The Outer Space Mystery

The Boxcar Children #59

by Gertrude Chandler Warner

Grandfather is moderating an astronomy convention at a college in the West Virginia mountains, and the Aldens tag along. They're excited to learn about a student's big discovery, but then his work goes missing―and so does another student! The Boxcar Children must go above and beyond to solve the case.

Genres: Mystery, Childrens, Fiction, Audiobook, Adventure, Middle Grade, Chapter Books

121 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

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.

As a child, Gertrude enjoyed many of the things that girls enjoy today. She loved furnishing a dollhouse with handmade furniture and she liked to read. Her favorite book was ALICE IN WONDERLAND. Often on Sundays after church, Gertrude enjoyed trips to visit her grandparents' farm. Along the way, she and Frances would stop to pick the wildflowers they both loved. Gertrude's favorite flower was the violet.

Her family was a very musical one. They were able to have a family orchestra, and Gertrude enjoyed playing the cello. Her father had brought her one from New York ---a cello, a bow, a case and an instruction book. All together, he paid $14. Later, as an adult, she began playing the pipe organ and sometimes substituted for the church organist.

Due to ill health, Ms. Warner never finished high school. She left in the middle of her second year and studied with a tutor. Then, in 1918, when teachers were called to serve in World War I, the school board asked her to teach first grade. She had forty children in the morning and forty more in the afternoon. Ms. Warner wrote, "I was asked or begged to take this job because I taught Sunday School. But believe me, day school is nothing like Sunday School, and I sure learned by doing --- I taught in that same room for 32 years, retiring at 60 to have more time to write." Eventually, Ms. Warner attended Yale, where she took several teacher training courses.

Once when she was sick and had to stay home from teaching, she thought up the story about the Boxcar Children. It was inspired by her childhood dreams. As a child, she had spent hours watching the trains go by near her family's home. Sometimes she could look through the window of a caboose and see a small stove, a little table, cracked cups with no saucers, and a tin coffee pot boiling away on the stove. The sight had fascinated her and made her dream about how much fun it would be to live and keep house in a boxcar or caboose. She read the story to her classes and rewrote it many times so the words were easy to understand. Some of her pupils spoke other languages at home and were just learning English. THE BOXCAR CHILDREN gave them a fun story that was easy to read.

Ms. Warner once wrote for her fans, "Perhaps you know that the original BOXCAR CHILDREN. . . raised a storm of protest from librarians who thought the children were having too good a time without any parental control! That is exactly why children like it! Most of my own childhood exploits, such as living in a freight car, received very little cooperation from my parents."

Though the story of THE BOXCAR CHILDREN went through some changes after it was first written, the version that we are familiar with today was originally published in 1942 by Scott Foresman. Today, Albert Whitman & Company publishes this first classic story as well as the next eighteen Alden children adventures that were written by Ms. Warner.

Gertrude Chandler Warner died in 1979 at the age of 89 after a full life as a teacher, author, and volunteer for the American Red Cross and other charitable organizations. After her death, Albert Whitman & Company continued to receive mail from children across the country asking for more adventures about Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny Alden. In 1991, Albert Whitman added to THE BOXCAR CHILDREN MYSTERIES so that today's children can enjoy many more adventures about this independent and caring group of children.

Books about Gertrude: https://www.goodreads.com/characters/...

Reviews

[Bailey Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the better ones because there were actual consequences to actions taken in the story and the kids are actual helpful in the situations they face.

[Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Outer Space Mystery" by Gertrude Chandler Warner takes the Boxcar Children on an adventure that blends the familiar charm of their resourceful spirit with the exciting world of astronomy. This book review dives deep into the plot, character dynamics, and themes that make this installment a captivating read.

The plot thickens when the Aldens accompany Grandfather to an astronomy convention in the West Virginia mountains. Excitement brews over a student's groundbreaking discovery, but mystery strikes when his work vanishes, followed by the disappearance of another student. The Aldens, never ones to shy away from a puzzle, immerse themselves in solving the case. Plot twists abound as they navigate the world of academia and astronomy, encountering suspicious characters and hidden motives. The tone of the novel balances educational exploration with suspenseful mystery, making it engaging for young readers.

