ALA Booklist

MacLachlan, the author of Newbery Medal winning Sarah, Plain and Tall (1985), takes on the story of Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny before they were the Boxcar Children. Life is simple at Fair Meadow farm: chores, school, and time for fun. When a family gets stuck in a snowstorm, the Aldens take them in and become fast friends. All the children put on a circus, dressing one of the cows up as an elephant. But those familiar with the series know that something devastating is on the way. And toward the end of the book, Mr. and Mrs. Alden head to town and don't come back. The sheriff tells the kids there's been a car accident. Oddly, there's little emotion, with the siblings focused on how to avoid being sent to their estranged grandfather. Even young readers may find it strange that a couple who is ready to take care of them (but is unable to because of "the law") helps them run away. Both in style and events, this recalls books written in a much earlier era. But series fans will like this glimpse into the Aldens' previous life. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: The combination of MacLachlan's name and the long-running popularity of the series ensures interest in this prequel.

Horn Book

This prequel depicts the Alden children happy at home with their parents. The centerpiece is a homespun circus the kids create, an activity that captures the era's low-tech, child-driven entertainment. MacLachlan, in her no-nonsense way, doesn't dwell on the story's inevitable poignant conclusion. Sketchlike pencil illustrations depict the tale's highs and lows and complement MacLachlan's smooth, accessible narrative.

Kirkus Reviews

This prelude slips neatly into the classic series with a rural idyll that comes to a sudden, tragic end. Spring brings not only fresh rounds of games and chores ("Chores are fun," says Meg) for the four Alden children, but new friends too after the Clark family--fleeing frequently mentioned "hard times" in the city--arrives in a storm to stay until their car can be repaired. Indulging occasionally in foreshadowing and artfully incorporating details that will figure in later events, MacLachlan chronicles encounters and minor adventures on the farm in simple, straightforward language. The season changes, the children put on a summer circus, and the Clarks depart at last with a fond "[n]ot good-bye." Then comes an offstage auto accident that orphans Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny and forces them to flee the farm even before the funeral lest they be separated. "The four lambs were on their way." Interest in the classic Boxcar Children Mysteries remains strong, and this prequel should find eager readers. An approachable lead-in that serves to fill in the background both for confirmed fans and readers new to the series. (finished illustrations, afterword and resource list not seen) (Historical fiction. 8-10)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

For readers who wondered over the past seven decades what happened to the parents of Gertrude Chandler Warner-s Boxcar Children, Newbery Medalist MacLachan supplies the answer in this partially satisfying prequel. Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny live with their loving parents on Fair Meadow Farm. Times are hard, but the Aldens make do: father Ben works as a carpenter, and mother Kate sells baked goods. The Alden children continue to epitomize resourcefulness, putting on a circus and creating a barn hideaway. They do chores without complaint. Perhaps it-s in character, then, that the untimely death of their parents is taken completely in stride; the children barely grieve. When Henry hints to a neighbor that they will flee rather than risk being sent to an orphanage, he is reminded he will miss his parents- funeral. -I know that you will say good things about them,- Henry says. And then they-re off. Fans will enjoy this picture of life -before,- but it feels like a missed opportunity to make the Alden children a little less perfect. Ages 7-10. Agent: Rubin Pfeffer, East West Literary Agency. (Sept.)

School Library Journal

Gr 2-4 Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny have a place in the hearts and on the bookshelves of so many families, and this perfectly positioned prequel will delight fans of the Alden children who have always wondered what happened before the Boxcar Children became the Boxcar Children. During the Great Depression, the family is living at Fairweather Farm. When the Clarks lose their home and are on their way to live with relatives, they become stuck during a blizzard, and the Aldens take them in. Many weeks go by until the part arrives to fix their car. The Alden and Clark children become good friends and attend school together, and when the Clarks leave, the children deal with their sadness. When the sheriff comes to give the Alden children the news that will change their lives forever, the Boxcar Children's journey truly begins. The innocence of the children is well captured through their straightforward dialogue, and each child has a distinct personality that will appeal to old fans and new readers of the series. Gently written, and harkening to a simpler time, this story will be an enjoyable family read and will serve as an easy-to-understand chapter book for emerging readers. Doubtlessly, the series will see reinvigorated interest from this title by an author whose talent for historical fiction will not be lost on young readers. Alison Donnelly, Collinsville Memorial Public Library, IL