The Mystery of the Midnight Dog
#81 of 164 in The Boxcar Children Series
What’s inside...
The Aldens are visiting two different small towns known for their peculiar tales and mysteries. In the first town, they encounter rumors of a midnight dog during a harvest festival and must uncover the truth behind the dog napping and strange occurrences to save the festival. In the second town, Elbow Bend, they are met with ghost tales and a ghostly white dog sighting in the woods, leading them on another mysterious adventure.
Character compass
Henry Alden
Violet Alden
Jessie Alden
Benny Alden
Discussion points
Why do you think the dog only appeared at midnight? What does this tell us about the dog?
How did the characters' feelings about the dog change throughout the story?
What would you do if you were in the main character's shoes when they first met the midnight dog?
How do the townspeople contribute to the mystery of the dog?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading each chapter, ask your child to predict what might happen next, focusing on the dog’s actions and the characters' reactions.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to draw a picture of what they think the midnight dog looks like based on the descriptions in the book.
Discuss the themes of fear and curiosity. Ask your child how the characters managed their fear and how their curiosity led them to solve the mystery.
Enhance empathy by asking your child how they believe the dog felt at various points in the story, and why.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork leads to success
Explanation: The characters in 'The Mystery of the Midnight Dog' collaborate to solve the mystery, demonstrating that working together can achieve better results than working alone.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities at school or in community projects, learning to value each other's input and strengths.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and critical thinking
Explanation: The book encourages readers to be curious, ask questions, and think critically as the characters delve into the mystery of the midnight dog.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore their surroundings, ask questions, and make thoughtful observations in their daily lives, enhancing their learning and understanding of the world.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing the unknown
Explanation: As the young detectives confront the unknown elements of the mystery, they show courage, an important trait when dealing with new or challenging situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face new challenges in life with bravery, whether it's trying out a new activity, or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout their investigation, the characters learn to understand and empathize with the situations and feelings of others, including the mysterious dog.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of empathy by considering the perspectives and emotions of their peers and animals they interact with.