We are so excited to offer you the chance to connect with fellow readers and engage in meaningful exchanges through the power of penmanship. Whether you’re looking to share your love of books, learn about other readers’ experiences, or build lasting friendships, this program is a wonderful opportunity to expand your reading community.
Things to Consider:
Here are some things you may want to clarify with your new connection:
- How frequently are you planning to communicate?
- Are you hoping to write snail mail or email (or both?)
- Are you writing as a class, or is each reader going to have their own Pen Pal?
- How much personal information will your readers be sharing in their letters?
Ideas to Get Started:
If you’re not sure where to start with your Pen Pals Program, why not try:
- A Pen Pals book club- decide on a book you’ve both been wanting to read, and when you’ve both read it, write to your new Pen Pal about what you liked or wanted to change about it (bonus points if it’s a Forest nominee!)
- Draw something together- Pen Pal 1 starts with a simple drawing, and Pen Pal 2 adds to it, going back and forth until you have something totally silly!
- Write a short story together- Same idea as a joint drawing, but with words!
- Share your favourite songs, tv shows, hobbies, or recipes, and challenge your Pen Pal to try them out.
- Include a secret message for your Pen Pal to decode.
Applications to participate in the 2026 Pen Pal Program open in October!
Please note:
- Emails and letters must be sent through your schools, NOT through personal email addresses.
- Adults should review all letters before they are mailed or sent to ensure they have been vetted.
- Forest of Reading is simply the connection between you and your new Pen Pals, we are not further involved beyond facilitating the initial connection.
We would love to hear about how you’re running your Pen Pals!
If you’re posting on social media, make sure to tag @forestofreading.
For more information, please contact forest@accessola.com
