"The communication between another adult and a student with the commonality of book discussions leads to much more than that. It gives students confidence and boosts their attitude to know that they can communicate with someone from another part of the country on books, ideas, and dreams"

"Pen pal letters help students develop a specific purpose for writing, promote self-esteem, and encourage students to use critical thinking skills."

"Pen pal letters help students develop a specific purpose for writing, promote self-esteem, and encourage students to use critical thinking skills..."

"When letters arrive from the pen pals, everything else is put on hold until the letters are read, printed and reread. Of course, students then want to write back immediately. Who am I, the teacher, to interrupt real life reading and writing? Beats the heck out of any basal reader!!"

"The strongest gain was their ability to make connections with what they read and be able to write about those connections, not just talk about them."

"The program works across the board. Not just the writing and reading, but just across the curricula -- science, social studies, language arts. To me, it seems to be easier because everything is put together. It's a one stop deal."

"I have gained a wealth of knowledge about teaching comprehension strategies and helping children to become critical thinkers."

"Our participating teachers have fabulous things to say about the In2Books program."

"Email has been the greatest motivating factor that I have ever actually seen in my classroom... and when students care, a lot of learning takes place."

"The fact the children were given a chance to review and choose the books was the best part of the program. When children can take ownership of their learning they become more engaged and can embrace a deeper understanding of the materials."

"This class has given me a clearer focus of what my job as a teacher truly is and has equipped me with strategies to reach my goals in the classroom."

"What an exciting day! Our students were wowed by the many walks of life our pen pals came from. They were eager to answer their questions and share a part of their life with someone who was truly curious."

"The students are so excited about their books they are even reading at lunch and recess."

"I know personally from participating in the In2Books program that STUDENTS GROW."

"My students loved writing to someone about what they were reading. It motivated them to go beyond the book and extend their thinking. Some even wrote from home in addition to the classroom time requirement I gave them!"

"The teachers are thrilled that there is a program whose objectives are aligned with DCPS standards and that lesson plans are readily available."

"They were very eager to write to their pen pal, and when we didn't have school they would beg me to have another day to write."

"In2Books is for all types of students. If a student doesn't quite get it, it gives them something to reach for. The student in middle can hone his skills. And for the student that's ahead, they just write novels and novels."