Mountain Top Mystery

The Boxcar Children #9

by Gertrude Chandler Warner, David Cunningham (Illustrator)

Librarian's Note: For an alternate cover edition of the same ISBN, click here.

Marooned on a mountain, the Aldens survive a landslide and find a Native American secret.

Genres: Mystery, Childrens, Fiction, Chapter Books, Middle Grade, Adventure, Juvenile

128 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1964

About the author

Gertrude Chandler Warner was born in Putnam, Connecticut, on April 16, 1890, to Edgar and Jane Warner. Her family included a sister, Frances, and a brother, John. From the age of five, she dreamed of becoming an author. She wrote stories for her Grandfather Carpenter, and each Christmas she gave him one of these stories as a gift. Today, Ms. Warner is best remembered as the author of THE BOXCAR CHILDREN MYSTERIES.

As a child, Gertrude enjoyed many of the things that girls enjoy today. She loved furnishing a dollhouse with handmade furniture and she liked to read. Her favorite book was ALICE IN WONDERLAND. Often on Sundays after church, Gertrude enjoyed trips to visit her grandparents' farm. Along the way, she and Frances would stop to pick the wildflowers they both loved. Gertrude's favorite flower was the violet.

Her family was a very musical one. They were able to have a family orchestra, and Gertrude enjoyed playing the cello. Her father had brought her one from New York ---a cello, a bow, a case and an instruction book. All together, he paid $14. Later, as an adult, she began playing the pipe organ and sometimes substituted for the church organist.

Due to ill health, Ms. Warner never finished high school. She left in the middle of her second year and studied with a tutor. Then, in 1918, when teachers were called to serve in World War I, the school board asked her to teach first grade. She had forty children in the morning and forty more in the afternoon. Ms. Warner wrote, "I was asked or begged to take this job because I taught Sunday School. But believe me, day school is nothing like Sunday School, and I sure learned by doing --- I taught in that same room for 32 years, retiring at 60 to have more time to write." Eventually, Ms. Warner attended Yale, where she took several teacher training courses.

Once when she was sick and had to stay home from teaching, she thought up the story about the Boxcar Children. It was inspired by her childhood dreams. As a child, she had spent hours watching the trains go by near her family's home. Sometimes she could look through the window of a caboose and see a small stove, a little table, cracked cups with no saucers, and a tin coffee pot boiling away on the stove. The sight had fascinated her and made her dream about how much fun it would be to live and keep house in a boxcar or caboose. She read the story to her classes and rewrote it many times so the words were easy to understand. Some of her pupils spoke other languages at home and were just learning English. THE BOXCAR CHILDREN gave them a fun story that was easy to read.

Ms. Warner once wrote for her fans, "Perhaps you know that the original BOXCAR CHILDREN. . . raised a storm of protest from librarians who thought the children were having too good a time without any parental control! That is exactly why children like it! Most of my own childhood exploits, such as living in a freight car, received very little cooperation from my parents."

Though the story of THE BOXCAR CHILDREN went through some changes after it was first written, the version that we are familiar with today was originally published in 1942 by Scott Foresman. Today, Albert Whitman & Company publishes this first classic story as well as the next eighteen Alden children adventures that were written by Ms. Warner.

Gertrude Chandler Warner died in 1979 at the age of 89 after a full life as a teacher, author, and volunteer for the American Red Cross and other charitable organizations. After her death, Albert Whitman & Company continued to receive mail from children across the country asking for more adventures about Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny Alden. In 1991, Albert Whitman added to THE BOXCAR CHILDREN MYSTERIES so that today's children can enjoy many more adventures about this independent and caring group of children.

Books about Gertrude: https://www.goodreads.com/characters/...

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really can't give any of these books (other than the first one) more than four stars because I just don't find them that well-written but this one is certainly a bit more entertaining than some. There's a genuine adventure here as the family is trapped on a mountaintop after a rockslide -- however, I admit that Grandfather's enormous wealth and connections take the fun out of it when he basically had a contingency plan and you know none of them are going to be stuck up there more than one night because Help Is Coming. It would be more exciting if the children actually had to fend for themselves or use their own ingenuity! Then there's the sidestory with the elderly Native American woman the family is curious about... again, I know they are supposed to be helpful and kind, but I had a hard time not finding it somewhat patronizing and annoying. That said, I was almost pleasantly surprised that I didn't cringe more about the portrayal of the Native American here -- there's actually a part where the Lovan (the Native American woman) says how she didn't like going into town because people there made her feel uncomfortable for her ways, and Grandfather and the children are upset about this and say that is no way for people to behave. I do think the author is trying to show humans are equal and should be treated with empathy. Yet, the whole thing just is still too much a product of its time and I ultimately felt uncomfortable with it, particularly because the resolution leaves the woman's land in wealthy white man's hands rather than in her own, even though I know Grandfather was trying to be kind and helpful... it just rubbed me the wrong way. Why not let her buy the land herself now that she had come into money!? I recommend reading the following reviews for more details:

by Octavia Cade: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

by Matthew: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Bailey Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

More adventures, more John Carter, and more proof that Grandfather is a billion years old because he knows everyone.

