#14 in The Boxcar Children Series
The Disappearing Friend Mystery
on Goodreads (1,126)
What’s inside...
The Aldens have made a new friend who is an orphan and seems to be hiding a secret. In this tale, the Aldens help their new friend, and solve a mystery while discovering many surprises along the way.
Character compass
Discussion points
What do you think made the friend disappear and how did that make you feel?
How did the children in the book work together to solve the mystery?
Can you think of a time when you had to solve a problem with your friends? What did you do?
What would you have done differently if you were in the story?
Why do you think friendships are important in solving problems?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, validating their emotions and opinions.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and collaboration as demonstrated in the book, relating it to real-life scenarios your child might encounter.
Ask your child to draw parallels between the mystery in the book and any mysteries or surprises they have experienced, enhancing their connection to the story.
Suggest that your child imagines alternate endings or solutions to the mystery, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Reinforce the concept of empathy by discussing how each character might have felt throughout the mystery and why understanding others' feelings is important.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Disappearing Friend Mystery,' the characters work together to solve the mystery of a missing friend, demonstrating how collaboration can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning that working together can achieve better results than working alone.
Example Lesson: Value of Communication
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters communicate clues and ideas to each other, highlighting the importance of sharing information effectively.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to express their thoughts and feelings clearly and listen to others, which is crucial in interactions with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: The young detectives analyze various scenarios to find their friend, showcasing problem-solving abilities in action.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach challenges in their daily lives with a problem-solving mindset, whether it's resolving conflicts with peers or tackling difficult school assignments.
Example Lesson: Persistence and Resilience
Explanation: The characters face multiple setbacks during their quest, but their determination helps them push forward and not give up.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to keep trying despite difficulties, whether in learning new skills, dealing with setbacks in games or handling schoolwork challenges.
Example Lesson: Observation and Attention to Detail
Explanation: By paying attention to small details, the characters piece together the mystery, showing how being observant can lead to important discoveries.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be more observant and attentive in their surroundings, which can enhance their learning and awareness in various situations.