The Copycat Mystery (The Boxcar Chiildren #83)
#83 of 164 in The Boxcar Children Series
What’s inside...
The Alden children are going back in time by helping at an old Victorian house that has been turned into a museum. But rumor has it that the place is haunted by the spirit of practical joker Horace Wagner! Is there really a ghost?
Discussion points
What do you think made the characters curious about the copycat event?
How did the children in the story work together to solve the mystery?
What would you have done differently if you were one of the Boxcar Children in this mystery?
How do you think trust played a role in the characters solving the mystery?
What did you learn about handling suspicions and misunderstandings from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think like a detective, piecing together clues from the story as you read together.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at various points in the book to engage their analytical thinking.
Discuss the importance of teamwork as depicted in the story, and relate it to real-life situations in your child’s experiences.
Talk about the characters’ emotions and decisions, and ask your child how they might feel or react in similar situations.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to draw or write a short continuation of the story, or their version of a mystery, based on what inspired them from the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'The Copycat Mystery,' the Boxcar children collaborate to solve the mystery, demonstrating how working together can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of cooperation and teamwork in school projects or sports, teaching them to work alongside others to achieve a common goal.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: The children in the story use their observation and reasoning skills to piece together clues, showing how critical thinking can help solve complex problems.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to apply logical thinking to their academic challenges and personal obstacles, boosting their problem-solving capabilities.
Example Lesson: Honesty
Explanation: As the mystery unfolds, the importance of honesty is underscored when the children discover truths hidden by the suspects.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being truthful in their everyday interactions and the impact honesty can have on resolving misunderstandings.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: The Boxcar children's inquisitiveness leads them to uncover important clues, emphasizing that curiosity can lead to significant discoveries and learning opportunities.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore their environments and seek knowledge actively, enhancing their educational experience and understanding of the world around them.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The children face various challenges during their investigation but remain determined to find the truth, demonstrating resilience in the face of obstacles.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of perseverance and continuing to strive towards their goals, regardless of the difficulties they encounter.