The Boxcar Children - Surprise Island — Chapter 7

About This Passage

Warner uses watch's howl as the only warning in the cave scene. The dog has been barking happily all book — but this is the first time he howls, and Henry knows immediately that something has changed. The chapter relies on the reader to feel the difference between a bark and a howl. The passage is worth copying because it shows how a writer can use a single small detail (a dog's voice changing) to signal danger before the children can see it. Satisfies criteria B (the contrast between bark and howl), C (the use of an animal's behavior as a warning sign), and D (the theme of how attention to small things saves lives).

Narration Prompt

In your own words, tell the story of this chapter. What were the most important moments? What made them important — and how do you know?

Discussion Questions

1. Joe gets very excited when he sees the arrowhead and axe head — far more excited than a regular handyman would be. Then he quickly tries to hide his excitement. What is happening in Joe at this moment, and why does he feel he has to hide it?
2. Watch the dog gives the warning that saves the children's lives. Compare this to chapter 4, where watch joined in the clam digging, and chapter 5, where watch carried a board for Henry. Across the book, what role is watch developing into?

+ 3 more questions in the complete study guide