It's apparently difficult to write intelligent SF for children. ?�There's plenty of fantasy, plenty of bad/silly horror and some thoughtful horror, some SF that's focused on page-turning adventure, but until Smekday I can't think of many authors besides Hoover and Sleator. ?á(Please let me know of any other authors or titles!) ?á(The MC of this book is 15 and not boy-crazy yet, though she knows ppl who are... I believe this can be enjoyed by Juv, MG, and YA audiences, as well as adults like me who appreciate the extra work authors for kids do to write for the younger audience.) ?áThis doesn't go into the science much, and it's got Time Travel and telepathy, which are almost like the magic in fantasy, but it's def. SF in tone, and it's def. much more than a simple adventure with its themes of Pandora's Box and courage and sacrifice.... ?áRecommended. ( )

Review by: Arel

When fifteen year-old Annie’s Uncle Marco leaves her with two boxes she’s not supposed to open, she decides to take just one peek. How could it hurt? But when she does, a crab like creature scuttles out and hides in her basement. She discovers their population keeps growing. Now Annie has to decide whether or not she should open the other box. Will the other box help erase the creatures? Annie has to decide what’s best, and hopefully she will make the right choice.
The reason why I liked "The Boxes" was because it was mystifying. Sleator carried out his ideas so perfectly - the suspense kept you reading, wondering what was going to happen next on every page. It was the creatures that kept me most interested, though. Sleator’s description of their appearances and movements were so detailed that I felt as if I could reach out and touch them. As a recommendation for people who enjoy books dealing with action and fantasy, "The Boxes" is the book for you!
(Another Excellent reveiw!)
Review by: Hip Boy

Interesting ( )

Simple young adult book. Interesting Premise - A series with some additional volumes could go a long way! REALLY crappy ending! ( )

I loved this book! I was in the library looking around when i saw this book, and never regretted it! Does anyone know if there is a sequel?

Annie's self-absorbed friends and relatives rely on her to act as their messenger, a role she begins to resent when she realizes how seldom they take an interest in her problems. After opening THE BOXES, Annie becomes the "nervous system" in a symbiotic relationship between a society of insect-like creatures and the device they revere as their deity. Sleator is like the YA version of Dean Koontz, with horrific plots that hinge on scientific or paranormal phenomena. ( )

I am an adult reader on the look-out for books for my children. I enjoyed this book very much. As another reviewer mentions, there is an 'independence' theme to this book, but it is very subdued. This is largely a suspense-thriller with carefully placed revelations throughout and a full and satisfying pay-off at the end. Sleator does an excellent job in writing into the plot 'the very last thing you would expect', and from my little acquaintance with his work, this is his hallmark.

http://rivkat.livejournal.com/133693.html ( )

(4.8)