The Boxcar Children

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 KELLI A on 2009-04-15
My oldest was 5 years old when we first read this book. She has since read it over and over on her own and to her siblings. We have listened to an audio version as well. My children have spent hours acting this book out and pretending to be the different characters. A great first chapter book read aloud! This one will remain a family favorite for years to come!

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 KELLY S on 2009-04-23
What I like is how smart the kids were, and how Henry got a job and how they kept their milk in the pond and took there baths in the pond. We are always keeping an eye out for the sequels. Sean S. (age 7)

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 DIANE B on 2009-04-27
We read this when my son was six. Now, at 11, he's still reading Boxcar Children when he can find a new one at the library. Very good example of self-reliance and taking responsibility.

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.