#14 in The Boxcar Children Series
The Mystery of the Midnight Dog
on Goodreads (425)
What’s inside...
The Aldens are visiting a small town known for its harvest festival. The town is beautiful in the fall, but rumors of the harvest moon and a midnight dog make the Aldens wonder if the festival is all fun and games. They must find out who's behind the secrets of the festival. Can they figure out who is behind the dog napping and the strange occurrences before the festival is ruined?
Why read this book
- Engaging mystery enhances critical thinking and curiosity.
- Characters exhibit teamwork, friendship, and determination.
- Supports vocabulary expansion and inferential comprehension.
- Encourages shared reading and discussion within families.
The Big Picture
- Encourages bravery in unfamiliar situations.
- Highlights value of teamwork in problem-solving.
- Fosters curiosity and continuous learning.
- Helps discuss real-life fears and challenges.
Diversity & Representation
- Features multicultural characters fostering inclusivity.
- Promotes appreciation of different cultural backgrounds.
- Encourages empathy through diverse character perspectives.
Book in series
#14
Age
8-10
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
developing
Character Compass
Discussion points
Why do you think the dog only appeared at midnight? What does this tell us about the dog?
How did the characters' feelings about the dog change throughout the story?
What would you do if you were in the main character's shoes when they first met the midnight dog?
How do the townspeople contribute to the mystery of the dog?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading each chapter, ask your child to predict what might happen next, focusing on the dog’s actions and the characters' reactions.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to draw a picture of what they think the midnight dog looks like based on the descriptions in the book.
Discuss the themes of fear and curiosity. Ask your child how the characters managed their fear and how their curiosity led them to solve the mystery.
Enhance empathy by asking your child how they believe the dog felt at various points in the story, and why.
What parents love
Exciting story with great moral lessons.
Perfect for family reading nights.
Kids loved the mix of mystery and adventure.
Educational yet incredibly engaging.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork leads to success
Explanation: The characters in 'The Mystery of the Midnight Dog' collaborate to solve the mystery, demonstrating that working together can achieve better results than working alone.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities at school or in community projects, learning to value each other's input and strengths.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and critical thinking
Explanation: The book encourages readers to be curious, ask questions, and think critically as the characters delve into the mystery of the midnight dog.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore their surroundings, ask questions, and make thoughtful observations in their daily lives, enhancing their learning and understanding of the world.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing the unknown
Explanation: As the young detectives confront the unknown elements of the mystery, they show courage, an important trait when dealing with new or challenging situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face new challenges in life with bravery, whether it's trying out a new activity, or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout their investigation, the characters learn to understand and empathize with the situations and feelings of others, including the mysterious dog.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of empathy by considering the perspectives and emotions of their peers and animals they interact with.