CHANGING TIMES: Seven Time-Travel Titles by Diverse Authors

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 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.

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 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 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 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.

Jen Kraar

Jen Kraar grew up chasing lizards in India, making up stories about the residents of the spirit houses in Thailand, and riding retired racehorses in Singapore. On occasion she would visit the Met in NYC, and, like Claudia and Jamie, dream of splashing among the muse statues in the cafeteria's fountain. Jen explores themes of finding home in the middle grade novels and picture books she writes. Now, as a Manager at Pittsburgh's beloved City of Asylum Bookstore, she builds a diverse collection of books, talks about kid lit with customers young and old, and reads every middle grade ARC (advanced reading copy) she can get her hands on. When Jen is not reading or writing she is baking scones, knitting while viewing French detective shows with her partner, or visiting her daughters in Brooklyn and Durham.