The Boxcar Children

The Boxcar Children

By

Gertrude Chandler Warner

The story starts with the death of their parents. Leaving the four children orphaned. They decide to run away instead of going to live with their mean grandfather. They are offered a job at the bakery. While staying the night at a bakery they hear the owners talking about sending Benny to an orphanage. They decide to leave and are once again are on the run. After a few nights a terrible storm comes. They start searching for shelter and come across an old boxcar.

All of the children pitch in to make the boxcar their home. Henry starts working for Dr. Moore doing odd jobs so he can earn money for food. He also does some gardening for Mrs. Moore. While Henry is working, the others find a dump nearby and take things that are useful. Benny finds a pink cup that he can't stop talking about. They use a rock behind the waterfall as a refrigerator and the stream as bath.

When Violet gets sick the children take her to Dr. Moore's house. They all stay there while Violet is getting better. Dr. Moore contacts James Henry Alden to tell him his grandchildren are staying when him. In order for the children to not be scared Dr. Moore doesn't tell them who James is. James and Benny become good friends. All of children come to like "Mr. Henry". When Violet is feeling better the children learn that "Mr. Henry" is their grandfather. He invites the children to come live with him and he even has the boxcar brought to his backyard so the children have a place to play.