41. The Lost Galumpus

The Lost Galumpus. by Joseph Helgerson. Illustrated by Udayana Lugo. 2023. [January] 384 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Getting Mayor Crawdaddy out of his oak tree usually took a catastrophe. Sometimes two. He was a raccon who liked his comforts. "We're being invaded!" I called out, stretching things a bit on account of the snowstorm I was standing in. Possum fur isn't as warm as it could be, especially after dark. 

Premise/plot:  This is the premise that grabbed me, "A time-traveling woolly mammoth finds refuge and rescue at the unlikely hands of a possum and his community of woodland friends." The first sentence sealed the deal. Gilly [a possum] narrates this action-packed charmer. 

Essentially, the story goes like this, a blizzard is interrupted by the sudden appearance of a HUGE SOMEBODY. No one in the woods--including Gilly and Mayor Crawdaddy [the raccoon]--know *what* this "Galumpus" is. The only story they're being told is that this "Galumpus" wished herself there...and that she's too scared to want to go back. Eventually--with a little help from a futuristic robot--everyone learns that time travel has occurred. There's a small window of time to right things...

My thoughts: This one is a bit wild and whimsical. Talking animals make it animal fantasy, yet, the robots and the reality of time travel make it science fiction. Regardless of its classification as "science fiction" or "fantasy" this one is action-packed. At times it can be a bit busy...yet despite it being busy, it held onto charm from cover to cover.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

190. The Last Last-Day-of-Summer

The Last Last-Day-Of-Summer. (Legendary Alston Boys #1) Lamar Giles. 2019. 304 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: First of all, Grandma's Teacup-Pig calendar lied. It said the last day of summer was September 21. Everyone already knew September was a bad month with no good holiday in sight after Labor Day. Fourth of July was at least two months gone; Halloween was more than a month away. But the real last day of summer was the last Monday in August.

Premise/plot: Otto and Sheed Alston are cousins. Not just any cousins, SUPER-adventurous, legendary cousins. On this last day of summer, they head off for a final adventure. But this adventure quickly turns into a great big MISADVENTURE with potentially epic consequences. It starts with a stranger. A stranger, Mr. Flux, bearing forth a gift--a camera. But not just any camera, nope, this camera has special abilities that lead to TROUBLE. After a click (or two), the boys realize--with a little help from a super-hero????--that the camera FREEZES TIME. And their hometown (and almost everyone in it) is frozen in time. NOT good news. It will take a LOT of brainstorming, guesswork, trial and error, to get things set right. They'll have to work together, yes, but also learn accept help from others as well. 

My thoughts: This was such an entertaining read. I thought it was well-paced with a clever premise. Lots of playing around with TIME. It had its surprisingly deep moments. But overall, good, action-packed, adventure-packed read. I enjoyed both of the main characters.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

135. The Button Box

The Button Box. Bridget Hodder and Fawzia Gilani-Williams. Illustrated by Harshad Marathe. 2022. 152 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: "Don't tell Granny Buena, okay?" Ava wiped her face on the sleeve of her sweatshirt. She hoped it wasn't obvious that she'd been crying most of the way back from school. Her cousin Nadeem paused on the steps of their grandmother's house. 

Premise/plot: Ava and Nadeem are first cousins and close friends. Ava is Jewish. (As is their grandmother). Nadeem is Muslim (like his mother). These two are tired of being teased by a bullying classmate. Their grandmother offers support, comfort, and a story...a story tied to the BUTTON BOX. This box of buttons has been passed on through the family for generations--centuries. Each button has a story. These two can't wait to hear about them all...

But this story takes them back--quite literally--to ancient Morocco just on the verge of a golden age of peace for Muslims, Jews, and Christians. 

My thoughts: I am NOT doing justice to this one. Sadly. Storytelling. Time travel. Family history. A cat (Sheba) with a magical jewel. It is a fantasy novel with a good, solid message. I loved the premise. The story--despite my horrible description--was quite intriguing. I enjoyed it very much.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

123. Finn and the Traveling Pajamas

Finn and the Time Traveling Pajamas. (The Finniverse #2) Michael Buckley. 2021. [March] 288 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Cold Spring, NY April 11, 2069 Finn watched his friend Lincoln reach into the bag of goodies. That was what they called the collection of technologies they’d stolen from the future. Finn had lost track of what was inside it long ago. All he knew was that when Lincoln took something out of the bag, a huge explosion usually followed. This time he found a shiny silver ball covered in colored lights.

