The Lady in the Box

by Ann McGovern, Marni Backer (Illustrations)

It is wintertime in the city and freezing cold, but not everyone is inside and warm. Ben and his sister Lizzie know that there is a lady who lives outside in a box over a warm air vent. The children worry about the kind-looking lady, and begin sneaking food and clothes out of their apartment for her. Gently told and powerfully illustrated in rich hues, The Lady in the Box deals candidly with the issue of homelessness.

Genres: Picture Books, Poverty, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Childrens, Christmas, Family

40 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Ann McGovern Scheiner (née Weinberger) was an American writer of more than 55 children's books, selling over 30 million copies. She may be best known for her adaptation of Stone Soup, as well as Too Much Noise, historical and travel non-fiction, and biographies of figures like Harriet Tubman and Deborah Sampson Gannett and Eugenie Clark.

Reviews

[David Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Text-to-World Connection

Homelessness is not a new problem. Narratives about people living on the street have existed for generations, even as far back as biblical times. Isaiah 58:7 states asks the question "is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?" While many over the years have helped, the fact remains that there are people who sleep without a home every night and those people need our help. A lot of the problem is humanizing the issue and making everyone see that it is a problem. A lot a people see it simply as a problem that the big cities such as Atlanta need to handle, and ignore the problem in their own neighborhood. When you get people to be honest most have known someone that is or was homeless, or know someone who is one missed paycheck from being homeless. It is a diverse problem with no easy solution. However, it is a battle that needs to be fought in order to preserve the decency of humanity.

This book is an excellent resources for students on two levels. One, for those children that are not familiar with the issue it is a good introduction. The children get to know one homeless woman, but then come to learn more about the size of the problem when they volunteer in the soup kitchen. The other level is that the book helps to humanize the problem. The kids learn Dory's name and, with the help of their mother, take the time to learn about her situation and who she is. By showing students this aspect of the book, they can see that the homeless are not nameless or faceless, but real people who have families and need help.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a difficult, but inspiring story about two young children who help a lady who is homeless and sleeps in a box by a warm grate at night.

The narrative is engaging and shows how children can make a difference in someone's life, although I would advise parents to caution their children about trying to approach a homeless person without having a parent with them.

The mother's solution of volunteering in the soup kitchen was a much more practical and safer way to help, and does not diminish the children's efforts.

The oil painting illustrations are lovely and have such nice texture. The details are a bit blurred, but the expressions are terrific. We really enjoyed reading this book together.

[Marc Bisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book about a boy named Ben and his sister who know that a woman is living in a box near an air vent in the city during wintertime. As the book progresses, Ben and his sister start to lend the lady in the book some food and clothes to help her out. When a man at the corner store demands that the lady in the box leave, Ben's mother convinces the store manager to let her stay. Ben and his family then volunteer at a soup kitchen after their experiences with the homeless woman.

This book is a great way to teach compassion and kindness to students. Again, I used this book as a way to teach theme because it has so much evidence to provide when talking about the theme. The students also really enjoyed it!

[Shiloah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an excellent book to bring an awareness to children of the homeless and ways we can help them. It gives a story behind those we see living in the street in a way that isn’t too much for children to handle.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first came upon this book while I was teaching third grade at a school located in an urban enclave in Atlanta, Georgia. Many of my students were refugees or displaced from their countries of origin for one reason or another. They were well aware of the realities of homelessness and poverty--two topics covered in this picturebook. Needless to say this book made an impression on my third graders and instigated a number of "grand conversations". I later shared this book as I made my way through different schools with students of various backgrounds.
This book about two children who attempt to help a homeless woman living in a box in the dead of winter is both touching and upsetting. It does not sugarcoat the realities of this problem that affects millions of families and individuals in cities around our country. The end of the story does not provide a happy conclusion, but instead provides readers with hope and perhaps inspiration to do something and take action. In fact, a note from the author at the end of the text invites readers to be involved and help homeless people in their own communities. It is a beautifully illustrated picturebook with images that are sophisticated. It deserves a place on classroom bookshelves and home libraries. It needs to be shared with children who are all too aware of this often taboo topic, but lack an opening or environment in which to discuss it.

