Although I was a little surprised that The Boxcar Children contains very little of what I call mystery, it was a rousing success with my girls. It is very simply written. One thing I noticed is that Gertrude Chandler Warner used absolutely no contractions in the writing of this story. I find it difficult to read a story without using contractions, so it seemed a little bit stilted and “Dick and Jane-ish” to me. Of course, this didn’t bother my girls in the least–they loved this story. In fact, Louise wants to re-check it from the library!
When I think about it, maybe it is a mystery, still. There are mysterious elements (i.e. unidentified noises, etc.), and it is about four children who are running away from a grandfather whom they don’t like. There is nothing at all scary in the story, so it is a great way to introduce a few of the elements of mystery, though. Its resolution is pleasant for everyone involved, including their maligned grandfather. It is a very gentle story, and I would think that children even younger than mine (currently 5 1/2 and 4) would enjoy it. In fact, in terms of simplicity (‘though not of genre or storyline) it reminds me a little of the My Father’s Dragon series (read my thoughts on this series here and here and here).
Despite the fact that The Boxcar Children did not exactly meet my expectations, it was not a disappointment. I can see why it’s a classic, and I’m glad to have met Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny. I look forward to sharing more of these stories with my girls.
If you’d like to read about what other bloggers are reading for this month’s Children’s Classics Mystery Challenge, be sure to check out 5 Minutes for Books!
Filed under: Challenges, Memes, and Carnivals, Children's Classics, Juvenile Fiction |
Hope Is the Word 
I have this on the shelf … we may have to read this together this summer. We are working our way through the Bobbsey twins right now and I can’t decide if I like it or not. : ) Noelle seems to be really enjoying it though!
I’ve never heard of The Boxcar Children, but it looks like something my children would really enjoy.
It IS a sweet book, and thanks for the reminder. Amanda loved them in her early elementary years, so maybe I’ll encourage her to read it to her 5-year-old brother!!
These books are A.W.E.S.O.M.E! I read them recently and STILL wasn’t bored. Plus, the titles just flow together nicely, one right after the other. The mysteries come out more strongly after the first book.
I love this series! Very much! I don’t think Bookworm1 is QUITE there yet, but I think we’re getting close. So close I can taste it! =D
I read The Boxcar Children with my oldest almost 2 years ago (see link). I was disappointed in it as a read-aloud. But now that my oldest can read on his own he is devouring Boxcar Children mysteries!
I read that as a kid…and to my students when I taught! Great book!