The Boxcar Children
The Boxcar Children Series
What’s inside...
Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny are orphans who find an abandoned boxcar in the woods and decide to make it their home. They become known as the Boxcar Children. This story is adapted from the feature film and allows children to step into reading. In another adventure, the Aldens visit Aunt Jane and Mike, Benny's friend, discovers a new mystery. Adapted from Gertrude Chandler Warner's story, this early reader helps children start reading with a Boxcar Children classic.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think life would be like if you lived in a boxcar like the children in the story?
How do the siblings in the story support each other through their adventures?
What would you do if you found a mystery like the Alden children did?
How do you feel about the way the children solve problems together?
Which character do you relate to the most and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that allow your child to express their thoughts and opinions freely.
Discuss the importance of family and teamwork as showcased by the siblings in the book.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and ask them how they would react in similar situations.
Highlight the problem-solving and mystery elements of the story to build your child’s analytical skills.
After reading, relate real-life scenarios to situations in the book to help the child connect with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-reliance
Explanation: The characters in 'The Boxcar Children' demonstrate resourcefulness and independence as they solve problems and establish a makeshift home in an abandoned boxcar.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to solve small problems on their own and make decisions that help foster their independence and confidence.
Example Lesson: The importance of family
Explanation: Throughout the story, the siblings support and care for one another, underlining the importance of family ties and mutual support.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate their family members and understand the value of supporting each other through challenges.
Example Lesson: Cooperation
Explanation: The siblings in the book work together to overcome the challenges they face, demonstrating successful cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by working collaboratively with their peers in school projects or sports, learning the importance of teamwork.
Example Lesson: Creativity and innovation
Explanation: The children use their creativity to turn the boxcar into a livable space, showing how innovation can transform less-than-ideal conditions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively in their daily lives, using their imagination to problem-solve and make the best of any situation.