#14 in The Boxcar Children Series
Tree House Mystery
on Goodreads (3,474)
What’s inside...
The Alden children are staying at the New England farmhouse where their grandfather grew up. There they uncover a mystery about who really owns the nearby woods and the old tree house in it.
Character compass
Discussion points
Why do you think the Aldens decided to investigate the mystery of the tree house?
What qualities do the Alden siblings display that help them solve the mystery?
How do the characters in the book show teamwork and support for one another?
What would you have done differently if you were in the Aldens' place?
How did the mystery change the way the characters felt about the tree house?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about and relate to each character by asking how they might feel in similar situations.
Discuss the concept of teamwork as portrayed in the book and talk about examples of teamwork in your child’s experiences.
Use the mystery element of the story to explore logical thinking and problem-solving strategies together.
Highlight the characters' curiosity and determination, and relate these traits to real-life scenarios to encourage these qualities in your child.
After reading, engage in a creative activity like drawing what your child imagines their own tree house would look like, incorporating elements from the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: In 'Tree House Mystery', the characters work together to solve the mystery surrounding the old tree house, demonstrating the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working cooperatively in group activities at school or during team sports, learning that collective effort often leads to better outcomes.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The protagonists use their critical thinking skills to piece together clues and unravel the mystery, showing effective problem-solving techniques.
Real-World Application: Kids can use similar problem-solving methods in their daily challenges, such as figuring out how to manage their time for homework and play or resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Throughout the book, the children exhibit bravery as they explore the unknowns of the tree house, encouraging readers to face their fears.
Real-World Application: Children can embrace this lesson by trying new activities that may seem intimidating at first, such as learning a new sport or standing up for a friend in need.
Example Lesson: Curiosity
Explanation: The young characters' curiosity drives them to investigate the tree house, highlighting the importance of inquisitiveness in learning.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to ask questions and seek out knowledge in all areas of their life, whether it’s in their academic subjects or in understanding how everyday objects work.