The Chalk Box Kid

Gregory’s story is in many ways about the triumph of his authentic self. Aside from his desire for love and companionship, Gregory is drawn to two things as an individual: art and nature. His love for art is communicated by both his actions and the text’s language. Gregory takes art supplies with him wherever he goes: that this is habitual is conveyed early in the story through the repeated use of the phrase “his tablet and paints and brushes” (6, 7, 11). He paints pictures and puts them on the walls of his first-ever bedroom, indicating that what makes it “his” is being adorned with his art.

Significantly, one of these paintings depicts a sunflower, which hints at his love for nature. Gregory’s appreciation for nature is shown in several ways. First, in his initial response to his new home, which he is disappointed to see is surrounded by concrete and is on a street without any trees. Then, when Gregory is upset by Uncle Max, he goes outdoors and feels calmer when he looks up at the sky. Finally, Gregory’s great excitement about Mr. Hiller’s drawings of plants on the school chalkboard comes from the union of his two loves: art and nature.