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The Boxes

(2005, Fiction - Science Fiction, Written by William Sleator)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Creepy creature tale will keep kids interested.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The adults in the story are either clueless or mean. Anne disobeys her Uncle.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    The children are threatened, two people are injured by tendrils from the clock, several of the creatures are killed rather gruesomely.

  • Sex:

    A boyfriend and girlfriend meet secretly.

  • Language:

  • Consumerism:

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Aunt Ruth smokes.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Boxes

Parents need to know that an army of crab-like creatures scuttles through this creepy science-fiction tale that has the potential to rattle younger readers. The cliffhanger ending might prove disappointing, too.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the original Greek myth that likely inspired this story: Pandora and her infamous box. How is Annie's plight similar to Pandora's? How is it different? Have you ever received strict instructions not to do something -- and did it anyway? What were the consequences of your actions?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Bonky94
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    i got goosebumps

    Ir rocks! I got chills reading this book. Uncle Marco reminds me of John Cusack and I LOVE John Cusack!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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