Boxes for Katje
by Candace Fleming
Bibliography
Flemming, C. (2003). Boxes for Katje. New York: Melanie Kroupa Books. ISBN 0-374-30922-1
Summary
The story of friendship that grew between pen pals as letters traveled between Mayfield, Indiana and Olst, Holland. Rosie begins sending packages to Katje after World War II as part outreach program by The Children’s Aid Society to help families in need. Each thank you letter from Katje reveals another need to Rosie and soon her whole community has joined efforts to provide relief for Rosie and her neighbors.
My Impression
A touching story of how hope is bred from acts of kindness. A wonderful message of generosity is delivered through the young girl, Katje, choosing to share her good fortune with each box that arrives. This story is based on true events that happened after the author’s mother sent a box in 1945 to the oldest daughter (the real Katje) of a Dutch family. Boxes for Katje is an inspiring way to share a piece of history with children and introduce them to a purpose for letter writing or the value of community service.
Reviews
"Fleming 's engaging story of post-WWII Holland serves as a potent and merry lesson in generosity. . .Dressen-McQueen immerses readers in post-war Holland, crafting an entirely credible world of cobblestone streets, Dutch architecture and vintage clothing." --Publishers Weekly
"As heartwarming and uplifting as a bouquet of tulips." --Kirkus Reviews
The story takes place in Holland just after the conclusion of World War II. An American child living in Indiana sends a series of packages to Katje, a child living in Olst. At first Rosie sends Katje a box containing soap, socks, and chocolate. Katje appreciates the generous gift of needed supplies. Rosie continues to send Katje more and more packages which increase in size. Katje shares their contents with her needy neighbors and sends thank you letters to Rosie. Soon Rosie involves her entire community in the growing project to collect and send boxes of basic necessities to the people in Holland children. -- Lynn K. Vanca, School Library Journal
Suggested Activities
Read Boxes for Katje as part of your Community Circle for Character Counts during the trait of generosity. Plan a grade level or school wide event to benefit someone in need. You may choose to send boxes to soldiers overseas or organize a food or clothing drive in your own community.
Use Boxes for Katje as an introduction to teaching letter writing. Discuss what the purposes were for the letters between the girls. (An introduction to meet someone, to thank, to inform, etc.) Write letters to pen pals in another class; setting a purpose for each time you write.
