The Train of Lost Things by Ammi-Joan Paquette
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Note: Advance Reader’s Copy | Book Releases 3/20/18
Marty Torphil’s dad gifted him with a very special jacket that holds several buttons that mark momentous occasions shared between just the two of them. It means everything to Marty, especially in light of his father’s dire diagnosis. When his jacket goes missing, he hopes beyond all hope that the stories his father tells of the train of lost things is more than just a story. If he could only be one of the lucky few who hears its horn and boards then maybe, just maybe he can locate the jacket and save his dad. You see, the train holds true heart’s possessions that have been lost by a child. It’s altogether magical and it is something that he and his family can use a taste of right now. All-aboard this enchanting flying train ride!
Coming to terms with a very serious illness that is slowly changing the dynamics in your home is difficult. Things just aren’t the same. Marty, his mom and dad, are holding on to each other to remain strong and hopeful. Marty’s magical journey takes him down a road of discovery. Things that are secret, things that are lost, and what he finds might very well surprise him.
Ammi-Joan Paquette does a beautiful job writing about the heartbreak of serious illness. Loss is painful and if only there were a means by which to escape it, The Train of Lost Things might very well be that place or that moment. It is at least for Marty. When we reach the end with him, in a moment and time that you would expect overwhelming sadness, there was peace. A still, silent moment of peace. I was unprepared to experience this beautiful moment with him. I’m just saying, have tissues at the ready. It will break your heart and mend it at the same time.
The Train of Lost Things
Ammi-Joan Paquette
Shout-Outs
Ammi-Joan Paquette | http://www.ajpaquette.com/
Philomel Books
An imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group
penguin.com/middle-grade
Book Excursion | PLN Group of Rockstar Reading Educators| #BookExcursion
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