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“Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus”

Nonfiction

Reading and Literature 8 Mrs. Munnier

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An EDITORIAL is an essay in a newspaper or magazine that gives the opinions of the editor or publisher.

http://www.m-w.com

Reading and Literature 8 Mrs. Munnier

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Editorials are typically published on a special page dedicated to them, called the editorial page.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Editorial

Reading and Literature 8 Mrs. Munnier

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Some newspapers feature an editorial page every day. Other newspapers print editorial pages only occasionally.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Editorial

Reading and Literature 8 Mrs. Munnier

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The editorial page often also features letters to the editors from members of the public.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Editorial

Reading and Literature 8 Mrs. Munnier

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The most famous editorial in our country appeared in 1897 in a newspaper called the New York Sun.

http://www.newseum.org/yesvirginia/

Reading and Literature 8 Mrs. Munnier

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http://www.newseum.org/yesvirginia/

Reading and Literature 8 Mrs. Munnier

Here is a copy of that actual newspaper editorial, which I got from the website set forth below.

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The editorial was written in response to a letter to the editor from an 8 year-old girl named Virginia O’Hanlon.

http://www.newseum.org/yesvirginia/

Reading and Literature 8 Mrs. Munnier

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A veteran newsman, Francis Pharcellus Church, replied to Virginia’s letter to the editor.

http://www.newseum.org/yesvirginia/

Reading and Literature 8 Mrs. Munnier

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Mr. Church’s response to Virginia’s letter to the editor has since become history's most reprinted newspaper editorial, appearing in part or whole in dozens of languages in books, movies, and other editorials, and on posters and stamps.

http://www.newseum.org/yesvirginia/

Reading and Literature 8 Mrs. Munnier

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Virginia writes:

Dear Editor:I am eight years old.Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.

http://www.newseum.org/yesvirginia/

Reading and Literature 8 Mrs. Munnier

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The letter continues…

Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.”Please tell me the truth: Is there a Santa Claus? Virginia O’Hanlon 115 West Ninety-fifth Street

http://www.newseum.org/yesvirginia/

Reading and Literature 8 Mrs. Munnier

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You have received a handout that sets forth Virginia’s request and Mr. Church’s response to her.

If you have not yet picked this up, please do so now.

Reading and Literature 8 Mrs. Munnier

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We will watch the video “Yes, Virginia,” (about 24 minutes) which is based on the true story of the most famous editorial of all time.

Enjoy!

Reading and Literature 8 Mrs. Munnier