Item in very good condition! Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc... Item in very good condition! Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc... See less

$3.98 delivery June 11 - 12. Details

Or fastest delivery June 5 - 10. Details

In Stock

$$5.94 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details

Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.

Enhancements you chose aren't available for this seller. Details

${cardName} not available for the seller you chose

${cardName} unavailable for quantities greater than ${maxQuantity}.

Ships from and sold by glenthebookseller.

Other sellers on Amazon

New & Used (126) from $1.31

Full Review | The Boxcar Children Book 1Colin G

Image Unavailable

Image not available for
Color:

To view this video download Flash Player

Follow the authors

Gertrude Chandler Warner

Follow

Lambda Press

Follow

The Boxcar Children (The Boxcar Children, No. 1) (The Boxcar Children Mysteries) Paperback – June 1, 1989

by Gertrude Chandler Warner (Author), L. Kate Deal (Illustrator)

5,474 ratings

Book 1 of 164: The boxcar children mysteries

See all formats and editions

{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$5.94","priceAmount":5.94,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"5","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"94","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"FUX0L7HaYvazIN5w%2Bh81lvV7GXJSjvChtexER6ao6Gu9SP%2F3jXFZVbtcN%2FI1EYLDLUylMZKdCT0JsnRD3ukMGfMTUYEkqAyqkT7L4bkTec9xwPqEuusr7zTDJnB%2FQK7X%2F8iIww3AEHU%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$1.31","priceAmount":1.31,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"1","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"31","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"FUX0L7HaYvazIN5w%2Bh81lvV7GXJSjvChEKJwMr2yvWCQntMh1s0%2F32TEWJ5Ndyjmm1l8e%2BU6Fqy91fRsw77m%2FmqzeJ9NK6dgan04QBNh5TcP67ZVIre6Jcg52CdFiLihZuKPAY%2FSkYs3aX1k2OLqO6YzAGxX0FUAkwzIrx4ObYbqtclA%2FoZFsTeZYlDUKR9z","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

Four brave siblings were searching for a home – and found a life of adventure! Join the Boxcar Children as they set out on their own in the first book in this illustrated chapter book series beloved by generations of readers.

Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny are brothers and sisters. They're orphans too, and the only way they can stay together is to make it on their own. When the children find an abandoned boxcar in the woods, they decide to call it home—and become the Boxcar Children!

What started as a single story about the Alden Children has delighted readers for generations and sold more than 80 million books worldwide. Featuring timeless adventures, mystery, and suspense, The Boxcar Children® series continues to inspire children to learn, question, imagine, and grow.

From the Publisher

Rediscover the classic chapter book series loved by millions!

Four brave siblings were searching for a home...and found a life of adventure!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gertrude Chandler Warner grew up in Putnam, Connecticut. She wrote The Boxcar Children because she had always dreamed about what it would be like to live in a caboose or a freight car—just as the Aldens do. When readers asked for more adventures, Warner wrote more books—a total of nineteen in all. After her death, other authors have continued to write stories about Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden, and today The Boxcar Children® series has more than one hundred books.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 1, 1989
Edition ‏ : ‎ Reprint
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 176 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0807508527
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0807508527
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 4.2 ounces
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 6 - 9 years, from customers
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.19 x 0.39 x 7.56 inches
Book 1 of 164 ‏ : ‎ The boxcar children mysteries
Grade level ‏ : ‎ 2 - 5
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 580L

Best Sellers Rank: #3,534 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #19 in Children's Siblings Books (Books)
- #27 in Children's Mystery, Detective, & Spy
- #160 in Children's Action & Adventure Books (Books)

Customer Reviews:
5,474 ratings

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.

Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Upload your video

About the authors

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.

Gertrude Chandler Warner
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.
Gertrude Chandler Warner was born in Putnam, Connecticut, on April 16, 1890, to Edgar and Jane Warner. Her family included a sister, Frances, and a brother, John. From the age of five, she dreamed of becoming an author. She wrote stories for her Grandfather Carpenter, and each Christmas she gave him one of these stories as a gift. Today, Ms. Warner is best remembered as the author of The Boxcar Children Mysteries.
See more on the author's page
Lambda Press
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.
Lambda Press specializes in larger print books however while Lambda Press specializes in large-print books, they are also a splendid choice for those looking for regular print book editions. Here's why:
-High-quality printing: high-quality regular print books that are crisp, clear, and easy to read.
-When offered, beautiful detailed illustrations
-Wide range of genres: Lambda Press offers a wide range of genres, from fiction to non-fiction, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
-Great for all ages whether you are a young adult, an adult, or a senior.
Lambda Press is the perfect company to help you or your loved ones to enjoy reading in a comfortable and immersive way
See more on the author's page

