Glitch

In this buddy time travel tale by Martin (Hoax for Hire), Cadets Regan Fitz and Elliot Mason are rivals at Glitch Academy; they're training to use their rare genetic ability to travel through time and prevent "Butterflies" (so named for the butterfly effect) from altering U.S. history. Regan, 12, daughter of the Academy commander, is a mediocre student with solid intuition. Her classmate and social nemesis, Elliot, is at the top of their class but lacking in Regan's instincts. After they discover a letter sent from a future Regan to their current selves, they are forced to collaborate in a secret new program that trains Glitchers to work in pairs. A threat by Butterfly organization Mayhem against the Academy means that Regan and Elliot may have to do the forbidden: travel to the past to change the future. By using historical moments, such as the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, for the missions, Martin imparts a bit of learning in an enjoyable fashion, while the protagonists' sparring morphs gradually and believably into a firm friendship. There is much here to please middle grade readers, whether they enjoy historical fiction, time travel, or tales of camaraderie. Ages 8-12. (June)

Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 4-6—Regan and Elliot have been trained since birth to be Glitchers—time travelers who protect the past from Butterflies, the criminals who meddle in history. Regan and Elliot can't stand each other, but when they find a note from a future Regan that instructs them to travel back in time to prevent a disaster, they become not only teammates, but Butterflies themselves. It's refreshing to see a book that so effortlessly combines history and science fiction, maintaining the energy of a sci-fi adventure and the complexity of historical fiction. The fast-paced plot features plucky, well-developed characters, and first-person narration switches between Regan and Elliot, which works due to each character's strong voice. Martin's rules of time travel are simple enough for younger readers to follow, and the historical settings are comprehensive and thorough. Characters' discussions about the events they travel through provide context for readers. VERDICT With its dynamic plot, engaging characters, and sci-fi/historical fiction blend, this title will pull in a huge variety of readers, all of whom will be racing to see how the story ends.—Kristin Brynsvold, Tuckahoe Elem. Sch., Arlington, VA

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Martin expertly weaves the story through both Regan's and Elliot's perspectives, capturing their innermost emotions, especially their motivations and fears. Their history-based missions and inevitable friendship will appeal to fans of action-packed dystopian stories like the Hunger Games trilogy or Ransom Riggs' Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children series. 

A solid choice for readers who like history with their mystery.