Families who loved The Train by Diane Hoh often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your teenager is beginning to navigate the social hierarchies of high school and you want to discuss the long-term impact of 'harmless' teasing. This psychological thriller uses a classic horror setup to explore the heavy weight of collective guilt and the realization that peer pressure is no excuse for cruelty. It follows Hannah and her friends on a cross-country train trip that turns into a nightmare when they discover they are traveling with the remains of a classmate they bullied. While the story fits within the spooky suspense genre, its heart lies in the difficult conversations about accountability and moral consequences. It is a secular, realistic exploration of how teenagers process remorse and the terrifying feeling of being unable to take back a hurtful action. It is best suited for readers aged 12 and up who enjoy mysteries but are ready for more mature themes of social responsibility and the dark side of school life.