A group of Carleton College students have joined forces with the non-profit Children’s Culture Connection and the Cannon Falls Public Schools to produce “Dear Friend: U.S./Iraqi Kids Connect,” a new book featuring letters exchanged between U.S. and Iraqi children during the Iraq War. The book will be presented at a special reception on Veteran’s Day, Wednesday, November 11 at 7 p.m. in the Carleton College Gould Library Athenaeum. This event is free and open to the public.

“Dear Friend” chronicles a recent letter exchange between Cannon Falls and Iraqi students. Aimed at humanizing war, the project was designed to celebrate peace and promote understanding, giving children on both sides of the war active roles in preventing future conflict. The result is a compelling book that helps the young authors—and their readers—to recognize the common humanity uniting Americans and Iraqis.

This unique project was initiated by Dina Fesler, director of the Children’s Culture Connection (www.childrenscultureconnection.com), an organization dedicated to fostering peace by helping young Americans connect with other cultures and make a difference in the lives of children in need worldwide. Fesler invited Cannon Falls students in kindergarten through grade 12 to put their thoughts and questions about the Iraq War down on paper.

Carleton College sophomore Mahal Burr (Memphis) learned about the project earlier this fall and, after enlisting other Carleton students, she organized the “Dear Friend” publication. The book has five sections: what the Cannon Falls children see; sharing culture; asking questions; finding common ground; and taking action.
Along with Burr and Fesler, the reception will feature Missy Klapperich, Cannon Falls teacher, and selected Cannon Falls students, who will read excerpts from “Dear Friend.” Copies of “Dear Friend” will also be available for purchase at the event and light refreshments will be served.

This event is in conjunction with “War Work: Artists Engage Iraq and Other Wars,” an exhibit currently on display in the Carleton College Art Gallery. Featuring the work of six artists, “War Work” challenges audiences not to forget the consequences of global armed conflict. The exhibit is on display through November 18. For more information, visit www.carleton.edu/campus/gallery or call (507) 222-4342. The Carleton College Art Gallery is located in the lower level of the Music and Drama Center, near First and Winona Streets in Northfield.