The Boxcar Children Books 1-4 [Box set] [Paperback]

Gertrude Chandler Warner (Creator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1990 | Age Range: 7 and up | Series: The Boxcar Children

The paperback editions of The Boxcar Children Mysteries: #1, The Boxcar Children; #2, Surprise Island; #3, The Yellow House Mystery; and #4, Mystery Ranch are offered together in a cardboard case.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gertrude Chandler Warner was born in Putnam, Connecticut, on April 16, 1890, to Edgar and Jane Warner. Her family included a sister, Frances, and a brother, John. From the age of five, she dreamed of becoming an author. She wrote stories for her Grandfather Carpenter, and each Christmas she gave him one of these stories as a gift. Today, Ms. Warner is best remembered as the author of The Boxcar Children Mysteries.

Product Details

• Age Range: 7 and up
  
• Paperback
• Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (September 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807508543
• ISBN-13: 978-0807508541
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.4 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (137 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,396 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #14 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Family Life > Siblings
  • #17 in Books > Children's Books > Mysteries & Detectives
  • #62 in Books > Children's Books > Action & Adventure

More About the Author

Gertrude Chandler Warner was born in Putnam, Connecticut, on April 16, 1890, to Edgar and Jane Warner. Her family included a sister, Frances, and a brother, John. From the age of five, she dreamed of becoming an author. She wrote stories for her Grandfather Carpenter, and each Christmas she gave him one of these stories as a gift. Today, Ms. Warner is best remembered as the author of The Boxcar Children Mysteries.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

293 of 296 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Four plucky orphans take on the world September 25, 2004

By Kona VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

This pleasant story opens as four tired and hungry siblings, aged 5 to 15, press their noses against a bakery window, eyeing the lovely goodies inside. They have recently lost their parents and are on the run from their mean grandfather, whom they have never met. They find an abandoned boxcar in the woods, set up housekeeping, and live quite happily on berries, bread, and a little meat bought with the oldest boy's gardening pay. Life is very good until one of the girls becomes sick and they must tell an adult about where they live.

The book was written in the 1942 by a teacher who cleverly used only the 500 most common words in the English language to create a very easy to read, yet exciting, beginning chapter book for 7 and 8 year olds. Most of the story concerns the children's sense of fun and boundless resourcefulness, as they take care of themselves, all the while being cheerful and thankful for what they have. Children who are ready for a chapter book will be delighted to find this one is very easy to read. They will enjoy the children's adventure of living in the woods without adults, and, of course, it has a very happy ending. This book is the first (and I think the best) of a very long series of adventures for the Boxcar Children.

79 of 79 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Give your child a love for reading January 23, 2004

By Mandie P.

Format:Paperback

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.

47 of 48 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Boxcar Children was the first book I ever read: I was 7. February 28, 1998

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

I still recall with some clarity the closeness I felt to the children as I made my way through this book in the second grade. I remember that I was fully immersed, and that I immediately checked out other books in search of a similar experience. I became a reader for life. Many times I have wondered if this was an out-of-print title, a well known book, or simply an obscure children's adventure which happened to be in our Holy Cross School library in Mendota, Il. On a whim, I stopped into Amazon and I was ecstatic to learn that it is a classic, and that I can(and will) purchase the entire series for my own children.

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Refreshing! July 22, 2004

By ASH

Format:Paperback

My kids love these books!

Are the characters kind, polite, and "good"? Yes! Is the setting unfamiliar to today's kids? Yes! Isn't this what we should be wanting to introduce to our children? Please, yes! I am disappointed that the publishers have tried to "update" the books by modernizing the pictures on the covers (1980's--talk about outdated!) instead of staying true to the time period. Let our kids see how people dressed and the kinds of things they had. Let them experience healthy, kind relationships. Fill them with good examples, rather than expecting them to only care for the familiar reality of their own lives that is so often lacking moral good.

One other note--only the first 19 books are the original stories written by Mrs. Warner. The publisher decided to continue the series due to popularity, but I wouldn't count on the same quality.

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a great series! August 5, 2004

By Carol Schuman

Format:Paperback

My 11 year old son has a reading deficit, and hates to read! We ordered the first 2 boxed sets in this series for him to read and number 9 as well...we got them two days ago and he has read almost the entire first book already and can't wait to finish it tomorrow *and* start on a new one! I am so impressed with the enthusiasm he has! This is the first time I have seen him read for enjoyment! I say buy as many as you can if you want to encourage your kid to read!

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for kids with reading difficulties November 6, 2005

By C. Wesley

Format:Paperback

My child has suffered with reading problems throughout elementary school. She is now in 4th grade. The Boxcar Children's books are the first series of books that my daughter can read without any assistance. Also, she loves to read them. The author wrote the books so that kids would be interested in the story and that they would be able to read them without too much difficulty. All I can say is thank you to Gertrude Chandler Warner. God Bless your soul.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars THE BOXCAR CHILDREN September 12, 2005

By Nicole G

Format:Paperback

This is a wonderful book to read to youngsters (ages 5-12). The descriptions the author uses are wonderful and the book helps to spoiled kids realize that there is more to life than possessions.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I remember....... March 31, 2005

By Linda C. Oldham

Format:Paperback

I am a 57 year old grandmother to twin girls. As I was exploring books to get for them, I remembered the whole series of Boxcar Children books when I was in elementary school. In fact, I was so young, the teacher read them aloud in the room! I remember that sweet teacher reading a few chapters everyday....and the class begging for more!! What great books and memories!!!