Mystery Behind the Wall (Boxcar Children)
#17 of 164 in The Boxcar Children Series
What’s inside...
The Aldens have found a mystery under their very own roof! When the children found an old journal behind the closet wall in the guest room, they never dreamed it would lead them on a search for valuable coins. What happened to the girl who wrote the journal — and what is she trying to tell them?
Character compass
Henry Alden
Violet Alden
Jessie Alden
Benny Alden
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the kids to solve the mystery behind the wall?
How did the characters work together to uncover the secret? What does this teach us about teamwork?
What emotions do you think the characters felt during their adventure?
How would you have reacted if you were in the same situation as the Boxcar Children?
What do you think is the most important message of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about how the characters' emotions and actions relate to their own experiences.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and ask your child about times when they had to work with others to achieve a goal.
Highlight the aspect of mystery and ask your child what they would do differently if they were solving the mystery.
Use open-ended questions from the keyQuestions list to facilitate a deeper understanding and connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The children in 'Mystery Behind the Wall' demonstrate effective problem-solving skills as they decipher clues to solve the mystery of the hidden money.
Real-World Application: Children can apply problem-solving skills in their daily activities, learning to think critically and creatively when faced with challenges.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, the Boxcar Children work together, pooling their individual skills to uncover the mystery, showcasing the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to collaborate with others, whether in school projects or in playing sports, understanding that collective effort often leads to greater success.
Example Lesson: Historical Appreciation
Explanation: The discovery of old banknotes in the story ignites a curiosity about history and how things were in the past.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and appreciate history, understanding that the past shapes our present and future.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: The characters continue their quest despite obstacles, demonstrating persistence.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of perseverance in achieving goals, whether in completing a difficult school assignment or mastering a new skill.