Book 9: the Haunted Cabin Mystery: The Haunted Cabin Mystery (The Boxcar Children Graphic Novels, 9)
The Boxcar Children Series
What’s inside...
The Alden children travel on a Mississippi paddle-wheel steamer to visit an old family friend in his cabin near Hannibal, Missouri, and try to discover who is responsible for the mysterious activities near the house. Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny take a trip down the Mississippi River in a paddle-wheel boat and stay in a haunted cabin! At least it seems haunted--there are spooky phone calls, flickering lights, and strange shadows. Are there really ghosts, or is someone trying to scare the Boxcar Children away? Graphic Planet is an imprint of Magic Wagon, a division of ABDO Group. Grades 2-4.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Henry Alden
Violet Alden
Benny Alden
Jessie Alden
Discussion points
What do you think made the cabin haunted, and how did the characters feel about it?
If you were one of the Boxcar Children, how would you have solved the mystery of the haunted cabin?
What are some ways the siblings worked together to uncover the secret of the cabin? Can you think of a time when we worked together like that?
How do the illustrations help tell the story of the haunted cabin? Which picture was your favorite and why?
What lesson do you think we can learn from the way the Boxcar Children handled their adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine and describe what their own version of a 'haunted cabin' would look like.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at various points in the story to enhance their analytical thinking.
Discuss the characters’ emotions and responses to various situations, relating them to your child's personal experiences.
Use the book’s illustrations as a talking point, exploring details and asking what they add to the story and atmosphere.
Praise your child’s responses and encourage them to think deeper by asking follow-up questions to their answers.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: Throughout 'The Haunted Cabin Mystery', the Alden siblings work together to solve the mystery of the cabin. Their collaboration is key in tackling challenges and uncovering clues.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of working alongside others to achieve common goals, which is beneficial in school projects and family activities.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: The novel showcases the children tackling puzzles and piecing together information systematically. This helps them get closer to solving the cabin’s mystery.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach problems methodically and remain persistent, skills that are applicable in academic settings and personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Faced with a haunted cabin, the characters demonstrate bravery as they explore and confront their fears, showing that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.
Real-World Application: Children learn to confront their own fears and understand that feeling scared is a natural emotion that can be managed and overcome.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The siblings' curiosity drives them to discover the secrets of the haunted cabin, portraying learning as a thrilling adventure.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the value of curiosity and encourages children to seek knowledge and explore the world around them.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The children take it upon themselves to solve the mystery responsibly, without putting themselves or others in danger, showing maturity and accountability.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of being responsible in their decisions and actions, especially when dealing with uncertain or unfamiliar situations.