The Arctic Railway Assassin
#6 of 6 in Adventures on Trains Series
on Goodreads (670)
What’s inside...
The bestselling Adventures on Trains series continues with its thrilling sixth installment as Harrison Beck and his uncle, Nat, embark on a journey aboard the night train to Narvik. Their destination is the Arctic Circle, where they hope to witness the northern lights during Christmas. However, as their train departs from Stockholm, they notice a sinister figure following them. As Hal utilizes his keen powers of observation, he discovers that Uncle Nat's past is catching up with them. Throughout their journey into the perpetual darkness of the Arctic winter, Hal and Uncle Nat must outwit an assassin in a chilling adventure where nothing is as it seems. 'The Arctic Railway Assassin' can be read as a standalone novel or as part of the series, making it a perfect pick for both new and returning readers aged 9 to 11 years.
Character compass
Harrison Beck
Nathaniel 'Uncle Nat' Bradshaw
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to embark on their adventure on the Arctic Railway?
How did the characters overcome the challenges they faced? Can you think of a time when you faced a challenge and overcame it?
What role does teamwork play in the story? Why do you think teamwork is important?
How do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book? What do you think caused these changes?
If you could ask the assassin one question, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating personal experiences to those of the characters.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and ask your child to give examples of when they had to work with others to achieve a goal.
Highlight the problem-solving aspects of the book, urging your child to think about how they might handle similar situations.
Talk about character development within the book and ask your child how they think the characters learned from their experiences.
Pose hypothetical questions to stimulate critical thinking, such as what your child would do in the characters' situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The characters in 'The Arctic Railway Assassin' must work together to solve the mystery, demonstrating how cooperation can lead to solving complex problems.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working with others to achieve common goals, useful in school projects and family tasks.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: The protagonist uses deductive reasoning to unravel the clues, showcasing the power of logic and critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to analyze situations and think logically before making decisions, a skill applicable in academic and social scenarios.
Example Lesson: Courage in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: Characters face dangerous situations bravely, teaching readers about resilience and bravery.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to face their fears and challenges in life, whether it’s standing up to a bully or trying out for a sports team.
Example Lesson: Importance of Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The young detective's curiosity drives them to seek out knowledge and solve the mystery, underlining the importance of being inquisitive.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to ask questions and seek understanding in all areas of their life, enhancing their educational journey.
Example Lesson: Justice and Integrity
Explanation: The pursuit of the assassin is not only about solving a crime but doing what is morally right, stressing the themes of justice and integrity.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of fairness and doing the right thing, even when it’s difficult, shaping them into ethical individuals.