How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
This was the first time in four days that they could go to sleep at night, as children should. (4.70)
"As children should" sounds a little preachy, doesn't it?
Quote #2
"Tomorrow will be Sunday," said Dr. Moore. "Will you come again the next day?" (7.59)
In the world of The Boxcar Children, Sunday is a day of rest. We have to say, we like the idea of a dedicated day of rest.
Quote #3
"Tomorrow will be Sunday, and I can stay at home," Henry went on. "Do you think it's all right, Jessie, to build the dam for a swimming pool on Sunday?" (7.81)
Henry wonders if it's OK to build the swimming pool on a Sunday, but Jessie thinks that God will give them a pass. What do you think her logic is?
Quote #4
Watch ran after her, but Henry called him back.
"Don't run after the poor hen," he said. (8.40-8.41)
Ugh, thought Watch. Why can't you just let me live? Here, we see human morals imposed on a dog. Don't worry, though, Watch—we're sure the kids will feed you. After all, they treat the dog like a member of the family.
Quote #5
"Will your mother be watching for you?" […] Henry did not know what to say. But at last Jessie said, "No. Our mother and father are dead." (9.19-9.20)
You know what they say about young Henry Alden—he never told a lie.
Quote #6
He gave them four dollars and all the cherries they could carry.
"That is too much," said Henry. (9.28-9.29)
Henry is so good that he rejects his own wages for being "too much." Dr. Moore insists that he take the cash. Psst, Henry—we all know you need the money and the food. Just take it.
Quote #7
"Oh, I don't think I'll win," answered Henry. "But I like to run. It's lots of fun, you know." (10.22)
It's not about whether or not you win or lose, it's about having fun. Right, Henry? Well, until he remembers how much his siblings could use the cash—then he's in it to win it, though for the upstanding moral reason of taking care of his family (instead of, say, personal glory).
Quote #8
Then a man asked, "What is your name, boy?" Henry did not know what to say. He did not want to tell his name. So he answered, "Henry James." Now this was Henry's name, but it was not all of his name. (10.39)
Many people would tell you that a lie of omission is still a lie. But those people aren't Henry James Alden.
Quote #9
"I will give you the five thousand dollars."
But Dr. Moore would not take the money.
"I just want these children to be happy," he said. (12.6-12.8)
Hey, Dr. Moore, we'll happily take the $5,000. In fact, we'll even use a little of it to send you a postcard from the sweet vacation we're planning to go on.
Quote #10
"I will give you what you want for the dog," said Mr. Alden. "The children love him. They want to keep him."
"But I sold him to a lady," said the man. "I must take the dog to her." (13.26-13.27)
Even the "extras"—aka the super minor characters—in the book have a moral code. That's some commitment Warner shows to morality, don't you think?