The Train of Lost Things

by Ammi-Joan Paquette

A magical story about a boy's love for his dying father and his journey to the mythic Train of Lost Things, where beloved lost objects are rescued and protected until they can be returned. Perfect for fans of The Phantom Tollbooth, The Bridge to Terabithia, and Lost in the Sun.

Marty cherishes the extra-special birthday present his dad gave him -- a jean jacket on which he's afixed numerous buttons -- because it's a tie to his father, who is sick and doesn't have much time left. So when his jacket goes missing, Marty is devastated. When his dad tells him the story of the Train of Lost Things, a magical train that flies through the air collecting objects lost by kids, Marty is sure that the train must be real, and that if he can just find the train and get his jacket back, he can make his dad better as well.

It turns out that the train is real -- and it's gone out of control! Instead of just collecting things that have been accidentally lost, the train has been stealing things. Along with Dina and Star, the girls he meets aboard the train, Marty needs to figure out what's going on and help set it right. As he searches for his jacket, and for a way to fix the train, Marty begins to wonder whether he's looking for the right things after all. And he realizes that sometimes you need to escape reality in order to let it sink in.

In this achingly beautiful adventure, it is the power of memories, and the love between a father and son, that ultimately save the day.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Childrens, Death, Chapter Books, Adventure, Juvenile

208 pages, Hardcover

First published March 20, 2018

About the author

Ammi-Joan Paquette has never met a ghost, mummy, monster, skeleton, or witch — as far as she knows. This book, she says, was inspired by a game she used to play with her sister: "Most of the details have been lost to time, but I still remember the shivery thrill I got when we played it. So, I drew on that same energy to write a spooky picture book, which eventually became A Ghost in the House." In addition to writing, Joan is also a literary agent representing authors of children’s books. She lives outside Boston with her family.

Reviews

[Jasmine from How Useful It Is · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading The Train of Lost Things for my 6 years old son as a bedtime story on 4/21/18 and we stopped it on 4/24/18. I resumed the read on my own starting 5/1/18 and finished it on 5/11/18. This book starts with a dying dad and my son doesn’t want to hear it anymore. I agreed that he may be too young for this topic. Maybe when he’s older I will invite him to read this book again because I love Marty’s special bond with his dad. I love Marty’s capabilities of being on his own and the progress he goes through to deal with loss. I like how he comes up with strategies on how to search and what it takes to make a difference.

In this book, told in the third person point of view, readers will follow Marty as he learns that his dad, sick with cancer, will only have days with him. Marty is close to his dad. They share a bond where memories are created for just between them. Marty’s dad gave Marty a jean jacket for his birthday. They started collecting pins/picture buttons to put on Marty’s jacket that contains their shared memories together. Marty likes his dad’s stories, especially one called The Train of Lost Things. His dad also likes telling Marty that story because he personally experienced losing his favorite egg-shaped whistle and The Train of Lost Things’ story was then introduced to him by his mom, Marty’s grandmother. Marty feels this story connects to him somehow because he lost his favorite jean jacket and now he may be losing his dad. Inspired by his dad’s story, Marty decides that he must find the Train of Lost Things, but when he’s aboard the train, he notices something is wrong.

A well written book, The Train of Lost Things is a wonderful read for kids dealing with losing something they loved, a “heart’s possession”. I like the fantasy portion of the book with how the train fly around in the sky. I like the mini movie played out on someone’s heart possession if you hold on to it long enough to watch. I like how Marty figures out about friendship and enjoy reading his strategies. This book is definitely a great present for Father’s Day (with a focus on losing a loved one) because Marty and his dad is close and they would laugh with just a wiggle of an eyebrow and they would still be happy in silence as long as they are together. I love the ending. Marty is a good character to read about and I highly recommend this book to everyone ages 8 and above!

Pro: father and son relationship, magical train, actions and adventures, friendships, diversity

Con: none

I rate it 5 stars!

***Disclaimer: Many thanks to Penguin Young Readers for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.

xoxo,
Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details

[Lily (Night Owl Book Cafe) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Marty receives a jacket from his father for his birthday, a few days before he finds out that his father has the bad kind of cancer. The jacket is meant for Marty and his father to build memories between the two of them, and for each memory, Marty get's a pin to put on the jacket to remember his father by. When Marty and his mother travel back from a trip because his father is doing worse, Marty ends up losing his jacket. In order to find it, Marty has to believe his dad's story about the Train of Lost Things and find a way to get on this mythical train.