Premise/plot: Finn and the Time Traveling Pajamas is the second book in the Finniverse series by Michael Buckley. In the first book, Finn and his friends (Julep and Lincoln) had to save the universe from the Plague--alien bugs. It was a long, tough battle, BUT the heroes won the battle. Hooray, hooray! 

In the second book, these three face a whole other challenge. They'll be facing off with THE PARADOX, and the person sending them into battle is no other than AN OLD FINN FOLEY. It all starts when an OLD FINN hands him a pair of western-themed PAJAMAS. These pajamas are a time machine...

What could go wrong with the time machine? Almost everything. The adventures and misadventures these three face together as a team are INTENSE and heavy. All actions have consequences...

My thoughts: I was not expecting this one to have such depth and substance. Oh the feels!!! You might start this one thinking it will be a light, silly, goofy, over-the-top ridiculous fluff piece. WRONG, wrong, super wrong. I had no idea I cared so much about these characters until EVERYTHING was put at risk. I don't know that it would be completely fair to call the ending of this one similar to the ending of Avengers Infinity War....but you wouldn't be completely wrong.

I definitely loved this one. I loved every moment of it. I found it packed with SUSPENSE and action. Perhaps I should have seen the plot twists coming. And I *did* a teeny tiny bit. But mostly I didn't.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

122. Amelia Earhart and the Flying Chariot

Amelia Earhart and the Flying Chariot. (Time Twisters #4) Steve Sheinkin. 2019. 176 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The bell rang. The kids cheered. "Okay, guys," Ms. Maybee told her fourth grade class, see you Monday!"

Premise/plot: Abby and Doc are EXHAUSTED after a week spent trying to keep history on track and "fixed." But there's no rest for the weary. In this fourth adventure, Abby and Doc are kept busy, busy, busy. It all starts when Abby finds in place of her glasses, Amelia Earhart's GOGGLES. Doc's hat is missing as well. So they start their adventures...and they're really kept jumping through time.

My thoughts: It was the title of this one that made me seek out the series. And for that I am thankful! I definitely enjoyed some of the titles in this series. This one had a LOT going on. Including the introduction of Sally, a girl being homeschooled, who has been wanting to join in on the adventures. But it was a little too much for me perhaps. I don't know why the silliness should start to annoy me now. Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood to appreciate this one?

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

121. Neil Armstrong and Nat Love Space Cowboys

Neil Armstrong and Nat Love Space Cowboys. Steve Sheinkin. 2019. 176 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: One summer day a spaceship appeared in the sky above Texas. A teenage cowboy named Nat Love gazed up at the craft. It looked like a giant metal spider with smoke shooting from its feet. Love rubbed his eyes, sure he was dreaming.

Premise/plot: Neil Armstrong and Nat Love Space Cowboys is the third book in the Time Twisters series by Steve Sheinkin. Ever since Abby and Doc "broke" history in the first book, things have been getting a little--more than a little, to be fair--mixed up in their history books. This latest adventure has the lunar module, Eagle, landing on a Texas ranch in 1869 instead of on the moon! Can history be fixed???

My thoughts: I enjoyed this third adventure. Abby and Doc get to visit several different times and locations. (But not the moon!) If you have young readers who enjoyed the other books in the series, I would definitely recommend. The books are silly and packed with small adventures.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

115. Abigail Adams Pirate of the Caribbean

Abigail Adams, Pirate of the Caribbean. (Time Twisters #2) Steve Sheinkin. 2018. 160 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: "This place is a disaster," Abigail Adams said. "Look at this." She made her mouth into the shape of an O and puffed out a cloud of frosty fog. "It is chilly in here," John Adams agreed, rubbing his hands together. "Not quite ready to be lived in, perhaps."

Premise/plot: Abby and Doc broke history in Abraham Lincoln, Pro Wrestler (the first book in the Time Twisters series). In this second book, there is another hiccup to be fixed. Abigail Adams has disappeared from the White House and she's determined to become a PIRATE. Abby, Doc, Abraham Lincoln, and John Adams will have quite a time of it trying to convince her to come back....

My thoughts: I enjoyed the first book. I did. But I thought the second book was even better! I loved the multiple settings of this one. Having the kids travel to multiple time periods--all in a race to fix history and restore it to what it should be. I loved how the kids (and Abraham Lincoln and John Adams) were all determined to "save" Abigail Adams and the saving went both ways. It was fun. It was silly. It was ridiculous in the best way possible.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

110. Abraham Lincoln Pro Wrestler

Abraham Lincoln Pro Wrestler (Time Twisters #1) Steve Sheinkin. Illustrated by Neil Swaab. 2018. 160 pages. [Source: Library]

 First sentence: Ms. Maybee said, "Okay, guys, let's get out our history books!" The whole class groaned. Doc tilted his head back and started snoring. "Very funny," Ms. Maybee said. "This is going to be fun, trust me. Abby? How about if you get us started." Abby--she's the one who broke history. It was Abby and her stepbrother, Doc. You can thank them later.

