Module 10 - Boxes for Katje

Module 10 - Boxes for Katje

Summary

After World War II, Katje's town experiences hardships and shortages of food, clothing, and other supplies.  One day, Katje receives a box in the mail from a children's aid society.  It contains supplies, which she shares with her neighbor.  She writes the sender, a girl named Rosie, a thank-you note and tells of what hardships the box is curing.  Then another box arrives.  The girl who sent the first box was touched by Katje's hardship and sent more things.  Katje shares the box again, and writes another thank-you note.  This cycle is repeated several times.  The boxes help the whole town survive the winter.  In the spring, Katje and her whole town gather tulip bulbs to send to Rosie and her town in thanks for the generosity that helped them survive.

My Impressions

This book was a feel-good read.  I liked that Katje and her town were saved by Katje's gratefulness and Rosie's generosity.  I liked that Katje repaid the kindness she received from Rosie by sending the boxes of bulbs.  In an entitlement society, both gratefulness and concern for others are refreshing but in short supply.  I like that this book had both.  I also like that this book is based on the author's mother's experience.  That makes the story even more interesting.

Reviews

Booklist's Kathleen Odean called the story moving and noted that "the lively illustrations, in colored pencil, oil pastel, and acrylic, pack lots of color, pattern, and historical details onto every expansive page" (Odean, 2003).  School Library Journal's Grace Oliff also mentioned "carefully researched illustrations reflect dress, architecture, and other period details" that are sure to draw readers in (Oliff, 2003).

Use in a library

This book would be a great way to introduce a holiday food or coat drive or a volunteer day.  For some readers it may be difficult to understand the hardships that some people live with on a daily basis.  This book is a gentle way to start the conversation about what is valuable, what is needed, what is important.  It can also help readers see the impact they can have if they work together.  Oliff included this book as part of a unit on hard times.  With the Thanksgiving holiday coming up, a unit like that might be a good way to get kids talking about what they are thankful for.

References

Fleming, C. (2003). Boxes for Katje.  New York, NY: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Odean, K. (2003). Fleming, Candace. Boxes for Katje. Booklist: 100(1), p. 128. Retrieved from Literature Resource Center.

Oliff, G. (2003). Family challenges: Tight times. School Library Journal. Retrieved from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA318991.html.