This story was just wonderful. It's a story about loss in different forms told in that fantastical, magical, mystical Middle Grade way. I found this story to be important and so well done. It was both beautiful and heartbreaking. The writing was great. The author really knew how to weave an emotional and important story with elements that children and parent's will equally enjoy.

I find this book to be a keeper and an important one at that. It definitely allows you to use your imagination on an interesting setting of a magical train where your hearts most precious possessions go when they get lost.

I highly recommend this book for parents with children that read Middle Grade and it will go on my shelves for my son as a keeper as well.This review was originally posted on Night Owl Book Cafe

[Katy O. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for the review copy of this book - all opinions are my own.

I honestly am not sure if I love this more for middle grade readers or for parents. I mean, middle graders will LOVE it, but as a parenting tool, it's AMAZING. What could be more comforting to kids who have lost their heart's desire than knowing WHERE their lost item is?? I picture myself sitting on my child's bed weaving this story at bedtime and referencing it whenever they are mourning their lost XYZ. Paquette deals with grief in such a poignant way that although it is SAD, it is also hopeful. I see this being a fabulous read aloud in grades 3-6, and its slim size will make it wildly appealing as an independent read as well.

My prediction is that this will become a modern classic - required purchase for all libraries serving middle grades.

[Scott Fillner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe the truest things in life are those that lay somewhere in between forever and nothing at all.

This beautifully magical, emotional train ride will pull at every emotion and fill your heart with hope. The back matter behind the story is emotional and is evident that it helped to propel the story.

I can’t wait for others to read and share this story.

[Shaye Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was our read aloud over the last couple weeks. It's a very somber book about love and loss. Marty's dad has hospice care in their home and he has been given only days to live. So when Marty loses the last gift his father gave him, he knows he must do something to get it back. There was a story his father once told him about a magical train that carries lost things that were once our "heart's possessions." Therefore, late one night he packs his backpack and heads off to find it. Marty meets two young girls named Star and Dina aboard the train and they develop special relationships while searching for their items and sharing their intriguing stories. There are a number of "asides" in parenthesis throughout this story that sometimes interfered with reading the story aloud, but we worked around them. And sometimes it moved a little slow for young listeners to stay attentive. Nevertheless, the ending absolutely gutted me. It didn't matter that I pretty much knew it was coming -- the tears were unstoppable as I stopped and started, struggling to speak the final few pages aloud. Oh my. There's also a comforting twist at the end that you sorta guess might happen, but it's really cute how it plays out in the text. I actually purchased this book from a used bookshop last year. I ordered a hardcover, but when they shipped it, they accidentally shipped a paperback ARC. 😂  So if there were a few changes in the final copy, I'm not aware of them.

For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!!

[Maria Bienz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gem gave me goosebumps!

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Train of Lost Things, by Ammi-Joan Paquette, is a middle-grade novel bursting with heart and overflowing with wonder. It's also a story that navigates a tough family situation, and challenges readers to consider what we believe, and how we love. A page-turner that had me shedding tears by the end, this book is a journey of love, loss and a tribute to the power of imagination.

The story opens with Marty discovering that his most precious possession, a jean jacket filled with buttons & pins - is missing. The jacket was a gift from his father, who is now suffering from cancer. Marty and his Dad have a close relationship that includes sharing many stories together. Marty's favorite story that his Dad would tell him was the story of The Train of Lost Things. When Marty finds out that his Dad is dying, he is certain that finding the train and bringing home the jacket will help his Dad heal. He isn't sure that the train is even real, but he is desperate to save his father - so he sets off one night to find the train.

What Marty finds is not only a magical train, but also two new and unexpected friends. But will he be able to find his "heart's possession" and return to his Dad in time? The story is fast-paced and filled with action as Marty and his friends Dina & Star navigate a high-flying, out-of-control train. Yet the prose of this story remains heartfelt and laced with moments that will cause readers to stop and listen to their own hearts.

The Train of Lost Things is a book that made me cry because of the beautiful, simple love between a father & son, and the reminder of how precious each moment is. I also loved the exciting adventure that came with a magical train in the sky; it's the kind of story that makes me want to sit down and write my own. A book to be remembered, I'll also be adding a copy to my middle-schooler's bookshelf. And I'm certain that the day she picks it up, her imagination will soar along with the train.

