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.
Exciting Adventure Stories for Early Readers
If you’re a fan of the original Boxcar Children classics and you have a young reader in grades K-2, then you’ll want to check out the Boxcar Children Early Reader Set recently published by Albert Whitman & Company.
My 2nd grader devoured the first 4 readers in this series in a matter of days. After each book, she excitedly summarized the adventures of the iconic orphans, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny.
Most children love stories about amateur detectives looking for clues. My daughter loved the exciting adventures and mysteries contained in the storylines, which can be difficult to find in early readers.
The engaging stories and bright, colorful illustrations sparked her interest in the original Boxcar Children chapter books, which I’m sure she’ll be capable of reading very soon.
Books in the Boxcar Children Early Reader Set
The titles are the same as the first 4 classic Boxcar Children books by Gertrude Chandler Warner. The storylines are also the same but they are obviously very simplified versions. Right now, there are six books in this leveled-reader series, but there are two more planned for 2020.
The first four books are:
The Boxcar Children
Surprise Island
The Yellow House Mystery
Mystery Ranch
Reading Level of the Boxcar Children Early Readers Set
The Boxcar Children Early Readers Set has leveled readers appropriate for ages 5-7. They are Level 2 readers, which means that the child is “reading with help.” The series is appropriate for grades K-2.
My second grader is an independent reader, so she read these without any help. However, six months ago, before she really took off with her reading, she would have needed help with some of the words.
Warner’s original Boxcar Children books are written for children from grades 2-6, so these readers are a gentle introduction to the storylines before they are able to read the original chapter books on their own.
Illustrations
The illustrations in the book are based on the Boxcar Children animated movies. My daughter loved the brightly-colored pictures.
So far, there have been two movies released: The Boxcar Children and Surprise Island. There are plans for two more movies in the series as well.
Right now, the animated movie, Surprise Island, is free with an Amazon Prime membership. My daughter really enjoyed watching the video after reading the book.
Look Inside:
Here’s a peek at a few pages from each book to give you a feel for the reading level.
Read Other Reviews
Visit the Homeschool Review Crew blog to read what other homeschoolers are saying about the Boxcar Children Early Reader Set.
My daughter loved reviewing the Boxcar Children Early Reader Set. If you click on the image above, you’ll find more reviews from actual homeschool families like mine that have also tried out these readers.
Wow, it was good to know about this book. My baby is just some months old but I will buy these books for him to read.
Aww the boxcar is a great book set.
How fun! I read the older ones as a kid! Great book set
Can’t wait to involve my now 4 year old in these types of reading collections. Thanks!
These look SO FUN! I loved the Boxcar kids as a young reader! (And now, too!)