
Reach for this book when your middle-schooler is navigating the social hierarchy of a new school or feeling the quiet tension of a changing family dynamic at home. In this clever sci-fi adventure, sixth-grader Josh Lewis is balancing the complexities of his parents' separation with the high-pressure environment of an elite New York prep school. When his tech-savvy friend Aaron accidentally opens a portal through time using the school's computer lab, the boys find themselves managing unexpected visitors from the past. While the time-travel premise provides plenty of humor and excitement, the heart of the story lies in Josh's personal growth. It is a lighthearted yet meaningful read that validates the feelings of children in blended or changing families while offering a fast-paced escape into historical mystery and coding-gone-wrong.
Deals with the emotional fallout of divorce and parental dating.
The book addresses divorce and the introduction of new romantic partners into a child's life. The approach is realistic and secular, focusing on the child's internal feelings of displacement. The resolution is hopeful and empowering, as Josh learns he can influence his own environment.
A 10-year-old who enjoys 'techie' humor and feels a bit like an outsider at school, especially one who is currently processing a parental separation and needs a story that acknowledges their reality without being overly heavy.
This is a safe 'read cold' book. Parents may want to discuss the historical context of New York in the early 20th century to enrich the time-travel elements. A parent might notice their child retreating into video games or screens as a way to avoid talking about changes at home, or perhaps the child is expressing cynicism about a parent's new partner.
Younger readers (8-9) will focus on the 'cool factor' of the computer time travel. Older readers (11-12) will better appreciate the witty social commentary regarding prep school life and the nuances of the family subplots.
Richard Peck's signature wit elevates this from a standard 'kid finds a gadget' story. It unique blends high-society satire, historical fiction, and early internet-age sci-fi.
Josh Lewis is a student at the elite Huckley School in Manhattan, dealing with his parents' recent divorce and his mother's new dating life. His eccentric friend Aaron, a computer whiz, discovers a way to 'microprocess' through cyberspace, which inadvertently allows them to time travel. They bring back a girl from the 1920s who lived in the very building where their school now stands. This cross-era encounter helps Josh gain perspective on his own family troubles and provides a humorous, fast-paced solution to some of his modern-day anxieties.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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