Each of the Boxcar Children brings unique qualities to the investigation. Henry, the eldest, is thoughtful and responsible, often taking the lead in planning. Jessie, the second oldest, is nurturing and observant, with a knack for noticing details others miss. Violet, gentle and artistic, uses her creativity to solve problems in unconventional ways. Benny, the youngest, adds youthful enthusiasm and curiosity, endearing himself to those they meet. Their relationships with each other are the backbone of their success. They trust and rely on each other's strengths, compensating for individual flaws. For example, Henry's cautious nature is balanced by Benny's impulsiveness, creating a dynamic that propels the plot forward. Each child has their flaws, such as Henry's overthinking or Jessie's tendency to worry, but their assets far outweigh them.

Several themes enrich the narrative. The value of teamwork is prominent, as the Aldens demonstrate how collaboration and mutual support can overcome obstacles. The importance of education and curiosity shines through as they explore the world of astronomy, learning about the stars and scientific discovery. The theme of trust is also central, as the children must discern who to trust amidst a cast of potentially unreliable characters. The book subtly touches on the theme of perseverance, teaching young readers that dedication and hard work are essential for achieving goals.

In closing, "The Outer Space Mystery" is a delightful blend of education and suspense, showcasing the Boxcar Children's enduring appeal. Readers who enjoy this book might also like "The Hardy Boys" or "Nancy Drew" series, which offer similar blends of mystery and adventure.

[Megan Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synthesis:
The genre of this book is mysteries/adventure. The grade level in which I would use this book would be for grades 3-4. Throughout this book, the Boxcar Children help their grandfather at a convention. These children are put to the test of trying to figure out what happened to the important information and another child.

Classroom uses:
Plot line - I think this book follows a really good plot line. Throughout the book students can stop and fill out a worksheet about plot. This would introduce them to words like exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement.
Independent reading - This is a good book to have a student get fully immersed in. This can be used for a student that needs a book within their reading level or even a book that is a little outside their reading level.

Why was this a WOW book?
This book was a WOW book because I was invested in the story the entire time I was reading. The author did a great job at keeping the reader engaged and having the book flow really well.

[Dover Free Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tamara listened to this audiobook and wrote this review - First time reading a book in this series for kids ages 6-10. Although this series has been around for a few generations of children, the new look of the reprints, combined with recent video productions of this series have renewed the interest of a new generation of young mystery fans who like to learn about real life subjects while enjoying an intriguing plot and interesting settings. Light and good natured in tone. , borrow this CD collection from the Dover Free Library

[Joseph D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 59 of the Boxcar Children. No they do not go into space. This series has not suddenly become sci-fi. That said we do have an interesting mystery afoot. A big discovery and the report has gone missing. Can the Alden’s find the person in time? The big conference is coming up. This is an interesting introduction to space and careers surrounding it. I love that it even encourages women to be scientists. It was an ok mystery, but good for any young girl wanting to be a scientist. Recommended for that reason. ​

Joseph McKnight
http/www.josephmcknight.com

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

First time reading a book in this series for kids ages 6-10. Although this series has been around for a few generations of children, the new look of the reprints, combined with recent video productions of this series have renewed the interest of a new generation of young mystery fans who like to learn about real life subjects while enjoying an intriguing plot and interesting settings. Light and good natured in tone.

[Bruce Dinsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up off my bookshelf yesterday, remembering how my kids loved these books. The Outer Space Mystery is number 59 of 161 books, but the author died in 1979 and the series was continued by Albert Whitman.
This is a wonderful series for introducing young readers to fiction and mystery, as well as exploring things young people want to know about. This mystery involved jealousy and plagairism.

[Karen Broughton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this story, it is a children's book, so understandably is a light read. wish i had found this series years ago when i was a child, i would have devoured the whole series. still i did enjoy it and will be reading more.

[Cherish Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4☆ Would recommend)
I loved these books as a kid & I'm really enjoying reading through the series again. I liked the mystery & the suspense. I like how there is more than one possible suspect, who each have reasonable motive. Would recommend.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

kids and space gazing

[Charles Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

82%

Space is cool, let's all join the space force

[Kim Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting with all of the information about outer space.

[Anne D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read with the boys at bedtime over a few nights - enjoyed them trying to solve the mystery

[V. Arrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things kids liked in the '90s: outer space, marine biology, wolves, ancient Egypt, gymnastics.

[Partridge Public]

Warner, Gertrude C. PB

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like that there is this big outer space mystery. There is a really nice girl named Rachel. But, she ends up being one of the crooks. But I'm only giving out one crook, there are more!

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

great when ur little

[Rebecca]

One of my favorite childhood series. I read over a hundred of them. The first 50 or so were in order; after that I read whatever book I could get my hands on :)