Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden take care of one another. They have no parents, no other family-except for a grandfather they don't care to see-and no home . . . until the night they find the boxcar. Old, rusty, lonely, and abandoned in the woods, it's the perfect home for four brave children on their own. Through hard work and courage, the Aldens begin to build a life full of fun and adventure. But when they're faced with a problem they can't solve themselves, they're forced to look for adult help-and will find it in the most unlikely ally.