*Thank you to Kidlit Exchange, Philomel Books & Penguin Kids for sending this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️💫 | I finished this quick middle grades read as a buddy read with @book_beat and @readtotheend this weekend. It’s a short, quirky read, full of fantasy, grief, and discovery. Marty Torphil is doing alright, despite having a terminally ill father; that is, until he loses the beloved jean jacket his father gave him for his last birthday. And discovers his dad is dying, like, SOON—both of these realizations coming in within a few hours of each other. Determined to retrieve the lost jacket and save his father from dying, Marty sets off to find the Train of Lost Things, straight out of his dad’s inventive stories. Find it he does—and a whole heap of other things along the way.

The book was a bit challenging for me to sink into, primarily because the voices of child characters always seemed just a tad off for their ages. Had I been a 4th grader reading this book, I don’t know if I would have noticed that element of the story as much. (?) Although the story didn’t wow me, I did particularly enjoy certain aspects—like the train itself, and Marty’s processing of the feelings he experienced watching his father die. It’s a heavy subject for young readers, but one I feel may be relatable to children who’ve lost a close family member.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried through the end of this, sitting in a Starbucks outdoor patio. It’s perfect. It’s sweet and magical and heart wrenching. Having lost my grandpa a year ago (the anniversary is two days from now) definitely made me feel more. Everyone should read this. 💔

[Kati Polodna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received at ALA Midwinter 2018. I totally teared up at the end.

[Lesley Burnap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story of the things that really matter to us-and that what really does matter are NOT things. Loved the idea of a train with all the things children/people lose and how we can possibly get them back. Story deals with a parent with cancer. Author's note was very important to me as an adult reader. I am sure that my perception of this lovely book as an adult (who has lost a parent to cancer) will be/is different from a much younger person's viewpoint, but I would recommend for grades 5+.

The ending was more positive for me than sad (although I did shed quite a few tears)...I was comforted by a new friend for Marty & also for him "knowing" what happens to his father. Would make for some interesting discussions with kids, perhaps.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely middle grade book full of imagination and emotion. It handles loss and grief beautifully for a young audience while telling a sweet and adventurous story.

[Alexa McK · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the overall idea of this book: a boy who is grieving the illness and eventual death of his father by clinging to a jean jacket covered in precious pins symbolizing all their adventures. I wanted to know more about the character of Marty, who he really was inside. He seemed like such a loner in so many ways (only child, not many friends, unusual interests) with possible OCD tendencies. I did really appreciate the ending--it was satisfying and gave resolution to Marty's main problem while leaving room for interpretation beyond the last word. I think it is a good foray into the "sad" book genre for some children even as young as 2nd grade. I think it would be a good way to talk about magical realism with MG students.

[Doni · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, sweet story.

[Nancy Steere · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional read that is told in a way that kids will get and hopefully, enjoy while learning a little about life and loss. I very much enjoyed it and got a little teary at the end.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marty is away from home with his mom on one of her business trips when they are called home unexpectedly. Marty’s dad’s cancer has returned...with a vengeance. When they arrive home, they are told he has days to live. Days! He is fading fast, yet the special, unbreakable bond that Marty and his father have is undeniably strong. Years ago, Marty received a jean jacket from his dad and slowly they both have added patches, buttons, and pins to mark all of their memorable time spent together. Somehow, though, it was lost on the business trip.

Marty fears telling his dad that he lost it, but he does ask him to retell the story of The Train of Lost Things...the same story his dad has told over the years. It is comforting and magical. Deep within Marty he knows this magical train cannot be real...or can it?

One night, though, as fog is encasing his house, he hears the train whistle. Carefully, he boards and meets Dina Khan, also looking for a precious possession, a locket given to her by her mother. The duo compares stories and find they have a common bond. In their combined search on the train for their prized possessions, they meet Star, another kid who rides the train, acting as a temporary driver.

What they find is friendship, magic, faith in perseverance, and one finds a lost prized possession. As the train ride comes to an end, so does their search. Yet, they, too, now have a story that will resonate with their hopeful dream. As an adult, you can quickly see where the story is taking us, but for a young reader, it is all about believing in the unbelievable.

[Debbie Tanner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story reminds me a little bit of Circus Mirandus-it's about a boy who's dealing with his dad's cancer. His dad gave him a jean jacket that they've been putting pins and things on to remind them of the amazing memories, but when the jacket goes missing, Marty feels compelled to track it down via an old story that his dad used to tell. It's a nice story.

[Gabry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a sweet story, with a strong core on loss and how we deal with it. A special thanks to the author and Jennifer Nielsen for having the contest where I won this great book!

