Published September 30, 2026
By JOHANNA MELTON
When the students of Kristine Aguirre’s English class drafted letters and drawings to send to Khaled Hosseini, the award-winning author of “The Kite Runner,” they could have never guessed that Hosseini would respond individually to each student with personalized messages and autographed photos.
The Kite Runner is a historical fiction novel following the story of Amir, an Afghan boy who struggles with guilt and redemption. courtesy of RIVERHEAD BOOKS
“The Kite Runner,” a bestselling historical fiction novel published in 2003, discusses themes of betrayal, guilt and redemption and is typically taught as a part of 11th grade curriculum. Aguirre, who has always believed in reaching out to authors, decided to teach her class letter-writing conventions by having them draft messages to Hosseini.
“I believe in cold letters,” says Aguirre. “Even before I became a teacher, if I found an author’s writing to be really impactful I would send them an email. Almost every one of them has responded.”
The letters consisted of the students’ gratitude toward Hosseini for writing the book, where they read it and what they learned from it. Many students wrote how moved they were by the story and feel that reading the novel led them to greater self-awareness, appreciation of family and interest in Afghan culture.
“It makes me happy to know that young readers like you are learning about my homeland, Afghanistan,” the author wrote in one reply letter. “Reading can bridge gaps between people of all different backgrounds and remind us of our shared ubiquitous humanity. We’re all in this together.”
Kristine Aguirre (left) believes strongly in reaching out to authors, finding that most of them are happy to respond to her students. photo by JOHANNA MELTON
Hosseini also offered multiple students writing advice, detailing how he does not restrict his creative process with outlines or planners, but prefers to just start writing.
The same opportunity was given to two of Aguirre’s English classes in past years, making this bunch of letters the third sent by Hosseini. While it would be easy to compose one letter to the class as a whole, Hosseini took the extra time to write each student their own unique response.
“The fact that he takes the time to write a personalized letter with a personalized response really resonates with students,” says Aguirre.
Touching students and teachers alike, Hosseini’s kindness shows his commitment towards young readers and writers.