Customer reviews

5,474 global ratings

How customer reviews and ratings work

Review this product

Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers love this classic book series, particularly as first chapter books for young readers, with words comprehensible for grade school children. Moreover, the book teaches great morals and values, with one customer noting it shows the true meaning of family. Additionally, the story fires up imagination and features wonderful characters. However, opinions on enjoyment are mixed, with some finding it dull while others appreciate its plot.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

Story quality Reading age Readability Classic content Family value Imagination Character development Enjoyment

318 customers mention "Story quality"318 positive0 negative

Customers love this book series and find it fun to read again, with one customer describing it as an enchanting first book.

"These are are wonderful books! Interesting stories with relatively easy vocabulary. I read them in grade school- and some more recently...." Read more

"...children should never try living on their own, still the story is inspiring and touching...." Read more

"...It's much more colorful. The newer edition is like a Reader's Digest Condensed book in comparison...." Read more

"Very sweet and an easy read. Good for Kindergarten kids, especially as a bedtime stories as it is calming and interesting...." Read more

108 customers mention "Reading age"104 positive4 negative

Customers find the book excellent for young readers, particularly mentioning it as one of their first chapter books and noting how it inspires children to enjoy reading for recreation.

"...far as the story; it is simple and I believe will inspire children to enjoy reading for recreation and to try other books such as Nancy Drew, The..." Read more

"...The book is written on his reading level, so he follows along well when I'm reading and feels confident when it's his turn to read...." Read more

"Very sweet and an easy read. Good for Kindergarten kids, especially as a bedtime stories as it is calming and interesting...." Read more

"...If that is true, they are very mature. They were able to figure things out that most adults would have trouble with...." Read more

85 customers mention "Readability"71 positive14 negative

Customers find the book engaging and easy to read, with words that are comprehensible for grade school children. One customer mentions it's a wonderful out-loud read that takes about two hours.

"These are are wonderful books! Interesting stories with relatively easy vocabulary. I read them in grade school- and some more recently...." Read more

"...A relaxing read before bed, and an excellent read a loud to sick little ones, I cannot recommend it highly enough." Read more

"...As far as the story; it is simple and I believe will inspire children to enjoy reading for recreation and to try other books such as Nancy Drew, The..." Read more

"Very sweet and an easy read. Good for Kindergarten kids, especially as a bedtime stories as it is calming and interesting...." Read more

74 customers mention "Classic content"69 positive5 negative

Customers appreciate this classic book, describing it as a lovely nostalgic read from an earlier time.

"...It was so easy to follow them and fall in love with them as people...." Read more

"...surviving, and yet they still make time for fun, games, and love for each other!" Read more

"...only thing you can see the light of this year old son is a great place to live and die in this case, the is a great place to relax in this case is a..." Read more

"...many, many of the stories I've read throughout my life, this sweet story has always stayed in my mind...." Read more

47 customers mention "Family value"47 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's family values, noting it teaches great morals and shows the true meaning of family. One customer mentions it helps children feel self-worth.

"...They're resilient, smart, caring, innovative, hard-working, imaginative, polite, clean, thrifty, brave, etc...." Read more

"...If that is true, they are very mature. They were able to figure things out that most adults would have trouble with...." Read more

"...It's a highly recommended, family friendly, and compassionate tale, about 4 children, and 1 dog, surviving, and yet they still make time for fun,..." Read more

"...The boxcar children are resourceful, trusting and trustworthy, industrious, self-disciplined and loyal...." Read more

35 customers mention "Imagination"35 positive0 negative

Customers praise the book's ability to fire up their imagination, describing it as an excellent choice for young readers who love mystery stories and appreciate the children's creativity.

"...They're resilient, smart, caring, innovative, hard-working, imaginative, polite, clean, thrifty, brave, etc...." Read more

"...kids, especially as a bedtime stories as it is calming and interesting...." Read more

"...The stories are great, fun, interesting, the illustrations are okay...." Read more

"...This book will give your 6-8 year old kind daydreams and perhaps imagination and innovation (building a pool!)..." Read more

27 customers mention "Character development"27 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the characters in the book, with one customer noting that the young characters have high morals, while another mentions that each character has their own distinct personality.

