Zlata begins her story just prior to her 11th birthday. In her diary she painfully records the day to day encroachment of the war on her life and on those she loves. The students hovering around the computer have read Zlata's book, or, are in the process of doing so. Patti has arranged with their regular teachers to keep them for the special Chat time. The monitor is busy.
Messages move non-stop across the screen.
They come from around the world. Kids in Israel, the UK, California, Holland, and of course from Delmar, Maryland, want to know if Zlata is still frightened for her friends left back in Sarajevo. One boy asks if she has a boyfriend. Still another, wants to know if she is going to write any more. Everyone wants to know how they can help other kids who are suffering in the war.