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marty's dad gave him a very special birthday present, a jacket with pins memorializing their special times together. He's devastated when the jacket goes missing and his father's health is failing-drastically. His dad tells him the story of the Train of Lost Things where treasured objects are waiting to be reunited with their owners, Marty thinks if he can get the jacket back from this magical place his father will be okay. To his joy he finds the train is real, but Marty finds something he wasn't looking for as he is struggles to understand reality. A beautiful story of love and loss that will remind you what the true treasures in life really are.

[Christina Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: Advance Reader's Copy | Book Releases 3/20/18

Marty Torphil's dad gifted him with a very special jacket that holds several buttons that mark momentous occasions shared between just the two of them. It means everything to Marty, especially in light of his father's dire diagnosis. When his jacket goes missing, he hopes beyond all hope that the stories his father tells of the train of lost things is more than just a story. If he could only be one of the lucky few who hears its horn and boards then maybe, just maybe he can locate the jacket and save his dad. You see, the train holds true heart's possessions that have been lost by a child. It's altogether magical and it is something that he and his family can use a taste of right now. All-aboard this enchanting flying train ride!

Coming to terms with a very serious illness that is slowly changing the dynamics in your home is difficult. Things just aren't the same. Marty, his mom and dad, are holding on to each other to remain strong and hopeful. Marty's magical journey takes him down a road of discovery. Things that are secret, things that are lost, and what he finds might very well surprise him.

Ammi-Joan Paquette does a beautiful job writing about the heartbreak of serious illness. Loss is painful and if only there were a means by which to escape it, The Train of Lost Things might very well be that place or that moment. It is at least for Marty. When we reach the end with him, in a moment and time that you would expect overwhelming sadness, there was peace. A still, silent moment of peace. I was unprepared to experience this beautiful moment with him. I'm just saying, have tissues at the ready. It will break your heart and mend it at the same time.

The Train of Lost Things

Ammi-Joan Paquette

[Tawnie Mizer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to start? This book was poignant, beautiful, lovely and dealt with the subject of loss, through a child’s eyes, in a way that pulled at my heart strings, big time.
This beautiful tale follows a young kid named Marty as he deals with the pain and loss that comes when someone close is dying and there is nothing you feel you can do about it. When Marty’s precious possession is lost, his jean jacket scattered with buttons that represent his fondest memories with this person, at first he is devastated, but then he hears the tale of the train of lost things and he goes on a quest to find it and retrieve the precious thing he lost. Along the way he comes across two others, both on similar journeys, and discovers that what matters is not the objects themselves but the memories they represent and the love that he shares with his loved ones.
Paquette’s character Marty, approaches the subject of loss and death with a childlike curiosity. Yet throughout the story, Marty also displays the strong denial that comes with facing loss and death, questioning whether or not what is happening is really true. Marty’s love for his loved one and his need that retrieving this jacket would make things all better is what kept his character going. Yet in the end he realizes that life and death are not always that simple. But memories and love have a stronger power over death and loss and sometimes to overcome them you just need to escape reality to really understand that.
I don't usually pick up kids books but I picked up and read this book in one day! That is how good it was! I love this book in every way and I highly recommend it! Even though this book is for kids, I also recommend it for older people, or anyone dealing with loss, as the lessons learned can be applicable for anyone. Thank you to the publisher Philomel Books for a ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book doesn't come out till March 20 but everyone should put it on their to read list! @joanpaq #TheTrainOfLostThings @Penguinkids

[Laura Mossa · Rating 5 out of 5]

On a trip with his mother, Marty loses the one possession he loves the most-his jean jacket. This jacket is special to him because his father, who is stricken with cancer, gave it to Marty on his last birthday. The jacket is also decorated with pins that celebrate memories Marty and his father shared together.

With his father’s life quickly deteriorating, Marty is heartbroken that his jacket could be gone forever. But then he remembers his father’s story about The Train of Lost Things, an engine that gathered every true heart’s possession lost by a child. When he was younger, Marty believed that the story was true, but now wasn’t he too old to believe in magic? What if the Train of Lost Things did exist? Could he get his treasured jacket back which Marty believed was the key to healing his father?

In an attempt to fix everything, Marty takes a brave journey to find the Train of Lost Things. To his astonishment, the train is real! In his travels on the train, he meets Dina and Star, two young girls also searching for cherished lost things. Unfortunately, the train is without a conductor which makes it extremely difficult to locate his jacket and Marty’s time is running out. Will Marty be able to recover his jacket and save his father?

