Guided Primary Source Analysis: Leonard Bernstein illustrated letter

Leonard Bernstein was a famous American composer and conductor. Don’t read the words, just study the illustrations. Zoom into the images online. What is the setting? What is the story?

Now read the letter. Challenge yourself to decipher the writing on the pages, then read the transcript. How does the actual letter compare with the story you had in mind from analyzing the illustrations?

Write a letter with illustrations to your mother or another special person in your life. Take one or more pictures of it before you give or send it.

What other observations, reflections, or questions does this source inspire? Let us know!