The Basketball Mystery (The Boxcar Children Mysteries #68)
#68 of 164 in The Boxcar Children Series
on Goodreads (568)
What’s inside...
The Aldens are in a community basketball league and are coached by Buzz and Tipper Nettleton, Greenfield's most famous basketball stars. However, Tipper's Most Valuable trophy goes missing and Buzz's practice schedules are mixed up. The children suspect someone is trying to sabotage the community league and set out to find the culprit and solve the mystery.
Character compass
Henry Alden
Violet Alden
Jessie Alden
Benny Alden
Discussion points
What would you do if you were in the Aldens' situation and found a mysterious note?
How do the characters work together to solve the mystery? Can you think of a time when teamwork helped you solve a problem?
How does the setting of the basketball game add to the excitement of the mystery?
What did you learn about honesty and cooperation from the characters’ actions in the book?
Who was your favorite character and why? How would you act if you met that character?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting each reading session, briefly recap what happened previously to refresh your child’s memory and stir excitement for what comes next.
Encourage your child to predict the outcome of the mystery or guess who the mysterious person might be. Discuss these predictions as you read along.
Ask your child to draw a favorite scene or character from the book. This encourages them to think more deeply about the story and its themes.
After finishing the book, help your child connect the story's themes to their own life. Ask how they might apply the lessons learned by the characters in their daily interactions.
Share your own thoughts about the book and its mystery to model thoughtful engagement and show that reading is a valuable family activity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: In 'The Basketball Mystery', the Boxcar Children work together to solve the mystery of who is trying to sabotage the local basketball team. Their collaborative efforts demonstrate the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working collaboratively in group projects at school or in sports, learning to value each team member's contribution.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, the children exhibit critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they gather clues and analyze information to solve the mystery.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach challenges in their lives with a problem-solving mindset, whether it's resolving conflicts with friends or tackling difficult school assignments.
Example Lesson: Honesty and integrity
Explanation: As the mystery unfolds, themes of honesty and integrity are highlighted. The children learn the importance of being truthful and fair in their dealings.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be honest in their actions and words, promoting a sense of trust and respect in their relationships.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The Boxcar Children encounter several challenges and setbacks in their quest to solve the mystery, yet they persist until they find the solution.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persistence in overcoming obstacles, which can be applied to their personal goals and educational pursuits.