"...The characters are wonderful and all have their own little personalities. It was so easy to follow them and fall in love with them as people...." Read more

"...Henry is so brave; Jesse is very caring; Violet is a helpful girl; and Benny is a typical little boy...." Read more

"...I recommend to anyone, young or old. The characters are so well behaved and well mannered. A great example for children today! :)" Read more

"...The story is simple, the characters are sweet (saccharine, really), and the pages are full of morality lessons...." Read more

29 customers mention "Enjoyment"16 positive13 negative

Customers have mixed feelings about the book, with some praising its great plot and favorite ending, while others find it dull and not enjoyable.

"...so there's a little bit of tension in the story -- enough tension to keep the reader interested (as if their adventure isn't enough)...." Read more

"...The four children are caring and sharing and totally unreal, but this is fiction we are reading!..." Read more

"...It is easy to read, but it has an element of adventure and mystery...." Read more

"...Well, when I sat down to read this...it was so dull. So many pages about what the kids ate. Enough already. So little action...." Read more

Reviews with images

See all photos

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.

SpikeLover
These are Fun to Read!
Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2025
Verified Purchase

These are are wonderful books! Interesting stories with relatively easy vocabulary. I read them in grade school- and some more recently.
Four siblings, with different personalities. They have adventures with very little supervision.

Read more

Helpful

Report
HattersGirlAlice
Reviews for this are confusing. I hope this one helps.
Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2024
Verified Purchase
I read many of this series when I was a child. I wanted them on my Kindle so I can nearly always have access to them.
The Kindle version I revived must be the version from the 1920s because although it was the same story there are many differences namely, well, names. They are not the Alden’s in this version and at first their father is still alive. When I realized what I had I was eager to have this version and happy with it despite bad editing and still no satisfying explanation about the children’s parents and the estrangement from the kind grandfather.
I, as a writer myself, understand it is easier to simply ignore plot inconsistencies for an overall better story.
I do not know of the graphic novel or how some are getting that instead of the original text nor why the second edition, with the altered storyline and names, is not available as well as this one. Just be aware of the fact there are multiple versions and be careful you are choosing what you actually want.
As far as the story; it is simple and I believe will inspire children to enjoy reading for recreation and to try other books such as Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings and other children’s and YA literature. Yes, it is dated and children should never try living on their own, still the story is inspiring and touching.
I hope this review helps and clears up at least a few things. Please do not pass up this wonderful book (and series because of confusing editions and confusing reviews.

Read more

8 people found this helpful

Helpful

Report
emery
Relaxing for children and adults!
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2025
Verified Purchase
This story is a must have on your children’s shelves! A relaxing read before bed, and an excellent read a loud to sick little ones, I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Read more

Helpful

Report
Fran
My 8 yr old grandson loves it
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2024
Verified Purchase
Grammy and 8 yr old grandson spend some quality time together while reading the Boxcar Children #1. He's very much intrigued with how the children are on their own and find their "treasures" in the dump and make them work for things that they need. He also is curious and asks questions about how it was in the "olden days" when the book was written (1940's) - especially about how Henry only earns $1 for all the work he does, but also how much $1 could buy back then. We're a little over half way through book #1, and he has already asked if we could get the rest of the series, so I'd say he likes the saga of the Boxcar Children. He also likes how the black silhouette illustrations are different than those in his other books and likes to explain how they show what's being told in the story, even though they're just black and you can't see faces and other details - it's kind of like figuring out a puzzle to him. The book is written on his reading level, so he follows along well when I'm reading and feels confident when it's his turn to read. We read 2 chapters at each sitting and sometimes that's just right and other times he wants more, but we still keep it to 2 chapters and let his anticipation grow. I wasn't sure how he would react to an older story like this, but the adventures of the children and the differences in the time periods are definitely keeping him involved and liking it. Now, my 5 yr old grandson is a different story... within the first page he decided he wasn't interested and left - however, he does come back each time we sit down for a reading, but still soon leaves. I think he wants to like it, as his big brother does, but it's still a bit beyond him to fully grasp and just can't get into it. Maybe in another year or 2 he may ask Grammy for his time to read the Boxcar Children???

