The Boxcar Children Guide to Adventure: A How-To for Mystery Solving, Make-It-Yourself Projects, and More (The Boxcar Children Mysteries)
The Boxcar Children Series
on Goodreads (78)
What’s inside...
The Boxcar Children have long been known for being creative and resourceful. This hardcover book is filled with fun how-to guides for everyday adventures. It includes tips and tricks for mystery solving (how to make invisible ink and create secret codes), travel (how to pack a suitcase; how to take great snapshots), and enjoying the great outdoors. Each of the four Boxcar Children has their own section—practical advice from Jessie, a 'roughing it' guide from Henry, crafts and art projects from Violet, and recipes from Benny! A great gift for Boxcar fans.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think are the most important skills the Boxcar Children used to solve mysteries?
If you could create a mystery-solving project like the ones in the book, what would it be about?
How do the characters in the book work together to overcome challenges? Can you think of a time when teamwork helped you in a similar way?
Which part of the book inspired you the most and why?
If you met the Boxcar Children, what questions would you ask them about their adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the mystery-solving skills from the book to everyday problems they face. It helps them apply the lessons learned in practical situations.
Discuss each character’s unique traits and ask your child which qualities they admire or relate to. This encourages empathy and self-awareness.
Have a DIY project session inspired by the book. This not only makes the reading experience fun but also stirs creativity and hands-on learning.
Create a mini-mystery for your child to solve at home, using clues and ideas inspired by the book. This makes the discussion interactive and engaging.
After each reading session, ask your child to predict what might happen next. This enhances their analytical thinking and keeps them intrigued about the storyline.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The book presents various mysteries and projects that encourage children to think critically and develop solutions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving skills in school projects or daily challenges, enhancing their ability to navigate and resolve situations.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: Characters in the book often work together to solve mysteries and build projects, showcasing the importance of collaboration.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of working with others, which can be applied in group activities at school or in sports.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: The make-it-yourself projects in the book stimulate creativity, as children are encouraged to use their imagination to build and create.
Real-World Application: Kids can harness this creativity in their hobbies and class assignments, potentially fostering a lifelong interest in innovation.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Independence
Explanation: Through mystery-solving and DIY activities, children in the story learn to take initiative and make decisions independently.
Real-World Application: This empowers children to take on more responsibilities at home like organizing their room or managing their schoolwork.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Resilience
Explanation: As the characters encounter challenges in their adventures, they learn to persevere and not give up easily.
Real-World Application: These attributes are vital as children face academic challenges or personal setbacks, teaching them to persist and overcome obstacles.