For Alyssa Caroline and Jackie Thank goodness for all of you JS For Anika Fern JW
JOURNAL Do not even think about opening this journal You don't get to read it Or touch it It is PRIVATE You're not special just because you're my big sister Jo If you read this I will find the picture I took when you had that giant pimple on your chin and I will make copies and I will tape them up in the hallway of our new school Where everyone in your grade can see Don't assume I won't do it Because I will Celie
Dearest Celie'm crossing my fingers that you I like this new diary I went through shelf after shelf of journals in the bookstore trying to find just the right one I rejected a million roughly speaking They seemed too businesslike or too brown or too dainty or too babyish or too filled with supposedly inspirational sayings like Find the magic to make your spirit fly I found no such magic but I did finally find this journal It strikes me as artistic and bold and those qualities remind me of you So I bought it I hope it feels like the right choice to you And I hope it helps you make your way through the days we face ahead I know it l be hard to move to a new home and a new school and to have to worry about making new friends But changes aren't only bad they can be exciting too I know we'll have happy moments as well as challenging ones and I hope it's helpful to you to describe them all here With lots of love and then a whole lot more Mom
