The Boxcar Children Series
The Midnight Mystery
on Goodreads (88)
What’s inside...
The Join the Dots Detectives: Dot, Beans and McClusky are back on the case in a third, brand-new mystery!Dot and Beans can't wait for their school trip to Adventure Camp where they will do lots of exciting activities like zip-wiring, grass tobogganing and roasting marshmallows round a campfire! But once they arrive, strange things start happening. Could mean girl Laura could be up to her old tricks in a bid to win the Adventure Camp Prize...? It's up to the Join the Dots Detectives to find out!Meanwhile, TOP DOG McClusky is entered into a local dog show! Will he keep up his training while Dot's away and win the prize for handsomest pooch?
Age
7-12
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to solve the mystery?
How did the characters feel when they encountered challenges? What would you do in their situation?
What clues would you look for if you were solving a mystery like the one in the book?
Why is teamwork important in solving mysteries or any other problems?
How did the story's setting contribute to the mystery? Can you imagine this mystery in a different setting?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters’ decisions and actions during the story.
Invite them to propose alternative endings to the mystery and discuss how each change would affect the story’s outcome.
Facilitate a pretend ‘mystery-solving’ session where your child uses toys or household items as clues to create a simple mystery like the one in the book.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and ask your child about times when they had to cooperate with others to resolve a situation.
After reading, visit a local spot that resembles the setting of the story to provide a tangible connection to the book's environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'The Midnight Mystery', characters work together to solve the mystery, demonstrating the importance of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children learn that by cooperating with others, they can achieve more and solve problems more effectively, whether in school projects or in group play.
Example Lesson: Courage and Facing Fears
Explanation: The protagonist shows bravery by investigating mysterious events despite feeling scared, teaching children the value of courage.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears, such as trying out new activities or standing up for themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Importance of Curiosity and Asking Questions
Explanation: The story encourages curiosity as characters ask questions to uncover the truth about the mystery.
Real-World Application: Promotes an inquisitive mindset in everyday life, encouraging children to explore their world and continually learn.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving Skills
Explanation: As the mystery unfolds, characters use clues and logical thinking to solve the problem, showcasing effective problem-solving strategies.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply logical thinking to overcome challenges in their academic and personal lives.