The Boxcar Children Questions

Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.

  1. Why do you think the author doesn't include the story of how the children's parents died? What impact does this have on your reading of the book?
  2. Which Alden sibling do you relate to most? Why?
  3. There are a lot of books and movies about orphans and runaways. Pick another one of these stories and compare it to The Boxcar Children. In what ways are they similar? How are they different?
  4. Dr. Moore is a little bit sneaky, searching the boxcar without Henry's knowledge. What's up with that? Why is he so secretive?
  5. Which parts of the story feel outdated to you? Which parts feel more current?