On the Blue Comet by Rosemary Wells 329 pages

We get a lot of requests for good train books. One of my all-time favorite Christmas books is van Allsburg's Polar Express. In Cairo, Illinois, 11 year old Oscar Ogilvey lives just with his dad since his mom died. A bright spot in his rather ordinary life is his model train set -- a fabulous set with an elaborate lay out of track and scenery that he and his dad spend their free time working on. After the great stock market crash, his father loses not just his job, but their house and their train set. Oscar is sent to live with his disapproving aunt, while his father leaves for California in search of a job. Oscar's life turns upside down when he witnesses a cruel bank robbery and begins his own surreal cross country and cross time train trip. Real Hollywood stars, famous politicians and fascinating characters make cameo appearances in this book. Rosemary Wells, most widely known for her popular picture books, also has written a few historic fiction chapter books but none about trains. Wells captures the feeling of loss and despair so prevalent during the Great Depression. This is an amazing space and time action fantasy yarn that begs to be read aloud.You don't have to be a train buff to enjoy this book.