#12 in The Boxcar Children Series
The CampOut Mystery
on Goodreads (1,149)
What’s inside...
The Aldens are spending a week at Camp Quest in Colorado. The children are excited to learn more about the wilderness, but are not excited about the annoying girls who have latched onto Benny. However, when the Boxcar Children's map-making class begins to find mysterious notes amidst their own sketches, maps, and hideouts, it's clear that a strange mystery is afoot.
Why read this book
- Captivating mystery enhances problem-solving skills.
- Engages young readers with relatable, dynamic characters.
- Fosters curiosity and critical thinking.
- Ideal for shared reading, strengthening family bonds.
The Big Picture
- Promotes teamwork and problem-solving.
- Boosts analytical thinking and comprehension.
- Encourages managing fears and uncertainties.
- Perfect springboard to discuss real-life challenges.
Diversity & Representation
- Showcases teamwork across diverse gender and racial backgrounds.
- Promotes inclusivity through multi-ethnic character representation.
- Encourages understanding different perspectives and cultures.
Book in series
#12
Age
7-10
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
intermediate
Character Compass
Discussion points
What would you do if you were in the Aldens' shoes and stumbled upon a mystery at the campsite?
How did the characters show teamwork throughout their adventure?
What were some of the clues that helped the Aldens solve the mystery?
How do you think the setting of the campsite influenced the story?
If you could create your own mystery to solve with friends, what would it be about?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and think about how they would react to similar situations.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and ask your child about times they have worked with others to solve a problem.
After reading, have your child summarize the clues from the story and how they led to the resolution. This reinforces comprehension and deductive reasoning.
Explore the setting by asking your child to describe a campsite they would like to visit or a memorable outdoor experience they have had.
Stimulate creativity by asking your child to create their own mystery story. Discuss what characters, setting, and mysterious situation they would include.
What parents love
Engages kids with mystery and teamwork.
Handles sensitive themes very gently.
Educational yet remains fun throughout.
Promotes critical thinking subtly.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: In 'The CampOut Mystery', the characters work together to solve the mystery, demonstrating the importance of collaboration and relying on each other's strengths.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities where they need to collaborate with peers to achieve a common goal, such as group projects in school or sports teams.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: The book showcases characters facing and overcoming obstacles through critical thinking and reasoning, which is a central theme in solving the mystery.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use logical thinking and problem-solving skills in their daily challenges, such as figuring out how to manage their time for homework or resolving conflicts with friends.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The young detectives display courage by venturing into unknown situations to uncover the truth, teaching children the value of bravery in the face of uncertainty.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to face their own fears, whether it's trying out for a new activity, standing up to a bully, or speaking in front of a class.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Characters in the story take responsibility for their actions, which is crucial in reaching the resolution of the mystery.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of owning up to their actions and understanding the consequences, applicable in situations like completing school assignments or taking care of a pet.
Example Lesson: Observation Skills
Explanation: The resolution of the mystery largely hinges on the characters' ability to observe and note small details.
Real-World Application: Children learn to enhance their attention to detail which can help in academic settings, like noticing patterns in math, or being more mindful of their surroundings and interactions.