About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts expressing a deep, melancholic curiosity about the 'before' times: who you were before you were a parent, or how their grandparents looked as children. It is a perfect choice for the reflective middle-grade reader who is beginning to grasp the complex, linear nature of time and the weight of growing up. The story follows young Brian as he discovers a mysterious train that travels into the past, allowing him to witness the younger versions of the adults in his life. At its heart, this is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of empathy and the preservation of memory. It tackles the bittersweet reality of aging and the importance of seeing elders as whole people with their own vibrant histories. While it contains elements of fantasy, the emotional core is grounded in the reality of human connection. It is ideal for children ages 9 to 13 who enjoy quiet, atmospheric mysteries that leave them thinking long after the final page.
