When a child loves fast-paced, imaginative adventures, reach for this book to show them how quick thinking and teamwork can solve impossible problems. This thrilling story follows Suzy, a postmaster for a magical railway, as she races to stop a villain from stealing a giant, super-intelligent brain. It's a high-stakes heist on a ghost train that champions bravery and perseverance. Ideal for ages 8-12, this book is a brilliant blend of fantasy, mystery, and humor. It’s a perfect choice for readers who enjoy inventive worlds and a story that celebrates cleverness and courage over brute force.
Contains fantasy-style action and conflict. The violence is not graphic and focuses on outsmarting foes.
Sensitive Topics
The book features constant peril and action sequences. The main villain, a brain in a jar, is more quirky and eccentric than truly terrifying, but the concept could be mildly unsettling for some. The approach to danger is entirely fantastical and action-oriented. The resolution is hopeful and unambiguous, with the clever and courageous heroes triumphing over the villain's schemes.
Ideal Reader
An 8 to 11-year-old who devours fantasy and adventure with a passion for intricate world-building. This child loves stories with clever, capable kid protagonists who solve problems with their minds. They appreciate a good dose of humor and wit alongside their thrilling plots, similar to readers of "Nevermoor" or "The Mysterious Benedict Society".
Parent Prep
No specific preparation is needed; the book can be read cold. While it is the second in a series, it provides enough context for a new reader to jump in and enjoy the adventure without feeling lost. The plot is self-contained. A parent has a child who just finished a big fantasy series and is asking, "What can I read next that's just as exciting?" The child is ready for a story with a complex, imaginative world but wants something with a fun, fast-paced, and slightly silly tone.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will be captivated by the non-stop action, the funny troll characters, and the sheer coolness of a magical train system. An older reader (10-12) will also appreciate the clever wordplay, the intricate details of the world-building, and the themes of using one's unique skills to contribute to a team.
What Makes It Special
The core concept of an interdimensional postal service delivered by a sentient steam train is incredibly unique and charming. Unlike many fantasy heroes who are destined for greatness, Suzy is a hero because of her practical, logical, and determined nature, making her a wonderfully grounded and relatable protagonist in a world of pure imagination.
Read plot summary
Suzy Smith, official postmaster for the magical Union of Impossible Places, is back on the rails. Her latest mission is derailed when the villainous Lord Rex, a disembodied brain in a jar controlling a robot, steals the Great Brain of Serekh. Suzy and her troll friend Wilmot must give chase on a spooky ghost train, outsmart Lord Rex's robotic minions, and pull off a daring heist to retrieve the brain before its immense power can be used for evil. The story is a high-speed, fantastical chase and rescue mission across bizarre and inventive worlds.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Suzy often has to bend or break the rules of the Impossible Places Postal Service to do the right thing. When do you think it is okay to break a rule?
2
Wilmot the troll and Suzy the human are very different, but they make a great team. What specific strengths does each of them bring to their mission to save the Great Brain?
3
Lord Rex wants to use the Great Brain's knowledge for his own selfish plans. What do you think is the right way to use great knowledge or power?
4
The ghost train, the Apparition, has its own personality and rules. If you could design your own magical train, what would it be like and where would it go?
