Book Review: The Boxcar Children

Title: The Boxcar Children

Author: Gertrude Chandler Warner

Pages: EBook (150 pages)

Summary: Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny, four orphaned brothers and sisters, suddenly appear in a small town. No one knows who these young wanderers are or where they have come from. Frightened to live with a grandfather they have never met, the children make a home for themselves in an abandoned red boxcar they discover in the woods. Henry, the oldest, goes to town to earn money and buy food and supplies. Ambitious and resourceful, the plucky children make a happy life for themselves–until Violet gets too sick for her brothers and sister to care for her.

My Rating: 8.25/10

What I liked/disliked about the book: This book was a childhood favourite of mine and re-reading it now still as me smiling as I entered the story of Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny.

I probably read this book fifty times as a kid, although I do remember it being longer than it was, it was still enjoyable and most of the book, save the ending I remember quite well. I also remember how neat it was the kids, who were my age at the time create their own little house out of a boxcar, found dishes and lived in the woods. It was what made it so fun to read, and what made in a fun little read this time around. You can really appreciate the characters and the message of taking care of yourself and siblings through rough times.

The story was a quick read for me, I think a lot of young readers would enjoy the book, finding it fun and adventurous that kids their age, survived without their parents in a boxcar in the woods. The book was published in the early forties, so the attitudes and stereotypes do represent the times, although they aren't very obvious, and most young reader wouldn't notice them they are there, not necessarily a bad thing, but an observation. The language used is easy to read I'd say it would be a good choice for the 7 - 12 range. I also found the author finished off chapters in a way, that would make a young reader (or young at heart, who aren't familiar with the story) want to read onwards, just to find out what happens to the children next.

Overall it was a fun read, the children in the book are sweet and loving, and brought back childhood memories of me, reading one of my favourite books.

Would I recommend it to read: I would, this was a childhood favourite. It's a perfect book for a young reader, and the series, if memory serves correct was fun to read as well.

What to read next: More books from the series, Anne of Green Gables

Challenges: 12 in 12, 100+ Challenge, EBook Challenge