#12 in The Boxcar Children Series
The Ghost Ship Mystery
on Goodreads (892)
What’s inside...
The Boxcar children are off on another adventure. This time, they have found themselves in the middle of a mystery involving a deserted island and a ghost ship. As the children investigate the strange occurrences, they must rely on their wit, courage, and teamwork to unravel the truth behind the ghost ship.
Character compass
Discussion points
What do you think makes the ship in the story a 'ghost ship'? Have you ever thought about what makes something mysterious?
How do the characters in the book work together to solve the mystery? Can you think of a time when you had to work with others to solve a problem?
What would you do if you were in the characters' place and saw the ghost ship? How would you feel?
What are some of the clues that helped the characters solve the mystery? How do you think they felt when they found each clue?
If you could ask the author one question about the book, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think creatively by asking them to come up with their own ending to the mystery before finishing the book.
Use the mystery theme to build anticipation and excitement. Discuss each chapter's events and predict together what might happen next.
Connect the teamwork in the story to real-life situations, discussing times when your child had to collaborate with others and what they learned from those experiences.
After reading, encourage your child to draw or write about their favorite part of the book or any other mystery they can imagine.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The characters in 'The Ghost Ship Mystery' work together to solve the mystery, demonstrating collaboration and the importance of each member’s contributions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by working together with peers on projects or during team sports, learning to value everyone’s input and efforts.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: Throughout their adventure, the characters confront eerie and unknown situations with bravery, teaching children that courage is not the absence of fear but facing fear when it arises.
Real-World Application: This can help children manage their own fears in everyday life, encouraging them to face new challenges at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Explanation: The protagonists use observation and reasoning to follow clues and solve the mystery, showcasing effective problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach problems logically and thoughtfully, whether in academic assignments, puzzles, or interpersonal conflicts.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity
Explanation: The curiosity of the characters leads them to explore and ultimately solve the mystery, underscoring the importance of asking questions and seeking knowledge.
Real-World Application: This promotes a mindset of learning and discovery in children, encouraging them to be inquisitive about the world around them and in their studies.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Accountability
Explanation: The young detectives take responsibility for solving the mystery and hold themselves accountable for their actions during the investigation.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and being accountable in both individual and group activities.