Premise/plot: What if historical figures (like Abraham Lincoln, etc.) could HEAR what was said about them? The premise of this fun new series is that historical figures HEAR everything (like HISTORY IS BORING! or I HATE HISTORY) and decide to do something about it in protest. Abraham Lincoln stars in this first time twister. He warns Abby and Doc that trouble could be coming if they can't convince their classmates that history is awesome.... He visits the present day, and they visit the past!

In the present day, Abraham Lincoln decides that he LOVES fizzy drinks and wants to become a pro wrestler. Can the kids convince Abraham Lincoln that he is desperately needed in the past?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I did. It is definitely written with kids in mind. The book knows how to pack in the humor--I loved Mr. Biddle (the P.E. teacher) traveling to the past and trying to get everyone to do jumping jacks. Plenty happens in this one. I think the pace stays right on target.

It definitely hints that more adventures are coming.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

108. The Retake

The Retake. Jen Calonita. 2021. [February] 272 pages. [Source: Review Copy]

First sentence: I held my cell phone high in the air to get the optimal angle and snapped a photo of me sticking my tongue out. Then I sent it to my best friend, Laura, pleased that the picture was cropped so tight I wouldn’t give away my surprise. 

Premise/plot: Zoe and Laura are best, best, best friends and always will be...won't they? This middle grade coming of age novel stars Zoe Mitchell. It's the dawn of seventh grade, and things aren't looking the greatest for these bffs. Zoe is worried--and rightly so--that her best friend has moved on during the summer. (Zoe vacationed with her family while Laura starred as Molly in a production of Annie and made a bunch of new friends.) The novel opens with drama...and stays consistently dramatic throughout as Zoe tries again and again and again and again and again--via a time travel app on her phone--to repair the friendship and set things "right." Is this friendship doomed? And will Zoe be able to make peace if it is? Are there other classmates with best friend potential?

My thoughts: I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the premise of this one. I was fascinated with the idea of a time traveling app. (It would be DANGEROUS in real life, I am certain.) This time travel app works through the photos on her photo stream. The app can transport her to (and from) any moment(s) captured in photos. This gives her quite a few possibilities or opportunities to relive experiences and perhaps make changes. But all changes--no matter how small--have consequences. I am really so glad that we travel back to the future each time to see what those consequences are. 

The premise worked for me. I found it fascinating, compelling, and relatable. Who wouldn't want chances to fix the past and "set things right"?!?! This one is focused exclusively on fixing or repairing a friendship that is falling apart.

What I ended up loving even more, however, is the relationship between the two sisters--Zoe and her older sister Taryn. I honestly can't say that family was the main emphasis in this one--but the sister relationship IS key. I loved seeing all the alternate futures where these two are closer...and how in seeking to restore her friendship with Laura...she's learning--albeit unawares--how to repair her friendship with her sister. 

I thought this was a great coming of age story.

 

© 2020 Becky Laney of Young Readers

88. Gold in the Hills (Time Spies #8)

Gold in the Hills: A Tale of the Klondike Gold Rush. (Time Spies #8) Candice Ransom. 2008. 128 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: "We're in charge," Mattie Chapman said to to her brother.

Premise/plot: Mattie, Alex, and Sophie are back for their eighth time travel adventure in Gold in the Hills. The three children time travel to the Alaskan Territory in 1897 in the midst of a gold rush. The siblings meet several different rushers--including a young Jack London. Their quest has them helping a young boy rescue his kidnapped dog!

My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed this one. This is the last book in the series that I own. (There are two more that I do not own. Since they were published in 2008, I'm not likely to come across them easily. If I do spot them, I'd probably buy them.) Overall, I've enjoyed the series very much. I like how each book can stand alone.

© 2020 Becky Laney of Young Readers

87. Rider in the Night

Rider in the Night: A Tale of Sleepy Hollow (Time Spies #6) Candice Ransom. 2007. 119 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: "I bet that's her!" Mattie Chapman watched a strawberry-red truck roll up the dusty driveway.

Premise/plot: Alex, Mattie, Sophie are back for their sixth time travel adventure in Rider In the Night: A Tale of Sleepy Hollow. As the subtitle suggests, these siblings are heading straight into The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving. The three will meet Ichabod Crane before his scary ride. Can the story have a happier fate?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one much more than I thought I would. You see, I don't really "do" Halloween. I don't. I don't typically read Halloween books. But this is technically set in July! So perhaps that's why it works for me! Or perhaps this story is familiar enough through a cartoon that I'm not horribly bothered by it. (The Adventures of Ichabod and Mister Toad.)

