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The Boxcar Children, Book 1
Gertrude Chandler Warner
Children Ages 8-12
Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny are orphans who are sent to live with their grandfather. Believing their grandfather is mean and uncaring, the four children decide to set out on their own. They set up house in a boxcar, and things are going well until Violet falls ill, and they must call on the help of a doctor in town.
Questions Just for Fun
If you were one of the boxcar children, what would you have done to find food?
What is one treasure you would have hoped to find at the dump?
Questions to Think Critically and Biblically
In the opening scene in the bakery, the baker’s wife says multiple times that she does not like children. What should a Christian’s attitude be toward children?
Discussion Guide - Read Matthew 19:13-15 and Mark 10:13-16. Discuss how Jesus loves and cares for children, so Christians should do the same.
Throughout the story, Henry and Jessie faithfully care for their younger siblings, Violet and Benny. Does this align with what the Bible says that families should do for one another?
Discussion Guide - Read 1 Timothy 5:3-8. Though this passage specifically addresses care for widows, the principles outlined apply to family members in general. Discuss how God has called family members to care for one another before caring for others. What Henry and Jessie do in this story aligns with the biblical worldview.
What positive character qualities did you see the Alden children display in this book?
Discussion Guide - Discuss any of the following:
- Love - The Alden children demonstrated love by caring for one another.
- Diligence - Henry worked hard to provide money for the family, and Jessie worked hard to care for their home and provide food.
- Kindness - Violet displayed kindness in the way she helped Jessie and cared for Benny.
- Obedience - Benny obeyed his older siblings when they gave him directions to follow.
- Honesty - The Alden children did not lie when they were asked about their parents. They were honest about being orphans.
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