Module 10: Boxes for Katje

APA Reference of Book: Fleming, C. (2003). Boxes for Katje. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Summary: Katje and her mother live in a small Dutch town called Olst during post-World War II Europe. She receives a package from an organization called The Children’s Aid Society, filled with a bar of soap, wool socks, chocolate, and a letter from a girl named Rosie, who sent the items. Katje writes back to thank her, which sparks up a friendship correspondence. During the summer and especially throughout the hard winter, Katje receives more packages and letters from Rosie. At the time when the Olst townspeople were the most despondent about surviving during the winter, they receive several packages filled with necessities such as clothing, bags of sugar, and canned food from Rosie and her whole community. Their thoughtful gifts help the townspeople get through the rough winter. Katje decides to send a package back to Rosie filled with tulip bulbs to plant during the fall, so that they will bloom in the spring as a surprise.

Impressions: I was pleasantly surprised to find out at the end that this book was based on a true story that happened to the author’s mother, who sent a box to a family in Europe in May of 1945. The oldest girl in that family was also named Katje. The story made me more aware of what it was like for many Europeans living in post-World War II. I did not fully consider that some Europeans had to endure hunger and a lack of warm clothing because of a war-torn economy. I liked it that the some parts of the story was told through the letters that were exchanged between Katje and Rosie, written in child-like handwriting. The illustrations are full spread and attractively colorful. There are many books written about World War II, but a story about post-World War II is unique. This is a good introduction to this time period for children, and it might encourage them to begin corresponding with an overseas pen pal or donate items to other countries in need.

Professional Review: “After the war, there was little left in the tiny Dutch town of Olst. The townspeople lived on cabbages and seed potatoes. They patched and repatched their worn-thin clothing, and they went without soap or milk, sugar or new shoes." Set in post-World War II Holland and based on an actual incident, this story illuminates a little-known episode in history. To offset the devastation left by the war, the Children's Aid Society and other relief agencies encouraged American students to send boxes of basic necessities to victimized children. When Katje in Olst receives such a box from Rosie in Mayfield, IN, the two begin a correspondence that eventually triggers a relief effort that enables this small Dutch town to make it through an unbearably frigid winter. Fleming does an estimable job of bringing time and place into focus, and presents endearing, fleshed-out characters with whom readers can easily empathize and sympathize. Dressen-McQueen's warm-toned colored pencil, oil-pastel, and acrylic illustrations accurately reflect dress, architecture, and other details, and the facial expressions and body postures of the characters effectively convey their joy in these much-appreciated gifts. A good choice for story hour as well as for independent reading and an excellent discussion starter.”

Oliff, G. (2003). Boxes for Katje [Review of the book Boxes for Katje, by C. Fleming]. School Library Journal, 49(9), 177-178. Retrieved from http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2200/ehost/detail/detail?vid=2&sid=7020c4c2-d90b-4c05-88ef-2f5abedd834e%40sessionmgr105&hid=130&bdata=JnNjb3BlPXNpdGU%3d#AN=518415358&db=brd

Library Uses: After reading the story to the children, invite them to write letters to pen pals from other countries who are in need, and tell them to ask their parents to help them get supplies (hygiene items, socks, hats, mittens, school supplies) and little gifts to fill up a small box to send to their pen pal’s family. Provide writing supplies for them and encourage them to decorate their letters with stickers, markers, colored pencils, etc. Provide them with brochures to take home from a relief organization that will deliver the letters and packages overseas.