The Panther Mystery (The Boxcar Children Mysteries)
#66 of 164 in The Boxcar Children Series
on Goodreads (490)
What’s inside...
The Aldens travel to Everglades National Park to help find a park ranger who has been missing for days. However, everyone they talk to seems angry and secretive instead of worried. Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny are determined to solve this mystery, even if it means following the trail deep into the spooky Everglades. In another trip, they head to the Florida Everglades to search for a missing ranger who studies the endangered Florida panther. Despite help from a Miccosukee girl from the local village, the clues aren't adding up and they wonder if Ranger Andrew wants to stay missing.
Character compass
Henry Alden
Violet Alden
Jessie Alden
Benny Alden
Discussion points
What do you think makes the panther so mysterious in the story?
How did the Alden children work together to solve the mystery? Can you think of a time when you collaborated with others to solve a problem?
What are some ways the characters show kindness and understanding towards each other?
If you were in the story, what would you have done differently when faced with the mystery?
How do you feel about the ending of the book? What other adventures do you think the Boxcar Children could go on next?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that encourage your child to think critically about the story and their feelings.
Relate the challenges faced by the characters to similar, real-life situations your child might encounter, enhancing their empathy and problem-solving skills.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative scenarios or endings to the story to foster creativity.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and cooperation as demonstrated by the Boxcar Children, and relate it to your child’s experiences with friends or in school.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: The Alden siblings work together to solve the mystery of the panther sighting, demonstrating how collaboration can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working cooperatively in group projects at school or during team sports, learning that collective efforts can achieve great results.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters gather clues and evaluate their findings to solve the mystery, showcasing the importance of logical reasoning and critical analysis.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach problems methodically and think critically about solutions, whether in academic settings or in everyday decisions.
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: The young protagonists face their fears when confronting the mysterious panther, illustrating the value of courage in overcoming challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own fears and challenges, whether it's trying out for a school play, standing up to a bully, or tackling a difficult subject in school.
Example Lesson: Environmental awareness
Explanation: The story highlights the importance of understanding and respecting wildlife, as the mystery involves a misjudged panther.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate nature and promotes responsible behavior towards environmental conservation and the treatment of animals.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Characters in the book learn to understand the situation from different perspectives, particularly when dealing with the misunderstood panther.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be empathetic and considerate of others' feelings and viewpoints, enhancing their interpersonal relationships and social interactions.