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The Boxcar Children Graphic Novels [2026 Random House] #1
The Boxcar Children Graphic Novel
Not yet published
Expected 25 Aug 26- GenresMiddle Grade
176 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication August 25, 2026
3 people want to read
About the author
Gertrude Chandler Warner
534 books771 followersGertrude 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/...
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 11, 2026
I loved this update to the classic series! I read this series as a child, and this was a special experience for me. It was a nostalgic adventure getting to read this story in a graphic novel form with my own children! The creative collaboration of Giovanni Abeille and Whitney Cogar mixed with the story adaptation from Meika Hashimoto was a brilliant and dynamic partnership. It really brought this story to life in a new imaginative way. This is a great novel to start with if you are an early reader and looking for a mystery! If you read the Gertrude Chandler Warner classics, you will love reading this upgrade to the series!
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book!
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The thing about classic children’s literature is that often the language and the situations are not as timeless as we may think they are, and modern kids can’t relate.
If you are familiar with the original BoxCar children, this is an updated version of them. They still live in an abandoned boxcar, and are still making friends with a small-town country doctor, but the children dress in up-to-date clothes.
This is a gentle story, really. The children’s parents have died, and they don’t want to live with their grandfather, because he didn’t approve of their parent’s marriage, so they think he must be a bad man. They run away, and find a place to live in the boxcar, and the oldest works for the country doctor to earn money so they can buy food that they can’t forage. It is the summer, so they don’t have to worry about freezing, or going to school.
All-in-all a good introduction to the series for a new generation of middle-grade readers.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is being published the 25th of August 2026.
If you are familiar with the original BoxCar children, this is an updated version of them. They still live in an abandoned boxcar, and are still making friends with a small-town country doctor, but the children dress in up-to-date clothes.
This is a gentle story, really. The children’s parents have died, and they don’t want to live with their grandfather, because he didn’t approve of their parent’s marriage, so they think he must be a bad man. They run away, and find a place to live in the boxcar, and the oldest works for the country doctor to earn money so they can buy food that they can’t forage. It is the summer, so they don’t have to worry about freezing, or going to school.
All-in-all a good introduction to the series for a new generation of middle-grade readers.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is being published the 25th of August 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I adored the Boxcar Children series in elementary school. I checked out every one our school library had multiple times.
I am pleased to say that this graphic novel adaptation feels faithful to my memories from all those years ago.
My only quibble is that the art style is a bit simple for my tastes, but not annoyingly so.
Recommended for readers of all ages, those just finding the series and those recalling it.
I am pleased to say that this graphic novel adaptation feels faithful to my memories from all those years ago.
My only quibble is that the art style is a bit simple for my tastes, but not annoyingly so.
Recommended for readers of all ages, those just finding the series and those recalling it.
January 15, 2026
Growing up, my all time favorite series of books was The Boxcar Children. I had at least 75 copies of the various books, and devoured every one. I was so excited when I discovered that the series is being adapted into graphic novels, and beyond thrilled when I was selected to review an ARC.
They did a beautiful job of adapting the story into this new format. The text stays true to the original narrative and the illustrations are colorful and eye-catching. Of course, when switching to this format, some things had to be removed, but the overall story does not deviate from the original.
It was a joy to dive back into the world of Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny again. The Alden children helped shape my childhood, and I’m thrilled that they will continue to be favorites of new young readers.
If you were a Boxcar Children fan in your younger years, or if you are today, you will love this adaptation. And, if you have children in your life, this is a great way you can share a piece of your childhood with them.
They did a beautiful job of adapting the story into this new format. The text stays true to the original narrative and the illustrations are colorful and eye-catching. Of course, when switching to this format, some things had to be removed, but the overall story does not deviate from the original.
It was a joy to dive back into the world of Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny again. The Alden children helped shape my childhood, and I’m thrilled that they will continue to be favorites of new young readers.
If you were a Boxcar Children fan in your younger years, or if you are today, you will love this adaptation. And, if you have children in your life, this is a great way you can share a piece of your childhood with them.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley and Random House for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Boxcar Children Graphic Novel!! I can't wait to recommend this series as a graphic novel to my library and purchase my own copy!
