The Midnight Mystery (Boxcar Children Mysteries, 95)
#95 of 164 in The Boxcar Children Series
What’s inside...
The Alden children are staying at the home of a famous inventor known for her unique clocks, which sound loudly every hour, especially at midnight. Additionally, they are attending an Invention Convention at the same location. The children hear mysterious noises at night and suspect the house might be haunted by the ghost of the inventor. They are determined to uncover the truth behind the eerie sounds.
Character compass
Jessie Alden
Benny Alden
Henry Alden
Violet Alden
Discussion points
What do you think made the mystery at midnight so intriguing? How would you solve it?
How do the Boxcar Children work together to solve mysteries? Can you think of a time when you collaborated with others to solve a problem?
What role does each sibling play in the mystery-solving process? Which sibling do you relate to the most and why?
How do the clues in the story help the children solve the mystery? What was the most surprising clue?
How does the setting of the story make the mystery more interesting? How would the story change if it were set somewhere else?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the story’s suspense and excitement to life, making the mystery unfold dynamically as you read together.
After each chapter, pause to predict what might happen next, encouraging your child to use their imagination and reasoning based on the story clues.
Discuss the different characteristics of each sibling, and relate them to real-life teamwork examples to underline the importance of cooperation and diverse skills.
Connect the story’s themes or situations to your child’s experiences, such as times when they felt curious, scared, or excited to discover something new.
Encourage your child to draw or write what they think might happen in the next Boxcar Children book, based on the characters and their adventures in 'The Midnight Mystery'.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The Boxcar Children work together to solve the mystery, demonstrating how cooperation can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working collaboratively in group settings such as school projects or sports teams.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the mystery, the characters encounter various challenges and must think critically to solve them.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to apply logical thinking and perseverance when faced with obstacles in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness
Explanation: The story includes elements that highlight different cultures, promoting understanding and appreciation.
Real-World Application: Educates children to be open and respectful towards diverse cultures they encounter in their community.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and independence
Explanation: The young characters take on responsibilities and make decisions, showing maturity and self-reliance.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to take initiative and handle tasks independently, building their confidence and decision-making skills.