Instructions
You have just finished reading the wonderful book, The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner. Now it's time to think about the story and share your thoughts! Fill out the sections below to create your very own book review.
Book Basics
Let's start with the facts. Fill in the information below.
Title: The Boxcar Children
Author: Gertrude Chandler Warner
What genre is this book? (Circle one)
- Mystery
- Fantasy
- Adventure
- Science Fiction
My Star Rating
How much did you enjoy this book? Color in the stars to give your rating. One star means you didn't like it, and five stars means you loved it!
The Alden Children
The story is all about four siblings. Who are they? List the main characters below and then choose one to describe in more detail.
I will describe (character's name):
What are they like? (Think about their personality and actions in the story.)
Setting the Scene
Where does most of the story happen? Describe the main setting.
Plot Summary
A good review tells a little bit about the story without giving away all the surprises. Briefly summarize what happens in the book.
In the beginning...
In the middle...
At the end...
My Favorite Part
What was your favorite moment in the book? In the box below, draw a picture of it. Then, write a few sentences explaining why you liked this part so much.
This was my favorite part because...
The Big Idea
What is one important lesson you learned from the Alden children? (For example, a lesson about family, kindness, or being independent.)
Would You Recommend This Book?
Who would you recommend this book to? A friend who likes mysteries? A family member who loves adventures? Explain your answer.
Answer Key
Note: Many answers are based on the student's personal opinion. The answers provided below are for the factual sections and serve as a guide for what is expected.
Book Basics
- Genre: Adventure
My Star Rating
- Answers will vary based on the student's opinion.
The Alden Children
- Main Characters: Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny.
- Character Description Example (Jessie): Jessie is very resourceful and acts as the "mother" of the group. She is organized and good at housekeeping, turning the boxcar into a comfortable home. She is caring and always looks out for her siblings.
Setting the Scene
- The main setting is an abandoned, red boxcar in the woods. The children also spend time by a nearby stream and in the town of Greenfield.
Plot Summary
- In the beginning... The four Alden children are orphaned and run away because they are afraid of their grandfather, whom they have never met and believe is cruel.
- In the middle... They find an abandoned boxcar in the woods and make it their home. They work together to find food, make furniture, and take care of each other. Henry finds work in a nearby town with Dr. Moore.
- At the end... Dr. Moore's mother recognizes the children's description and helps their grandfather, Mr. Alden, find them. The children discover he is a kind and wealthy man, and they all go to live with him, even bringing the boxcar to his backyard.
My Favorite Part
- Answers will vary. The student should draw a scene from the book (e.g., finding the boxcar, finding the dump, Benny's cracked pink cup, meeting their grandfather) and explain their choice.
The Big Idea
- Answers will vary. Example answers could include:
- The importance of family and sticking together.
- You can solve problems and be happy even with very little.
- Don't judge people before you know them.
- Hard work and being resourceful are valuable skills.
Would You Recommend This Book?
- Answers will vary. The student should identify a type of reader (e.g., someone who likes adventure, stories about family, survival stories) and give a reason based on the book's plot or themes.