The four Alden kids are back, revamped in style but with the same stories and love for each other that has been adored for generations now! As a long-time favorite of mine, I jumped at the opportunity to read an early copy. My own copy of the story is well worn and loved from the MULTIPLE times I have read it since childhood (and I'm almost 40 now). There is something so special about Henry, Jessie, Violet, Benny and their dog Watch that is so heartwarming. Despite hardships of the loss of their parents, and being on the run from their grandfather whom they believe to be a grumpy man, they never let that stop them or discourage them. The children protect and care for one another, helping each other stay safe and working hard together.
The new graphic style edition brings a modern feel to the writing and the images, which young children today may not understand or relate to in the classic versions as well. I think this is such a great idea, and it's fun to have so many pictures! I remember the old sketch drawings to be my favorite, but they were few within the classic books. Now you get the full color edition of the Alden children's adventures bringing them to life again. The writing style is simpler for young readers, and the story is divided into easy short chapters, making it easy to keep littles with reading struggles from being overwhelmed.
I am so fond of this series, I happily await for more titles and can't wait to see all the kids at our libraries excitedly checking these out in future - a whole new generation enjoying these beloved stories!
The four Alden kids are back, revamped in style but with the same stories and love for each other that has been adored for generations now! As a long-time favorite of mine, I jumped at the opportunity to read an early copy. My own copy of the story is well worn and loved from the MULTIPLE times I have read it since childhood (and I'm almost 40 now). There is something so special about Henry, Jessie, Violet, Benny and their dog Watch that is so heartwarming. Despite hardships of the loss of their parents, and being on the run from their grandfather whom they believe to be a grumpy man, they never let that stop them or discourage them. The children protect and care for one another, helping each other stay safe and working hard together.
The new graphic style edition brings a modern feel to the writing and the images, which young children today may not understand or relate to in the classic versions as well. I think this is such a great idea, and it's fun to have so many pictures! I remember the old sketch drawings to be my favorite, but they were few within the classic books. Now you get the full color edition of the Alden children's adventures bringing them to life again. The writing style is simpler for young readers, and the story is divided into easy short chapters, making it easy to keep littles with reading struggles from being overwhelmed.
I am so fond of this series, I happily await for more titles and can't wait to see all the kids at our libraries excitedly checking these out in future - a whole new generation enjoying these beloved stories!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The runaway orphans who are icons of self-reliance and moxie have their first adventure adapted into graphic novel format for the second time. This Random House edition is significantly longer and better than the 2009 version put out by Albert Whitman and Company.
Adapter Meika Hashimoto does a good job catching the spirit of the original novel while outlining the highlights of their time living in the boxcar that is the namesake of their century-old brand. And Giovanni Abeille makes it look pretty good (except maybe for that ridiculous dam for the swimming hole).
The adaptation includes every chapter from the original book, though Chapter Six is now "A Strange Noise in the Night," a slight edit from the book's "A Queer Noise in the Night."
The original novel series definitely went on too long, but I look forward to revisiting the enjoyable early novels as this adaptation series continues over the next few years.
Disclosure: I received access to a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.com.
FOR REFERENCE:
Contents: Chapter One. The Four Hungry Children -- Chapter Two. Night Is Turned into Day -- Chapter Three. A New Home in the Woods -- Chapter Four. Henry Has Two Surprises -- Chapter Five. The Explorers Find Treasure -- Chapter Six. A Strange Noise in the Night -- Chapter Seven. A Big Meal from Little Onions -- Chapter Eight. A Swimming Pool at Last -- Chapter Nine. Fun in the Cherry Orchard -- Chapter Ten. Henry and the Free-for-All -- Chapter Eleven. The Doctor Takes a Hand -- Chapter Twelve. James Henry and Henry James -- Chapter Thirteen. A New Home for the Boxcar
Adapter Meika Hashimoto does a good job catching the spirit of the original novel while outlining the highlights of their time living in the boxcar that is the namesake of their century-old brand. And Giovanni Abeille makes it look pretty good (except maybe for that ridiculous dam for the swimming hole).
The adaptation includes every chapter from the original book, though Chapter Six is now "A Strange Noise in the Night," a slight edit from the book's "A Queer Noise in the Night."
The original novel series definitely went on too long, but I look forward to revisiting the enjoyable early novels as this adaptation series continues over the next few years.
Disclosure: I received access to a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.com.
