Houseboat Mystery
#12 of 164 in The Boxcar Children Series
What’s inside...
The Alden children, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny, are now living with their grandfather and spending their summer vacation on their aunt's houseboat. As they travel down the river, they encounter strange events such as a leaky boat, a missing figurehead, a replaced rudder, and a mysterious note in a bottle. The children soon realize they are being watched, and discover that someone is searching for something on their houseboat and is determined to find it.
Character compass
Henry Alden
Violet Alden
Jessie Alden
Benny Alden
James Alden
Discussion points
How do you think the Aldens felt when they discovered the mystery on the houseboat?
What would you do if you were in their situation?
Why is teamwork important when solving a problem, like the Aldens did in the book?
How did the setting of the houseboat affect the story?
Can you think of another way the mystery could have been solved?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the story to life and keep your child engaged.
Pause at suspenseful moments to ask your child what they think will happen next.
After reading, relate the story to your child’s experiences by discussing any mysteries or puzzles they’ve encountered.
Encourage your child to express what they liked or disliked about the characters' decisions to enhance critical thinking.
Discuss the importance of observation and attention to detail in solving mysteries, asking your child for examples from their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Houseboat Mystery', the Alden children work together to solve the mystery, demonstrating the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and collaborate with others to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters encounter various challenges that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to approach obstacles in their lives creatively, using logic and resourcefulness to find solutions.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The Alden children face setbacks during their adventure but remain persistent and do not give up, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to stay determined and resilient in difficult situations, whether it’s completing a difficult school project or resolving conflicts with friends.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The children's natural curiosity leads them to uncover clues and learn new information about the mystery they are solving.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive and proactive in their learning process, exploring new subjects and ideas with enthusiasm.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Taking care of the houseboat and looking out for each other, the children demonstrate responsibility throughout the story.
Real-World Application: This can be mirrored in a child’s everyday life by taking care of their belongings, completing homework on time, and helping out at home.