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epiphanylost86's review against another edition
4.0
Okay, so I definitely judged this book by the cover. "Oh, great... a book about a train..." However, this book was a pleasant surprise with a LOT of feels and life lessons wrapped up in it. This is a book about growing up, but never giving up. It's about perserverance and doing what is right even if it's the hardest thing you've ever done. Any animal lover will probably appreciate this book as well because you encounter several different species and learn a little about them... even if they are cranky! Just remember, even when you're standing still you are still traveling through time, second by second.
jsanders05's review against another edition
3.0
It’s kinda like taking Narnia and Polar Express and making a new novel.
The Silver Arrow is full of magic, subtle (and sometimes not to subtle) life lessons, and adventure. In my libraries I’ve categorized this book as ‘fantasy’ but I may be changing it to ‘adventure.’ There’s plenty of joy, thrills, and close-to-death situations. The imagery that Grossman has created is breathtaking. I also loved the illustrations throughout.
Read because it’s a 2022-2023 Nebraska Golden Sower Award Nominee. I recommend it for high-level 2nd grade students to 5th grade. Any higher than that and the content may be too ‘young’ feeling.
The Silver Arrow is full of magic, subtle (and sometimes not to subtle) life lessons, and adventure. In my libraries I’ve categorized this book as ‘fantasy’ but I may be changing it to ‘adventure.’ There’s plenty of joy, thrills, and close-to-death situations. The imagery that Grossman has created is breathtaking. I also loved the illustrations throughout.
Read because it’s a 2022-2023 Nebraska Golden Sower Award Nominee. I recommend it for high-level 2nd grade students to 5th grade. Any higher than that and the content may be too ‘young’ feeling.
lrcyriousreader's review against another edition
4.0
The Silver Arrow is about a girl that is 10, turning 11. Her name is Kate, and she gets a magic train from her strange uncle. The train can type and explain what it needs on a magic typewriter! It has special cars like a candy car and a sleeper car. Read to find out what adventures Kate and her brother Tom have on their magic train.
I enjoyed that it had these things: magic, talking animals, and helping out.
You might like this book if you like magic and talking animals and adventures!
I enjoyed that it had these things: magic, talking animals, and helping out.
You might like this book if you like magic and talking animals and adventures!
girlreading's review against another edition
5.0
A thoughtful, emotional and highly imaginative story that expertly discusses the negative impact humanity has had on the balance of nature in a way that’s sensitive, informative and void of sugarcoating.
With lovely illustrations, an exciting and magical plot, talking animals and a relatable main character, The Silver Arrow was a heartfelt adventure and one that is sure to touch the hearts of readers of all ages. I adored it.
With lovely illustrations, an exciting and magical plot, talking animals and a relatable main character, The Silver Arrow was a heartfelt adventure and one that is sure to touch the hearts of readers of all ages. I adored it.
witchshark's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
abookarmoire's review against another edition
4.0
This middle grade book cleverly delivers a timely environmental message about us, animals and our planet built in this fun story.
“Herbert,” he said. “What the blazes is this?”
He didn’t really say blazes, but you can’t put the word he did say in a book for children.
“It’s a train,” Uncle Hebert said. “A steam train.”
Kate celebrates her eleventh birthday and receives a generous present from her uncle Hebert, The Silver Bullet, a magical train! Both Kate and her younger brother Tom leave all adults behind and go on their own adventure. This train is powered by coal, picks up exotic animals along the way, and maybe Kate and Tom can save the world after all!
She was so tired she just splashed some water on her face and dried it with the towel. The pyjamas felt cool and soft and clean. She didn’t brush her teeth, because what was even the point of getting to sleep on a magic train if you had to brush your teeth?
Perfect for fans who enjoy a light-hearted, adventurous story, with a light dusting of a powerful message.
“Herbert,” he said. “What the blazes is this?”
He didn’t really say blazes, but you can’t put the word he did say in a book for children.
“It’s a train,” Uncle Hebert said. “A steam train.”
Kate celebrates her eleventh birthday and receives a generous present from her uncle Hebert, The Silver Bullet, a magical train! Both Kate and her younger brother Tom leave all adults behind and go on their own adventure. This train is powered by coal, picks up exotic animals along the way, and maybe Kate and Tom can save the world after all!
She was so tired she just splashed some water on her face and dried it with the towel. The pyjamas felt cool and soft and clean. She didn’t brush her teeth, because what was even the point of getting to sleep on a magic train if you had to brush your teeth?
Perfect for fans who enjoy a light-hearted, adventurous story, with a light dusting of a powerful message.
kajh23's review against another edition
5.0
A wonderful, magical book that will please any middle grade reader who loves adventure and animals. Kate is gifted a steam train on her 11th birthday by an eccentric uncle - so she and her brother Tom set off on a trip that will take them around the world and introduce them to a myriad of animals. Grossman so cleverly wraps up all these animal facts in the honest-to-goodness thrills of their adventure that the pages fly by. This is a joy to read and important to read. If one child takes the book’s message to heart, the world will be on its way to becoming a better place. Thank you Mr. Grossman.
bricelam's review against another edition
5.0
I can’t think of a better way to teach children about their God-given dominion over the creatures of this earth.
ana3333's review against another edition
4.0
Altogether a very charming and entertaining story, with sprinkles of Grossman's signature ennui and hopelessness. I was curious about how his writing style would translate to a kid's book, and I found that it worked very well.
read_to_write's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0