91 pages • 3 hours read
Caitlin Alifirenka, Liz Welch, Martin GandaA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Summary
“Caitlin: September 1997”-“Martin: November 1997”
“Caitlin: January 1998”-“Caitlin: May 1998”
“Martin: June 1998”-“Martin: October 1998”
“Caitlin: December 1998”-“Martin: April 1999”
“Caitlin: May 1999”-“Caitlin: June 1999”
“Martin: June 1999”-“Caitlin: December 1999”
“Martin: January 2000”-“Caitlin: February 2000”
“Martin: February 2000”-“Caitlin: September 2000”
“Martin: November 2000”-“Caitlin: December 2000”
“Martin: January 2001”-“Martin: April 2001”
“Caitlin: April 2001”-“Martin: July 2001”
“Caitlin: September 2001”-“Martin: June 2002”
“Caitlin: August 2002”-“Martin: September 2002”
“Caitlin: October 2002”-“Martin: December 2002”
“Caitlin: January 2003”-“Martin: April 2003”
“Caitlin: April 2003”-“Caitlin: July 2003”
“Martin–July 2003”-“Martin–August 14, 2003”
“Caitlin: August 15, 2003”-“Caitlin: October 2015”
Key Figures
Themes
Symbols & Motifs
Important Quotes
Essay Topics
After reading Martin’s letter about his mother’s trials with malaria, Caitlin considers sending aspirin and malaria medication to Martin’s family. When she asks about sending malaria medication in the mail, her parents warn her that sending medication is illegal. However, Caitlin proceeds ahead anyway. She receives old malaria medication from her grandmother, who was prescribed it for leg cramps. Caitlin includes this medication along with bottles of Tylenol in her next care package to Martin’s family.
Meanwhile, Caitlin has a change of heart regarding pursuing a career in technical education after being turned away from woodshop for wearing open-toed shoes. At a guidance counselor’s office, her counselor tells her that she will have to wear close-toed shoes if she decides to pursue a career in technical education. Caitlin decides that wearing open-toed shoes is more important and rethinks her interest in technical education.
Several days later, the September 11 terrorist attacks take place at the Twin Towers and the Pentagon. Caitlin receives the news at school. Caitlin’s older brother, Richie, arrives in the middle of the day in a panic, telling her that she has to leave with him immediately. There is news of another attack in Pennsylvania and their mother has advised them to head home, where it may be safer.