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CHANGING TIMES: Seven Time-Travel Titles by Diverse Authors

By on March 18, 2026   /   Book Lists, Fiction  

Changing the clocks for Daylight Saving Time reminded me of how disruptive losing one hour can be, and had me imagining if I could travel through time. These seven spectacular books feature diverse characters, each with a definite reason for visiting another time. Some go to the past for a do-over or to meet a specific person, while others embark on quests to the future to try to save the universe. The authors of these books are not afraid to break rules, add touches of humor, or include fast paced adventures. Traveling through time reveals surprising new things to these characters, and their lives are changed forever.

So, set your clocks back, and make time to read a few of these page-turning time travel stories.

Queso, Just in Time

Queso, Just in Time by Ernesto Cisneros

One night, under a moon bow, while cuddling a mysterious rabbit, Quetzalcóatl Castillo, aka Queso, makes a wish. It’s the one thing he always yearns for – to spend time with his father. Even before his dad died, it was hard for Queso to relate to him because of his struggles with PTSD after his time in Vietnam. Queso’s wish comes true; he travels back to the 1980’s and becomes pals with Pancho, his younger dad. The two bond fighting bullies, playing foosball, and discussing their dreams. Queso instills a confidence in his dad, which ultimately improves their family’s future. A relatable look at grief and memory with a spot-on middle grade humor.

 

 

 

 

Candace, the Universe, and Everything

Candace, the Universe, and Everything by Sherri L. Smith

Thirteen-year old Candace’s whole world changes when she opens her locker and a wild bird flies out. She discovers a purple notebook that says, These People Are Not Your Friends. This note strikes a chord with Candace – her best friends have been excluding her. The locker is a portal that  connects her to two women from other generations. Together they go birding and explore the time travel aspects of the locker. Candace learns to navigate her peer friendships and a crush too. A fascinating look at intergenerational friendships, identity and science.

 

 

The First State of Being

First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly

“In the lead-up to Y2K, a Delaware 12-year-old preparing for disaster meets a time traveler from 2199.” (Kirkus, March 5, 2024) Because Michael is from a poor family with just his mom and himself, he is extremely anxious about surviving the turn of the century. Enter Ridge, a mysterious boy who seems calm and knowledgeable. This boy turns out to be from 200 years in the future, and has a book which details what has happened over this time span. This book of answers is just what Michael needs, or so he thinks. This Newbery-winning tale of travel, found family, and friendship does not disappoint.

 

 

The Secret Library

The Secret Library by Kekla Magoon

When Dally Peteharrington discovers portals to other times in the library, she is able to escape the grasp of her strict mother and her grief over her grandfather’s death. While time-hopping from the 1860’s, 1930’s, 1950’s and earlier in the 2000’s, she finds a candy stash, encounters pirates, and learns how her parents met. She also unravels some painful truths about her family’s past. While this book considers racial truths and grief, it also has an entertaining side full of adventures, surprises and a gutsy girl.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Project Mercury

Project Mercury by Ronald L. Smith

An enemies-to-friends story set in Area 51, Nevada. Army brats Ike and Eesha pretend to get along for their parents’ sake, but actually rub each other the wrong way. The two of them investigate possible UFOs and begin to suspect that Ike’s mother is a spy. Finding an ancient radio, solving secret codes, and uncovering a glowing clock brings the two to a startling discovery – Mindy, a girl from the future. Time traveling 300 years in the future creates new challenges for now friends, Ike and Esha. Wondering if UFO’s are real and if Ike’ s mom is a spy will hook readers. The adventures and growing friendship will keep them turning the pages.

 

 

 

 

A Spoonful of Time

A Spoonful of Time by Flora Ahn

Food often evokes memories, but Maya is surprised to take a delicious bite of her grandmother Halmunee’s Korean patbingsu and actually be transported into the past. Maya learns that while her grandmother has the ability to go back in time, it is like a movie that she cannot enter in or change. It is easy for Maya to keep this phenomenon a secret from her mom, who thinks that Halmunee has dementia, and spends a lot of time at work.. Maya longs to know more about her absent father, and yearns for a stronger connection to her Korean heritage. Traveling back in time  reveals family secrets and surprising life lessons. The seven recipes included in the book spice up this heartwarming story.

 

 

 

 

 

Charlie Hernandez and the Phantom of Time by Ryan Calejo

In this fourth installment of the series, Charlie travels to 1950 Cuba to try to save the universe from evil forces. A letter from the Land of the Dead arrives from his grandmother to warn him about these dark forces and propels Charlie and his friends to travel back in time. They encounter monsters who are grounded in South American mythology. Readers will need to hang on for this action filled, entertaining read.

