The Lady in the Box by Ann McGovern Illustrated by Marni Backer

This book is the children's selection for the 2008 CommunityREAD.  Many people will be reading it in March as they participate in this event.

It is a story about a brother and a sister who want to help a homeless woman who sleeps in a box.  But, they're not supposed to talk to strangers.  This conflicts with the children's strong desire to do something.  However, Ben and Lizzie find some creative ways to help.  Find out how they help this woman by reading the book.  They have some good ideas! 

Visit the library to read the book and find out how they help The Lady in the Box.

About Ann McGovern

Ann McGovern has visited every continent -- yes, even Antarctica!

She scuba dives in oceans around the world.

She began to write when she was eight years old!

Ann has written more than 50 children's books!

Ann spends a month each year in Mexico.

She knows a lot about undersea creatures and has written books about Sharks!

For the Parents

The Lady in the Box is the 2008 Children's Selection for the Community Read Program.   About the book, from the author: Lady in the Box was inspired by a gentleman who lived in a box around the corner of my apartment building on Madison and 62nd St, considered a "swanky district for fashion, homes, museums, etc.". Eddie lived there for more than 13 years, in his box.
 
Eddie kept himself very clean and never begged. He came from Eastern Europe and was in construction. We smiled a good morning and sometimes he'd let me buy him a cup of coffee and a muffin. Eddie could not stand being enclosed by floors or ceilings. Once he was slightly hurt by a car and was sent to the hospital but was back before his bruises were even cleaned up.
 
I used to watch how people walked right past him, never noticing him. I realized how little attention people pay to those who are less fortunate than themselves.
 
I wanted to share with children my concerns and that's why I wrote this book. It won a prize and was featured in many school curricula about social problems.
 
Unhappily, the Mayor of my city rounded up all the homeless and I never saw Eddie again. He lived in my neighborhood more years than I did.
 
I'm pleased that my book has made a difference in how we view our fellow humans.
 
All the best, Ann

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think Ben and his sister wanted to help the lady?

2. Why do you think the Deli owner did not want the lady to keep her box outside of his shop?

3. What do you think the mother says to the Deli owner to change his mind?

4. How do you think Dorrie felt about the children?

5. Why do you think the Mother has the children volunteer at the soup kitchen?

6. What would you do if you knew someone was living in a box on your street?

7. Do you think a child can make a difference in someone's life?