The Zombie Project (The Boxcar Children Mysteries)
#128 of 164 in The Boxcar Children Series
What’s inside...
While staying at the Winding River Lodge, the Aldens hear an old legend about a zombie who lives in the forest. As they encounter strange signs and events, they begin to wonder if the legend is true. With the help of a reporter and some locals, they uncover more clues, but face uncertainty about whether they are dealing with a real zombie or something else lurking in the shadows.
Discussion points
What did you think about the mystery the Boxcar children had to solve? How would you have approached it?
The children show a lot of teamwork in this story. Can you think of a time when you worked together with others to solve a problem?
How do you feel about the way the children handled their suspicions and the clues they found?
What are some key qualities that Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny displayed that helped them succeed?
If you were to create your own mystery story, what kind of mystery would it involve?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the events in the book, affirming their ideas to build confidence.
Draw parallels between the teamwork displayed by the Boxcar Children and instances where your child had to collaborate with others, reinforcing the value of cooperation.
Ask your child what they would have done differently if they were in the characters' shoes, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Discuss the moral decisions made by the characters and their consequences, guiding your child to understand the complexities of ethical choices.
Create a fun activity by having your child outline their own mystery story based on their imagination inspired by the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The characters in 'The Zombie Project' work together to solve the mystery, exemplifying how cooperation can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning how to collaborate effectively with others to achieve a common goal.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, the Boxcar Children use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to uncover clues and solve the mystery.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use logical reasoning and creativity to solve problems they encounter in academic settings or in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The young protagonists face challenges and unknown elements bravely, showing courage in the face of fear.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears and challenges, whether it's trying out for a new sport, standing up against bullying, or dealing with new experiences.
Example Lesson: Importance of Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The curiosity of the Aldens leads them to uncover important information and learn new things about their environment and the mystery at hand.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to explore, ask questions, and learn about the world around them, enhancing their educational experience and understanding.
Example Lesson: Ethics and Honesty
Explanation: As the Boxcar Children investigate, they demonstrate the importance of being truthful and making ethical decisions even when it’s difficult.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the value of honesty and ethics in their daily interactions and encourages them to be truthful and fair in their dealings with others.