#14 in The Boxcar Children Series
The Mystery of the Stolen Music
What’s inside...
The book is about four adventurous children who embark on a journey to find the missing music of a famous composer. They face several exciting and challenging situations, but with their wit, courage and determination, they manage to solve the mystery and bring back the stolen music.
Character compass
Discussion points
Why do you think the music was so important to the characters in the story?
How did the characters feel when the music was stolen, and how did their feelings change when they solved the mystery?
What would you have done differently if you were one of the characters trying to solve the mystery?
How do you think working together helped the characters solve the mystery?
What did you learn about trust and teamwork from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Pause at suspenseful moments in the story to ask your child what they think will happen next.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters’ actions and decisions.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s own experiences with music and teamwork.
After reading, discuss the importance of music in your own family's life and share any similar experiences.
Ask your child to draw or describe their favorite part of the book, deepening their connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The characters in 'The Mystery of the Stolen Music' work together to solve the mystery, demonstrating how teamwork can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to collaborate with others at school or in play, understanding that collective efforts often lead to better outcomes.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonists use their critical thinking skills to gather clues and solve the mystery. This highlights the importance of logical reasoning and perseverance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach challenges in their lives methodically, whether it’s a difficult homework assignment or a disagreement with a friend.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The young detectives take it upon themselves to find the stolen sheet music, showing that they understand and embrace the responsibility of resolving the issue.
Real-World Application: Kids are taught the value of taking responsibility for their actions and commitments, such as completing tasks or caring for their belongings.
Example Lesson: Honesty
Explanation: As the mystery unfolds, the importance of being truthful is evident, and the resolution of the plot hinges on honest disclosures by the characters involved.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of honesty in building trust and resolving conflicts in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Respect for Property
Explanation: The theft of the music initially sets the plot in motion, and characters learn about the consequences of taking what doesn’t belong to them.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of respecting other people's possessions and the implications of theft.