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STEM Tuesday– Mountains– Writing Tips & Resources

By on March 17, 2026   /   Mountains/Rainforests/Cloud Forests, STEM Tuesday  
STEM Tuesday

Welcome to Writing Tips and Resources! This month we’re talking about:

Climbing the Mountain of Your Writing Project!

Decorative: Hiker looking at Mount Fuji

Like a mountain, a writing project can be big, confusing, and hard to picture in its totality.

Luckily, we can prepare to write just like we prepare to climb a mountain. Let’s work through these stages so you can approach your new project with confidence.

[Photo by: Alpsdake (CC-BY-SA-3.0)]

PREPARATION

The work you do before you start a climb sets you up for success. In the same way, preparing before you write helps you succeed. 

[Photo by: NPS Photo/M.Reed, Public Domain]
Decorative: hiking supplies

Some ways to prepare: 

  • Decide what mountain you’ll climb: Select your topic or story idea so you have a sense of your project’s scale.
  • Pack your bags: Identify what skills, research and ideas will help you write.
  • Determine what you need to be comfortable. On a mountain hike, this might be layers of clothes, sturdy boots and a good-fitting backpack. For writing, consider how you work best:
    • Where do you like to write?
    • What do you need with you?
    • When, where, and with what snacks do you do your best work?

Activity: Create an Outline for Your Writing

There are many ways to plan out your writing project. Here are a few steps to consider:

  1. Get all your ideas out. Don’t worry about order or organization yet.
  2. Study what you have. Does a big idea appear? What’s interesting to you?
  3. Now organize the important ideas into a structure or outline. 
  4. Keep moving points around and adding ideas until you have a plan that you’re excited about.

Book Recommendation:

MOUNTAIN by Jason Bittel and Sandra Neuditschko offers inspiring photos and fascinating facts from diverse mountains around the globe. So many amazing mountains…but you can only climb one at a time. Which mountain will you pick? Which writing project? 

STARTING

You’re packed and planned for your climb. You’ve gathered your resources. Now it’s time to start. 

Starting can be scary. It’s where you realize that you’re actually going to climb this big, beautiful, dangerous mountain. You might want to just head home instead.

[Photo by: VinceTraveller (CC-BY-2.0)]
Decorative: trail sign

To get the ball rolling, try these tips: 

  • Pick a day and time when you will start writing
  • Lower your expectations: You don’t have to write something perfect; you don’t have to finish today.
  • Write without editing; keep moving forward
  • Set a timer: Maybe just write for 20 minutes. Or 5 minutes. 
  • Find an accountability partner: Agree with a friend that you’ll write at the same time, or share your writing goals.
  • Reward yourself: Do something fun after each writing session.

Activity: Start! Use the tips above or your own ideas and start writing.

Book recommendation:

HOW TO MAKE A MOUNTAIN by Amy Huntington and illustrated by Nancy Lemon is a great example of how even a mountain has to start somewhere and grow step by step. “It’s going to take a little muscle and a whole lot of patience. It is a big job but it’s packed with adventure.” 

STAYING ON COURSE

You might feel like you’re nearly there and suddenly you turn a twisty corner and realize there’s more in front of you. The mountain feels endless, and so does the rest of your writing project. You’re not at the end yet, and you’re not sure if you have the strength to get there.

The good news? Everyone feels this way sometimes. And if you keep going, you’ll get through the messy middle.

[Photo by: U.S. Army 173IBCT-A by Spc. Giovanny Lopez, Public Domain]
Decorative: hiker ascending a steep, rocky mountain slope

Here are some ways to stay on course: 

  • Consult your map (aka plot chart or outline). How can it guide you forward? What are you missing? Dig deep to get inspiration and direction. 
  • Twists and turns aren’t always a bad thing; have you stumbled on a new insight or direction? Don’t be afraid to let go of what’s not working. 
  • Keep the faith: The end may not be visible and you may feel lost, but trust that you can make your way to the summit if you persist.

Activity: When you worry your project is off course: 

  1. Can you identify what isn’t working?
  2. Ask what you need to support your takeaway: Additional sources? A creative plot twist? 
  3. Keep track of what you’ve done and what’s left to do.
  4. Take a break! Go for a walk, do a word puzzle, play with a pet.
  5. Review your outline or free write about your story or essay to see if there are any changes needed to the outline.
  6. Believe in yourself. You got this far and if you keep going, you’ll get to the end!

Book Recommendation:

SAVING THE GHOST OF THE MOUNTAIN: AN EXPEDITION AMONG SNOW LEOPARDS IN MONGOLIA by Sy Montgomery and Nicole Bishop shows the persistence and patience needed to find something precious—like the elusive snow leopard—or create something meaningful—like the story or essay you’re writing. Keep at it—good things come to those who persist.  

Book Recommendation:

SURVIVAL SCOUT: LOST IN THE MOUNTAINS by Maxwell Eaton III offers practical survival tips using the resources you have on hand (and a little humor). 

