The Ghost at the Drive-In Movie (The Boxcar Children Mysteries)
#116 of 164 in The Boxcar Children Series
on Goodreads (272)
What’s inside...
The Aldens are excited to visit a drive-in theater owned by a friend, where they enjoy watching movies under the stars while eating popcorn in their car. However, their fun is disrupted by strange pranks, such as loud music interrupting the movie, and odd behavior from some theater employees. To add to the mystery, a ghostly figure is seen walking around the empty drive-in late at night, leading the children to wonder if the theater is haunted.
Character compass
Jessie Alden
Violet Alden
Benny Alden
Henry Alden
Discussion points
Why do you think the Aldens were curious about the ghost at the drive-in? What would you do if you were in their situation?
How did the Boxcar Children work together to solve the mystery? Can you think of a time when teamwork helped you solve a problem?
What role do you think courage played in the children's adventure? Have you ever had to be brave like they were?
How did the setting of the drive-in movie contribute to the mystery of the story? What makes a setting spooky or exciting?
What lessons can we learn from the Aldens about not jumping to conclusions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences. Ask them to predict what might happen next at various points to spark their imagination. Discuss the solutions the characters come up with and challenge your child to think of alternative outcomes. Highlight the importance of teamwork and bravery as showcased by the Boxcar Children, drawing parallels to real-life situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The Boxcar Children work together to solve the mystery of the ghost at the drive-in, demonstrating effective collaboration and communication.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working cooperatively in group projects at school or during team sports, learning to value each other’s input and solve problems collectively.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: Throughout the book, the children gather clues and analyze situations to understand the mystery, showcasing strong problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to question and analyze everyday situations, improving their decision-making and analytical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The characters' eagerness to uncover the truth about the ghost sparks a journey of discovery, emphasizing the importance of curiosity.
Real-World Application: Children can embrace a curious outlook to explore new subjects and ideas at school or in their hobbies, enhancing their knowledge and growth.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The siblings take on the responsibility to ensure the safety of the drive-in and demonstrate mature behavior in handling the mystery.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to take responsibility for their tasks and duties, be it in completing homework or chores, fostering a sense of accountability.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite facing challenges and scares, the Boxcar Children persevere through their fears, underscoring resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own challenges with courage, whether it’s dealing with academic challenges or personal fears, building their resilience over time.