Features
- Reading level: Ages 9-12
- Cover Type: Paperback with 128 pages
- Published by: HarperTrophy April 24, 1997
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 0688152953
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-0688152956
-
Book Dimensions:
7.6 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
- Weighs: 3.2 ounces
From School Library Journal
Grade 4-7?This unique collection of short stories celebrates the creative power of imagination. At Hurwitz's invitation, ten well-known children's authors have written pieces based on a single premise: a young human being finds an empty box (beautifully wrapped) among his or her birthday gifts. The enormously varied responses range in tone from amusing to heartwarmingly sad; all provide food for thought. In the selections by Barbara Ann Porte, Ellen Conford, and Richard Peck, selfish girls fail to see or appreciate the symbolism of their
gifts while Pam Conrad, Ann Martin, and David Adler depict children who understand the love their
gifts represent. On a more somber note, Jane Yolen and James Howe depict characters who, while dealing with death, find courage and hope in their "empty" boxes. Karla Kuskin and Hurwitz herself add the lightest touches with an amusing poem and a story told through a collection of irate letters. Certainly each author handles the premise differently, but they all write with immediacy. Taken as a whole, this collection displays effective use of dialogue, vivid characterizations, accessible language, and intriguing plots that reach into the hearts and minds of preadolescent readers. The thoughtful arrangement nicely varies the pacing. This is a book to read for fun or in conjunction with writing assignments. An great surprise package.?Maggie McEwen, Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, ME
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Booklist
Gr. 4^-6. Gift giving and receiving are the themes of this anthology. Hurwitz invited some of the best children's authors to contribute a story about a gorgeously wrapped present that turns out to be empty. The result of such writing to order is, predictably, mixed: some stories are surprising, some are close to formula. Nearly all play with the idea that empty means full: the empty box is filled with love and anger, and with history, and with imagination. The power of these stories is in the telling: Richard Peck's Blossom Culp is her irrepressible self, the dirt-poor, vulnerable outsider who gets revenge on the snotty clique. Ellen Conford's narrator reveals how phony she is; she deserves a humiliating present. There are some real tearjerkers, too, including Pam Conrad's heartfelt story of reunion. The proceeds from this book will be donated to two national writing programs to encourage the enjoyment of writing and reading.
Hazel Rochman
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Reader ReviewsI fell in love with this book when it was named to the Texas Bluebonnet Awards List in 1996-97. Since then my students have LOVED reading the stories...each of them unique...each with a special message! What a treasure! It is the perfect motivator for inspiring students to write!
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