The Spy in the Bleachers (The Boxcar Children Mysteries)
#122 of 164 in The Boxcar Children Series
What’s inside...
It's a big week at Cogwheel Stadium—the baseball team the Clayton Cogs are playing for the pennant! The Aldens are helping out at the ballpark, and they're glad to be part of the excitement. But the other team's batters seem to know the pitches too well, and it's clear someone in the stadium is stealing the Cogs' pitcher's signals. Now the Boxcar children must find out who is spying for the other team!
Character compass
Henry Alden
Violet Alden
Jessie Alden
Benny Alden
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to solve the mystery? How would you feel in their situation?
How do the characters in the story demonstrate teamwork? Can you share an example from the book where teamwork was crucial?
What clues did the characters find that helped them solve the mystery? Which clue was the most puzzling, and why?
How do the settings in the book contribute to the mystery? Which location in the book would you like to visit and why?
If you could ask any character in the book a question, who would you choose and what would you ask them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think like a detective while reading, looking for clues and predicting what might happen next.
Discuss the importance of paying attention to detail and how it can help solve problems, both in the story and in real life.
Ask your child to describe their favorite character and why they like them. This opens up a conversation about character traits and motivations.
Create a fun activity by drawing a map of the story setting with your child, placing key events and clues on the map.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to write or draw an alternative ending. Discuss how their ending might change the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Throughout 'The Spy in the Bleachers,' the Alden children work together to solve the mystery, demonstrating effective communication and joint problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these teamwork skills in group projects at school or in sports teams, learning the importance of cooperation and leveraging each other's strengths.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Explanation: The young detectives gather clues and analyze situations to uncover the mystery, showcasing their ability to think critically and solve problems systematically.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach challenges with a logical framework, improving their ability to make considered decisions and solve problems in academic and personal situations.
Example Lesson: Integrity and Honesty
Explanation: The characters uphold strong moral principles, choosing to do what is right, even when it's challenging, thus emphasizing the value of integrity.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of being honest and making ethical decisions, which fosters trust and respect from peers and adults in their community.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The Boxcar Children's keen observation and inquiry drive their quest for knowledge, depicting how curiosity leads to learning new information.
Real-World Application: This stimulates children to be curious about the world around them, encouraging a lifelong passion for learning and discovery.