The Amusement Park Mystery
#10 of 4 in The Boxcar Children Graphic Novels Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (45)
What’s inside...
The Aldens have a day full of surprises at their local amusement park. However, when the roller coaster goes missing, they embark on a quest to find it and end up uncovering more mysteries than expected. During their visit to their cousins, they discover a nearby amusement park with numerous attractions. But strange lights and a mysterious phone call warning them to stay away raise suspicions about what is truly happening at the park. The Alden's search for carousel horses that have disappeared from an amusement park.
Discussion points
What do you think was the biggest clue that helped the Aldens solve the mystery?
How did the characters feel when they were trying to solve the mystery? Can you describe a time when you felt the same way?
Why do you think teamwork was important in solving the mystery at the amusement park?
If you were part of the story, which character would you want to be and why?
How do you think the story would have changed if the mystery was set somewhere else, like a zoo or a library?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think like a detective, asking them to predict what might happen next or what they would do in the characters' shoes.
Discuss the importance of observation and paying attention to details, both in the story and in everyday life.
Highlight the value of cooperation by discussing how the characters worked together to solve the mystery.
After reading, consider visiting a local amusement park or similar setting as a fun way to connect the story with real life.
Foster empathy by talking about the emotions of the characters at different points in the story and relating them to personal experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: In 'The Amusement Park Mystery', the Boxcar Children work together to solve the mystery of the missing wallet, demonstrating effective teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working with others in group projects or sports, learning that collaboration can lead to successful outcomes.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The characters use their observational skills and deductive reasoning to gather clues and solve the mystery, showcasing essential problem-solving abilities.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach their own challenges methodically, thinking critically about solutions in schoolwork or interpersonal issues.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Honesty
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters display honesty as they investigate, and they take responsibility for ensuring the rightful owner receives the lost wallet.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being truthful and taking responsibility for their actions, which aids in developing integrity and trustworthiness.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: The curiosity of the Boxcar Children leads them to explore and learn about the amusement park and its operations, fueling their investigative adventure.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive about how things work in the world around them, promoting lifelong learning and exploration.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The children show empathy by considering how the person who lost the wallet must feel, which helps them stay motivated to solve the mystery.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to consider others' feelings and situations, which is crucial for building strong interpersonal relationships and a caring community.