Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tween girls face monsters, dilemmas in plot-twisty sequel
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Mihi, Reese, and Savannah have barely recovered from Book 2's events when they get word that things are going OFF THE RAILS back in the Rainbow Realm. So back through the portal (in the school librarian's refrigerator) they go to the fairytale world, where they're soon diving under the sea, matching wits with monsters, and riding magical dragon trains to Korean and Irish fairytale realms in search of their friend Pat. The former Sleeping Beauty, Pat's trying to restore the Rainbow Realm's lost magic -- by taking magic from other realms. This gets complicated, as the girls try to protect Pat, their loved ones, themselves -- and also the unwilling victims of Pat's magic-stealing ways.
Is It Any Good?
Book 3 in Tae Keller's latest lively, plot-twisting fairytale series lands tween pals Mihi, Reese, and Savannah in lots of trouble as they try to keep their well-meaning friend from making things worse. Off the Rails, featuring lots of magical trains whose engines look like fire-breathing dragons, continues the series' strong stereotype-busting theme, as pals Mihi (Korean), Reese (Black), and Savannah (White), told many times they're not the princess type by their blonde frenemy, prove equal to the many challenges of the fairytale world, from mythic monsters to people who just lie a lot. Or at least let you go on believing things that might not be true. There's never a dull moment. There are plenty of surprises en route to a cliff hanger setting up the series finale.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about folklore and folk tales, which are a big part of the adventure in Off the Rails. Are there any folklore traditions you know a lot about -- maybe because the stories have been told in your family forever? What are they, and which stories do you like best?
Have you ever thought your friend was headed down the wrong path -- and weren't sure what to do about it? What happened, and how did you deal?
If you were stuck far away from home, what do you think you'd miss most?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Geraldine RodrÃguez
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Henry Holt
- Publication date : February 6, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 208
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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