Roxaboxen

Written by: Alice McLerran
Illustrated by: Barbara Cooney

Marian called it Roxaboxen. There across the road, it looked like any rocky hill – nothing but sand and rocks, some old wooden boxes, cactus and greasewood and thorny ocotillo – but it was really a sparkling world of jeweled homes, streets edged with the whitest stones, and two ice cream shops. And all children need to go there were a long stick and a soaring imagination.

The summary is from the book cover, provided by Harper Trophy.

I am always surprised that this book isn’t even more well known than it is. The story is written as a memory (and maybe it is, but I cannot tell you) and whether you are an adult with similar memories or a child hoping to make a memory, this story is inspiring. You will have no trouble at all seeing yourself in a house on Main Street planning what your own store will sell. So, welcome to Roxaboxen! Don’t forget to pack your imagination!

Discussion/Project Ideas:

1. Think of something in your life that you think you will remember doing forever. Maybe it is setting up army battles, creating sleepovers for your dolls, or building extravagant lego structures where some of the most exciting adventures take place. Write a short story of the most important things about the memory you are making and how you think you will look back on it as adult.

2. Create your own store for Main Street. What would it be? Draw a picture of it with a catchy description underneath as an advertisement for your upcoming store in Roxaboxen.

3. What character do you most identify with in the story? Describe the similarities giving examples from the book and examples from your life.