The Mystery of the Stolen Boxcar (The Boxcar Children Mysteries #49)
#49 of 164 in The Boxcar Children Series
What’s inside...
Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny used to live alone in a boxcar. Now they have a home with their grandfather, and they're fixing up their boxcar so they can ride it in the big Greenfield Founder's Day parade. There's just one problem: Someone has stolen the boxcar, along with their dog, Watch. The Aldens must solve this mystery to recover the boxcar and save Watch in time for the parade.
Character compass
Henry Alden
Violet Alden
Jessie Alden
Benny Alden
Discussion points
Why do you think the thief chose to steal the boxcar? What do you think they wanted to do with it?
How did the Alden children work together to solve the mystery? What does this teach us about teamwork?
What would you have done if you were in the Aldens' shoes when they discovered the boxcar was missing?
How did the children's feelings change throughout the story, and what caused these changes?
What do you think is the most important clue that helped solve the mystery, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the characters' shoes and ask them how they might feel or react in similar situations.
Discuss the concept of teamwork as demonstrated by the Aldens, and relate it to real-life scenarios within your family or your child's peer group.
Use the story's mystery element to hone your child's problem-solving skills by pausing at crucial moments and asking what they think will happen next or how they would handle the situation.
After finishing the book, engage in a creative activity such as drawing scenes or writing a continuation of the book, to deepen the connection with the story’s themes.
Praise your child’s insights and answers during the discussion to build confidence and encourage a deeper engagement with reading and comprehension skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the story, the Boxcar Children work together to solve the mystery of the stolen boxcar, showcasing the importance of collaboration and utilizing different skills and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities at school or in extracurricular settings, learning to value each team member's contributions and working together to achieve a common goal.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The characters in the book employ critical thinking and logical deduction to piece together clues, demonstrating effective problem-solving strategies.
Real-World Application: Kids can use similar problem-solving approaches in their academic and personal challenges, enhancing their ability to think critically and make informed decisions.
Example Lesson: Honesty and integrity
Explanation: As the Boxcar Children uncover the truth behind the stolen boxcar, the story reinforces the virtues of honesty and maintaining moral integrity under challenging circumstances.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to adhere to honesty in their daily interactions and when faced with ethical dilemmas, building a strong character foundation.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: The book highlights the relentless effort of the characters as they follow through with their investigation, despite obstacles, teaching the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children learn to remain dedicated to their tasks, be it completing school projects or pursuing their hobbies, even when faced with difficulties.
Example Lesson: Respect for others' possessions
Explanation: The theft of the boxcar underlines the importance of respecting and valuing other people's property.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be a foundation for children to understand the importance of not taking what is not theirs and treating others’ belongings with care.