I received this absolutely delightful bit of fan mail from 11-year-old Sophie and I'm going to frame it and hang it in my office. (Shared with permission). Here is the transcription:
Dear James Fell,
I think the work you are doing is absolutely fabulous, as every single entry in Both your books was so fun to read, especially because made it enjoyable for anyone, as usually I don't enjoy books. Each page has something special about it, that draws you in and teaches all sorts of history to everyone, even people who don't normally enjoy it.
If I did have Facebook, (I don't cuz I'm 11) I would totally follow and everything. I am Jewish so I really like to hear when you talk bad about those shitnugget motherfucker nazis. I really want to meet you, but for now I can only write to you.
Thank you,
Sophie
PS. I wrote this for summer camp, and I wrote a fake one without cussing, cuz I would be in deep trouble.
Also so you know my mom bought me your books so that say a lot about her.
Only 38 days until the new and improved Bantam Books version of ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY SH!T WENT DOWN is published. I bet you know a kid or three who would get a kick out of it. You can pre-order it here.
And wrote a fake one to fool the grownups about mentioning the shitnuggety and motherfucking nazis.....
Clever girl.
With kids like Sophie around, I have a renewed faith in the future of mankind!