Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in
exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I
compensated in any other way.

 

Boxcar Children for Early Readers

Homeschool Review Crew

 

My children have all loved The Boxcar Children books and I have to admit I loved them as a child too.  When I found out that they have remade some of the Boxcar Children for early readers I was intrigued!  We received four hardback copies of the books in The Boxcar Children Early Reader Set from Albert Whitman & Company as part of the Homeschool Review Crew. 

I have some voracious readers in my house and loved that these would allow my younger crew to experience The Boxcar Children before they could read the chapter books.  This series is expected to have eight titles in it by the end of 2020.  Currently, there are six titles and we received four for the purposes of this review.

The titles we received are:

 

 

The Boxcar Children: Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny are orphans. The only way they can stay together as a family is to make it on their own. So when the children find an abandoned boxcar in the woods, they decide to call it home—and become the Boxcar Children! 

 

 

Mystery Ranch: The Aldens head to their aunt’s ranch for the summer and make an amazing discovery! 

 

 

The Yellow House Mystery: Years ago, a man disappeared from the yellow house on Surprise Island. Why? The Aldens have found a clue to the mystery! 

 

 

Surprise Island: The Aldens spend the summer on Grandfather’s island! Joe, the island’s friendly handyman, helps them with anything they need, but as the children continue to explore their summer home, they realize there is more to the island—and to their new friend—than meets the eye.

These four titles are labelled as Level 2.  This means they are suitable for ages 5-7 or grade K-2.  They are geared for the transition from picture books to chapter books.  Once your child can read these well they’re ready to move on to the chapter book versions of these books!

The Boxcar Children book series is based on the movie that is based on the chapter books so it might not be exactly what you’re used to reading in the chapter books.  When I say movie it would be the animated versions from 2014.  My children have watched this movie and do find that they enjoy it though they also pick out parts that are different or where they may have left out parts they felt were key to the story. 

About the Program

Albert Whitman & Company are dedicated to producing award-worthy books for children.  The company was created in 1919 and has thrived since then bringing books to our children. 

I had never heard of the company prior to this review but their books are colorful and sturdy.  My children are hard on books and these hardbacks still show no signs of wear!

As I browsed the site I was pleasantly surprised at the sheer number of books that are offered by Albert Whitman & Company.  Just under the Boxcar Children, I found lots of sub-categories that my children would love!

 

Our Thoughts 

 

 

We love to read in our house so it was no surprise that these books immediately disappeared from where I set them.  My kids ran off with them!  In our house, they were read by children ages 6 up to age 15.  My oldest did read them to her younger three-year-old sibling but I’m not sure she would have just read them on her own or not.  Actually she probably would have because she reads everything she can get her hands on!

I was slightly shocked by how long they were.  When I think of early reader books I think short books around 10-15 pages.  These books are around 50 pages in length.  I would describe them as a short chapter book but without chapters if that makes sense.  The reading is easy though as they don’t contain big words.  My six year old who is doing Kindergarten had a bit of trouble with some of the words and we only read a few pages at a time.

My children really enjoyed these books and have read them multiple times.  We’re now looking for the movies as we’ve only seen The Boxcar Children and didn’t realize they have the others as movies as well.

The colors were vibrant and the illustrations well done.  I feel like the general feel of what Gertrude Chandler wrote has been reflected in these adaptations.  You could use them with older children to point out the differences as a compare and contrast essay as well. 

Learn More

You can learn more about the Boxcar Children for early readers by reading all of the linked blog posts over on the Main Crew Review Blog Post.  That is where everyone who reviewed the books has posted their opinions.  Chances are someone has the same aged children and style of learning as you do.  Albert Whitman & Company can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.