While the mystery element is central to each of Miss Warner's books, she never thought of them as strictly juvenile mysteries. She liked to stress the Aldens' independence and resourcefulness and their solid New England devotion to using up and making do. The Aldens go about most of their adventures with as little adult supervision as possible-something else that delights young readers.
In Gertrude Chandler Warner's "The Boxcar Children," the central mystery element plays a significant role, yet the author did not consider these stories to be limited to juvenile mysteries. She emphasized themes of independence and resourcefulness among the characters, particularly the Aldens, who exemplify strong values of self-reliance and practical problem-solving.
The Aldens embark on their adventures with minimal adult interference, which adds to the appeal for young readers. This autonomy not only fosters their imaginative play but also resonates with children seeking adventure and freedom, allowing them to connect with the characters' resourceful spirit and New England values.
