Book forty-two: Surprise Island (The Boxcar Children Mysteries #2) by Gertrude Chandler Warner

These books, perhaps more than most others, illustrate how our mindsets about leaving children alone have changed over time. Today's parents are constantly being reminded that one misstep in parenting could lead to charges of neglect or endangerment. But not so long ago, kids were given the freedom to roam freely for extended periods of time. 

In this book the children's grandfather lets them go to an island for the summer. Sure, there are adults present on the island and grandpa does visit, but most of the time the children are left to fend for themselves. They find, buy, prepare, and cook their own meals, they manage whatever crises come to pass, the learn to seek help when problems are too large to handle on their own. The also have so much fun exploring and discovering. 

Hen really appreciates the adventures presented in these books so we'll definitely keep on reading them. 

42 down plus 10 to go.