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20 Best Middle Grade Books About Time Travel

As someone who rarely reads fantasy titles, I hardly run into middle grade books about time travel unless they’re sci-fi. But when I do, it’s always a blast to take a trip someplace else in time. The books on this list are all about protagonists going back or ahead in time because of one freak accident or another. If you like time travel stories, you’ll love this list.

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20 Mind-Bending Middle Grade Books About Time Travel

Here are 20 of the best middle grade books about time travel:

Published: August 16, 2022

Turning 12 1/2 shouldn’t be the most exciting birthday in the world. It’s a half birthday after all. But Harper is thrilled because she is getting the biggest gift of all: her parent’s approval to finally get social media accounts.    Except when she goes to post her first photo, there is a filter she has never heard of before. One that shows you what you will look like when you are older. Curious, Harper clicks on it…but ends up flash forwarding in time to when she is 22.    She will quickly find that being in her twenties means the freedom she always wanted, money for the glow up she didn’t know she needed and working for her idol! But Harper soon discovers a lot more has changed than she expected—including the person she wants to be. Will Harper be able to use the filter to get the life of her dreams? Or will there be more glitches?

Operation Do-Over

Published: January 18, 2022

Mason and Ty were once the very best of friends, like two nerdy sides of the same coin . . . until seventh grade, when Ava Petrakis came along. Now Mason can trace everything bad in his life to that terrible fight they had over the new girl. The one thing he’d give anything for is a do-over. But that can’t happen in real life—can it?

As a science kid, Mason knows do-overs are impossible, so he can’t believe it when he wakes up from a freak accident and finds himself magically transported back to seventh grade. His parents aren’t yet divorced and his beloved sheepdog is still alive. Best of all, he and Ty haven’t had their falling-out yet.

It makes no logical sense, but Mason is determined to use this second chance to not only save his friendship (and his dog!) but do other things differently—like trying out for the football team and giving new friends a chance. There’s just one person he’ll be avoiding at all costs: Ava. But despite his best efforts, will he be able to stop the chain of events that made his previous life implode?

11 Birthdays

Published: January 1, 2010

It’s Amanda’s 11th birthday and she is super excited—after all, 11 is so different from 10. But from the start, everything goes wrong. The worst part of it all is that she and her best friend, Leo, with whom she’s shared every birthday, are on the outs and this will be the first birthday they haven’t shared together. When Amanda turns in for the night, glad to have her birthday behind her, she wakes up happy for a new day. Or is it? Her birthday seems to be repeating iself. What is going on?! And how can she fix it? Only time, friendship, and a little luck will tell.

Flashback Four

Published: April 16, 2019

Billionaire Miss Z might be out of the picture, but a top-secret agency wants to send Luke, Julia, David, and Isabel on one final mission. This time, the Flashback Four are headed to Weehawken, New Jersey—in 1804—to videotape the fateful duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr.

But once they arrive, the team faces a question of historic proportions: Should they capture the tragic details of the duel or try to change them?

Starcross: A Stirring Adventure of Spies, Time Travel and Curious Hats

Published: November 1, 2007

Art, Myrtle, and their mother accept the kind invitation of a holiday to an up-and-coming asteroid resort. But they set out with visions of rest and relaxation only to be sucked into a dastardly plot involving spies, time travel, and mind-altering clothing! Before their adventures are over, they’ll sail an aether-ship amid asteroid-strewn seas, dodge demonic puppets, and learn wisdom from an unlikely ally: the Moobs! With faster-than-light plot twists and enough tongue-in-cheek vim and vigor to keep a galaxy in laughter, this dynamic sequel to Larklight is a tour de force of the most intergalactic kind.

The Last Musketeer

Published: September 27, 2011

Greg Rich has just been catapulted back through time.  One moment, his parents were selling their family heirlooms to Michel Dinicouer, a mysterious and suspicious curator at the Louvre in Paris — and the next thing Greg knows, he’s in France in 1615.  His parents have come along, too, only they’ve been captured by the King’s Guard and thrown into La Mort, the world’s most dangerous prison.  Now, Greg has to rescue them… but how?By uniting the Three Musketeers.  Greg soon discovers that the three great warriors from Alexander Dumas’s classic novel actually exist — only they’re teenagers as well and haven’t met yet.  Even stranger, Greg might just turn out to be the fourth Musketeer, D’Artagnan.  Together, the Musketeers need to pull off an impossible, death-defying rescue — and unravel the devious plot of Dinicouer as well.  Get ready for action, adventure and mystery in this new novel from the acclaimed writer of ‘Belly Up.’

When You Reach Me

Published: July 1, 2009

Shortly after a fall-out with her best friend, sixth grader Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes, and she doesn’t know what to do. The notes tell her that she must write a letter—a true story, and that she can’t share her mission with anyone.   It would be easy to ignore the strange messages, except that whoever is leaving them has an uncanny ability to predict the future. If that is the case, then Miranda has a big problem—because the notes tell her that someone is going to die, and she might be too late to stop it.

