Module #13

Module #13- The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
Warner, Gertrude Chandler. The Boxcar Children. Niles, Ill. : A. Whitman, c1977.

Summary: Four children head out on their own after their parents death. They are running away from being sent to the grandfather's house, whom they've never met but are sure is not very nice. After the children find an abandoned boxcar in the woods, they decide to make it their home. Henry, the oldest goes to look for work in town as the younger children Jessie, Violet, and the youngest, Benny, take over making the boxcar a home. The kids enjoy their new home and take pleasure in the small treasures they find. Eventually, they find out that the kind man who has hired Henry is their grandfather. He moves the boxcar to his backyard as a gift to celebrate them moving in with him.

Tattered Cover says: A very wholesome and easy to read book. Kids will be drawn to the idea of living alone without adults and making do in the woods. I love this story and think the easy wording is great for below level readers.

How to use this in a library: With its easy readability, this would work great for a literacy circle of kids with reading disabilities. The fact that it is a chapter book, yet easy to read, will make it a great way for these kids to feel included.
Reviews:

by Amanda Porick "Mandie Porick" Amazon.com

I read these books in 3rd grade. I'm 25 now. I still think fondly about the times when I read the Boxcar Children series. I still remember the vivid explaination by Gertrude Chandler Warner of the treasures the children find including a cup with a chip in it that they use to survive while living in the boxcar.

This is one of the many books that helped me develop a great love for reading. As an educator, I can now say that this is one of the literary gems out there that is timeless for students (and adults) of all ages to enjoy.