Time traveling ...

In the last two weeks, I've read (or listened to) three time-traveling books, and they could not be more different from one another - a Newbery medal contender, a gripping historical fiction adventure series, and a funny bit of futurama for chapter book readers.

First, When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead (2009), published by Wendy Lamb Books. This book is hands-down, the best book that I have read this year! It deserves a more thorough review, but for now, take my word for it - read this book! (and don't read any reviews with spoilers - the book's unpredictability is one of its most dynamic features) I hope this one's on the Newbery Medal short list.

Next, Day of the Assassins by Johnny O'Brien - just released and reviewed here.

and finally, Herbert's Wormhole by Peter Nelson, illustrated by Rohitash Rao, and narrated by Jonathan Davis.

This is a silly bit of slapstick, alien slaying, time traveling adventure (complete with zero-gravity T-ball!) that, based on the audiobook, I thought would be a good choice for young chapter book readers. However, when searching for cover art to add to this post, I realized that Herbert's Wormhole is actually a "novel in cartoons," a la Diary of a Wimpy Kid. A better choice for reading than listening, I'm sure! Unfortunately, my library doesn't own a print copy yet, but the Amazon preview looks cute.

Bottom line? All three books are suitable for varying audiences and ages, and When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead is dynamite! Read it today.

And now, my time traveling adventures are done for while.

Day of the Assassins

O’Brien, Johnny. 2009. Day of the Assassins. Somerville, MA: Templar.
Advance Reading Copy made available by LibraryThing

A dynamic mix of historical fiction, sci-fi, and adventure, Day of the Assassins is the first in a planned series of Jack Christie Novels, time-traveling adventures featuring teenager, Jack Christie, and his best friend, Angus.

Preparing for transfer . . .
14 . . . 13 . . . 12 . . .
Transfer initiating . . .

Suddenly the glass blast screen started to lower. Belstaff, no longer pinned to the ceiling, tumbled to the floor. He didn’t move. Jack stared numbly at the body of his teacher and felt bile rise in his throat again as a terrifying thought suddenly occurred to him – Belstaff might be dead.
Jack saw Johnstone look down at his injured colleague and then up at him inside the Taurus. When he saw his eyes, he knew that boarding the Taurus had been the right decision. All of those men had one thing on their mind as they rushed forward toward him.

3 . . . 2 . . . 1 . . .

With a story line that crosses time and space, Day of the Assassins thrusts Jack into a crucible of European history, Sarajevo, Austria-Hungary, on the eve of Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s visit. If Jack can thwart the assassination of the Archduke, can he save the lives of millions destined to die in World War I? Or will meddling in history create greater problems unforeseen? Tangled in the midst of a deadly philosophical imperative, Jack and Angus must decide.

Johnny O’Brien adds a unique spin to historical fiction, moving seamlessly between the present and past, and successfully marrying video game action sequences with thrilling episodes in history. The modern British setting and European historical venues add spice to this action-packed series debut, and the cover art is a perfect complement

An author’s note, photo, and historical background completed this ARC. A timeline and map are planned for the final bound version. The website notes that this book is suitable for age 8 and up. I think 10 and up would be a better recommendation.