THE MIDPOINT (peak)

Congratulations—you’ve reached the top of the mountain! (aka you’ve finished your first draft). Look back on how far you’ve come! This is worth celebrating! 

And there’s still work to do—a mountain to climb down, and a draft to revise.

But as you look around at the view and proudly study your pile of words, you can gain confidence: you’ve made it this far; you can make it all the way home to a finished draft. 

[Photo by: Staceymacnaughtosl (CC-BY-4.0)]
Decorative: hiker looking over a river valley
Decorative: hiker looking at the view

Activity: Celebrate and Look Ahead

There are two important things to do at this stage:

1. Plan your next steps:

Figure out when you’re going to revise. Put down your thoughts about what to add, change, or look at more closely. These notes will help you move into revisions.

2. Celebrate yourself!

You’ve done something huge and deserve to enjoy the view from here. Remind yourself of what you’ve accomplishment! Tell people who’ll care about this important step. Do something good for yourself—dance around the house, play a game you love, read a good book, spend time with your pet. Treat yourself!

[Photo by: Damithch96 (CC-BY-SA-4.0)]

HEADING HOME

As you head home, you’re walking back over the same path and seeing it from a different angle. This is revision: going through what you’ve written and tidying your trail.

Are your arguments clear? Do your references support what you want to say? Do your characters have enough…character? Are your sentences and word choices the strongest they could be?

As you make these changes, watch your writing project come into focus. 

[Photo by: Richard Wood (CC-BY-SA-3.0)]
Decorative: downhill hiking trail
Decorative: hikers walking downhill

Activity: Plan and implement your revision

  1. Remind yourself what you wanted to accomplish with this piece of writing
  2. Read what you’ve written: Does your writing achieve your overarching goals?
  3. What was the point of your writing? (what was your main argument? What character journey did you want to explore?)
  4. After you revise, ask someone else to read your writing. Do they take away the ideas you wanted them to? What questions or ideas do they have?
  5. Revise again if there are changes you still want to make.
[Photo by: Eli Duke (CC-BY-SA-2.0)]

When is it done? Once your big ideas are in place and you’re just fiddling with a few words here and there, you’re probably finished. 

AFTER YOUR CLIMB

Each mountain (project/ piece of writing) is unique; allow yourself the freedom to meet the particular needs and opportunities it brings.

If the way you write doesn’t match the one above, that’s great too. Creative processes are all different and evolve over time. 

When you get to your next project, some of this will work for you but some of it you’ll need to adapt, just like every mountain you climb has its own particularities. 

[Photo by: ID 16863375 @ Christa Eder | Dreamstime.com]
Decorative: hiking boots in front of a mountain

Activity: Celebrate! You’ve done something amazing!

Step back and admire the mountain you just climbed. Take time to enjoy what you’ve done.

Then start dreaming about your next project. 

Book Recommendation:

AT THE TOP OF THE WORLD: THE GREATEST MOUNTAINS ON EARTH (AND HOW TO CLIMB THEM) by Robin Jacobs and Ed J. Brown offers another celebration of amazing mountains with tips about how to climb them and face the natural disasters they’re prone to. What will your next climb—or writing project—be? 

Post created by:

Alexandra Millarhouse is a researcher, science communication professional, and writer focused on the intersection of nature, science, and self. Her debut picture book, THE ANIMAL QUEENDOM, comes out in 2027 with Simon & Schuster, followed by an unannounced picture book in 2028. Living in Vermont, Alexandra is often tracking wildlife across a cemetery, or sitting by the water with a sketchbook. Visit Alexandra online at: https://www.foxandindigo.com/

Kamilla Milligan is a kidlit writer who explores themes of home, connection with nature, and cultural diversity in her stories. Kamilla has lived in Canada, the southern US, and Russia, and applies her PhD in education to her work in equity and human rights. Outside of reading, Kamilla enjoys gardening, fibre projects, and nature walks. Visit Kamilla online at kamillamilligan.com

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Follow the Water: Interview with Author Ellen Cochrane

By on March 16, 2026   /   Articles, Author Interviews  

How long would you last by yourself… in the Amazon rainforest… after surviving a plane crash?  Although this sounds like a work of fiction, Ellen Cochrane’s new book, Follow the Water, is an account of Juliane Koepcke’s unbelievable survival story.

In addition, Ellen includes informational sections that explain in better detail facts about the Amazon, including information on plants, animals, weather, and the culture and beliefs. I enjoyed interviewing her to learn more…

About the Book

Hi Ellen! Wow, what a life Julianne has led! Thank you for bringing her story to life. Can you give a summary of your new book, Follow the Water?

