by: Susan Count
Series: Texas Boys Adventures
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Release Date: August 17, 2026
After planning a fun experience for a year, two Texas cousins make their first trip to Montana. When their train stalls, the boys leap from it into the white wilderness, beginning a perilous run for their lives.
As a blizzard hits, the boys spend a miserable night trying not to freeze. They struggle along the tracks to find shelter, but a disaster leaves them exposed to the elements and every famished wild creature.
Frustrated by their too-real situation, Davy and Anderson struggle to endure. Instead of vacationers at a wolf sanctuary, they become players in an unplanned survival experience.
Just because your cousin jumps from a train in the wilderness doesn’t mean you should too.
Davy, a red-headed 13-year-old, and his character drives the story. He is smart, organized, conscientious, and level-headed.
Anderson is 12 and more sports-minded than bookish. He is impulsive, brave, and strong-willed.
Davy’s younger brother, Mike, is determined, persistent, and fun-loving. He is an accomplished drone operator.
What do you love about the boys individually?
I love that Davy tries so hard. His work ethic will serve him well in life. Anderson is a tender heart with a tough exterior. If the world needs saving, Anderson will be first in line. Mike is curious and detail-oriented. His talents will shine in the end of the story.
Is there one scene in particular that you love the most and that you hope strikes a chord with your readers?
My favorite scene is in the first chapter when Davy and Mike have to shelter in the bathtub during a storm. Davy is frustrated out of his mind with the circumstances and with Mike, but he remains quiet and calm. He sets such a sweet example of an amazing big brother.
How did you come up with the idea for your Texas Boys Adventures series?
Those rare times when I set up a book table at an event, I’m invariably asked repeatedly if I write anything for boys. Parents tell me how difficult it is for them to find books their boys actually WANT to read. I pivoted away from my horse books, took on the challenge, and I like the way it turned out. It all started with The Firefly Warriors Club, where Davy and Anderson save the fireflies from a devastating forest fire. Then for book 2 – Off The Rails, I followed Davy’s deep interest in nature and science to a nature preserve in Montana where he planned to study wolves. But when he includes his cousin, Anderson, his trip becomes an unscheduled wilderness survival episode and a dangerous personal encounter with nature.
Susan, thank you for taking the time to answer some questions for me.
Thank you for asking. It’s a joy to share about my darling made-up boys because they mirror my real-life grandsons.
One hand on Davy’s back, Anderson pushed him through the door into the next compartment. He rushed to the first window, looking both ways, then bee-lined to an empty row of seats in the rear. Travelers raised their eyes momentarily and returned to their diversions.
Without a word, Anderson pointed into the snow-covered wilderness. He motioned for Davy to follow him. They popped out of the car and stood on the platform connecting to the next car. “I saw something moving in the woods.”
“Strange. Was it red? Pileated Woodpecker’s are red. They live in Montana. Some say they are a sign the forest isn’t healthy because they use big dead trees for their nests. They dig in the bark…”
“Not red and it’s not a bird.” Anderson insisted. “It was on the ground weaving through the trees.”
“A fox maybe. Wouldn’t it be amazing to see a wild fox?”
“That’s what I’m thinkin’ or a wolf.”
“I was hoping to see an Artic fox while we’re here. I researched it and they don’t live this far south of the tundra. Their snow-white tails are over a foot long and they use them for balance and to keep their noses warm. They find mice and things to eat buried deep in the snow with their super-sonic hearing.”
“Easy on the animal kingdom lessons.” Holding onto the metal grab bars, Anderson moved down the steps. Then from deep in the woods something yelped in pain. “Did you hear that? Something needs help.”
“Whatever it is, it’s wild. You can’t help it. Whatever wants to eat it would eat you too.”
Anderson moved down another step. “How can I stand here and listen to a helpless animal crying in pain?”
Without a word, Anderson pointed into the snow-covered wilderness. He motioned for Davy to follow him. They popped out of the car and stood on the platform connecting to the next car. “I saw something moving in the woods.”
“Strange. Was it red? Pileated Woodpecker’s are red. They live in Montana. Some say they are a sign the forest isn’t healthy because they use big dead trees for their nests. They dig in the bark…”
“Not red and it’s not a bird.” Anderson insisted. “It was on the ground weaving through the trees.”
“A fox maybe. Wouldn’t it be amazing to see a wild fox?”
“That’s what I’m thinkin’ or a wolf.”
“I was hoping to see an Artic fox while we’re here. I researched it and they don’t live this far south of the tundra. Their snow-white tails are over a foot long and they use them for balance and to keep their noses warm. They find mice and things to eat buried deep in the snow with their super-sonic hearing.”
“Easy on the animal kingdom lessons.” Holding onto the metal grab bars, Anderson moved down the steps. Then from deep in the woods something yelped in pain. “Did you hear that? Something needs help.”
“Whatever it is, it’s wild. You can’t help it. Whatever wants to eat it would eat you too.”
Anderson moved down another step. “How can I stand here and listen to a helpless animal crying in pain?”
Purchase Off the Rails: A Wilderness Survival Adventure from:
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The Texas Boys Adventures Series:
Ms. Count has published Texas Boys Adventures, Dream Horse Adventures, and Dream Pony Riders. All series are for young readers ages 8 – 14.
Susan is a life-long equestrian and owned by a Rocky Mountain Horse that is kind-hearted enough to take her on long, forested trail rides. She says the only thing more fun than riding might be writing adventure stories for children.
Places to find Susan Count:
You can follow the Off the Rails: A Wilderness Survival Adventure Blog Tour here.
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