Editorial Content for Dear Hank Williams

DEAR HANK WILLIAMS is an epistolary novel written in a series of letters from the main character, Tate P. Ellerbee, to her pen pal Hank Williams. Tate’s new teacher, Mrs. Kipler, has assigned the entire class the task of writing to a pen pal throughout the school year. Tate selects Hank Williams, a singer whose star is beginning to rise, especially as he sings every Saturday night on the “Louisiana Hayride” radio program. Tate’s letters to Hank Williams span the time frame from September 1948 to June 1949. Through her letters, the readers get to know about Tate, her life and the time period.

DEAR HANK WILLIAMS is a refreshing example of historical fiction

Tate lives in Rippling Creek, Louisiana, in Rapides Parish. She and her younger brother, Frog, live with Aunt Patty Cake and Uncle Jolly. Tate eventually reveals to Hank Williams why she lives with her great aunt and uncle, but until that point, readers are left in the dark. Although Tate writes to Hank Williams faithfully, all she receives in return are three autographed pictures. Tate describes herself as having gumption, and this aptly describes her. She is a bit stubborn, particularly when it comes to her desire to sing in the annual talent show, even though the adults around her discourage her from doing so.

Structuring the novel around Tate’s letters provides an interesting way to learn about daily life for a young girl in 1948 and 1949, as well as the bigger issues of the time, like race relations and life after WWII. It also makes this work of historical fiction accessible to readers young and old.

Holt includes a dramatic plot twist at the end of the story that I didn’t see coming. However, unlike some plot twists that feel contrived, this one fits with the story and makes sense.

DEAR HANK WILLIAMS is a refreshing example of historical fiction, and I believe that it will compel readers to learn more about the events and people mentioned in the story.