Sign-In
Cart
The Boxdwellers
Paperback
ISBN13: 9781962975131
Publisher: Merry Robin Publishing
Published: Jul 15 2026
Pages: 36
Weight: 0.24
Height: 0.09 Width: 8.50 Depth: 8.50
Language: English
The Boxdwellers is a social-emotional learning (SEL) picture book for upper elementary and middle schoolers about courage, self-acceptance, and the challenge of staying true to yourself in a world that all too often pressures us to fit in.
Layla can't wait for her first day of middle school. With oboe in hand and excitement for band class, she steps onto the bus, reveling in friendships, new opportunities, and all the possibilities that lie ahead. Confident and carefree, Layla laughs loudly, talks with her hands, and embraces her authentic self.
In the cafeteria, Layla notices something strange. She sees some students are wearing boxes on their heads. Each box is the same, displaying a perfect painted smile. At first, the boxes make no sense. Then the whispers begin. She overhears voices criticize her laugh, her enthusiasm, and even her beloved oboe. Slowly, self-doubt starts taking root.
As the weeks pass by, more and more students hide behind boxes. Layla feels increasing pressure to conform. When someone finally offers her a box of her own, she reluctantly accepts. The box helps her blend in, but it comes at a cost. Though fitting in feels safer, Layla discovers that hiding who she is leaves her feeling lonely, disconnected, and unseen.
Everything changes when a wise teacher gently reminds Layla of the joy and music she once brought to the room. Inspired to reclaim her voice, Layla must decide whether to remain hidden or find the courage to step outside the box and embrace the person she was always meant to be.
Included at the end of the book are 3 pages of supplemental learning materials and activities for home, school and beyond. The guided discussions and application activities help make Layla's journey more than just a nice story, they help the principles sink in, even for those already hiding inside a box of their own.Perfect for classrooms, counselors, parents, educators, and social-emotional learning programs, The Boxdwellers explores themes of individuality, self-confidence, peer pressure, belonging, emotional wellness, authenticity, resilience, personal growth, and the importance of being yourself. This meaningful story encourages children to celebrate their unique gifts, overcome fear of judgment, and discover that true happiness comes not from fitting in, but from living authentically.
Also from
Boncheva, Olga
Also in
General Juvenile Fiction
Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book Two the Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book Two)
Riordan, Rick
Paperback
Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book One the Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book One)
Riordan, Rick
Paperback
The Truth about Stacey: A Graphic Novel (the Baby-Sitters Club #2): Full-Color Edition
Martin, Ann M.
Paperback
Dawn and the Impossible Three: A Graphic Novel (the Baby-Sitters Club #5): Full-Color Edition Volume 5
Martin, Ann M.
Paperback
Kristy's Great Idea: A Graphic Novel (the Baby-Sitters Club #1): Full-Color Edition
Martin, Ann M.
Paperback
Anne of Green Gables, 3-Book Box Set, Volume I: Anne of Avonlea; Anne of the Island; Anne of Green Gables
Montgomery, L. M.
Paperback
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Sea of Monsters, The: The Graphic Novel
Riordan, Rick
Venditti, Robert
Paperback
Mary Anne Saves the Day: A Graphic Novel (the Baby-Sitters Club #3): Full-Color Edition
Martin, Ann M.
Paperback
Claudia and Mean Janine: A Graphic Novel (the Baby-Sitters Club #4): Full-Color Edition
Martin, Ann M.
Paperback
Captain Underpants and the Sensational Saga of Sir Stinks-A-Lot (Captain Underpants #12)
Dav Pilkey
Hardcover
Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book Three the Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book Three)
Riordan, Rick
Paperback
Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories 2: From the Creator of Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Kinney, Jeff
Hardcover
Dog Man: Big Jim Believes: A Graphic Novel (Dog Man #14): From the Creator of Captain Underpants
Pilkey, Dav
Hardcover
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: The Illustrated Edition (Harry Potter, Book 6): Volume 6
Rowling, J. K.
Hardcover
Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy: A Graphic Novel (Wings of Fire Graphic Novel #1)
Sutherland, Tui T.
Paperback
Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea: A Graphic Novel (Dog Man #11): From the Creator of Captain Underpants
Pilkey, Dav
Hardcover
Investigators: Agents of S.U.I.T.: Sew Much Trouble
Green, John Patrick
Hastings, Christopher
Hardcover
Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder: A Graphic Novel (Dog Man #12): From the Creator of Captain Underpants
Pilkey, Dav
Hardcover
Karen's Surprise: A Graphic Novel (Baby-Sitters Little Sister #12): Volume 12
Martin, Ann M.
Paperback