A review by book_concierge
The Box-Car Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner

4.0

This is the first in a very popular series for children. First published in 1924 it introduces readers to the four orphaned siblings: Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny. Nothing is said about how they came to be all alone, but they do have a grandfather whom they believe does not like them, since he never came to see them.

But they are very resourceful and work well as a team. They find an old boxcar on a section of abandoned railway, which is near a running brook and not too far from a town. Henry, the oldest finds work mowing the lawn and doing other chores for a doctor and his mother, while Jessie and Violet work to make a “home.” It’s a grand adventure and a charming story with a happy ending. Perfect for the intended audience.

I can certainly see why the books are so popular and wonder why I never read them as a child. I think I would have loved them. (And I may read more of the series.)