I won't say this is my favorite of the series. (Winchester is still a bit absent.) But I liked it.

© 2020 Becky Laney of Young Readers

86. Horses in the Wind

Horses in the Wind (Time Spies #7). Candice Ransom. 2007. 118 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Alex Chapman aimed and kicked his soccer ball.

Premise/plot: Alex, Mattie, and Sophie are back for their seventh time travel adventure. This time the siblings are sent to 1938 to witness a horse race. Who will win Seabiscuit or War Admiral?

My thoughts: I really liked this one. I did. I like how each book in the series is different. Different time periods. Different subject areas. Different interests. This one focuses on horses and on Seabiscuit in particular.

I was never big on horses--not like Sophie is--but it was an interesting read.

© 2020 Becky Laney of Young Readers

83. Signals in the Sky

Signals in the Sky. (Time Spies #5) Candice Ransom. 2007. 119 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: "It's your fault," Alex Chapman said. "We have to do yard work because you got us in trouble."

Premise/plot: Alex, Mattie, and Sophie are back for their fifth adventure. This time the siblings are heading back to some dark days in America's past--the middle of the Civil War. These siblings will do their best to reunite two siblings separated and divided by war before a big battle. One fights for the Union; the other for the Confederacy. They will also learn about how both sides used spies--and signaling.

My thoughts: I definitely am enjoying this series. I worry that this one might not be considered politically correct in this new cancel-culture we're living in where it's not "good" to consider both sides to be actually American and where confederate soldiers are supposed to be evil incarnate instead of you know just fallible human beings. All that being said, nothing in the book glorifies this war in particular or war in general.

© 2020 Becky Laney of Young Readers

82. Magician in the Trunk

Magician in the Trunk (Time Spies #4) Candice Ransom. 2007. 128 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: "I know you something you don't know," Mattie Chapman said.

Premise/plot: Alex, Mattie, and Sophie Chapman are siblings with a secret: they are time travelers! They discovered a magical spyglass when they moved into their new house. (A house turned bed-and-breakfast. A house that is centuries old.) In this their fourth adventure, the three go time traveling to the Chicago World's Fair of 1893. The siblings meet a very young Harry Houdini and see his magic act. He hasn't made it big yet--or even made it little. Can these three find a way to encourage Houdini when he needs it?

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. I think Winchester sat this one out completely!!! But then again he'd caused enough trouble in book three! I like spending time with the three main characters. I like that the books tend to alternate focus on the siblings. The setting of the world's fair was fun!

© 2020 Becky Laney of Young Readers

80. Giant in the Garden

Giant in the Garden. (Time Spies #3) Candice Ransom. 2007. 128 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Alex gazed out the window of the Keeping Room. Not even a leaf fluttered. It seemed as if the whole world had stopped.

Premise/plot: I imagine a conversation between the real Winchester and Ellsworth, "Why do you always get to time travel and I don't! Next time I'm coming too!!! Just try to stop me!" "Okay, but be careful what you wish for!"

In this third adventure in the Time Spies series, Alex, Mattie, Sophie, Ellsworth and WINCHESTER time travel. Sophie is lately obsessed with a book of fairy tales; one of her favorites being Jack and the Beanstalk. The siblings never expected to travel to a FAIRY TALE. After all, fairy tales aren't real--or so they think. But their preconceived ideas are challenged as they work together to escape the giant, "save" Jack, and MOST IMPORTANTLY of all rescue Winchester.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed books one and two. But I really loved, loved, loved the third book. Not necessarily because of the fairy tale setting but because of Winchester taking a more starring role! I love how it was their following after Winchester that led them UP the beanstalk and into the country of giants. Winchester's mischievous curiosity leads them all into a bit of danger. I also love that a drawing of Winchester appears at every chapter.

© 2020 Becky Laney of Young Readers

78. Bones in the Badlands

Bones in the Badlands (Time Spies #2) Candice Ransom. Illustrated by Greg Call. 2006. 128 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Mattie peered into the dining room.

Premise/plot: In the first book in the series, Secret in the Tower, readers meet three siblings who time travel: Alex, Mattie, and Sophie. (Sophie the youngest always, always, always brings her elephant, Ellsworth, along). The first adventure has the three going to 1781 in Virginia to witness Revolutionary War heroes in action. The second adventure has the three going to the Badlands in 1898 to meet up with archaeologists hunting dinosaur bones. It is a risky life! For there's quite a competition going on between paleontologists! The children will have to use their spying skills for sure!