[jenee tuggle]

due deceber 13 2016

c) Text-to-World Connection: How does a theme or content presented in the book connect to something happening in the world?
homelessness is a issue that increases day by day. a lot of people become homeless for numerous of reasons. there are a lot of things people can do to help someone that is homeless. for example you can donate your old clothes, volunteering at the shelter, fix lunches and dinners for the less fortune , tutor and read to children, and much more. this is a good book to read to children because it teaches them about giving back and being grateful for the things they have.

[Randie D. Camp, M.S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben and Lizzie notice that a homeless lady has been sleeping in a box in their neighborhood. They don't want to disobey their mother by talking to a stranger but they have huge hearts and begin to help the lady by offering her crackers, soup, and a scarf. As Christmastime approaches and the weather becomes colder, Ben and Lizzie's mother finds a way for them to help the homeless in a bigger way. Illustrations are large, detailed, and full of emotion.

Great message to share with children.

[Veerlibros Jeaque Vargas R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Más allá de la sencillez del argumento, encontramos la calidez en el lenguaje y en la forma de ser narrado. Una historia pensada para sensibilizar al lector frente a las personas sin hogar y al trabajo en los centros de asistencia y el voluntariado en este tipo de lugares.
📚
La magia de las ilustraciones acompaña de manera perfecta el texto, nos lleva a sentir el crudo invierno, pues el papel presenta una textura que da la sensación de tocar el relieve que deja el óleo sobre el lienzo.
📖
Un libro hermoso, sencillo y grandioso a la vez.

[Emily Newcomer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book because it is solution based. The children saw someone (Dorrie) in need and felt compelled to help her. I also like how the children feel actual empathy for Dorrie-they get that it's freezing outside and if they are shivering in their warm coats and hats then Dorrie must be even worse off without any warm clothes. It tackles a serious issue in a kid-friendly way and shows kids that they have the power to help people in need.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

While it is a well done introduction to children about the problem of homelessness and the lack of economic resources for many, I'm a little wary of the fact it doesn't talk about the major lacking in mental health resources so many in this country need and don't get.

[Rebecca Caufman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young boy and girl see a lady living on the streets in a box. They decide to help the homeless lady by bringing her food and a scarf. When their mother notices items missing they share their secret with her and help the lady further including working at a soup kitchen.

[Rebecca Ratnasingham]

Longer text....but shows how two young children take action to help a homeless woman who lives close by.

Promotes social action!

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

Homelessness is awful. This story would be a good introduction for very young kids. I’d say 4-7.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two siblings desire to help a homeless lady on their block. They get their mom to help. Sweet story good for all ages.

[Mehjabeen]

Nice story

[Mary Canupp · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sensitive and eye-opening book that helps young readers see compassion as action. Perfect for community service discussions.

[Emily Bunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

7.

Summary:
The Lady in the Box is a story about two young children, a brother and sister, who notice that there is a homeless lady living in a box outside of their apartment complex. The children take note of her especially on days with poor weather, and wonder what she does when it is cold and rainy. They want to help her, but their mother has always warned them not to talk to strangers, so they are unsure what to do. At first, they come up with a plan to bring her small amounts of food and just leave them with her, because they are technically not speaking to her, so they are not breaking the rules. As the days go on, they continue to do small acts of kindness for the woman, and eventually their mother takes notice. She can see that her children want to help, and she encourages them to do so by providing food and items to keep her warm.


Theme:
The major themes of this story are that children are just as susceptible as (if not more than) adults when it comes to seeing others in poverty, and that small acts of kindness can go a long way for someone who is perhaps less fortunate.


Personal Response:
This book is not one that I ever read as a child, but I do think it is one that I would have enjoyed. The idea of homelessness is not something that I remember being aware of until I was in about the 4th grade, but I think this book would have helped me better understand that just because their situation is vastly different than mine, it doesn’t mean that they are any less of a person or should be treated negatively. I can remember feeling quite anxious when encountering people that so clearly were living on the street, just because I didn’t know how to act around them. I think this book would have reminded me that they are people too, and I should help them in any way that I can.


Recommendation:
I would recommend this book for children of all ages; if you are ready to speak with your children about what poverty is and what it means to be homeless, I think this is a great book to start that conversation. The book has a strong message about being kind to others, regardless of their circumstances, and shows that homeless people are still just that - people.

