This article reports on how pen pals can be incorporated into the literacy classroom for engagement and motivational interest. The authors describe a study in which focused, interactive pen pals were implemented in a third-grade classroom, and the influence this practice had on students' writing. Incorporating pen pals during writing instruction provided students the opportunity to engage in authentic reading and writing. Findings suggest that the implementation of the letter exchange correlated with students' (a) growth in writing ability, specifically their ability to mirror letter structures and increased length; (b) changes in attitude towards writing; and (c) progress in reading abilities.