While at the Winding River Lodge, the Aldens hear about a zombie living in the surrounding forest! As the signs of zombie attacks start to mount, the Boxcar Children recruit the help of a reporter and some locals. But is someone hiding information? Or should the Boxcar Children really be afraid of things that go bump in the night?
February 1, 2012
Gr 2-4-The Boxcar Children are back in a somewhat updated mystery adventure, and they are still the same ages as when they first appeared in 1942. In the gentle, formal style of creator Gertrude Chandler Warner, the four children continue to find light mysteries to solve. In this one, they are staying at a lodge and hear a campfire story about a zombie. Benny sees lights moving in the woods and hears suspicious noises at night. The youngsters use their camera that can take both photos and video, and it seems rather unrealistic that they are worried about using up the memory card the way they might have worried about wasting film 25 years ago. A mysterious night person who stole money from investors is mentioned in the opening pages as missing and does not appear again until he is caught. However, the series will always be a staple for students who are ready for easy mystery chapter books, and Zombie will be popular because of the updated artwork and theme.-Sharon R. Pearce, Longfellow Elementary School, Oak Park, IL
Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.