The Boundless

By Kenneth Oppel, Jim Tierney (Illustrator)

A boy holds the key to treasure on a train, pursued by dangerous foes.

3.9/5 Goodreads · 6,737 ratings

332 pages· 75,508 words· Est. 10.5 hour read

$17.99Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Will Everett's journey on The Boundless turns perilous when he acquires a key to a treasure-laden train car. Pursued by dangerous figures, he must ally with a circus troupe, including escape artist Maren, to outwit his enemies. As the train races across the country, can they reach Will's father and protect the train from disaster?

From the publisher

All aboard for an action-packed escapade from the internationally bestselling author of Airborne and the Silverwing trilogy. The Boundless, the greatest train ever built, is on its maiden voyage across the country, and first-class passenger Will Everett is about to embark on the adventure of his life! When Will ends up in possession of the key to a train car containing priceless treasures, he becomes the target of sinister figures from his past. In order to survive, Will must join a traveling circus, enlisting the aid of Mr. Dorian, the ringmaster and leader of the troupe, and Maren, a girl his age who is an expert escape artist. With villains fast on their heels, can Will and Maren reach Will’s father and save The Boundless before someone winds up dead?

Awards

The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2015)

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 332
Words: 75,508
Reading age: 8–12
Audience: Middle Grade
Lexile: 730L

Themes & topics

Books about friendship Books about Canada Books about culture Books about history Books about the circus

For the grown-ups

The parent guide

What families may want to know

Every family reads differently. These are the concepts our editors noticed in this book — worth seeking out for some readers, worth knowing about for others. The list isn't exhaustive, but it's a spoiler-light head start.

Language

Some uses of "h*ll" and "d*mn". Characters also use the word "feck" a couple of times (that is the actual spelling in the book).

For readers who can't stop at one