Grace Taylor, NJ Special Mention for Level I (Grade 4)

Letter to Chris Van Allsburg, author of The Polar Express

Dear Chris Van Allsburg,

The first time I ever heard The Polar Express, I was about 4 years old. I didn’t really realize then what an extraordinary book it was and is to me now. Today as I read it page by page, word by word, I know that there is much more to the book then a magical train ride or Santa’s elves.

It’s about finding the courage inside you to step on that train and look the conductor straight in the eye. It’s about trusting yourself just enough that you can spread out your wings and fly. It’s about believing in anything big or small. It is about having faith in a bell’s jingle as small as it may seem.

Some kids say Santa isn’t real. They say that he’s just your mom and dad. But I know that he or she is real. I know that someday I will fly and all who believe will be right up in the clouds flying with me. I know that I can achieve anything if I believe.

Now that I’m 10 years old and I have dreams and knowledge about the world, I do believe. I believe in The Polar Express.

Thank you,
Grace Taylor