The Big Box

By Toni Morrison and Slade Morrison

Book Overview

Here's what happens when parents, teachers, and other adults try to determine the boundaries of personal freedom for a group of youngsters, "who just can't handle their freedom." To make these youngsters abide by their rules, the grown-ups create a world inside a box. A world with toys and games, and treats and gifts, and all kinds of stuff they think children need to be happy and carefree -- everything from a picture of the sky to jelly beans and brand new jeans. All Patty and Mickey and Liza Sue really want is the freedom to be themselves. But even confined inside a box, these clever children find their own ways to be free.

• Format: Unknown Binding
• Language: English
• ISBN: 078682364X
• ISBN13: 9780786823642
• Release Date: September 1999
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 1.26 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 11.3" x 11.5"
• Age Range: 10 to 14 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 9

Customer Reviews

A different approach to discussing freedom

This is a wonderful story for both children and adults. It tells of three children that get into trouble in the adult world and are placed in a big brown box. The children are simply displaying typical childish actions, yet are misunderstood by their parents. Very authentic for children to understand.I have shared this book in my fourth grade classroom for the past three years. Each time I share it the students seem to understand the message and what it means to them in their own way. Although some think that this story is inappropriate for children I feel that it is wonderful for all ages. Don't underestimate what children can understand and take away from good literature. This can be a great piece of literature to use to discuss the idea of freedom with children.

A must read for any Specail Ed. Educator!

From the instant I began to read this book, I knew it was perfect for the special education world. The books main theme of being "locked" up and having basic freedoms taken away, is what many special education students often feel. I work with emotionally disturbed students and the impact made by the children in the book made me feel a bit of what my students often do. Though the book is for a higher age level, the book can be read to and explained to a much younger group of children. It is always a healthy experience to talk about any idea or feeling, and this is a perfect example! The feeling of having your freedoms taken away because you are not like everyone else and do not conform to anyone's image! Thank you Toni and Slade Morrison for this wonderful book!

THIS BOOK IS GREAT!

I am a 19 year old college student who works at a daycare center and I love this book. I think this book is a great self-esteem builder for the troubled child. So many times adults are quick to write off children as "problematic" when they do things out of the ordinary. This book lets children know that even if they are different they still have something to offer.