My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed this one. I stand by what I said in my review of the first book. I think I would have definitely loved the series as a kid. This one should prove appealing to anyone interested in time travel, adventure, spying, or dinosaurs!


© 2020 Becky Laney of Young Readers

76. Time Spies: Secret in the Tower

Time Spies: Secret in the Tower. Candice Ransom. Illustrated by Greg Call. 2006. 128 pages. [Source: Review copy] (Lexile 540L)

First sentence: Alex Chapman felt like he was entering a strange new land.

Premise/plot: Alex Chapman and his family have moved to an old house in Virginia--a really, really old house, a house that was there during the American Revolution. He's not happy about the move--at least not at first. But after an incredible adventure with his two sisters--involving time travel--he might just be beginning to change his mind. This time travel adventure takes readers to 1781 and they can "meet" George Washington and Thomas Jefferson (among others). Guest appearances by Ellsworth (the stuffed elephant) and Winchester the cat.

Ransom's former blog starring Winchester and Ellsworth; it's been removed but thanks to the wayback machine I was able to snag this!!!

My thoughts: I love, love, love, love, love, crazy love Candice Ransom. I'll disclose that from the start. My heart filled with joy when I spotted the Winchester and Ellsworth references. As for the time travel, I can't remember a time when I wasn't fascinated with time travel. I would have LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this series as a kid. I'd have worn the covers off and practically memorized them word for word. But I didn't read them as a child. But I can recommend them to your child.


© 2020 Becky Laney of Young Readers

53. Time School: We Will Remember Them

Time School: We Will Remember Them. Nikki Young. 2020. 112 pages. [Source: Review copy] [j fiction; speculative fiction; time travel; history; World War I]

First sentence: “Has anyone ever asked where you come from? Do you know? Mr Mundair?” “Yes, Miss. I came from Kirkshaw this morning.” Ash Mundair. Already firmly established as the class joker within the first few weeks of the Year Sevens beginning their secondary school careers.

Premise/plot: Four friends: Jess, Nadia, Tomma, and Ash find themselves running late for school one day--they catch the morning train--just barely. But they sit in the last car, something they've never done before. They soon notice that all is not as it should be! Their train is now a STEAM TRAIN. The destination remains the same--the village where their school is located. But they've gone BACK IN TIME.

What was Hickley School like in 1918?!?!

 My thoughts: I love, love, love, love, love time travel stories. I do. I would recommend this one to anyone who loves time travel stories OR to those with an interest in world war I.


© 2020 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Time Dogs: Balto and the Race Against Time

Time Dogs: Balto and the Race Against Time. Helen Moss. Illustrated by Misa Saburi. 2019. 144 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I was snoozing on the porch when it all started.

Premise/plot: Five dogs (Baxter, Trevor, Newton, Maia, and Twitch) find themselves traveling back in time when they enter a van that is really an invention—a time machine. This one offers several surprises: the senior dogs find themselves to be young puppies again; they find themselves in a once in a lifetime opportunity for adventure. They arrive in Alaska in 1925. An epidemic is in progress and a much needed serum needs to be transported cross country. Can these pups join a sled team and help save the day?!

My thoughts: If you suspend your disbelief, this one offers a fun escape. I may be an adult, but I appreciate time travel stories for all ages. I love the idea of hooking young readers on this sub genre early on! That being said, there isn’t quite enough development to entertain adults.

The dogs steal the show no doubt. There are humans but think of them more as being like the humans on Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends. They have no control or say over what the dogs do. But they are not as helpless or hapless as the humans on Paw Patrol.

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Fast Forward to The Future (Time Jumpers #3)

Time Jumpers #3 Fast-Forward to the Future. Wendy Mass. Illustrated by Oriol Vidal. 2019. Scholastic. 96 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Chase bolts upright in bed. What is making so much noise? Why are his bedroom lights flashing in the middle of the night?

Premise/plot: Chase and Ava have a THIRD adventure in Wendy Mass' newest early chapter book. This brother and sister team have traveled twice into the past. This will be their first jump to the FUTURE. The object the two must return to its proper time is a GLOWING CUBE. What will these two make of the future they see? Will they perhaps even catch a glimpse of themselves in the future? Will they get any more clues as to WHO is behind the suitcase and WHY Randall keeps following them?

My thoughts: I have enjoyed the previous books in the series. This may just be my favorite. I didn't think that visiting the future would be as fun as visiting the past--but it was. I loved seeing some of the advancements--especially in terms of clothes shopping. I definitely would recommend this series to young readers.

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers