The New York Times Book Review - Anya Jaremko-Greenwold
The same delightful type of genre deconstruction that animates Grossman's young adult Magicians trilogy is at work in The Silver Arrow…an eco-fable that addresses a serious global crisis (climate change, though the term is never used) with whimsy: It's easier to get kids interested in theoretical scientific concepts if you charm them with talking animals…While in The Magicians magic provides unhappy people with a way out, in The Silver Arrow it shows Kate she need not escape into a fantasy world when there's more rewarding work to be done in this one than she'd ever imagined.
From the Publisher
Praise for The Silver Arrow:
"I loved it. Completely unpredictable and completely charming. A perfect book to cuddle up with and savor—and even better to read aloud with someone you love." —Adam Gidwitz, bestselling and Newbery honor-winning author of A Tale Dark and Grimm and The Inquisitor's Tale
*"Both cozy and inspiring, this eco-fable conveys both grim truths and a defiant call to action."—Kirkus, starred review
*"Grossman's gorgeous middle-grade debut is vivid and amusing... it's a world all its own."—Booklist, starred review
"...whimsical details and well-wrought moments of adventure are nevertheless certain to draw young readers."—Publishers Weekly
"...one that's sure to become a classic all its own."—Barnes & Noble Reads
"[A] scrumptious fantasy confection."—Horn Book
"Fans of classic talking-animal tales such as the Chronicles of Narnia will want to pick up a copy."—BCCB
"I loved every page. This is middle grade fiction at its best."—Ann Patchett
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2020-06-30
The best birthday present is a magical train full of talking animals—and a new job.
On Kate’s 11th birthday, she’s surprised by the arrival of rich Uncle Herbert. Uncle Herbert bears a gift: a train. Not a toy train, a 102.36-ton steam engine, with cars that come later. When Kate and her brother, Tom, both white, play in the cab of the Silver Arrow, the train starts up, zooming to a platform packed with animals holding tickets. Thus begins Kate and Tom’s hard work: They learn to conduct the train and feed the fire box, instructed by the Silver Arrow, which speaks via printed paper tape. The Silver Arrow is a glorious playground: The library car is chockablock with books while the candy car is brimful of gobstoppers and gummy bears. But amid the excitement of whistle-blowing and train conducting, Kate and Tom learn quiet messages from their animal friends. Some species, like gray squirrels and starlings, are “invaders.” The too-thin polar bear’s train platform has melted, leaving it almost drowned. Their new calling is more than just feeding the coal box—they need to find a new balance in a damaged world. “Feeling guilty doesn’t help anything,” the mamba tells them. Humans have survived so effectively they’ve taken over the world; now, he says, “you just have to take care of it.” (Illustrations not seen.)
Both cozy and inspiring, this eco-fable conveys both grim truths and a defiant call to action. (Fantasy. 8-10)
