Reviews

The Silver Arrow by Lev Grossman

mdevlin923's review against another edition

3.0

Kate leads a rather uninteresting life with parents who focus more on their jobs than on Kate and her brother, Tom...so for her 11th birthday, she writes to her mysterious and rich Uncle Herbert to ask him for a wonderful gift. The next morning, Uncle Herbert arrives with his gift: the Silver Arrow, an actual steam engine. Kate and Tom are exploring the train when it magically goes into gear and starts rolling along tracks that have appeared. They learn how to operate the magical train and transport their passengers: talking animals who need to migrate. Throughout their journey, both Kate and Tom learn more about themselves and the world around them.

A good choice for a classroom or family read aloud. There's something for everyone to enjoy: magic, adventure, and talking animals. A huge focus on animal and wildlife conservation, environmentalism, and being present in the moment.

allicatca's review against another edition

4.0

I listened to this on audio. I was somewhat put off by the reader's voice and British accent but nonetheless liked this book. Nice descriptive language and such a beautiful message:. Take care of this earth and its animals. The animals and plants need our help!

jemimaannie's review against another edition

adventurous inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

melinda_and_her_books's review against another edition

4.0

Thank you Netgalley and Hachette audio for my gifted copy.

This is a middle grade novel about a magic train with talking animals.

This gave me a Harry Potter and Alice and Wonderland feel. I would like to read the actual book to my daughter. I feel this would be better as an actual book.

This has the potential to be a series.

leilabp4's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

pointeluv's review against another edition

5.0

Did not anticipate where this story was going or the final lesson at the end. It was perfect.  

danib11's review against another edition

4.0

Very fun, magical read aloud with kiddos.

foxmcjoel's review against another edition

adventurous informative lighthearted medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

jackdziatkowiec's review against another edition

adventurous informative lighthearted sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

Magical journey around the world on a talking train. I learned some new facts about trains and endangered animals; not many, but I had fun doing it. Has a good message for young people, about the changing climate and how it impacts the creatures we share the planet with. Drawings are nice addition.

kimbercash's review against another edition

adventurous