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

Created by Gertrude Chandler Warner. The newest addition to this revived series continues as a blend of traditional and modern elements. The children never age, but the scenery and props are updated as the Boxcar children figure out the source of rumors about zombie sightings at a vacation inn. Characters are flat, and the plot is far-fetched; any appeal lies in the familiar.