The Girl on the Tube (eBook) by Rachel Allord

A realistic, contemporary novel for teens from a biblical worldview

Twelve-year-old Addie Brown wants to fit in. But ever since she and her dad moved from small town America to bustling London, life is as bumpy as the Tube she rides to school. Addie’s cranky neighbour tells her off but then invites her to tea! It seems as if Addie’s best friend in America has already forgotten all about her. Worst of all, Addie’s dad doesn’t seem any happier than before, even though moving across the pond was his crazy idea.

But the biggest mystery Addie encounters is the lady in the green hat. Who is she? And why does she appear on the train when Addie is missing home – and her mom – the most?

Selected endorsements:

"This gripping story speaks of the common teenage experience of searching for deep friendships and real belonging. I was cheering for Addie the whole way through - just like I cheer for my daughter. The Gospel is in there!"

Ed Drew, Director of Faith in Kids

“Amazing! Five stars! Addie is a very relatable character and the book captures the feelings of a newly-moved tween.”

Autumn-Rayne, age 14

Check out our other children's fiction from a biblical worldview

A great read for:

Ages 12 - 16
Those who enjoy realistic fiction

Key features:

Themes of grief and growing up
Mysterious story with plot twists
Explores the cross-cultural experience of moving to the UK

Title

The Girl on the Tube
Author(s)

Rachel Allord
ISBN

9781916669154
Format

eBook
Publisher

Reformation Lightning
Age Range

12-14s, 15-18s
Topic

Emotions, Suffering & Loss
Audience

Youth
Pages

192
Published

06/05/2024

Download a sample

Overall rating

4.4 based on 5 reviews

Heartwarming and relatable

Rachel Allord’s debut children’s novel is alluring and unique. Writing for her own experience, she introduces us the Addie, a young American girl who has moved across the Atlantic to London to start a new life with her father. Grieving the loss of her mother, and missing all that she called home, she has to navigate the unknowns of a new school, a new city, and the London Underground. Life feels scary, lonely, and unfair….but Addie notices that wherever she goes on the Tube, a kind-eyed lady in a green hat goes too, watching from a distance, but seeming to know the sadness and struggles she carries in her heart. Addie’s discovers friendship in other unexpected places too – an Iranian friend at school becomes her confidant, and Lilian, an elderly lady in the flat below Addie’s, befriends her and offers guidance and support when she most needs it. This is a gentle novel, accessible because of its length and easy prose, but dealing beautifully with the challenges many teenagers face; loneliness in a crowd, navigating the complexities of friendships, communicating with parents, and coping in new surroundings. Allord celebrates the joy of cross-cultural community too, as she brings Parisa’s Iranian family and Addie’s American one together, with neighbour Lilian included too. The message is subtle but powerful, and joyfully champions what is possible when we reach out with open minds and hearts to the people around us. The lady in the green hat leaves Addie when she has found other friends…but the reader is left with the question, what if there really is someone with us in our darkest moments, seeing us, rooting for us, showing us the way home? I’d recommend this book unreservedly to anyone 9 and above; encouraging, relatable, and ultimately joyful, it’s a celebration of how knowing we are loved, even in the hardest of times, is what brings us through.

Fliss

Together Magazine

"This is a wonderful story for younger readers. Despite the themes of loneliness, grief and the challenges of adjusting to new experiences, it is far from a depressing read. The author moved from Wisconsin to London herself, hence the richly detailed descriptions of the culture shock of moving to a new city. This is not a book with overt Christian references, but it is written from a solidly Christian worldview and would certainly give plenty of opportunities to start conversations. An excellent read, which convincingly addresses common challenges and has a wonderful thread of mystery running throughout."

A Review taken from Together Magazine

The girl on the tube

Really good, clearly showed the troubles of change to young people and how it can help build a relationship with God. Not much my style of reading, however brilliant book and one I would recommend. (Steffi, 13)

Rachel

Unexpected!

An amazing book filled with all sorts of interesting mystery. Highly recommended- Emily (Aged 12)

Samantha

The Girl on the Tube

What a fun read with loveable characters! This book was light-hearted while also showing a young girl work through the difficulties of grief and transitions such as moving country. This is the kind of book I found so helpful around the age of 11 as I thought about how to live life and thought about my relationship with God.