A review by greenbeanteenqueen
Boxes for Katje by Candace Fleming

4.0

Boxes for Katje is an incredibly heartwarming book. While the book is based on a true story, the author has taken artistic liberty and made the characters children instead of adults as in the real life story. It was actually Katje's father who wrote back asking for supplies, not Katje herself. Although the book may not be entirely factual, the story does maintain its uplifting message of generosity.

The artwork is colorful and the reader is transported to Holland through Dressen-McQueens illustrations. Readers can spot the similarities between cultures in the illustrations-friendly neighbors, a cat lounging in the yard, people talking on the street. By adding these, readers can discover that these two girls are not that different.

Boxes for Katje is a great read for all ages and one that will be sure to inspire readers to give.

When I first read this one, I thought it would be the perfect tie-in to any community giving event. I would use Boxes for Katje to kick off a canned food drive that the library was sponsoring (maybe a food for fines drive?). I would also tie in historical events with today and explain to students that even today there are people who are in need and we can help