[Jg · Rating 4 out of 5]

falling fun

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to this book while I painted. It was another fun adventure of the Boxcar Children. These stories are simple and sweet.

[Octavia Cade · Rating 2 out of 5]

These books. I think I'm supposed to enjoy them for the (apparent) helpfulness and kindness and good nature of the protagonists, but half the time I end up with my jaw hanging open at their nosiness and presumption. They're all just so entitled, which is a change for the definite worse from the first in the series.

Anyway, in this volume the bad behaviour continues. Little Benny demands to be taken mountain climbing, so of course Grandfather Alden indulges the brat. From the top of said mountain they see a light in the woods, which park rangers later inform them is an old American Indian, who wants nothing more than to be left alone. Of course the family descends upon her en masse, out of base curiosity. "Oh, we wanted to see if you were in trouble," they say, knowing full well from said rangers that she's fine. It turns out that old Lovan is worried about losing her land, and instead of, say, hiring her a lawyer so that it isn't stolen out from under her, Grandfather buys it (of course he does) continuing his habit of hoovering up every resource he can get his grubby mitts on. And of course there's a lost relative in there, because there always, always is. Warner has an obsession with lost relatives, apparently, and the story wanders on its condescending way from there.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a definite change from the first few books to the rest in terms of the amount of supervision the kids are kept under. They're given some limited freedom, but always a carefully laid adult safety net.

Except this story involves Indians who seem to be rather condescendingly treated, including a high-school aged Indian boy who is left virtually unsupervised with little adult concern. Value is placed on Indian culture, but as something to be collected and studied by the White men, not a worthy thing in itself. I do believe Ms. Warner is struggling to at least some degree to be more modern and progressive... to value humans equally and not be insensitive, but she remains a product of her time.

[Traczie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the boxcar children voraciously as a child, and now that I've reread one as an adult, I understand what caused me to grow up to be a nosey, meddlesome adult who thinks she knows what's better for everyone else than they do. Lone Indian woman in the woods who wants to be left alone? I bet she needs help.

If she weren't dead I'd send Warner my therapy bills.

[Delaney L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!! ☺🎉👏👐!

[sincerely]

Another one kids loved

[Samuel · Rating 1 out of 5]

THIS IS THE WORST BOXCAR CHILDREN BOOK EVER. I RECOMMEND THE SERIES BUT I WILL NEVER RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This takes place in autumn. There is a mountain, a forest, a light, a stranger, a cave, and baskets. The beginning of the story was the most interesting to me. I liked the mountain part of the story, but I didn't like the forest part. I thought the story and mystery would go a different way and was disappointed when it didn't.

[Sarah K · Rating 3 out of 5]

well, this installment of the boxcar children actually had some adventure! the family got stuck on top of a mountain due to a rock slide. but of course grandfather had emergency plans and they were air-dropped supplies and rescued (the next day, but still). it was interesting reading about how the author handled lovan, a local native american woman. though the author's portrayal of this part of the book (especially grandfather buying the woods instead of helping lovan own the woods herself) isn't great by today's standards it was nice for having a conversation with my 7 year old about how to treat others and their cultures. and also about the word "indian" and what is considered in better form today.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

We finished this "mystery" via audiobook to take up some time on a long drive. These are really more like adventures than mysteries. I liked the found family part of this story best.

I appreciate that Mr. Alden uses his fortune to help others but his foresight and unlimited resources to provide in every possible situation makes these books unrealistic.

[Partridge Public]

Warner, Gertrude C. PB

[Elevetha · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Boxcar Children = most read series between the ages of 6 and 9 for me. I think of these fondly. Every child should read this series.

[Mikayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite. Things were just a bit to conveniont. XP

[Petrichor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I reread this book as research for a writing project, and although it probably only deserves one star, I had to bump it up to two stars for nostalgia's sake.

[JP · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's kind of strange that after half a dozen books of being on their own, we now have several in a row that always have Grandfather and other adults watching over them, even as they get older and (hopefully) wiser.

That being said, the (easy mode) mountain climbing is pretty neat, getting stranded is actually pretty good from a survival perspective, and finding and exploring caves is something I've always found cool--even if the Aldens don't actually do much of that part.

On the other hand, when you hear that there's an old Indian woman living alone because she wants to, you don't just go drop in unannounced and when you find out she's worried about losing your land... Grandfather just out and buys it? Sure it's ostensibly for a good cause, but that is really not a good way to teach people to solve problems...

