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Dear America Pen Pal Project
June 28, 2025 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Get Ready for the Dear America Pen Pal Project!
We’re so excited to partner with a few of our bookstore friends and launch a fun and meaningful writing adventure! The Dear America Pen Pal Project connects kids with pen pals from all over the country sparking friendships, building writing skills, and celebrating the joy of old-school letters.
Kids will learn the art of old-fashioned letter writing. Including how to start a letter, what to say, how to sign off, and how to address an envelope. It’s hands-on, creative, and fun!
KICK – OFF EVENT June 28th at 11:00am
(don’t worry if you are unable to attend the kick-off event you can still participate. Please complete registration below)
How the Dear America Pen Pal Project works:
Children will write letters using a fun prompt to get their creativity flowing! During the workshop, they’ll learn all about the art of old-fashioned letter writing, including how to start a letter, what to say, how to sign off, and even how to address an envelope the right way.
Once their letters are ready, each bookstore will send them off to another participating bookstore somewhere else in the U.S.
Then comes the exciting part: children will come back to the bookstore to pick up their mail and read a letter from their brand new pen pal! They’ll keep in touch by writing back and forth twice a month through the end of September.
If your child wants to keep writing after that, they’re more than welcome to with permission from both families.
We’re excited for this fun way for children to make new friends, build writing skills, and learn what life is like for children in different parts of the country!
Age Groups
To help children get the most out of their pen pal experience, we’ve organized participants into age groups. This allows us to match kids with pen pals at a similar developmental level, ensuring that communication is meaningful, age-appropriate, and enjoyable for everyone involved. Here’s a brief overview of the goals for each age group:
Ages 5–8: Young learners in this group are just beginning to explore writing and self-expression. The focus is on practicing basic letter-writing skills, learning about sharing simple ideas (like favorite animals or family traditions), and getting excited about connecting with someone new. Adult help may be needed for writing or reading.
Ages 9–11: Children in this age range are building confidence in their writing. Pen pals will be encouraged to ask questions, describe their interests, and learn about daily life in different communities. The goal is to strengthen writing skills, practice empathy, and develop curiosity about the wider world.
Ages 12–15: This group is ready for deeper conversations and reflection. Pen pals will discuss shared experiences, personal goals, and cultural perspectives. Writing becomes a tool for connection, understanding, and respectful dialogue. This is a great age for forming lasting friendships and expanding worldviews
Participating Bookstores
- The Storybook Shoppe – Bluffton, SC
- Story Books + Toys – Oakdale, CA
- Red Stick Reads – Baton Rouge, LA
- Literally A Bookshop – Gilbert, AZ
- Golden Bee Bookshop – Liverpool, NY
- The Bookworm – Powder Springs, GA
- Fairytales Children’s Bookstore – Nashville, TN
Each child will send two letters a month through the end of September continuing the conversation, building friendships, and maybe even writing to pen pals in different locations along the way. While each bookstore may set its own deadlines, all letters are mailed by the 15th and 30th of each month. Be sure your child’s letter is turned in on time so they don’t miss a round!
The Dear America Pen Pal Project is free at this time; this is a service provided and championed by each of the participating bookstores to create community, foster a love of reading and writing, and encouraging connection across the country.