Warner, Gertrude Chandler (1890–1979), was an American children’s novelist known for originating the popular series called “The Boxcar Children.” The series portrays the adventures of four orphaned brothers and sisters, Benny, Henry, Jessie, and Violet Alden. After their parents die, the children discover an abandoned boxcar in a forest and make it their home. Their grandfather finds them and moves the boxcar to his backyard so the children can use it as a playhouse. In the series, the children face many mysteries and encounter many adventures in their neighborhood or as they travel with their grandfather.
Warner wrote The Boxcar Children, the first book in the series, in 1924. She revised it for publication in 1942. Warner intended the later version to be easier for young children who have trouble reading. It remains the standard version today. Warner wrote 19 “Boxcar” books. The publisher hired additional writers to contribute to the series, which now numbers more than 100 books.
Warner was born on April 16, 1890, in Putnam, Connecticut. While growing up, she lived across from a railroad station. The sight of a parked caboose with a table and coffee cups set up inside inspired her to write The Boxcar Children. Because of poor health, Warner never finished high school. She taught first grade from 1918 to 1950, when she retired to devote herself to writing. She also wrote other books for children and adults. Warner died on Aug. 30, 1979.
