The Train to Impossible Places (Train to Impossible Places #1)

Hearing strange noises, Suzy, a physics-loving 11-year-old, wakes to find a train track being constructed through the middle of her house while her parents sleep. When a magical train passes through, Suzy steals aboard it and learns that it makes deliveries throughout the Union of Impossible Places, including "cities, realms, worlds, and dimensions, plus a few spaces no one can quite agree on a name for" using "interdimensional engineerin', a dash of magic, and a few bits of double-sided sticky tape" as well as fuzzics, which is "like physics, only fuzzier." After an enchanted snow globe on board begs for her help, Suzy finds herself in the middle of a power struggle involving secret political machinations that are hidden from the ordinary people of the Union. Though the story feels rushed in places and some characters are left undeveloped, this debut fantasy is full of imaginative locales and fun twists, and readers will enjoy the creativity of Bell's world and its look at how power left unchecked can corrupt. Ages 10-14. (Oct.)

"All aboard for an adventure like no other—readers will be delighted to learn it's just the first." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Bell sets a smart pace, guiding Suzy smoothly through one impossibility after another in a way that keeps readers off-balance without bogging them down . . . the kind of efficiency and solid storytelling that a troll would admire—while promising potential future adventures for Suzy." —Horn Book

"A rollicking adventure . . reminiscent of Terry Pratchett and Diana Wynne Jones. There is plenty of humor to season Bell's debut novel, and the characters and plot are refreshingly well developed and raise serious questions about honor and freedom. Fortunately, there will be more adventures in this first in a projected series. All aboard!" —Booklist

"This debut fantasy is full of imaginative locales and fun twists, and readers will enjoy the creativity of Bell's world and its look at how power left unchecked can corrupt." —Publishers Weekly