Benny Uncovers a Mystery (The Boxcar Children Mysteries)
#19 of 164 in The Boxcar Children Series
What’s inside...
Four brave siblings were searching for a home – and found a life of adventure! Join the Boxcar Children as they investigate a department store mystery in this illustrated chapter book series beloved by generations of readers. When Benny and Henry get summer jobs at a department store in town, they don't expect to be solving mysteries at work. But when an expensive vase disappears, the salespeople receive strange notes, and the jewelry display is tampered with, it's up to Benny to uncover the truth! What started as a single story about the Alden Children has delighted readers for generations and sold more than 80 million books worldwide. Featuring timeless adventures, mystery, and suspense, The Boxcar Children® series continues to inspire children to learn, question, imagine, and grow.
Character compass
Benny Alden
Violet Alden
Jessie Alden
Henry Alden
Discussion points
What do you think makes Benny a good detective? Can you think of a time when you solved a mystery?
How do the characters in the book show teamwork? Why is working together important?
What clues would you look for if you were trying to solve a mystery like Benny?
How did the characters in the story feel when they encountered a problem? How do you feel when you face a problem?
If you could ask any character in the book a question, who would it be and what would you ask?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think like a detective while reading by asking them to predict what might happen next or explain why a character made a certain decision.
Highlight the importance of teamwork in the story and relate it to everyday situations your child encounters, such as working on a group project or playing a team sport.
After reading, have a 'mystery night' where your child can create their own detective story or solve a simple mystery you set up, using clues from the book as inspiration.
Discuss the emotions experienced by characters and compare them to personal situations. This can help children understand and manage their own feelings in challenging scenarios.
Foster curiosity by having them think of questions they would like to ask the characters. This encourages deeper thinking and engagement with the text.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout 'Benny Uncovers a Mystery', the characters work together to solve the mystery, demonstrating the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperating with others to achieve common goals, which can be applied in group projects at school or during team sports.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Benny and his siblings face various challenges and puzzles they need to solve to uncover the mystery, which encourages critical thinking and resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to approach problems methodically and thoughtfully, skills that are useful in academic and social situations.
Example Lesson: Integrity and honesty
Explanation: The characters in the book often face moral dilemmas, choosing to act with integrity even when it is difficult.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the value of honesty and making ethical decisions even when faced with adversity.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: Benny's quest to solve the mystery is driven by his curiosity, which leads to an engaging learning process throughout the book.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and seek knowledge in all areas of their life, fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The siblings strive to understand each other and the suspects in their mystery, promoting empathy and patience.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate diverse perspectives and practice empathy in their dealings with friends and family.