The Boxcar Children

The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner

The first Boxcar Children book has a innocence to it. Four kids are orphaned. They decide to fend for themselves rather than go to live with their grandfather. They find a boxcar that they turn into a nice house. The older boy goes to work odd jobs for a doctor he met. The other kids scour the junkyard for useful things. One day, the oldest boy enters a race on the spur of the moment and wins a prize. He doesn't say his last name so he won't be found. The doctor that they help out realizes that the kids are those that have a $5000 reward offered. He also has discovered where they live. However, he respects their industry and doesn't let on. Then one day, one of the girls is sick. The man helps her. He also contacts the grandpa, but has him hide his identity. The kids like him. Then he reveals his true identity and the kids are happy to go to live with him. Later, the man brings the box car back to the yard for them to enjoy. The kids have a joy and resourcefulness for themselves regardless of the circumstances