Module 8: The Boxcar Children

Summary:
Four siblings, Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny are orphans. They look for a place to live and eventually find an old boxcar in the woods and are able to set up house. A dog, Watch is helped by Jessie and comes to live with them also. Henry does odd jobs for a doctor in the nearby town to get money for food. One night, Violet gets very sick and Henry asks the doctor for help. The children move in with the doctor for a while and eventually meet their grandfather through the doctor and move in with him.


Citation:
Warner, Gertrude Chandler, and L. Kate, Deal. The Boxcar Children. Niles, IL: A. Whitman, 1977. Print.

Impressions:
This enchanting book completely captured my imagination. I think kids will love the concept of being self sufficient and living in a boxcar.


Reviews:


“An impeccable production of a compelling story..." --Publishers Weekly


I loved this book as a child and read it over and over, more than any other book. I lived in the boxcar with the children (I had a very vivid imagination as a child), loving the sanctuary of this home in the woods, free from adults and making use of resources available.


When I found a copy about a year ago, I was thrilled. I still love reading it.


My 8-year-old granddaughter hated to read. She skimed through books she was forced to read. I introduced this book to her (along with the Nancy Drew series), and now she loves to read, and she can't wait to get on to the next book. I've been reading each mystery too, and we love to talk about them.


I plan to get every book of the series. I enjoy Ayn Rand, Anne McCaffrey, Alice Walker, and other authors, but it's also enjoyable to sit down and read some of the simple books your kids read and your grandkids read, especially this series.


If you know anyone in this age group who hates to read, give them the Boxcar Children as a gift. You'll see them turning into an avid reader. A Customer, via Amazon.com


Use in Library Setting:
This book could be used as a part of a display about siblings, camping or as a great book for beginning readers.