The Big Box https://www.csi-net.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1438401 Sat, 13 Jun 2026 20:03:02 GMT Thu, 28 Jun 2018 01:35:52 GMT Copyright © 2018 Chi Sigma Iota The Big Box https://www.csi-net.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1438401 https://www.csi-net.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1438401 The Big Box

Book Being Reviewed:
Morrison, T., & Morrison, S. (1999). The big box. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children/Jump at the Sun.

Reviewer:
Chris McNaught

Genre:
Fiction-Adult, Fiction-Children (0-9 years old), Fiction-Children (10-12 years old), Fiction-Young Adult (13-18 years old)

Subject Headings:
Communication, Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Family Dynamics

Review:
The Big Box is a book about three children who can’t handle their freedom - according to the adults in their lives. Patty had too much fun in school, so the teachers sent her to the big box. Mickey had too much fun in the streets, so the tenants sent him to the big box. Liza had too much fun in the fields all day, so the neighbors sent her to the big box. The adults gave the kids everything they thought kids would need to be happy. But they were too nervous to give the kids their freedom.

This book is about all the rules in the world, established by grownups and forced on children. The story could be used for two groups: children and adults. Despite all the rules and restrictions, the children in the story understand the meaning of freedom. They are kids and know best how to be kids. And yet, kids still need some rules. The children in the story point out examples of how they are following the rules.

This story could be used in family counseling to spark a discussion about rules and freedom. Where is the line between sufficient rules to keep children safe, and excessive rules that stifle a child’s growth? If the family’s job is to train children to be independent, how do rules and freedom promote that goal?
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