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Average Rating:
10 Reviews
Classic page-turner about four orphans who have to fend for themselves.
Pb, illus.
Read Aloud Levels: Kindergarten - 6
Read Alone Levels: 3 - 6
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Average Rating:
10 Reviews
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by Rhonda J. on 2007-08-28
Overall, a light & entertaining book. I really didn't like the back story line--that the kids had never met their Grandpa who their parents didn't like for some unknown reason, but then the Grandpa finds them and it turns out he is a nice guy after all. In real life, most of the time when parents are not in contact with their own parents or other family members, there is a good reason why. The book never delves into this reason, maybe Grandpa was a child abuser, maybe he disproved of his son-in-law and was nasty to him, maybe he was a drug-abuser. Perhaps other books in the series go deeper into this. But the message for the kids seems to be, "hey, if your parents tell you to stay away from someone, don't listen to them, the person is probably really nice." This is a dangerous message for a book to subtle send to children.
by Veronica L. on 2008-04-01
My kids like this book, but I had a hard time finding a whole lot of education information in this book, once we got past the definition of orphans and cooperation. Good just for getting the kids to like books. It holds the attention well and is interesting, well written, and does show teamwork. Some people might be able to use don't judge a book by its cover as a lesson, but my three year old pointed out to me that the grandpa probably "is not very nice, even if he is very nice. He never came to visit them and bring them presents, so maybe the mommy and daddy didn't like him and he is mean." So I guess that idea's out for us.
by Kathy A. on 2008-04-01
This was our daughter's first read aloud for Core K. The story is one of determination and what it means to stick together during the tough times as a family.
by HEATHER B on 2008-06-07
This is one of our favorites! The Boxcar Children was a favorite of mine as a child, so when trying to determine which Core my son was ready for, I chose to buy it as a litmus test. If he was ready to sit and listen to The Boxcar Children read aloud, he'd be ready for the other Core C readers, I reasoned. So I began reading it to him, and after the first chapter, he begged for another. After one more, I was tired (being pregnant) and put it down. He then picked it up and started reading it to ME! We've now read it several times, including as part of the Core C curriculum, and have loved the adventure and exploration of the children each time.
by CHRISTIE B on 2008-09-19
we love this book, i am going to find more for us to continue reading about the boxcar children.
there is lots of learning going on when a little one enjoys this book, the love of reading the time you spend together, understanding the story and being able to talk about it afterwards to me is "learning"
christie :)
by SARA W on 2008-12-02
I loved this book as a child and my son really enjoyed it as well.
by DANA G on 2008-10-17
This is my son's favorite book. We have checked out many, many more from the library. He likes solving the mysteries. A fun series.
by LINDA S on 2008-04-10
5 stars here! If dd had her way, we'd have finished this book in 1 or 2 sittings. SHORT RESPONSE: We loved this book, realizing the era & background of the author, & focused on creative thinking in a variety of ways. LONG RESPONSE~ In briefly researching - BACKGROUND: 1st printing was in 1942. The author was born in 1890 & died 1979. The purpose for this book? To provide fun & easy reading material for her students for some whom English was a 2nd language & to teach the characteristic of resourcefulness & good work ethic. Apparently the original controversy amongst libriarians was around the issue of the main characters being without parental supervision of which the author was quite aware & responded. Story born out of the author's childhood experience/imagination when her familial home was situated across from a train station. OUR APPROACH: To enjoy, discuss principles such as being innovative/resourceful, working out relationships for things may not be as it seems (for the better or worse), discuss ideas of the "why" children felt like they did about their grandfather & wanted at first to avoid the grandfather, ideas of "why" the grandfather didn't know the children very well & then delve into possible solutions.
by PATSY M on 2008-09-23
My children and I equally enjoyed this book thoroughly. It kept them intersted and showed them that reading can be fun.
by CHINELL D on 2008-11-04
My girls enjoyed this book. It was our first read aloud and it kept their attention. They always wanted me to read more that what was planned. I am going to have to get the sequels because my girls want to know more. For about a week, while playing in the backyard, they would pretend our yellow lab was Watch and they were Jessie and Violet. I thought it was great that they brought the story to life.
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