The Vanishing Passenger (The Boxcar Children Mysteries)
#106 of 164 in The Boxcar Children Series
on Goodreads (353)
What’s inside...
The Aldens are excited to meet their favorite mystery writer, Gilbert Finch, at the Greenfield train station. Finch is scheduled to speak at their local library. However, when his train arrives, Finch is nowhere to be found, and the famous author has mysteriously vanished. The Boxcar Children must quickly solve the mystery of his disappearance, especially since Finch's archrival, Daniel VanBuren, is poised to take his place at the library event if Finch does not show up.
Character compass
Henry Alden
Violet Alden
Jessie Alden
Benny Alden
Discussion points
What would you do if you were in the same situation as the Boxcar Children in solving the mystery of the vanishing passenger?
How did the characters work together to solve the mystery? Can you think of a time when you had to work with others to solve a problem?
What clues did the children find that helped them solve the mystery? How do you think they felt when they discovered new information?
How do you think the story would change if the vanishing passenger was someone other than who it turned out to be?
What lessons did the characters learn by the end of the book? Have you learned similar lessons in your own experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves as a character in the book, asking them what they would feel and do in the situations presented.
Discuss the importance of teamwork as demonstrated by the Boxcar Children, relating it to your child’s everyday interactions and activities.
Highlight the process of gathering and analyzing clues in the story, connecting it to critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Propose alternative endings based on different choices the characters could make, fostering creativity and inference skills in your child.
Use the mystery in the story to discuss the value of curiosity and perseverance, emphasizing how these traits are important in both the story and real life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The Boxcar children work together to solve the mystery of the vanishing passenger, demonstrating effective communication and cooperative problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these skills in group projects at school or in team sports, learning to communicate clearly and distribute tasks fairly among peers.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the children gather clues and analyze information to solve the mystery, showcasing their ability to think critically and creatively.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach problems in their daily lives methodically, using observation and analysis to understand and solve issues.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Independence
Explanation: The Boxcar Children take on the challenge of solving a mystery on their own, demonstrating initiative and self-reliance.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and tasks, which children can emulate by managing their time and responsibilities at home and school.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Kindness
Explanation: As they solve the mystery, the children show understanding and kindness towards others, learning about the circumstances and challenges of different characters.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the value of empathy in their interactions with others, promoting a more inclusive and understanding attitude towards diverse experiences and challenges.