Review: The Boxcar Children Beginning by Patricia MacLachlan

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Before they were the Boxcar Children, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden lived with their parents at Fair Meadow Farm.
Although times are hard, the Aldens are happy--"the best family of all," Mama likes to say. One day, a blizzard hits the countryside, and a car is stranded on the road near their farm. The family in the car needs shelter, and when the Aldens take them in, the strangers soon become friends. But things never stay the same at Fair Meadow Farm, and the spring and summer bring events that will forever change the lives of the Alden Children.
Newbery Award-winning author Patricia MacLaclan pays loving tribute to the classic novel by Gertrude Chandler Warner in this story of the Alden children's origins and the challenges they faced before their boxcar adventures.
For kids ages 7-10.

MY TAKE:

I really liked the first The Boxcar Children book so I was eager to review this one.

The Boxcar Children Beginning is a prequel to the Boxcar Children series. Here, we get to see what the kids' lives were like prior to finding themselves living in a boxcar.

The kids are as charming as ever. Little Benny is still the sweetest and most charming character for me. Aside from the kids, the whole atmosphere described in the book makes it a worthwhile read. This is a place and a time when life was very simple. The writing evokes this. Some may find this style simplistic and old school, but it can be very pleasant and relaxing too.

Fans of the series must read this book as it elucidates a lot of things in the first book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Open Road Media for the e-ARC. Publication date of The Boxcar Children Beginning is on September 1, 2012.

THE GOOD:

1. You learn about the kids' background.
2. The book can be very relaxing and make you feel nostalgic.
3. The book is very much in the spirit of the series.

THE BAD:

1. Some may find this a little old-school.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

"Being here is an adventure for me," said Meg.

READ IT IF:

1. You like the series.
2. You like "old school" books.
3. You want to introduce your kids to a classic.

RATING:
 


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