Patricia MacLachlan (author of Journey, The Sarah Plain and Tall books, and many more wonderful children's books), takes up a task that suits her skills perfectly! Prequel of the Boxcar Children books!!! I love the first 19 Boxcar children books (the only ones actually written by the original author). I would have been hesitant about this book hadn't it been for the author... one of my favorites. I thought, "What a splendid idea! One she is perfect for ." :) Back Cover Review : In the year before they become the orphans known as the Boxcar Children, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden live with their parents at Fair Meadow Farm, where, although times are hard, they take in a family who have been stranded in their car during a blizzard. My Review : The four Aldens learn what family means, growing up during the depression on their small farm, Fairmeadow. Even when things are hard, the family shares with neighbors, friends, strangers alike. None of them ar...