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 cant 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. Moores 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 doesnt 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.
In Gertrude Chandler Warner’s book, "The Boxcar Children," the children’s resourcefulness and resilience are showcased as they transform a simple boxcar into their home. Henry, the eldest, takes on the responsibility of earning money for food by working odd jobs for Dr. Moore and tending to Mrs. Moore’s garden. This demonstrates Henry’s determination to provide for his siblings and highlights their need for self-sufficiency.
Meanwhile, the other children explore their surroundings and stumble upon a nearby dump, where they find useful items. This emphasizes their ability to find value in discarded objects and showcases their resourcefulness. Benny’s discovery of a pink cup becomes a significant moment for him, as he becomes enamored with it and can’t stop talking about it. This highlights the children’s ability to find joy and contentment in simple things, even in challenging circumstances.
The children’s ingenuity extends beyond finding useful items; they also utilize the natural resources around them. They use a rock behind a waterfall as a makeshift refrigerator, showcasing their ability to adapt and make the most of their environment. Additionally, they utilize a nearby stream as a bathing area, further emphasizing their resourcefulness and ability to find practical solutions to everyday needs.
When Violet falls ill, the children take her to Dr. Moore’s house, where they all stay until she recovers. This demonstrates their care and concern for one another, as they prioritize Violet’s well-being. Dr. Moore, recognizing the children’s situation, contacts James Henry Alden, their grandfather, without revealing his identity to the children. This decision is made to avoid scaring the children and allows them to develop a bond with their grandfather without any preconceived notions.
As the children spend time with James, Benny and James form a strong friendship. This highlights the children’s ability to form connections and adapt to new situations. The children come to like "Mr. Henry" and eventually learn that he is their grandfather. This revelation is met with excitement and joy, as they are invited to come live with him. James goes a step further and has the boxcar brought to his backyard, providing the children with a familiar space where they can continue to play and be themselves.
Overall, the content showcases the children’s resourcefulness, adaptability, and ability to find joy in simple things. It also highlights the importance of family and the bonds that can be formed even in challenging circumstances. The story of "The Boxcar Children" is a testament to the strength and resilience of children and their ability to create a home wherever they may be.