FOR REFERENCE:
Contents: Chapter One. The Four Hungry Children -- Chapter Two. Night Is Turned into Day -- Chapter Three. A New Home in the Woods -- Chapter Four. Henry Has Two Surprises -- Chapter Five. The Explorers Find Treasure -- Chapter Six. A Strange Noise in the Night -- Chapter Seven. A Big Meal from Little Onions -- Chapter Eight. A Swimming Pool at Last -- Chapter Nine. Fun in the Cherry Orchard -- Chapter Ten. Henry and the Free-for-All -- Chapter Eleven. The Doctor Takes a Hand -- Chapter Twelve. James Henry and Henry James -- Chapter Thirteen. A New Home for the Boxcar
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received this book as an ARC from Random House Children's Books via Netgalley. This review is my opinion that has not been influenced by receiving it as an ARC.
I loved this book; it was very well done. It brought the children's book to life. It was very well done. Easy to follow for young readers, so that they can visually see the characters and follow the story in an easier way.
Bring to life Henry, who is the oldest, who works to provide for the younger siblings. The young siblings helped make the old boxcar they found into a home. Watching them enjoy the summer without having to worry about staying warm in the winter. It was cute to see how they found and reused what people had thrown out. The children were creative in how they foraged for food, and made meals out of the simple items Henrey was able to get from working for the Doctor.
The graphic novel did highlight how the children were afraid of their grandfather, who they believed was a mean man, because of how he felt about their parents' marriage. So the children really did not want to live with their grandfather. But that changed after Violet got sick and they met their grandfather. Their opinion of him changed an they realized that maybe he isn't what they were led to believe.
This story does follow the novel very well. It was nicely illustrated and easy for young children to read. I would say 3rd-7th graders would enjoy this book. Even older children would as well. Graphic novels are becoming a great way to reach children of any age.
I loved this book; it was very well done. It brought the children's book to life. It was very well done. Easy to follow for young readers, so that they can visually see the characters and follow the story in an easier way.
Bring to life Henry, who is the oldest, who works to provide for the younger siblings. The young siblings helped make the old boxcar they found into a home. Watching them enjoy the summer without having to worry about staying warm in the winter. It was cute to see how they found and reused what people had thrown out. The children were creative in how they foraged for food, and made meals out of the simple items Henrey was able to get from working for the Doctor.
The graphic novel did highlight how the children were afraid of their grandfather, who they believed was a mean man, because of how he felt about their parents' marriage. So the children really did not want to live with their grandfather. But that changed after Violet got sick and they met their grandfather. Their opinion of him changed an they realized that maybe he isn't what they were led to believe.
This story does follow the novel very well. It was nicely illustrated and easy for young children to read. I would say 3rd-7th graders would enjoy this book. Even older children would as well. Graphic novels are becoming a great way to reach children of any age.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 stars
I love these kids, and I have to say this version's illustrations are leaps and bounds better than the other graphic novel like ten years ago. I still loose a bit of the nostolgia of Vi loosing her mind about the dishes and making it a proper "home", it's there but in a much more "normal" way-- though we are still using a bit of hot water on dump dishes. The dump wasn't nearly as bad as the book one though so maybe I can give it a pass. You also don't have their bonkers milk drinks where they put everything in and down it, in fact I think the one boy even tells Benny to eat each thing one at a time. It was sprinkled in a bit, like when the doctor stalked them back to their boxcar, so all was not lost. All in all, it's a charming update on a classic, just missing that 1930's oddness I equate the series with.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advanced copy (digital) to form opinions from.
I love these kids, and I have to say this version's illustrations are leaps and bounds better than the other graphic novel like ten years ago. I still loose a bit of the nostolgia of Vi loosing her mind about the dishes and making it a proper "home", it's there but in a much more "normal" way-- though we are still using a bit of hot water on dump dishes. The dump wasn't nearly as bad as the book one though so maybe I can give it a pass. You also don't have their bonkers milk drinks where they put everything in and down it, in fact I think the one boy even tells Benny to eat each thing one at a time. It was sprinkled in a bit, like when the doctor stalked them back to their boxcar, so all was not lost. All in all, it's a charming update on a classic, just missing that 1930's oddness I equate the series with.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advanced copy (digital) to form opinions from.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a great adaptation for the Boxcar Children. Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny are orphans because their parents have died, and they think their grandfather doesn’t like them. They find an old abandoned boxcar and make it their home. Henry finds work at Dr. Moore’s house. An abandoned dog shows up, and they name him Watch. As the days go by, Henry continues to work for the doctor and brings home money and food. The doctor needs more help and Benny comes along. One day the doctor sees something in the paper about the missing four children offering a reward if they’re found. When Violet gets sick one day, they get the doctor to come who brings her back to his house. The others come. In the morning a man is sitting there, and it turns out to be their grandfather. He offers to take them back to his house? Will they go?