The Train of Lost Things is an enchanting and bittersweet story with a message of hope and love. Marty’s hope and love for his father drives him to find the Train of Lost Things. On his journey, Marty discovers what truly is important and learns the precious lesson that “the only way to truly move forward is to turn back on the past.”

Pre-order your copy now, for it will be released on March 20, 2018. A special thanks to the author, Ammi-Joann Paquette for providing an advanced reader copy of The Train of Lost Things to our #bookexcursion group.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful fantasy about a boy, Marty, who loses a very special jacket, just as his dad’s health suddenly deteriorates. Marty connects the loss of the jacket with his dad’s illness worsening and goes on a quest to find the lost item on a magical train his father told him about, convinced that if he finds it, it will stop his father from dying. A wonderful story about life, loss, love, and believing. This will be a huge hit with my fantasy loving students.

[Kristin Crouch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Ammi-Joan Paquette for providing #collabookation an ARC to read and share.

The Train of Lost Things is full of ‘heart’s possessions’ that somehow go missing. Marty’s father has always told him about The Train. But on the morning Marty has to face the fact that his father will not ever be getting better, the tale feels even more alive. So Marty sets off to board The Train.
This adventure is simultaneously mysterious and heartwarming. On The Train, Marty meets Dina, a girl in search of her lost mother, and Star, who has an intriguing story of her own. The three are all in search of items and answers, and they make a wonderful team.
This book is perfect for fifth graders. For students not ready for the complexity or length of Harry Potter, The Train of Lost Things would be a wonderful introduction to a smaller alternate universe. The losses that Marty, Dina, and Star have suffered are real and tragic. Paquette balances them beautifully with strong emotion, then deftly moving the action forward.
I know I will be using some of the passages about the items on the train to help my students describe why some objects can mean so much. In some cases, things are not merely objects, they are reminders of the love we've been blessed to know.
Five out of five stars for The Train of Lost Things.

[Debra Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I don't usually read middle school level books, unless I feel I need to before my daughter does. When I won this book in the giveaway I was reluctant at first. I had originally entered the giveaway to get The Train of Lost Things for my daughter, but I always try to give a review for a book that I've won or have been given, so I read it.
I'm glad I did!
This story was very well written, and was filled with plenty of different emotions. I think the book is perfect for middle school level children, but also for older children, as well as some adults. You will experience hurt, sadness, love, friendship, the mystery of magic, and of course loss. I really enjoyed this story and I am now passing it on to my daughter, who is middle school age. I will have her add to my review when she finishes it.

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marty has to find the train of lost things to find his lost jacket. His dad is dying of cancer and he thinks the magic of the lost train and the jacket will make his dad healthy again. Marty meets Dina as they run to catch the train. They end up working together to search the train for their lost items. (She lost a necklace shaped like the train of lost things) They meet Star who has been on the train for almost a year. In the end, Dina finds her lost item, but Marty only finds pins from his jacket. He goes back home and tells his dad all about his adventure. His dad dies, but ends up on the train of lost things. Wonderful story for both boys and girls. The mystery/suspense element keeps the kids interested.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marty's favorite possession, a jacket given to him by his father, has gone missing. Marty has also learned that his father, who has cancer, has limited time left. To get his lost jacket back, Marty goes on a journey to find the Train of Lost Things, a train that collects lost treasures that children have lost, which his father has told him stories about. When Marty finds the train he meets two other children also searching for lost objects. Through his journey, Marty learns about love and memories. This is a heart-breaking and sweet story of hope and resilience.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marty's jeans jacket gets lost after he carefully packed it in his suitcase and Marty decides because it is covered with pins that his dad has given him of memories that his dad needs to see the jacket back to get better. When it does not show up and his dad gets worse Marty feels like his only chance is to find the train of lost things from his dad's story. A great story to explore loss on many levels and think about the things that you can control and those you can not. Great story that will appeal to middle grade readers who like a bit of magic.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Following is my review.

This poignant and sweet book for young readers tugs at the heart strings. The Train of Lost things is about a young boy, Marty, who is dealing with his father’s serious illness. When his prized possession, a gift from his father, comes up missing, a mythical journey ensues. A story that will surely delight young readers. I highly recommend.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

E-ARC provided by Edelweiss
Have you ever lost or misplaced an item that was important? If so, you will love this explanation for what's really happened to it. I couldn't put this down and read it in a day.