Dad said it was time for a trip—
not a vacation, a “journey of the mind.”
He booked the train, made the plans,
and told us to pack light.
Lizzie rolled her eyes. I packed three books.
Dad mostly read the paper.
We left from Philly, early Friday.
Lizzie dropped her bag. I nearly forgot mine.
Dad raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
The train rolled out before we sat down.
The ride was long and snack-less.
Lizzie doodled, Dad typed emails,
and I stared out the window
hoping Boston was worth it.
It was loud and bright when we arrived.
Dad pointed us toward the hotel, then said,
“Go explore. I’ll catch up later.”
That’s how Lizzie and I got lost.
We wandered Beacon Hill,
looking for food,
then stumbled into a sushi place
where I tried to order a grilled cheese.
The waiter smiled like I was joking.
Lizzie ordered something raw and orange.
Dad would’ve ordered soup.
It rained in the afternoon—
that sudden, sideways kind of rain.
We ducked under a café awning.
An old man nearby said,
“Happens a lot here. First time in Boston?”
We nodded.
He handed us napkins. Told us a pizza place to try.
It was small and warm and perfect.
Dad met us there with wet shoes
and said, “Looks like you two figured it out.”
I grinned. Lizzie just ate more crust.
Now we’re home. Lizzie says Boston’s okay.
I say next time, bring snacks.
Dad says next time, bring umbrellas.
But honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing.
Not the getting lost,
not the soggy shoes,
not even the sushi.
Some stories start with a train.
The best ones end with pizza.
“Postcards from the Road” by Nina D. Smith. Published by Bright Bunny Books © 2025. Retelling of “Very Much Abroad” from The Parkhurst Boys and Other Stories of School Life by Talbot Baines Reed, originally published in 1914.
“Postcard from the Road” is best suited for Grades 4–6 because it uses clear, relatable language and highlights everyday travel adventures, independence, and family bonding that resonate with middle-grade readers.
Discussion Questions
- How do the small mistakes and surprises during the trip help make the experience more memorable for the narrator and Lizzie?
- What does the story show about learning to handle new places without an adult always guiding you?
- If you could send a “postcard” about your own favorite trip, what moment would you write about, and why?
This content is provided under fair use for educational purposes only. Commercial use is strictly prohibited by the creator.
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