The Wrong Train
What’s inside...
Light the candles and shut the door, The Wrong Train is a deliciously creepy and scarily good collection of scary stories, complete with terrifying illustrations from Dave Shelton. Perfect for fans of Patrick Ness, R.L. Stine, and Emily Carroll. Imagine you've just managed to catch your train and you realize it's the wrong one. You'd be annoyed of course, but not scared . . . Yet.Imagine you get off the wrong train at the next station hoping to catch one back the way you came. But the station is empty. Again, you'd be annoyed, but not scared . . . Yet.Imagine someone comes to the station, a stranger who starts to tell you stories to help pass the time. But these aren't any old stories--they're nightmares that come with a price to pay. And you want them to stop. Scared yet? You will be.
Age
11-12
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Boy
The Old Man
Discussion points
How did you feel about the different stories the main character heard on the train? Which one stood out to you and why?
What would you do if you found yourself on the wrong train like the main character? How would you handle the situation?
Why do you think the author chose a train as the setting for these scary stories?
What does this book teach us about making decisions and dealing with unexpected situations?
How do the characters in the book show bravery or fear? Can you relate to any of their reactions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about each story in the book, emphasizing that it's okay to feel scared or uneasy.
Discuss the decision-making process of the main character and relate it to everyday choices your child makes, reinforcing the idea of thinking through decisions.
Use the unique setting of the book—a train journey—to talk about different journeys your child has been on and how they felt during those times.
After reading, encourage your child to write or draw a short story about a strange or unexpected journey, fostering creativity and reflection on the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Consequences of choices
Explanation: In 'The Wrong Train', the protagonist faces various challenges due to the choices they make. Each decision leads to different outcomes and encounters, illustrating the impact of choices.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think carefully about their decisions and consider possible outcomes before acting. This can help them develop better decision-making skills in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: The eerie and suspenseful situations in the book showcase the protagonist's bravery. Despite the fear, the central character presses forward, showing resilience.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to face their own fears and understand that it's okay to be scared, but it's important to confront what frightens them.
Example Lesson: Importance of problem-solving
Explanation: As the protagonist navigates through the mysterious and often perilous scenarios, they must think critically and solve problems to move forward.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by using critical thinking and problem-solving skills in their academics and personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The story's challenges teach the protagonist to endure and adapt, regardless of the circumstances.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children learn to remain resilient and adaptable in difficult situations, whether at school, in friendships, or in family life.
Example Lesson: Perseverance pays off
Explanation: Throughout 'The Wrong Train', the constant pursuit of resolution, despite numerous obstacles, highlights the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persistence in achieving goals, whether completing a difficult school project or pursuing a long-term personal goal.