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e_cobbe's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
hopechandler's review against another edition
4.0
I'm giving this 4 stars because if I were a kid, I would have liked it more. It got a little encyclopedic at times. My boyfriend couldn't finish it. He refers to the book as "Lev Grossman talks about trains and animals." That and the language sometimes threw me out of the story, or the suspension of disbelief was broken. Other than that, it was a cute story that moved me. Some of the themes are here that he's used in his other books, which I love. So, if you like Lev Grossman's other works, this one doesn't disappoint.
debra_co's review against another edition
1.0
I think somewhere along the way, the author lost sight of the story in favor of teaching a lesson. Even if I agree with the message wholeheartedly, the book was incredibly preachy and not subtle or nuanced like the best middle grade books are.
hheartbooks's review against another edition
2.0
The family relationships at the beginning of the book are not ideal but real world. I wish I could enthusiastically recommend this book- I do like the adventure, talking animals, and the main character learning how to think through problems and lean on others (also learning to admit when she's wrong,) but the not so hidden agenda kills it for me.
kellitrusedell's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
4.0
I read this illustrated chapter book with my seven-year-old, train-loving son, and we both really enjoyed it. A fun adventure about a magical train and talking animals, and a great message about doing good and helping the world. My son and I both recommend this book, and look forward to reading the sequel soon. He gives the book five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, and I give it four steam engines. 🚂🚂🚂🚂
votresourire_m's review against another edition
4.0
An enchanting and enriched mixture of Narnia and the Polar Express, I adored it. Great messages for all ages, it felt like a privilege to take part in it.
kandicez's review against another edition
5.0
I fully admit that I came to Lev Grossman late. A good friend who is a librarian had the honor of interviewing him and to support her I decided to watch. He spoke about The Magicians series and it piqued my interest, so I picked them up. Little did I know I was about to fall in love. Yes, with that series, but in a deeper way, with Grossman's writing. He is a beautifully eloquent writer.
This is aimed at middle schoolers and I will be keeping it for my (some day!) grandchildren. A young girl is given a special train on her 11th birthday instead of a letter of admission to Hogwarts. Some would find this a disappointment, but she and her brother go on to amazing adventures on said train that not only defy reality, but teach them about what it means to be at the very top of the food chain. The most evolved animals on the planet. More importantly, they learn about the responsibilities this entails.
The train travels the world picking up animals and moving them from place to place. It sounds silly, but along the way the children learn what humankind has done to the animals with which we share our home. How we've encroached and infringed upon them, to the brink of extinction in many cases. Grossman introduces a pangolin as a character in what can only be called a stroke of genius. Have you heard of this little creature? I had not, and when it was described I assumed it was a figment of his imagination.
How do you not want to protect something as dear as that? Children today have instant access to the internet and I believe Grossman uses the pangolin to make them look it up. In doing so they will be pushed toward research that will open their eyes to the plight of our planet mates. A call to action, if you will.
Just as he did in The Magicians series, Grossman writes some truly magical and emotional scenes that made me smile and at times brought actual tears to my eyes.
I can't wait until he writes something else.
This is aimed at middle schoolers and I will be keeping it for my (some day!) grandchildren. A young girl is given a special train on her 11th birthday instead of a letter of admission to Hogwarts. Some would find this a disappointment, but she and her brother go on to amazing adventures on said train that not only defy reality, but teach them about what it means to be at the very top of the food chain. The most evolved animals on the planet. More importantly, they learn about the responsibilities this entails.
The train travels the world picking up animals and moving them from place to place. It sounds silly, but along the way the children learn what humankind has done to the animals with which we share our home. How we've encroached and infringed upon them, to the brink of extinction in many cases. Grossman introduces a pangolin as a character in what can only be called a stroke of genius. Have you heard of this little creature? I had not, and when it was described I assumed it was a figment of his imagination.
How do you not want to protect something as dear as that? Children today have instant access to the internet and I believe Grossman uses the pangolin to make them look it up. In doing so they will be pushed toward research that will open their eyes to the plight of our planet mates. A call to action, if you will.
Just as he did in The Magicians series, Grossman writes some truly magical and emotional scenes that made me smile and at times brought actual tears to my eyes.
I can't wait until he writes something else.
jennysoljan's review against another edition
4.0
This was such a great read aloud. My kids begged for just one more chapter each night.
bonniereads777's review against another edition
4.0
This is the audiobook version of the Silver Arrow, a middle grade children's book by Lev Grossman, narrated by Simon Vance.
This is a wonderful children's story about two kids who have an adventure on a magic train, and the passengers are talking animals! I think young kids will really enjoy this story, which also provides education about animals and the environment.
For myself, I would have liked the author to take the story further. When you have a magic train with a library car and a candy car, there are so many possibilities! The author stayed in the "environmental education" lane, where I would have liked him to make it more of a fantasy adventure. There appears to be many possibilities for a sequel, however, and I would definitely want that audiobook as well.
The narrator, Simon Vance, is amazing. He gets 5 stars. He creates a magical world you want to live in, just like Jim Dale did with Harry Potter. I will definitely be seeking out Vance's other work.
This is a wonderful children's story about two kids who have an adventure on a magic train, and the passengers are talking animals! I think young kids will really enjoy this story, which also provides education about animals and the environment.
For myself, I would have liked the author to take the story further. When you have a magic train with a library car and a candy car, there are so many possibilities! The author stayed in the "environmental education" lane, where I would have liked him to make it more of a fantasy adventure. There appears to be many possibilities for a sequel, however, and I would definitely want that audiobook as well.
The narrator, Simon Vance, is amazing. He gets 5 stars. He creates a magical world you want to live in, just like Jim Dale did with Harry Potter. I will definitely be seeking out Vance's other work.
bonniereads777's review against another edition
4.0
This is the audiobook version of the Silver Arrow, a middle grade children's book by Lev Grossman, narrated by Simon Vance.
This is a wonderful children's story about two kids who have an adventure on a magic train, and the passengers are talking animals! I think young kids will really enjoy this story, which also provides education about animals and the environment.
For myself, I would have liked the author to take the story further. When you have a magic train with a library car and a candy car, there are so many possibilities! The author stayed in the "environmental education" lane, where I would have liked him to make it more of a fantasy adventure. There appears to be many possibilities for a sequel, however, and I would definitely want that audiobook as well.
The narrator, Simon Vance, is amazing. He gets 5 stars. He creates a magical world you want to live in, just like Jim Dale did with Harry Potter. I will definitely be seeking out Vance's other work.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
This is a wonderful children's story about two kids who have an adventure on a magic train, and the passengers are talking animals! I think young kids will really enjoy this story, which also provides education about animals and the environment.
For myself, I would have liked the author to take the story further. When you have a magic train with a library car and a candy car, there are so many possibilities! The author stayed in the "environmental education" lane, where I would have liked him to make it more of a fantasy adventure. There appears to be many possibilities for a sequel, however, and I would definitely want that audiobook as well.
The narrator, Simon Vance, is amazing. He gets 5 stars. He creates a magical world you want to live in, just like Jim Dale did with Harry Potter. I will definitely be seeking out Vance's other work.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from Netgalley. My review is voluntary.