Parents' Guide to

The Golden Swift: The Silver Arrow, Book 2

By Michael Berry, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Marvelous magical train saga picks up steam.

Book Lev Grossman Fantasy 2022
Cover art of The Golden Swift

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 6+

Based on 1 parent review

AlainaBa
AlainaBa Parent of 8-year-old
August 9, 2023
age 6+

Steam Trains and Their Tracks!

Hello, I think this book was very enjoyable for me. One of the things I thought was really cool was how in the book they were trying to help the world in every way they could. If something went wrong they kept on trying. I think the story is a very clever idea for a fictional book. I like the idea of the intercontinental railway. I like that the animals can talk. I like how Kate, the main character, was thrown into the adventure and she reminds me of myself because she always dreamed of having a big adventure and that’s exactly what she got! I hope if you read this book you enjoy it as much as I did. Happy reading!
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What's the Story?

As THE GOLDEN SWIFT opens, it has been months since 11-year-old Kate or her younger brother Tom has ridden on The Silver Arrow, the magical locomotive that travels the world saving animals from extinction. Their mysterious Uncle Herbert has disappeared, leaving behind a trashed apartment and a surly wolverine. Kate and her friends set off in search of another train, the fabled Golden Swift!

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Author Lev Grossman continues his magical train saga with a middle volume that ups the ante and takes the narrative in an exciting new direction. Kate and Tom -- and a likable cast of supporting animal characters -- learn a tough lesson about the fragility of the ecosphere, that climate change won't be fixed easily. Readers will again be transported by the book's raucous plot and eagerly await the concluding installment.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how The Golden Swift works as a sequel. Does it make you anxious to read Book 3? Why do readers like multivolume stories?

  • How has climate change affected the planet? What are resources for people who want to learn more about it?

  • Why is it difficult for animals to be moved to better, safer locations?

Book Details

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