Richard receives a letter from famous poet Joyce Kilmer encouraging him to share his poetry. At home, Richard's family shows little interest in his writing. The next day, Richard shares his poetry with his teacher Mrs. Hansen, who helps him select a poem to send to Kilmer. Hannah apologizes to Richard for past rude behavior and shares her worries about her brother Otto joining the army.

1. DEAR MR. KILMER
BY: ANNE SCHRAFF
SUMMARY OF CHAPTER 4
1. Richard readsMr. Kilmer’sletterinhisroom. He is now trainingtobe a soldier. He advises
Richardto overcome hisfearand share hispoetrywithpeople aroundhim.
2. Overdinner,RichardasksAngie toreadMr. Kilmer’sletteraloud. She readsitbutnobodyis
interested. Gusdoesnotbelieve thatMr.Kilmerisfamous,andPadoesnot believethatRichard
writespoetry.
3. Richardasks hisfamilymembersif theywanttoread hispoems,butnobodyisinterested. Pa
tellshimnotto letpoetryinterferewithhisfarmchoresandschoolwork. Richardthengoesup
to hisroom sadly.
4. Gus comesintothe room and advisesRichardnotto tell anyone he writespoetry. He wants
Richardto fitin withpeople becauseeveryoneiscallinghimaHun loverafterhe signedthe card
for Hannah.
5. The nextday afterschool,RichardtellsMrs.Hansenthat he writespoetryandshowsherMr.
Kilmer’sletter. ThenMrs.Hansenhelpshimtochoose a poemon thunderstormtosendtoMr.
Kilmer. She alsowantsRichardto share some of hispoemsand Mr. Kilmer’sletterwiththe class
whenhe isready.
6. As Richardleavesthe school,Hannahapologisestohimforbeingrude. She knowsthathe is the
onlyone whosignedthe card. She informshimthatsome of his neighbourspainted overthose
awful wordsandpromisednotto letithappenagain. She alsotellshimthather brother,Otto,
has joinedthe AmericanArmy. She andherfamilyare worriedthathe maybe killedandhe may
have to kill hisowncousins.
7. On hiswayhome,Richardclimbshisfavourite oldoaktree. He noticesthe trainfull of soldiers
laughingandsmiling. He wonderswhytheyare notworriedaboutthe dangerandhardshipthat
theywill be facing. Thenhe thinksaboutOttoand Mr. Kilmerandfeelssad.