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was so excited to read and review this book! The whole experience was super nostalgic for me. The Boxcar Children was one of the first chapter books I read, and I read many more in the series throughout my childhood.
The graphic novel version is fun, quick to read, and faithful to the original book. I think this would be a great gateway into the series for younger kids who may not have the attention span for a full chapter book but love to look at pictures!
For me as an adult reading this book, the illustrations weren't my absolute favorite. They could've been prettier, but I think they worked with the story and the bright colors will appeal to younger kids for sure. The story was also simplified a little, which again, is great for younger children. I love that this opens it up to a new audience!
Overall, I have no real complaints. If I have any kids in the future, I would definitely buy this for them! It absolutely lived up to my expectations and it was so much fun to jump back into the lives of the Alden children for an hour or two:)
The graphic novel version is fun, quick to read, and faithful to the original book. I think this would be a great gateway into the series for younger kids who may not have the attention span for a full chapter book but love to look at pictures!
For me as an adult reading this book, the illustrations weren't my absolute favorite. They could've been prettier, but I think they worked with the story and the bright colors will appeal to younger kids for sure. The story was also simplified a little, which again, is great for younger children. I love that this opens it up to a new audience!
Overall, I have no real complaints. If I have any kids in the future, I would definitely buy this for them! It absolutely lived up to my expectations and it was so much fun to jump back into the lives of the Alden children for an hour or two:)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My 7yo (the target audience) loved thiS graphic novel version of The Boxcar Children. He adores the series and enjoyed seeing it with pictures. I felt like some background information was skipped or glossed over due to the small amount of dialogue. But overall it stayed true to the novel version and the illustrations were cute.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The boxcar children is a book that showed me how cool it was to read. My 4th grade teacher had me read it and this story has had a soft spot in my heart ever since. I'm so excited that this book will live a new life in the graphic novel format. This was very faithful too it's source.
The boxcar children is a book that showed me how cool it was to read. My 4th grade teacher had me read it and this story has had a soft spot in my heart ever since. I'm so excited that this book will live a new life in the graphic novel format. This was very faithful too it's source.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
this was a fun arc read, I loved the Boxcar Children books as a kid and its fun that theyre getting adapted into new graphic novels. these are obviously for young readers but the story is wholesome and I would definitely gift these to a kiddo learning to read.
thanks netgalley for the arc access!
thanks netgalley for the arc access!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Great read!! The storyline was great. About family. I enjoyed reading the story. The way they take care of each other was very touching. I wanna read more about their adventures!!
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Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for giving me the chance to read this book in advance~
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Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for giving me the chance to read this book in advance~
December 10, 2025
Loved this graphic novel of The Boxcar Children, one of my favorite childhood books ever!
January 9, 2026
The Boxcar Children: The Graphic Novel is a wonderful reimagining of a classic. This full-color adaptation brings Gertrude Chandler Warner’s timeless story to life in a fresh, engaging way while staying true to the heart of the original.
Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny’s journey of independence, courage, and family is beautifully illustrated and easy to follow, making it especially accessible for young readers and graphic novel fans. The artwork adds warmth and energy to the story without overpowering it.
This is a perfect introduction for new readers and a nostalgic delight for longtime fans. A charming, adventurous read that deserves a spot on every child’s bookshelf.
Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny’s journey of independence, courage, and family is beautifully illustrated and easy to follow, making it especially accessible for young readers and graphic novel fans. The artwork adds warmth and energy to the story without overpowering it.
This is a perfect introduction for new readers and a nostalgic delight for longtime fans. A charming, adventurous read that deserves a spot on every child’s bookshelf.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Perfect to bring in young readers to the story of the Boxcar children that we all grew up on. This novel brings in new illustrations that bring new light to the story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was really cute! I loved the Boxcar series as a kid. I still enjoyed this first book as an adult. I am sure a new generation will love these characters!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews