Delivery to the Lost City: A Train to Impossible Places Novel
#3 of 3 in Train To Impossible Places Series
on Goodreads (333)
What’s inside...
P. G. Bell's Delivery to the Lost City is the thrilling conclusion of the Train to Impossible Places trilogy, a magical middle-grade adventure.
When the Impossible Postal Express is charged with returning an overdue library book, Suzy Smith looks forward to a nice, simple delivery–just the thing she needs to convince her anxious parents to let her keep her job on the train.
So she’s less than thrilled to discover that not only is the book alive, it’s full of a growing and dangerous magic. Worse still, the world to which it belongs is missing, and Suzy and her friends will have to use all their ingenuity to find it.
Suzy must help a fledgling rebellion seize power, return the book to its rightful owner, and get home before her parents ground her for life.
The conclusion to the Train to Impossible Places trilogy promises to be the most adventurous yet.
Why read this book
- Adventure-filled, sparks imagination and curiosity.
- Engages critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Strong, relatable protagonist encourages resilience.
- Enhances literacy with engaging narrative and vocabulary.
Discussion points
What do you think makes the Impossible Places so unique, and which one would you like to visit?
How do Suzy and the other characters show teamwork throughout their journey? Can you think of a time when you had to work as a team?
What lessons do you think Suzy learned during her adventure? How would you apply those lessons in your own life?
How do the challenges Suzy faces help her grow? Which challenge was the most difficult, and why?
If you could ask the author one question about the book, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine and elaborate on the settings described in the book, boosting their creativity. Pose questions that connect the story to their personal experiences, facilitating deeper understanding and empathy. Discuss the characters' decisions and actions, helping your child develop critical thinking skills. Finally, share your perspectives and relate personal anecdotes that tie into the themes of the book to enrich the discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The protagonist, Suzy, navigates complex challenges throughout her journey on the Impossible Postal Express, using logic and creativity to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving skills in academic settings or in resolving everyday conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Courage and resilience
Explanation: Suzy shows bravery in the face of danger and uncertainty, learning to adapt and remain resilient throughout her adventures.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears and remain steadfast during difficult situations, whether it’s trying new activities or dealing with changes in life.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Suzy collaborates with various characters to achieve common goals, showing that teamwork can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperating and valuing each person's contribution, skills applicable in group projects and extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: Friendship and trust
Explanation: As Suzy builds relationships with characters like Wilmot and Ursel, she learns the importance of trust and the value of deep, loyal friendships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to build and nurture trust in their relationships, fostering strong connections with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The imaginative world and fantastical elements encourage creative thinking, as Suzy interacts with magical beings and peculiar environments.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to engage in creative activities and to think outside the box in their problem-solving and play.