Overall, it's a fine enough book, but probably among the weaker of the series so far.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Benny fell so hard in this books he called grandfather ‘gramps’, so you know it was serious. Fans of the boxcar children lamenting about food for pages and making strange drinks will find a return to this and will be happy (grandfather drinks a lovely combo of cold coffee and cola). There was a little more of a mystery in this one than the last, which I certainly appreciated; but daddy warbucks, I mean grandfather is such a money spewing killjoy. When is he going to die so the kids can get back to their exploring a radioactive mine alone selves? Oh yea, I forgot nobody but Henry ages up in these books. While the representation of Natove
Folks was better than previous books (the bar was so low though), we still end with this supposed white savior owning all of her land-in this case maybe it’s worse because at one point it is acknowledged that the government didn’t keep their promise to them and were unlawfully pushed off their land.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Alden family (including Grandfather) are off to climb a mountain, Old Flat Top. They get stranded when the steps suddenly crumble and cause a rock slide, nearly taking Benny (naturally) with it. With no way down again, they have to wait for rescue. The slide uncovers a cave, and Mr. Alden calls in a friend who specializes in caves and fossils. They meet an old Indian woman who lives alone in the woods, making sweetgrass baskets; she says she is the last of her tribe, and tells them stories of a fabled treasure. Back in town, they spot an Indian boy all alone, who then disappears, causing the Rangers to go looking for him. They finally all get into the cave that was opened up, and discover another surprise. Not as good as some of the previous stories - rather ho-hum in places. Does Benny ever speak below a shout?? I'm getting more and more tired of him.

[Lianna Kendig · Rating 1 out of 5]

(LL)
So this is not only a white savior story, but it has a ton of racism and sexism throughout it. The natives in the story are not Indians, yet the characters (Lovan and David) refer to themselves and Indians; Lovan and David are also seen writing and speaking in “an Indian language.” Like are you kidding me? This is so widely xenophobic and historically inaccurate it’s dangerous for kids to read these books (in general but especially alone).
The amount of freaking times they refer to Lovan as “the old Indian woman” drives me up the wall, especially since they only ever refer to David by his name.

[Misbah · Rating 3 out of 5]

While on a Mountain Top adventure the Aldens discover that an old native American woman lives in the woods at the base of the mountain. When they go visit her, she talks about treasure that belonged to her ancestors that is hidden in a cave of the mountain. The Aldens had been stranded on the mountain top when a rock had broken off and blocked the way down. The broken rock revealed a cave where the Aldens find the treasure and take it to the woman. Simultaneously, the woman also is introduced to her grand-nephew.

[Laurel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was one of several books I read with my granddaughters on an RV trip. It is quick, easy read. (It's written at a 3rd grade level.) Like all Boxcar Children books, it teaches a moral--that's good, but the story line just wasn't highly interesting. It just wasn't the caliber of other books in this series.

The most interesting thing in the book is the description of how Native Americans made wampum. They took sea shells and rubbed them till they were round, pierced a hole, and added them to the group.

[Kara Kuehl · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off (a bit controversial here), I thought the book was a bit boring. Yes, it's one of the shorter ones, but I felt myself loosing interest.

Second, is there a mistake in the timeline or am I just missing something? The book opens with, "It was a fine warm day in early summer." On page 26 (in my book) which is only one day later, Mr. Alden says, "This is the end of the summer and it will be dark soon." That was quite confusing. It could be that my brain is just not connecting something, but they seem to be contradictory to me.

[Brooke Nadzam · Rating 2 out of 5]

As always, the bug and I enjoy reading these together, but none of them are as good as the first.

There continues to be such genderized content that this time I wondered if I would continue to expose the little guy to them. I think the best plan for now is to just talk about it as, “WOW! That’s weird,” kind of conversation.

I’m probably not ruining him, and if this is the thing I do that ruins him, I guess I’m happy that I ruined him with books and not something else?

[maria soleil 🌞 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to try reading one of the “Boxcar Children” books. It wasn’t a page turner right from the beginning. The dialogue is choppy. It’s easy to read, so it’s fine for practice reading. But I personally wouldn’t recommend this specific book (I haven’t read any of the other books) if you’re looking for something interesting.


P.S. The nice thing about these kind of books are that they can be bought for cheap at 2nd hand book sales.

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quite possibly my least favorite of the series so far. Cannot get past the outdated terms by which the Native Americans were referred to, nor how the Native American characters even thought of themselves. I get that this was written in a different era, but it still made me feel deeply uncomfortable.

[Joseph D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Boxcar children are at it again. How could a simple hike turn into an ordeal? I am thinking they grew up and went on a “3 hour boat ride” But I still have a clear favorite. The series is interesting enough to keep going, however I am very grateful the books are short. ​

Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com

[Kelli Trusedell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This week our family has been on vacation in the amazing state of Colorado, doing lots of driving, when this classic family mountain read from the 1950s popped out up in our library audiobook app. Perfection! It wasn’t our top favorite audiobook we’ve ever listened to, but we all enjoyed the setting, characters, and mystery, and we give it four mountains. 🏔️⛰️🏔️⛰️

[Sarah Nessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mystery involves American Indians. The children hike up a mountain get in to some trouble with rocks and a rock slide find new friends discover treasure and bring a family together. The Alden children are quite good at finding and solving a good mystery!