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Gertrude Chandler Warner

1 series 150 books in order 1924–2018

Gertrude Chandler Warner (1890–1979) was an American children's author and schoolteacher from Putnam, Connecticut. She is best known for creating the Boxcar Children series, which she began in 1924. The series features four orphaned siblings who find shelter in an abandoned freight car and embark on adventures. Warner wrote a total of nineteen books in the series. Her works have remained popular with young readers, combining elements of adventure with themes of family, resourcefulness, and independence. She spent much of her life teaching and writing, leaving a lasting legacy in children's literature.

Born
1890
Active years
1924–2018
Known for
The Boxcar Children

Series by Gertrude Chandler Warner

The Boxcar Children

150 books in order · 1924–2018 · Publication order

  1. Cover of The Boxcar Children

    The Boxcar Children

    1924 · Gertrude Chandler Warner

    Four orphaned siblings, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden, run away rather than be sent to a grandfather they believe is cruel. They make a cozy…

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  2. Cover of Surprise Island

    Surprise Island

    1949 · Gertrude Chandler Warner

    Now settled with their kind grandfather, the four Alden children spend the summer on an island he owns. While exploring beaches and caves, they…

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  3. Cover of The Yellow House Mystery

    The Yellow House Mystery

    1953 · Gertrude Chandler Warner

    The Aldens return to their old boxcar and turn their attention to a long-empty yellow house nearby. A faded note and an unsolved family disappearance…

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  4. Cover of Mystery Ranch

    Mystery Ranch

    1958 · Gertrude Chandler Warner

    The Alden children visit their Aunt Jane, who lives alone on a remote ranch and seems unwelcoming at first. As they settle in, they grow curious…

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  5. Cover of Mike's Mystery

    Mike's Mystery

    1960 · Gertrude Chandler Warner

    Visiting their friend Mike in a small mining town, the Aldens become caught up in trouble when a fire and a theft strike the area. Suspicion falls…

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  6. Cover of Blue Bay Mystery

    Blue Bay Mystery

    1961 · Gertrude Chandler Warner

    The Alden family travels to a tropical island in the South Seas for a vacation full of swimming and exploring. Strange footprints and signs that…

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  7. Cover of The Woodshed Mystery

    The Woodshed Mystery

    1962 · Gertrude Chandler Warner

    While staying at a relative's old New England home, the Aldens become intrigued by a locked woodshed and tales of long-ago Revolutionary War history.…

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  8. Cover of The Lighthouse Mystery

    The Lighthouse Mystery

    1963 · Gertrude Chandler Warner

    The Alden children spend a seaside vacation near an old lighthouse, where they meet new friends and notice puzzling goings-on along the shore.…

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  9. Cover of Mountain Top Mystery

    Mountain Top Mystery

    1964 · Gertrude Chandler Warner

    The Aldens head to the mountains for a vacation, staying in a cabin near a rugged peak. They become curious about a hidden cave and a reclusive…

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  10. Cover of Schoolhouse Mystery

    Schoolhouse Mystery

    1965 · Gertrude Chandler Warner

    The Alden children travel to help out at a small school on a remote island where supplies and money keep going missing. As they pitch in with lessons…

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Show all 150 The Boxcar Children books in order →

Frequently asked questions

How many books has Gertrude Chandler Warner written?

We list 150 books by Gertrude Chandler Warner across 1 series, published between 1924–2018 — each shown in full reading order.

What order should I read Gertrude Chandler Warner's books?

Read each series in publication order. A good place to start is “The Boxcar Children.” Open any series above for its complete numbered reading order.

Where can I buy Gertrude Chandler Warner's books?

Every title links to Amazon from its series page. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Bibliography and reading orders compiled from verified bibliographic data. Spotted an error? We continuously correct the catalog.