This Again?

Noah Nicholson has his future all mapped out, and it's a bright one. All he has to do is win the election for eighth grade class president, start acing his pre-algebra course, and become as popular and successful as his older brother Paul. This, he believes, will put him on the path to glory in high school, Harvard acceptance, and a brilliant career in physics, just like both of his college professor parents. He has eight days, plenty of nervous energy, and a time-traveling version of his future self to guide him. How hard can it be? The answer to that question drives the underlying premise of a charming new middle grade speculative fiction that delivers some genuine feel-good moments along with some not-so-subtle lessons about the importance of being oneself, the value of true friends and supportive families, and the serious problems of temporal manipulation. Its hopeful exuberance in the face of junior high angst is reminiscent of Judy Blume, its quirky high jinks evoke the works of Louis Sachar. VERDICT Despite being a bit zany, this novel strikes a tone that is both nostalgic and fresh. Recommended for middle school collections.

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

White-cued seventh grader Noah Nicholson has a "Plan to Become Wildly Happy and Successful," a scheme that culminates in him attending Harvard like his physics professor parents and older brother Paul. The next major step in his ploy: become class president. So, when Noah from nine days in the future arrives in present-day Noah’s bedroom-an event aided by his parents’ eventual success with time travel-with a plan he claims will ensure victory, current Noah eagerly accepts the help. But Future Noah’s instructions are mysterious, even ludicrous. Purposefully get detention? Learn to like black tea? Dress like a leprechaun? With each accomplished task, Noah’s notoriety grows; he even spends time with his crush. But his campaign takes a toll on his existing friendships, and he soon wonders if winning the election is worth it-and if Future Noah is telling the whole truth. As Noah’s self-centered actions jeopardize the best parts of his life, he must step back and reevaluate his priorities. In this whip-smart comedy, Borba (Outside Nowhere) examines the cost of ambition and cheating one’s way to victory, and while the plot beats are tonally dissonant at times, they never overshadow the novel’s emotional center. Final art not seen by PW. 

Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.