Follow the Water tells the true survival story of Juliane Koepcke, a 17-year-old girl who fell two miles from the sky when her plane disintegrated over the Amazon rainforest in 1971. She survived the fall—alone—then trekked for eleven days through flooded jungle, following her father’s advice to “follow the water” until she reached help.

The book blends narrative storytelling with science, ecology, and survival principles. It emphasizes how careful observation, rational thinking, and scientific understanding can guide decision-making—even in moments of fear. At a time when public conversation can be driven by opinion, rumor, or online manipulation, the story gently reinforces the value of evidence-based thinking and attention to the natural world.

About the Author

I’d love to learn more about you. What was your path to becoming a writer? (and your connection to writing nonfiction)

I began as a journal writer and kept detailed notebooks for years before publishing professionally. I’ve been a magazine writer for many years, working in narrative nonfiction, natural history, and had a wildlife column.

I’ve always been drawn to real stories—especially those rooted in wilderness, history, and resilience. Nonfiction allows me to combine research with storytelling and to explore how knowledge shapes survival.

Were there any books that inspired the style you wrote in?

I’m inspired by nature- and natural history–driven narratives that combine story with close observation of the land. Writers like Jim Kjelgaard, especially in works such as Big Red and Irish Red, shaped my understanding of how landscape and animals can function as a characters.

I aim for immersive storytelling grounded in research, where environment, science, and human decision-making intersect.

Tell us about your upcoming books.

My next book, The Siberian, is a wilderness survival story set in the Russian Far East involving family bonds and tiger conservation.

I’m also developing a narrative STEM project centered on young people making authentic scientific discoveries—story-driven, interview-based, and focused on how curiosity leads to real-world insight.

On Writing Nonfiction

Why did you choose to tackle this topic?

Juliane’s story stayed with me from the moment I learned about it. A teenage girl survives a lightning strike midair, a two-mile fall, and eleven days alone in the Amazon.

But what truly drew me in was that she survived because she paid attention. She understood the jungle. She remembered her father’s lessons. This is a story about knowledge, observation, and composure under pressure.

I should also add that I was an exchange student in Peru as a teenager and flew the same jungle flight path where Juliane’s accident occurred. That personal connection deepened my interest in her story and the region.

What was your main source of information?

My primary sources included Juliane Koepcke’s memoir, archival aviation records, scientific studies on the Amazon ecosystem, and contemporary news accounts.

Juliane has long been deeply uncomfortable with the intense attention surrounding her survival and the intrusion into her private life. She does not give personal interviews about the accident. However, she is enthusiastic about discussing Panguana, the biological research station her parents founded. She continues to advocate for it and works to expand and protect its acreage.

Because I can read Spanish and I have a conversational ability, I was able to access and study original Spanish-language news reports and archival materials, which helped deepen the historical accuracy of the book.

Any tips for writing a biography when interviewing the subject isn’t an option?

  • Rely on primary documents and firsthand accounts.
  • Cross-check every detail through multiple sources.
  • Study the setting and historical context thoroughly.
  • Avoid inventing interior thoughts or dialogue.

Careful research creates narrative credibility.

You have an interesting mix of story and informational sections. What was your thought process on setting up the book in this way?

I structured the book so the narrative carries emotional momentum, while the informational sections—what I think of as science features or contextual notes—deepen understanding.

When Juliane encounters a river, readers learn how river systems work. When she faces insects or predators, readers learn the ecology behind them.

Illustrations in the book by Caroline Church

The goal is immersion paired with understanding.

Writers sometimes have difficulty knowing how to bring a biography to life. Any tips?

  • Begin with tension.
  • Anchor scenes in sensory details supported by research.
  • Keep stakes visible.
  • Focus on decisions and consequences.

Readers connect when they see how choices shape outcomes.

How did you handle dialogue?

I included only dialogue documented in reliable sources in print and media. When exact wording was unavailable, I summarized rather than invented.

Restraint is essential in narrative nonfiction.

For Teachers

Do you have a curriculum guide or discussion questions posted online?

A curriculum guide and discussion materials will be available on my website in April.

Are you doing school visits related to this book?

Yes. I present to students in grades five through high school.

Presentations focus on:

  • Survival science
  • Amazon ecology
  • Decision-making under pressure
  • How research becomes narrative nonfiction
  • The role of scientific thinking in real-world problem-solving

I offer both in-person visits in Northern California and Zoom conversations for schools elsewhere. My school presentations are free; I do not charge.

How can we learn more about you?

Website: www.ellencochrane.com
Social media: Facebook: @CochraneEllen | Instagram: @EllenMCochrane | TikTok: @AuthorTalk 

These are my anchor Hashtags:

  1. #FollowTheWater
  2. #MiddleGradeBooks
  3. #SurvivalStory

Newsletter: Occasional updates a few times a year

Thanks for your time, Ellen. Follow the Water comes out March 17!




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