The Silver Arrow - book cover
Growing Up & Facts of Life
  • Publisher : Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; Large type / Large print edition
  • Published : 01 Sep 2020
  • Pages : 288
  • ISBN-10 : 0316541702
  • ISBN-13 : 9780316541701
  • Language : English

The Silver Arrow

"I loved every page. This is middle grade fiction at its best."-- Ann Patchett
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Magicians comes a must-read, wholly original middle-grade debut perfect for fans of The Chronicles of Narnia and Roald Dahl.

Dear Uncle Herbert,
You've never met me, but I'm your niece Kate, and since it is my birthday tomorrow and you are super-rich could you please send me a present?

Kate and her younger brother Tom lead dull, uninteresting lives. And if their dull, uninteresting parents are anything to go by, they don't have much to look forward to. Why can't Kate have thrilling adventures and save the world the way people do in books? Even her 11th birthday is shaping up to be mundane -- that is, until her mysterious and highly irresponsible Uncle Herbert, whom she's never even met before, surprises her with the most unexpected, exhilarating, inappropriate birthday present of all time: a colossal steam locomotive called the Silver Arrow.

Kate and Tom's parents want to send it right back where it came from. But Kate and Tom have other ideas -- and so does the Silver Arrow -- and soon they're off to distant lands along magical rail lines in the company of an assortment of exotic animals who, it turns out, can talk. With only curiosity, excitement, their own resourcefulness and the thrill of the unknown to guide them, Kate and Tom are on the adventure of a lifetime . . . and who knows? They just might end up saving the world after all.

This thrilling fantasy adventure will not only entertain young readers but inspire them to see the beautiful, exciting, and precious world around them with new eyes.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for The Silver Arrow:

Readers Top Reviews

720JeanneP. Nelso
My 11 yo really liked this book. Took her about a week to read.
August Hartigan
Not a complicated book but a very good one. Kind of an adolescent book but real fun to read.
Jon S.
I’ve read this book 2 times out loud to my 4 year old (once when he was 3 lol). But we both loved this book so much! I want to read it again for myself. Absolutely brilliantly written and captivating. I really hope a second one comes out!!
Ellie
I read this book through Libby and thoroughly enjoyed it. So much so, I had to order it for my grandson. I know that he will enjoy it it because he is very much into helping this planet, especially the animals.
Melinda Forbes
This book has an important message for all. Read with my grandchildren and they rated it 5 stars. Was humbled and at times embarrassed.

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