While my kindergartner enjoyed the mystery of this book, and would probably be interested in more stories, it was a real snoozer for mom, and parts of it made me uncomfortable. Nonetheless, it remains a highly recommended work for the age group, and was so successful the author released an entire series that I shall try to avoid in future purchases. I suppose not all books for children can be as wonderful as "The Little House on the Prairie" series, which I would rather read. 
 Is the world so saccharine? Four children loose their parents and start off on their own, yet we see little to no mourning. They escape from a couple who has given them lodging for a night with intention to split them up and put the older kids to work for them, yet the plot continues without any real sense of danger past or future. Perfect shelter appears, with water and a nearby dump that accommodates all their needs -- though they do have chipped cups, poor kids (hear the sarcasm this book brings out in me?). A good paying job with a trustworthy employer is found the first time out, and any person who arouses a hint of discomfort turns out to be a friend. Of course, a wealthy relative eager to meet their every desire is found at the end in order to ensure their unshakable happiness. 
 If running away were so easy, I fear most children would do so under far less provocation than the Box Car Children! 
 I also found that times have changed. I was uncomfortable by references to strangers asking the children to sit on their lap, touching them and cuddling them. Clearly the tone of the book is wholesome these were to be signs of affection and reassurance, but the book as a whole struck me as weird Twilight Zone material. 
 On the positive side, the children are loyal to each other and care for each other. The older children willingly share a greater part of the burden in caring for the younger. They take initiative to set up and improve their home. They all work hard. And there is nothing to be afraid of. 
 Perhaps your child is a fragile soul who needs to be protected for a while longer from the real world. Or, you are a parent who doesn't want your child reading inappropriate material. Maybe this would be a good early reader for children to read themselves. In all of these cases, this might be a good book for you. 
 But beware the thinking that this book is anywhere near real life, which might lead your child to trust strangers and assume all their needs will be met serendipitously.