The Dog-Gone Mystery (The Boxcar Children Mysteries)
#119 of 164 in The Boxcar Children Series
What’s inside...
When a dog training school opens in Greenfield, the Boxcar Children bring Watch in to learn some new tricks. However, their excitement turns into concern when a Dalmatian goes missing during the first class. The mystery deepens when a second dog, a malamute, disappears at the next class. The suspects range from the class instructor, the Dalmatian's owner, a professional dog groomer, to an owner with a very obedient dog. The Aldens, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny, are determined to solve this dog-gone mystery and find out who is responsible for the missing dogs.
Character compass
Henry Alden
Violet Alden
Jessie Alden
Benny Alden
Discussion points
Why do you think the Aldens decided to investigate the dog theft? What would you do if you were in their situation?
How did the characters in the book show teamwork and cooperation? Can you think of a time when you worked together with others to solve a problem?
What qualities make a good detective or problem solver? Do you think you have any of those qualities?
How did the characters handle setbacks and challenges during their investigation? How do you handle challenges in your own life?
What did you learn about caring for pets from the story? How would you take care of a pet if you had one?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the shoes of the characters, asking how they would feel or react in similar situations.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and teamwork as demonstrated in the book, and relate it to real-life examples from the child’s experiences.
Highlight the deductive reasoning used by the characters and encourage your child to come up with their own hypotheses about everyday mysteries.
After finishing the book, ask your child to summarize the story in their own words to enhance comprehension and recall.
Use the mystery theme to create a mini-detective game at home where your child can look for clues to solve simple puzzles or find hidden objects.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The Alden siblings solve mysteries together, showcasing the power of working collectively and valuing each other’s opinions.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of collaborating with peers or family members, which can be applied in school projects or during group activities.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, the Boxcar children use their critical thinking and deductive reasoning to follow clues and solve the mystery.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use logical thinking to overcome obstacles and make decisions, useful for academic challenges and personal problems.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The children’s natural curiosity leads them to uncover the truth behind the mystery, promoting a love for discovery and learning.
Real-World Application: Fosters a curious mindset in children, motivating them to explore new topics and ask questions both academically and in daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Perseverance
Explanation: The siblings demonstrate responsibility for solving the mystery and do not give up despite challenges, teaching persistence.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the value of sticking with a task until completion and being accountable for their roles in any activity.