Review by Booklist Review
Kate still thrills at her responsibility as conductor of the Silver Arrow, ferrying threatened animals to safer habitats via her enchanted train. But regular-world distractions are competing for her attention: more schoolwork, a never-ending onslaught of natural disasters, and, alarmingly, a missing relative. Uncle Herbert vanished months ago, along with the timetables Kate relies on to make her magical trips. She heads out to find him but promptly runs into more mysteries, including another train conductor with nebulous--but possibly nefarious--intentions. This Silver Arrow (2020) sequel retains the magic of the first installment but goes deeper, revealing more of the secretive train world while raising the moral stakes. The story doesn't shy away from people's increasingly complicated place in the natural world, but Grossman doesn't let humans off the hook, insisting that Kate and company continue to do their best, make mistakes, and try again. It's both encouragement for young readers navigating this fraught, fascinating world and a vital reminder that every day is a new chance for humans to change.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3--6--In this follow-up to Grossman's The Silver Arrow, Kate, who is white, waits impatiently for her uncle to deliver her train schedule, allowing her to resume her animal rescue activities. When Uncle Herbert doesn't show up, she takes the Silver Arrow out to look for him. Along the way, she runs into another train and conductor on the Great Secret Intercontinental Railway. When she discovers that the conductor of the Golden Swift has gone rogue and is implementing his own plans for the environment, Kate must choose between continuing her search for her uncle or helping the Golden Swift's conductor with his plan. On top of everything else, Kate struggles with school and her relationship with her brother. Magical trains, talking animals, and environmental change all take center stage in this story full of friendship and moral dilemmas. Kate discovers that sometimes good intentions just aren't enough. Grossman's writing style and vocabulary make this tale kid-friendly and easy to read. The riveting action will keep young readers turning pages, eager to find out what happens next. Bishop's black-and-white illustrations highlight the characters, settings, and plot in a wonderful way. VERDICT A must-purchase for libraries where The Silver Arrow is popular or stories of magic and natural wonder are desired.--Heidi Grange
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Children with magical talking steam trains are thrilled by their clever new plan to rescue endangered animals. Eleven-year-old Kate absolutely adores her secret job--helping animals in need by using the magical locomotive that was a gift from her billionaire wizard uncle. Kate loves riding the Silver Arrow with Uncle Herbert; her brother, Tom; and the talking animals they escort to safe places. But now Uncle Herbert is missing, 9-year-old Tom seems more interested in hapkido than their supernatural train, and Kate's struggling socially and academically thanks to her eco-anxiety. No matter how many animals she helps, no matter how many adults proclaim that climate change is a critical issue, the environment keeps getting worse. One night Kate discovers another train driving on the magical railroad: The Golden Swift is conducted by her classmate Jag, who thinks rescuing stranded creatures isn't sufficiently radical. When Kate joins him, she feels more inspired and more righteous than ever before. This time, she's actually making the world better! Kate's unhappy discoveries of unintended consequences and the moral complexities of her activism are softened by humor. The snarky banter of the talking locomotive is an understated delight, as is the train constructed with, among others, candy and ice cream cars, an invisible car, and a dojo car. Kate and Tom are White; Jag is described as having dark skin and black hair and possibly being Indian. Charming illustrations enhance the text. Gentle, encouraging, witty fantasy that may soothe readers suffering from climate anxiety. (Fantasy. 8-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
