The Alden Family Mysteries were created by Gertrude Chandler Warner. Ms. Warner was a school teacher. She wanted books for her students that was fun and easy to read. Unable to find any kids books to meet her specifications, she decided to create her own.

The Boxcar Children was the first chapter book and it was a success. The Alden Family children consist of Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny. The foursome are adventurous, active and independent children. They tend to stumble upon a mystery or mysterious character in each book. Young readers then and now love the stories.

Gertrude Chandler Warner wrote the first nineteen early reader chapter books in the series. After her death, the franchise continued. Different writers have contributed books to The Alden Family Mysteries series. The original books may be dated to today’s young readers, but they are still a joy to read.

The chapter books are for children eight-years-old and older. The books have less than two hundred pages. There are sketches for the children to use as visual clues. And as Gertrude Chandler Warner wanted, the books are fun and easy to read.

Gertrude Chandler Warner originally titled the series The Alden Family Mysteries. The series is now known as The Boxcar Children. The titles are used interchangeably by people.

Boxcar Children Books by Gertrude Chandler Warner


1. The Boxcar Children #1

2. Surprise Island #2

3. The Yellow House Mystery #3

4. Mystery Ranch #4

5. Mike’s Mystery #5

6. Blue Bay Mystery #6

7. The Woodshed Mystery #7

8. The Lighthouse Mystery #8

9. Mountain Top Mystery #9

10. Schoolhouse Mystery #10

11. Caboose Mystery #11

12. Houseboat Mystery #12

13. Snowbound Mystery #13

14. Tree House Mystery #14

15. Bicycle Mystery #15

16. Mystery in the Sand #16

17. Mystery Behind the Wall #17

18. Bus Station Mystery #18

19. Benny Uncovers a Mystery #19





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