This book is awesome! I have read it many, many times over and still love it every time!! Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny have become real people to me! Their independence and bravery give you a good lesson and a easy read at the same time. A good book for any young reader. (or old!)

I loved this book as a child and still find it fascinating! I always loved the black and white drawings. Very creative and it brings back many fond memories!!

This is one of those books that is without a doubt an absolute classic. Every time I read it I love it more. It has everything a good adventure story should have--runaways, danger, mysteries, living in an abandoned boxcar. And yet none of it is too threatening, which makes it perfect for young readers. Warner's stye is one that is no longer seen, but it's a marvelously understated way of telling a great story while still maintaining decent emotion.

3rd grade reader says, "This book is about four children who keep running away from people after losing both parents during the depression. First, they run away from their grandfather because they picture him as old. They think this means he will only bully them and make them do his chores. Second, they run away from a bakery because they don't trust the baker's wife to not call a foster home, which would allow their grandfather to find them. Finally, they create a safe place to live away from everyone - in an old box car with stuff from a dump. Then they build a friendship with a man and his friend, but the friend turns out to be their grandfater in desquise. They go home with him, bringing the box car with them. This book teaches not to judge people by how they look and how we need a safe place before we can trust."

I recently purchased this book for my then 6 year old son. He loved it just as much as I did when I was a kid. The story is very timeless and simple enough to be uncomplicated for even the youngest reader. While also being interesting to older readers. My son even ended up choosing this book for a first grade book report. Love, love, love the characters and the whole story.