Introduction
Book Name: The Boxcar Children
Author: Gertrude Chandler Warner
Cover Illustrator: Antony VanArsdale
Genre: Adventure
Publication: Random House
Pages: 154
What is the Book About?
This book highlights the importance of family and teamwork. It tells the story of four orphaned children who struggle to find a home after the loss of their parents. They eventually take refuge in an abandoned boxcar and work tirelessly to support themselves. Through their hard work and determination, they manage to survive. Later, they discover their grandfather, whom they initially feared, but he turns out to be a kind-hearted man. In the end, they find a loving and secure home with him.
Setting
Road – The children travel on different roads as they run away, searching for a safe place to stay.
Boxcar – An old train car in the woods where the children make their new home. They clean it, decorate it, and turn it into a cozy place to live.
Bakery – A small bakery where the children work in exchange for food. However, they leave when they learn that Benny might be sent to an orphanage.
The Race Track – A place where Henry takes part in a race and wins a prize, helping the children earn more money.
Characters
Henry – The oldest brother. He is responsible and works hard to take care of his younger siblings. He finds small jobs to earn money and makes sure they have food and a safe place to stay.
Jessie – The second oldest. She is kind and takes care of the family, almost like a mother. She keeps their boxcar home clean and makes sure everyone is happy.
Violet – A quiet and shy girl. She is creative and likes to draw, sew, and make things. She adds warmth and love to their little home.
Benny – The youngest brother. He is playful, curious, and full of energy. He often makes the family laugh and brings joy to their lives.
Grandfather – At first, the children think he is strict and unkind, so they run away from him. Later, they find out that he is actually very loving and kind. He welcomes them into his home.
Bakery Staff – The people who run the bakery where the children stay for a short time. They give the kids food, but they plan to send Benny to an orphanage, so the children run away.
Doctor Moore – A friendly doctor who gives Henry small jobs. He helps the children when they need it.
Plot
The Boxcar Children follows the story of four orphaned siblings; Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny: who, after the tragic death of their parents, are left to fend for themselves. Fearing that they will be sent to live with their strict and unkind grandfather, they decide to run away.
While searching for shelter, they come across a bakery and work there in exchange for food. However, when the owner threatens to send Benny to an orphanage, they escape once again. Their journey leads them to an abandoned boxcar in the woods, where they decide to settle. With resilience and determination, the children transform the old train car into a cozy home. They gather discarded materials from a nearby dump to furnish their makeshift house, and Henry takes on small jobs, including working for a kind doctor, to provide food for his siblings. Jessie takes care of the household chores, Violet expresses her creativity through crafts, and little Benny, the youngest, adds joy and liveliness to their lives.
As time passes, Henry participates in a race and wins a prize, bringing more resources to the family. Despite their hardships, the children remain happy and grateful for their simple life. However, everything changes when they finally meet their grandfather, who turns out to be kind, generous, and loving—far from the frightening figure they had imagined. Realizing they now have a caring family member who truly wants the best for them, they accept his invitation to live with him. In the end, the siblings find happiness not just in their boxcar but in the warmth of a loving home.
The book beautifully portrays the themes of courage, resilience, and the power of family. It teaches readers that home is not just a place but the love and care shared among family members.
Critical Analysis
This book is both engaging and heartwarming. It evokes strong emotions as it highlights the way family members support each other through hardships. The story is beautifully written, and the illustrations enhance the reading experience. The book is most suitable for children in grades 3 to 7, as it is easy to read and full of adventure. The themes of determination, teamwork, and kindness make it a great book for young readers.
Recommendation
I recommend The Boxcar Children to kids who love adventure and stories about family. It teaches important lessons about teamwork, hard work, and never giving up, even in tough times. The book is easy to read and has an exciting plot that keeps you interested. I think students from Grades 3 to 7 will really enjoy it. It also shows how family is not just about living in a house but about caring for each other. If you like stories about brave kids who solve problems on their own, this book is a great choice
Name: Saphal Pokharel
Grade:VI
Deerwalk Sifal School
Book Review: The Boxcar Children
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