[Hunter Branch]

Lizzie and Ben notice that there is a woman who lives in a box outside of the Deli, but they don’t know if they should talk to her because their mom told them never to talk to strangers. They figure out a way to help without disobeying their mom; they buy her food and drop it off without actually talking to her. Their generosity does not stop there, they then decide to bring the homeless woman warm clothes, and, before they leave, she introduces herself as Dorrie and the three of them are no longer strangers. When Dorrie has to move away from the front of the restaurant, Ben and Lizzie, fearing that something may happen to Dorrie, decide that they must ask their mom for help. Their mom noticed things had gone missing from the house and figured that her children were up to something. She gets Dorrie her spot back in front of the store and takes Ben And Lizzie to the soup kitchen so they can continue to help the homeless people. The story ends at the soup kitchen when Ben gives Dorrie his key ring and tells her than maybe one day she will have her own key to put on it. The major theme of this story is giving. Lizzie and Ben give back to homeless people throughout the book and they learn how rewarding giving can be. I give this book 5/5 stars, because the author eloquently depicts the nature of homelessness and giving. I relate to this book because, like Ben and Lizzie, I did not have much experience with homelessness, or less fortunate people, as a child. However, in third grade my mom, sister, and I spent two months making over 50 blankets to the Women and Children’s Shelter. This is when I truly learned the importance of giving to those who are less fortunate. I recommend this book because it tackles the difficult issue of homelessness in an appropriate way, and it also teaches kids about giving back. Through this book, they are able to see that it is possible to make a huge difference in someone’s life, even at a young age.

[Katharine Ott · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Lady in the Box” – written by Ann McGovern, illustrated by Marni Backer and published in 1997 by Turtle Books. This charming picture book crossed my path when it was used for elementary school character education lessons. It was inspired by McGovern’s encounters with homeless people in New York City and tells a sweet little story of two siblings who befriend a homeless women in their neighborhood. The soft oil paintings filled with snowflakes and bundled up neighbors add a comfortable touch to the story that portrays compassion and constructive hope. A note by the author after the story includes more ways to learn. It’s a great way to introduce the concept of homelessness to youngsters.

[Sharie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I teach a class of 3rd-5th graders at church, and today we discussed homelessness (as part of a series of lessons on Matthew 25:34-46). I checked this book out of the library and had them read one page at a time, passing it around the table. It was a great discussion starter for the subject of homelessness. I love how the children in the story take it upon themselves to help the lady in the box, even though it might get them into trouble. I also appreciate that the author has the family volunteer in a soup kitchen. The book sets realistic expectations in terms of what kids can do to help.

I highly recommend this one.

[Kelly McKeon]

Ann McGovern introduces two young children, Lizzie and Ben who see a lady living in a box one day outside of a bakery. They are confused as to why she is living there and does not have a home. They befriend this woman and eventually learn the story behind her now homelessness. Despite being told to stay away from her by their mother, the two children seek help for this homeless woman, Dorrie. This book seeks to answer questions many children have- primarily why is it that some people are without a home. Teaching in New York City, I know that many of my students share this same question and will be touched by this sad yet inspiring story.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brother and sister notice a woman who sleeps in a box down the street from their home. They thoughtfully consider ways that they can be of help to her. It doesn't take long for their mother to become suspicious about items missing from the house; nor does it take long for her to help her children. Beautiful illustrations (oil).

[Sally]

Two children watch a women who sleeps in a box down the street from their apartment. They help in little ways. They leave peanut butter and a scarf, but they'd like to do more.

Themes: Homelessness, Soup Kitchen, Community Service

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely liked the way the author presented this topic in a simple, compassionate way while including simple reminders of how to say safe and be responsible by communicating with their parents too.

[Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about 2 children who find a homeless lady on the side walk. This made the children want to help her,so they did by giving her food and clothes. They raised money for a restraunt to build for people who don't have a home.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This the story of a brother and sister who seek to help a homeless woman around Christmastime.

[Kate Hastings · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grades 1-5. Homelessness and compassion/service.

[Yekta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very good but sad. I loved it!!!

[Jen]

Read for empathy

[Emily Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to teach kids about homelessness and compassion! I love that the kids in the story were able to make a difference. Great message!!