The Pumpkin Head Mystery (The Boxcar Children Mysteries)
#124 of 164 in The Boxcar Children Series
What’s inside...
Every fall at the Beckett farm, visitors come to buy pumpkins and go on hayrides. Best of all, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny get to dress up in costumes and help with the fun. But something is haunting the farm . . . a mysterious ghost with a glowing pumpkin head!
Character compass
Henry Alden
Jessie Alden
Benny Alden
Violet Alden
Discussion points
Why do you think the Aldens decided to investigate the mystery of the pumpkin head?
How did the characters work together to solve the mystery? Can you think of a time when you worked together with others to solve a problem?
What were some of the clues that helped the Aldens solve the mystery? How did they figure out which clues were important?
How did the characters feel when they encountered challenges during their investigation? What would you have done in their situation?
What do you think is the moral of the story? How can we apply this lesson in our everyday lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage children to relate the story to their own experiences, which promotes empathy and personal connection.
Ask open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer to foster critical thinking and deeper understanding.
Pause at suspenseful moments in the story to predict what might happen next, enhancing analytical skills.
Discuss the characters’ actions and decisions, and ask your child what they would have done differently, encouraging ethical thinking.
Reinforce the value of teamwork and collaboration demonstrated in the story, discussing real-life scenarios where working together is essential.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'The Pumpkin Head Mystery', the Alden siblings work together to solve the mystery, demonstrating the importance of collaboration and diverse skills in problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities or team sports, learning to value each person's contribution and working together towards a common goal.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Critical Thinking
Explanation: The characters in the book show a great deal of curiosity which leads them to gather clues and solve the mystery. Their approach teaches critical thinking and attention to detail.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to ask questions about the world around them and to think critically about the answers they receive. This can be fostered through educational games and thought-provoking discussions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout the mystery, the children take on responsibilities appropriate for their ages. This promotes an understanding of the importance of being responsible in order to achieve objectives.
Real-World Application: Responsibility can be fostered in children by giving them simple tasks or chores around the house, thus teaching them accountability and reliability.
Example Lesson: Integrity
Explanation: The Alden siblings consistently choose to do the right thing throughout their investigation, even when faced with challenges. This highlights the virtue of integrity.
Real-World Application: Children can be taught the importance of honesty and making ethical choices in everyday scenarios, such as in their interactions with siblings and friends.