The Boundless

Reach for this book when your child is craving a cinematic, high-stakes adventure that feels both classic and modern. It is an ideal choice for the middle-schooler who needs to see a peer navigate a world of shifting alliances, learning to trust their own instincts even when the adults around them are compromised. The story follows Will Everett aboard a massive, multi-level train as he protects a mysterious key from a ruthless murderer. While the setting is a fantastical steampunk version of the Canadian wilderness, the emotional core deals with Will's transition from a protected, upper-class child to a resilient young man. It explores themes of justice, the divide between social classes, and the courage required to do the right thing under pressure. Parents will appreciate how the book balances breathtaking action with thoughtful questions about who gets to tell history and what it means to be truly brave.