The Boxcar Children (The Boxcar Children, No. 1) (The Boxcar Children Mysteries)

I read many of this series when I was a child. I wanted them on my Kindle so I can nearly always have access to them.The Kindle version I revived must be the version from the 1920s because although it was the same story there are many differences namely, well, names. They are not the Alden’s in this version and at first their father is still alive. When I realized what I had I was eager to have this version and happy with it despite bad editing and still no satisfying explanation about the children’s parents and the estrangement from the kind grandfather.I, as a writer myself, understand it is easier to simply ignore plot inconsistencies for an overall better story.I do not know of the graphic novel or how some are getting that instead of the original text nor why the second edition, with the altered storyline and names, is not available as well as this one. Just be aware of the fact there are multiple versions and be careful you are choosing what you actually want.As far as the story; it is simple and I believe will inspire children to enjoy reading for recreation and to try other books such as Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings and other children’s and YA literature. Yes, it is dated and children should never try living on their own, still the story is inspiring and touching.I hope this review helps and clears up at least a few things. Please do not pass up this wonderful book (and series because of confusing editions and confusing reviews.

Since this was a children's book, I was able to devour it in an hour. I spent my whole lunch break reading this and loving it all over again.It was VERY different reading it as an adult. That isn't a bad thing though. When I was younger I pictured it all as I was doing it since I was actually a kid. The idea of living out in the wilderness seemed awesome to me. Now that I am older I see it as an adult and wanting the kids to find someone to take care of them.I loved being able to read and follow them through taking care of each other. I do wish I knew the ages of the kids though. I didn't see a reference in the book at all to how old any of them were so I was trying to picture them. They seem so mature but at the same time the little illustrations make it seem like they are all below the age of 8. If that is true, they are very mature. They were able to figure things out that most adults would have trouble with.It is definitely set back in the day though, so that could count for the extra maturity. Children these days wouldn't be able to take care of themselves the way these 4 do.I loved the illustrations throughout the book. It was nice to not only picture something in my head but to also see it in a little sketch as well. It was cute to seem them as I read. I am not used to illustrations so this was a nice treat.I am so glad that I read this again. It was like reliving my childhood all over again. I am proud of myself that I remembered most of the book after almost 20 years from the last time I read it. It proves the affect it had on me when I was young.This is a book that I will be reading to my children when I have them. The characters are wonderful and all have their own little personalities. It was so easy to follow them and fall in love with them as people. I know anyone out there could use this little book to perk you up, there is no way you can read this and not have a smile on your face.

These are are wonderful books! Interesting stories with relatively easy vocabulary. I read them in grade school- and some more recently.Four siblings, with different personalities. They have adventures with very little supervision.

With 450 other reviews you probably aren't going to read mine, but that's probably best since it's my first review and likely to suck.Apparently with all the press about how important it is for children to read and be read to, there are a lot of really pitiful parents out there. If this is news to you, you'll be shocked to learn that your kids also need healthy food, exercise, and love and guidance. Anyway, I was looking for a chapter book to read to my six-year-old twins (one boy, one girl) as a bedtime story. The regular little kid books were starting to really seem insignificant and goofy for them. So I thought it would be fun to have a longer story read over a longer period of time. Plus, as I already mentioned, reading is important, in case you don't have a job so you don't already know that.This book was perfect in every way. The chapters were just the right length for us to do one each night. The story was very interesting to both of my kids and it actually made putting them to bed a little easier. I know your kids probably never disagree the way mine do, and they probably don't ever complain about bedtime either, but to me it was a pretty big deal that both of them liked it equally. They were excited each night to hear what was going to happen next. And though there were a couple parts that were suspenseful, there was nothing scary that would make them afraid at night.The book was well written, but written in a simple way that my kids could understand. There were no difficult vocabulary words, or much of anything that required additional explanation from me. I think they probably could have even read it on their own.My kids loved the book so much we are working on reading it for a second time. There is also a movie of it on Netflix that they have watched as intently and repeatedly as Rain Man watching People's Court.I'm not sure if you've heard, but it's good for your kids to read and be read to. Do yourself a favor and make it easy on everybody. Buy this book! And you might as well order the next one, too, because they're going to want it right away. I have the set of the first 12 on order right now.