Illustrated by Amy Blay
Interest Level: Ages 6 and Up
From the Book Jacket: Wendy was afraid to say that she felt different from everyone else. But all residents of Boxville must choose a box to wear - for life. These boxes are labeled with what each person does. The teacher wears a TEACHER box. The police officer wears a POLICE OFFICER box. Even the poodle wears a POODLE box!
Now it's time for Wendy to choose her box. Just pick one, everyone tells her. It's simple. But it's not simple, because Wendy loves LOTS of different things - from playing basketball to performing onstage. Wendy's big ideas make her feel lonely...will she ever fit in?
Why It's On My Bookshelf: Now I know you are rolling your eyes and saying - Oh Splendid! Another celebrity thinks they can write a children's book!! But let me just be the first to say, WELL DONE, FRAN DRESCHER aka "The Nanny"! Well done. Being Wendy is so creative with an AWESOME message of following your dreams and not letting yourself be influenced or limited by what others think you should be....you are special, unique, and different. Love!
The kids were HOOKED and intrigued as to where this story was going. But the best part was getting to help the students figure out how the message applies to their own lives. Books are such magic. Get creative and use some paper bags as a fun visual. I drew a question mark on a paper bag, cut out arm holes, and had a student wear it. Each student then got a brown piece of paper with directions to list their interests and strengths.
Favorite part of book - when Wendy tries to hug her dad - but he wears a box too so it gets in the way. This sparked such great conversation about acceptance.....GET THIS ONE!
A Link To This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:
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