The Mystery in the Mall (The Boxcar Children Mysteries)
#72 of 164 in The Boxcar Children Series
on Goodreads (525)
What’s inside...
The Aldens are helping out at Penny's Emporium, a novelty shop in the mall. But soon, everything starts to go wrong! Merchandise disappears, and doors start locking mysteriously. What's going on at the Hope Harbor Mall?
Character compass
Jessie Alden
Violet Alden
Benny Alden
Henry Alden
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the Boxcar Children to solve the mystery in the mall?
How did the characters work together to uncover clues? Can you think of a time when you worked as part of a team?
What were some of the challenges the children faced, and how did they overcome them?
If you were a character in the book, what would you have done differently in the mystery?
How did the setting of the mall influence the events in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book to model thoughtful engagement. Ask open-ended questions that prompt deeper thinking rather than simple yes or no answers. Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, which can enhance empathy and understanding. Listen actively to your child’s responses, showing genuine interest in their ideas. Finally, use the discussion as an opportunity to teach problem-solving and critical thinking skills by exploring different scenarios within the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The Boxcar Children work together to solve mysteries in the mall, demonstrating how collective effort can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning how cooperation can achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and critical thinking
Explanation: Throughout the story, the children must think critically and piece together clues to solve the mystery.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach problems logically and creatively in their own lives, whether in academic settings or personal situations.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and independence
Explanation: The young protagonists take on responsibilities and make decisions without heavy adult supervision, showcasing their growing independence.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to take on small, appropriate tasks at home or school to build their confidence and sense of responsibility.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: The mystery genre naturally stimulates curiosity as the children gather information and learn to connect the dots.
Real-World Application: This lesson can motivate children to seek out information and be curious learners in diverse subjects in their everyday life.
Example Lesson: Ethics and honesty
Explanation: The characters demonstrate ethical behaviors such as honesty when dealing with the adults and each other during their investigation.
Real-World Application: This can impart the importance of honesty in building trust and integrity in real world interactions such as in school or with family.