Read more

4 people found this helpful

Helpful

Report
Pam Gearhart
A childhood favorite
Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2013
Verified Purchase
I didn't realize when I wrote my review that I wasn't reading the 1924 original. I've since found it on-line and read it, and my oh my, I wish it was back in print so readers could experience what the author intended. It's much more colorful. The newer edition is like a Reader's Digest Condensed book in comparison.

But still, I did enjoy the revised version, but it was probably more for the memory than the story.

This is the story of four orphaned children who take to the road and fend for themselves for a (thankfully) short time. They're resilient, smart, caring, innovative, hard-working, imaginative, polite, clean, thrifty, brave, etc. We worry for them -- briefly -- so there's a little bit of tension in the story -- enough tension to keep the reader interested (as if their adventure isn't enough).

When my friends and I first read this book -- probably second or third grade back in the 1950's, we were inspired to make our own boxcar "home". We didn't have access to a boxcar, but we did have access to a dump, and we used it. Our boxcar was a room in a large garage, used with permission of the owner. We scrounged from the dump and from our homes, and for a summer we had our own place. It's one of my favorite memories.

I had forgotten that the book was the first in a series. I don't remember if we read the other books or not. Maybe we didn't, because we were having too much fun in our own boxcar.

I'd be interested to know how this story resonates with 21st century kids.

Read more

11 people found this helpful

Helpful

Report
Carlson-O’Fallon
Sweet and lovely book
Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2025
Verified Purchase
Very sweet and an easy read. Good for Kindergarten kids, especially as a bedtime stories as it is calming and interesting. I adored this book, especially the cooking parts, and I have read it many times.

Read more

Helpful

Report
Tammy Hollifield
Great book
Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2025
Verified Purchase
My favorite book from childhood, it was delivered on time and in perfect condition. I would highly recommend.

Read more

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Report
E. Mix
an earlier version?
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2025
Verified Purchase
i grew up on The Boxcar Children, and bought this to revisit the story. I was surprised and charmed to realize that this must be an earlier draft of the story; many small variations (Ginseng?!). If you loved TBC, you will enjoy the differences

Read more

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English

Khan
Low quality.
Reviewed in the United Arab Emirates on April 3, 2025
Verified Purchase

Book quality is very low. Expensive for this paper quality.

Read more
Report
Janete
para quem está aprendendo inglês, é um livro fácil!
Reviewed in Brazil on October 4, 2017
Verified Purchase
a história é bem fraquinha, mas eu só comprei porque meu inglês é pré-intermediário e estou estudando inglês sozinha há 2 anos, depois de ter cursado até o início do livro 7 do Curso Brasas (de uma série de 10 livros). como estava tendo muitas dificuldades de ler livros YA e juvenis (em inglês), resolvi comprar um livro infantil. Foi por isso que eu comprei este livro. Consegui ler com facilidade, entretanto a história é bem ingênua, mas para quem tem inglês básico, eu recomendo a compra, para uma leitura sem muitas complicações.

Read more
Report
Translate review to English
zimbean
Review by S.M. (7 years old)
Reviewed in France on October 29, 2013
Verified Purchase
It's an adventure book. Don't be scared of all their adventures, because in the end it all turns out well. I really enjoyed it. I would like to read more books like this.

Read more
Report
Helloyellow
My nephew loves it
Reviewed in Canada on November 27, 2023
Verified Purchase
My nephew enjoyed it. Good book

Read more
Report
CHUNHUI SONG
great book series
Reviewed in Germany on April 24, 2013
Verified Purchase
My son who is 8, totally loves this book. Got recommended by friends, truly like it. Stories are very exiting!

Read more
Report

See more reviews

Amazon Prime Free Trial

Follow the authors

The Boxcar Children (The Boxcar Children, No. 1) (The Boxcar Children Mysteries) Paperback – June 1, 1989

Purchase options and add-ons

Frequently bought together

More items to explore

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Product details

Videos

Videos for this product

About the authors

Gertrude Chandler Warner

Lambda Press

Customer reviews

Review this product

Customers say

Select to learn more

Images in this review

Reviews with images

Odd illustrations

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.

Top reviews from other countries

2.0 out of 5 stars Low quality.

3.0 out of 5 stars para quem está aprendendo inglês, é um livro fácil!

5.0 out of 5 stars Review by S.M. (7 years old)

5.0 out of 5 stars My nephew loves it

5.0 out of 5 stars great book series

Low quality.

para quem está aprendendo inglês, é um livro fácil!

Review by S.M. (7 years old)

My nephew loves it

great book series