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storybrooke13's review against another edition
4.0
I was feeling nostalgic & wanted to reread this since I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately. It’s still fun & cute (yes, I teared up at the end oops) and I get why I loved the series as a second grader.
I listened to the audiobook & the voice the performer used for the youngest boy was so annoying
I listened to the audiobook & the voice the performer used for the youngest boy was so annoying
lucazani11's review against another edition
3.0
The Boxcar Children is a classic children's book series written by Gertrude Chandler Warner. The series follows the adventures of four orphaned siblings - Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny - who run away and live in an abandoned boxcar in the forest. The children rely on their resourcefulness and creativity to survive and have many adventures along the way. The series has been beloved by generations of children since its first publication in 1924 and has inspired numerous adaptations in film, television, and other media
book_concierge's review against another edition
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.)
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.)
ketutar's review against another edition
3.0
It's too short and too... obvious. Of course, the children are all perfect. Of course, nothing bad happens. Of course, things happen in the most convenient way. Of course, they happen to find exactly what they need and want. Of course.
I didn't like the... how to put it... the doctor's meddling. Or how their dad scared them about their grandfather.
I liked the kids, I liked their adventures, I liked their attitude. I would have liked to read a more detailed, more "realistic" version. I mean, I don't wish any ill towards the children for the story to be better, but... maybe let "bad thing" happen closer to winter, and maybe the doctor could have talked with Henry more, or maybe Henry and the old man could have become friends...
I didn't like the... how to put it... the doctor's meddling. Or how their dad scared them about their grandfather.
I liked the kids, I liked their adventures, I liked their attitude. I would have liked to read a more detailed, more "realistic" version. I mean, I don't wish any ill towards the children for the story to be better, but... maybe let "bad thing" happen closer to winter, and maybe the doctor could have talked with Henry more, or maybe Henry and the old man could have become friends...
blank_blank's review
5.0
She looks me dead in the eyes and says, "Hey, Brian
If you still believe in the Lord above
Get on your hands and knees and pray for us
Get on your hands and knees and pray for us"
i hate growing up
i hate growing up
jennifermreads's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I remember reading this when I was a “wee tyke” and absolutely adoring it. Recently, my mom re-read the book and I thought “Why not? Let’s see if the magic holds.” It did.
Just like when I was a child, I found myself longing to peek inside the boxcar, take a swim in their pool, place a bottle of milk in the waterfall refrigerator, spook at the branch <i>crack</i> in the night, and just plain be a part of Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden’s world. What a magical series this is. Yes, there are gender stereotypes. But this can be a teaching moment for new readers. Those roles are a part of our past and the only way we change is to learn.
Gertrude Chandler Warner was right: stories “that are both easy and fun to read” are desperately needed. Luckily for children, the options have multiplied. But the Boxcar series? Parents and grandparents can reminisce while sharing these delightful tales with the newest generation.
sylvimblack's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75