The Eye of Ra

Published: February 27, 2021

Exploring a mysterious cave in the mountains behind their house, John and his sister Sarah are shocked to discover they’ve time traveled to ancient Egypt!

Now they must work together to find a way back home from an ancient civilization of golden desert sand and a towering new pyramid, without parents to save them. The adventures abound—cobras, scorpions, a tomb robber, and more! The two kids have to trust each other, make friends who can help, and survive the challenges thrown at them . . . or be stuck in ancient Egypt forever.

Amelia Earhart and the Flying Chariot

Published: June 25, 2019

Siblings Abby and Doc have been racing through time to fix history after Abraham Lincoln, Abigail Adams, and Neil Armstrong started popping up in the wrong places, at the wrong times. When Amelia Earhart accidentally lands her plane in Ancient Greece, Abby and Doc partner with Kyniska, the first woman to win the Olympics, to get Amelia back on track to finish her first solo flight across the Atlantic.

The Last Last-Day-of-Summer

Published: April 2, 2019

Otto and Sheed are the local sleuths in their zany Virginia town, masters of unraveling mischief using their unmatched powers of deduction. And as the summer winds down and the first day of school looms, the boys are craving just a little bit more time for fun, even as they bicker over what kind of fun they want to have. That is, until a mysterious man appears with a camera that literally freezes time. Now, with the help of some very strange people and even stranger creatures, Otto and Sheed will have to put aside their differences to save their town—and each other—before time stops for good.

Rescue on the Oregon Trail

Meet Ranger! He’s a time-traveling golden retriever who has a nose for trouble . . . and always saves the day!Ranger has been trained as a search-and-rescue dog, but can’t officially pass the test because he’s always getting distracted by squirrels during exercises. One day, he finds a mysterious first aid kit in the garden and is transported to the year 1850, where he meets a young boy named Sam Abbott. Sam’s family is migrating west on the Oregon Trail, and soon after Ranger arrives he helps the boy save his little sister. Ranger thinks his job is done, but the Oregon Trail can be dangerous, and the Abbotts need Ranger’s help more than they realize!

Target Practice (Cleopatra in Space #1)

Published: April 29, 2014

When Cleo finds a mysterious tablet that zaps her to the far,  really  far future, she learns of an ancient prophecy that says she is destined to save the galaxy from the tyrannical rule of the evil Xaius Octavian. She enrolls in Yasiro Academy, a high-tech school with classes like algebra, biology, and alien languages (which Cleo could do without), and combat training (which is more Cleo’s style). With help from her teacher Khensu, Cleo learns what it takes to be a great leader, while trying to figure out how she’s going to get her homework done, make friends, and avoid detention!

Houdini and Me

Published: March 2, 2021

Eleven-year-old Harry Mancini is NOT Harry Houdini–the famous escape artist who died in 1926. But Harry DOES live in Houdini’s old New York City home, and he definitely knows everything there is to know about Houdini’s life. What is he supposed to do, then, when someone starts texting him claiming that they’re Houdini, communicating from beyond the grave? Respond, of course.

It’s hard for Harry to believe that Houdini is really contacting him, but this Houdini texts the secrets to all of the escape tricks the dead Houdini used to do. What’s more, Houdini’s offering Harry a chance to go back in time and experience it for himself. Should Harry ignore what must be a hoax? Or should he give it a try and take Houdini up on this death-defying offer?

Published: June 22, 2021

A mysterious jukebox, old vinyl records, and cryptic notes on music history, are Shaheen’s only clues to her father’s abrupt disappearance. She looks to her cousin, Tannaz, who seems just as perplexed, before they both turn to the jukebox which starts…glowing?

Suddenly, the girls are pulled from their era and transported to another time! Keyed to the music on the record, the jukebox sends them through decade after decade of music history, from political marches, to landmark concerts. But can they find Shaheen’s dad before the music stops? This time-bending magical mystery tour invites readers to take the ride of their lives for a coming-of-age adventure.

Time Traveling with a Hamster

Published: May 8, 2018

My dad died twice. Once when he was thirty-nine and again four years later, when he was twelve.  On his twelfth birthday, Al Chaudhury receives a letter from his dead father. It directs him to the bunker of their old house, where Al finds a time machine (an ancient computer and a tin bucket). The letter also outlines a mission: travel back to 1984 and prevent the go-kart accident that will eventually take his father’s life. But as Al soon discovers, whizzing back thirty years requires not only imagination and courage, but also lying to your mom, stealing a moped, and setting your school on fire—oh, and keeping your pet hamster safe. With a literary edge and tons of commerical appeal, this incredible debut has it all: heart, humor, vividly imagined characters, and a pitch-perfect voice.

