The Lady in the Box

Title: The Lady in the Box
Author: Ann McGovern
Illustrator: Marni Backer
Type: Realistic Fiction
Approximate Interest Level: 2nd - 7th
Publisher: Turtle Books
Date of Publication: September 16, 1999
ISBN: 978-1890515157

Synopsis: Two children set out to help a homeless woman living in a box in front of their building despite the fact that their mother has told them to never talk to strangers.  Mom eventually figures out that something is going on and the kids confess to what they have been up to.  Mom encourages the children to help out at the local soup kitchen, and they begin to understand that homeless people are real human beings.

Lesson plan link

Possible Teaching Points: 1) civic responsibility, 2) community