Snowbound Mystery (The Boxcar Children Mysteries)
#13 of 164 in The Boxcar Children Series
What’s inside...
It's an unusual winter vacation for the Alden family when a huge snowstorm traps them in the woods! Luckily, the log cabin where they're staying is cozy — only there are strange noises in the night and a mysterious code carved into the closet door. The rescue is a long wait for the Boxcar Children, but the cabin is full of secrets.
Character compass
Henry Alden
Violet Alden
Jessie Alden
Benny Alden
Discussion points
What do you think helped the Alden children solve the mystery? How would you have approached the problem?
How do the characters demonstrate teamwork throughout their adventure? Can you think of a time when you had to work as a team?
What role does the setting play in this mystery? How would the story change if it were set somewhere else?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book? What caused these changes?
If you were going to write another chapter to this story, what mystery would you want the Boxcar Children to solve next?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they expect the mystery might be about, based on the title and cover of the book.
Pause at suspenseful moments and predict what might happen next. Discuss each prediction and its likelihood.
After reading a chapter, summarize it together with your child to reinforce comprehension and recall.
Encourage your child to connect the characters' experiences in the book with their own life. Ask them to share any similar experiences or feelings.
After finishing the book, ask your child to draw or write about their favorite part or character. This helps deepen their connection and understanding of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout 'Snowbound Mystery', the Boxcar Children use their ingenuity and resourcefulness to solve the mystery of who is living in the abandoned cabin.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset, applying creativity and logical thinking to overcome obstacles in school or while interacting with peers.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The siblings demonstrate effective teamwork as they collaborate to gather clues and share ideas to unravel the mystery.
Real-World Application: This presents an opportunity for children to understand the importance of working together, respecting each other's ideas, and contributing to group efforts in collaborative projects at school or in sports.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite the harsh winter conditions and various challenges, the Alden children remain determined and do not give up on solving the mystery.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of perseverance and resilience in the face of difficulties, whether it be persisting with a complex task or adapting to changes.
Example Lesson: Compassion and Understanding
Explanation: The children show compassion when they discover why the person chose to stay in the cabin and strive to understand their situation rather than make quick judgments.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop empathy and understanding towards others' circumstances, encouraging them to be kind and considerate in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The mystery itself piques the curiosity of the Boxcar Children, driving them to seek out knowledge and learn new things that aid in solving the mystery.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to be curious about the world around them, to ask questions, and to actively seek out knowledge, whether academically or in their hobbies.