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Runaway orphans, danger, peril and mystery – but suitable for the entire family. One of my favorite children’s books series is The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner. What makes these books so special? And why am I so excited to introduce to you The Boxcar Children Early Reader Set published by Albert Whitman & Company?

My family had the opportunity to read the first 4 books in the series: The Boxcar Children Time To Read Reading Level 2 books which include: 1) The Boxcar Children, Surprise Island, The Yellow House Mystery, and Mystery Ranch. These delightful hardback books follow the same storyline as the original series, but they are designed for children who are reading with help. 

My History with The Boxcar Children

For those who don’t know, I am an avid reader. I love non-fiction in a variety of topics and love learning and expanding my horizons. But my little secret is that I love “children’s books. Picture books, chapter books, and even young adult fiction inspire and delight me. When I have the opportunity to read aloud to my children and grandchildren, I absolutely love grabbing some of my favorite books. 

One of the things that bring me great joy is reading to my kids, but I absolutely love the fact that I can teach my kids to read to me! I especially love books in a series. Finding out about characters and continuing to read about those same characters is my jam! 

Years ago, with my oldest son, I came across The Boxcar Children, and together we read the first 8 or 10 paperback books. We loved them so much, and I have read at least the first book to each of my children. 

So when I had the pleasure of reading The Boxcar Children Early Reader Set, I jumped at the chance.

What Makes The Boxcar Children Books Special?

If anyone tells you that don’t judge a book by its cover, they are probably lying. But these 4 hardback early readers have beautiful, colorful covers that any young child will want to pick up. 

The reading level for The Boxcar Children chapter books is grades 2-6, but these early reader books are great for a younger child with a reading level of K-2.

Inside the pages are wonderful – Beautifully illustrated and thick durable pages.

Early Reader Set – Level 2 means that there are short sentences with an engaging story. Simple dialogue makes it easy for children to follow the storyline.

While the original book was written in 1924, the simple storyline of 4 orphan siblings could be plucked right out of the local headlines today. 

The Four Early Readers of The Boxcar Children – Reading Level 2

In the first book, The Boxcar Children begins the story of 4 orphans (Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden) who are determined to stay together and out of the reach of their mean grandfather. They assumed he was mean because they had never met him. Eventually, they come across an abandoned boxcar and make a home inside. Eventually, they go to live with their grandfather. But the kindly old man moves their beloved boxcar to his backyard so they can continue their adventures.

In Surprise Island, grandfather surprises the children with a summer adventure on his private island where they can swim, fish and explore all summer long. Captain Daniel and Joe take care of the island. Joe helps the children set up a “museum.” The island is full of surprises, and Joe has a secret. Surprise Island is intriguing and fun!

The Yellow House Mystery is the third book in the series. The yellow house is an old house that is on Surprise Island. While the children stayed at the island, they had never been inside the old house. Grandfather tells the children that a man named Bill built the yellow house years ago, but left the island and never came back. The children go looking for clues and Benny finds a secret letter. Joe and the four children set out to find out more about the letter Benny finds. Will it lead them to Bill?

The final book we read is Mystery Ranch. This time the Alden children are off on a new summer adventure to visit their Great-Aunt Jane who lives on a big ranch by herself in Wyoming. Aunt Jane is lonely and the children go to help her and cheer her up. Aunt Jane is afraid she may have to sell the ranch. Meanwhile, there are strange things going on at the ranch that holds surprises of its own. 

My Reading Recommendations and Reading Level for The Boxcar Children

While it has been years since I read the original books, The Boxcar Children Early Reader Set is delightful, entertaining, and full of mystery and intrigue. These books are perfect for children learning to read at any age. Jack-Jack loved the books and was eager to read them. That means it gets two thumbs up in this household!

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