Gus comes into the room and advises Richard not

to tell anyone he writes poetry. He wants Richard
to fit in with people because everyone is calling
him a Hun lover after he signed the card for
Hannah. (pg 48, 49)
 Thenext day after school, Richard tells
Mrs. Hansen that he writes poetry and
shows her Mr. Kilmer's letter. Then, Mrs.
Hansen helps him to choose a poem on a
thunderstorm to send to Mr. Kilmer. She
also wants Richard to share some of his
poems and Mr. Kilmer's letter with the
class when he is ready. (pg 50, 51)
 AsRichard leaves the school, Hannah
apologizes to him for being rude. She knows
that he is the only one who signed the card.
She informs him that some of her neighbours
painted over those awful words and promised
not to let it happen again. She also tells him
that her brother, Otto, has joined the American
Army. She and her family are worried that he
may be killed and he may have to kill his own
cousins. (pg 52, 53, 54)
 On his way home, Richard climbs his
favourite old oak tree. He notices the train
full of soldiers laughing and smiling. He
wonders why they are not worried the
danger and hardship that they will be
facing. Then he thinks about Otto and Mr.
Kilmer and feels sad. (pg 55)
 Characters
Richard
-outspoken, courageous (stood up against class bullies)
-hardworking, helpful (work hard on his studies)
Hannah

-generous, gentle (bakes cookies for Kilmer, which Richard

sends France
Joyce Kilmer

-kind, supportive (asks Richard to share his poems with her and
others
Pa

-understanding (insist on privacy when he speaks to Richar

 Angie
Mrs. Hansen

Gus

Otto (Hannahs brother)

Soldiers in the train

 Setting
Place: - Hannahs home (schemers)
*safe haven for Richard where he can share
his poetry, benefit from the more
cultures German family and build a closer
relationship with Hannah
- Classroom, Chicago , New York,
Germany