The Magic in Changing Your Stars

Published: August 4, 2020

Eleven-year-old Ailey Benjamin Lane can dance—so he’s certain that he’ll land the role of the Scarecrow in his school’s production of The Wiz. Unfortunately, a talented classmate and a serious attack of nerves derail his audition: he just stands there, frozen. Deflated and defeated, Ailey confides in his Grampa that he’s ready to quit. But Grampa believes in Ailey, and, to encourage him, shares a childhood story. As a boy, Grampa dreamed of becoming a tap dancer; he was so good that the Hollywood star and unofficial Mayor of Harlem, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, even gave him a special pair of tap shoes. Curious, Ailey tries on the shoes . . . and instantly finds himself transported to 1930s Harlem. There he meets a young street tapper and realizes that it’s his own grandfather! Can Ailey help the 12-year-old version of Grampa face his fears? And, if Ailey changes the past, will he still be able to get home again? Featuring an all-African-American cast of characters, and infused with references to black culture and history, this work of magical realism is sure to captivate and inspire readers.

A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel

Published: October 2, 2012

The world already knows Meg and Charles Wallace Murry, Calvin O’Keefe, and the three Mrs–Who, Whatsit, and Which–the memorable and wonderful characters who fight off a dark force and save our universe in the Newbery award-winning classic  A Wrinkle in Time . But in 50 years of publication, the book has never been illustrated. Now, Hope Larson takes the classic story to a new level with her vividly imagined interpretations of tessering and favorite characters like the Happy Medium and Aunt Beast. Perfect for old fans and winning over new ones, this graphic novel adaptation is a must-read.

Max Einstein: Saves the Future (Max Einstein, 3)

Published: August 31, 2020

Max is back with a thrilling new adventure that involves time travel, creepy bad guys, killer drones, and a shocking mystery about her past that she will stop at nothing to solve! Under constant danger of being kidnapped by the shadowy Corporation, Max is on the run from New York to London and beyond. But soon the call comes for the Change Maker kids’ next mission: make sure no kid ever goes hungry again! If anyone can tackle a problem this big, Max and her genius friends can. But mysterious clues about her past keep distracting Max’s focus. She always wanted to know who her parents were and why they abandoned her as a baby. If she manages to build a time machine, she could find them and get all the answers! What’s more important – her past, or the future of the Change Makers?

Mira’s Diary: Lost in Paris

Published: September 4, 2012

When Mira receives a cryptic postcard from her missing mother, she sets off with her father and brother to find her in Paris. Only Mira doesn’t know she’s looking in the wrong century.

With an innocent touch to a gargoyle sculpture on the roof of Notre Dame, Mira is whisked into the past. There she learns her mother isn’t just avoiding the family, she’s in serious trouble. Following her mother’s clues, Mira travels through time to help change history and bring her mother home.

Found: Volume 1 by Margaret Peterson H

Published: April 22, 2008

One night a plane appeared out of nowhere, the only passengers aboard: thirty-six babies. As soon as they were taken off the plane, it vanished. Now, thirteen years later, two of those children are receiving sinister messages, and they begin to investigate their past. Their quest to discover where they really came from leads them to a conspiracy that reaches from the far past to the distant future—and will take them hurtling through time. In this exciting new series, bestselling author Margaret Peterson Haddix brings an element of suspense that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

There they are: 20 of the best middle grade books about time travel. Which of these have you read and loved? I recently enjoyed Calonita’s 12 to 22 !

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• About Afoma Umesi

Afoma Umesi is the founder and editor of Reading Middle Grade where she curates book lists and writes book reviews for kids of all ages. Her favorite genre to read is contemporary realistic fiction and she'll never say no to a graphic novel.

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Reader Interactions

What do you think leave a comment cancel reply.

August 8, 2022 at 1:30 pm

Great list. I love, love, love When You Reach Me. Thanks for the post.

October 3, 2022 at 8:09 am

Excellent list! 🙂

April 2, 2023 at 12:04 pm

Good list! I would add No Ordinary Thing by G. Z. Schmidt to this.

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Time Travel Books for ages 8-14 (Middle Grade)

What is more enticing than the possibility of time travel? Time travel, whether it's a desire to experience historical moments, change bits about the past we don't like or experience the future, is an intriguing element in adventure books and science fiction . These middle grade time travel books will take your kids on a wild, imaginative ride through time, making them wonder, "Gosh darn it, why isn't time travel possible! !"

I've noticed several common elements in many of the books, like mysterious letters and missing parents. Ask your kids if they can find more. In general, middle grade books are for ages 8-13. The age recommendations I put at the end of each "blurb" are not set in stone! I've gone by the publisher/critics suggestions. (Note: book covers and titles are affiliate links.)

Time Travel in Contemporary Children's Fiction

Flashback Four (series) by Dan Gutman. This is a fun series about a group of four kids who are recruited by a genius billionaire, Ms Z to travel back in time. Each book in the series has the kids traveling to a different historical period. In this first installment the group meets up for the first time. When Ms Z tells them they are to go back to the time of the Gettysburg address, David points out the obvious peril for him, a black boy. Ms Z's answer is a bit underwhelming but I was glad that Gutman raised the issue. Kids will really love this series and will learn a lot as well. Ages 8 and up.

Starcross: A Stirring Adventure of Spies, Time Travel and Curious Hats by Philip Reeve. Reeve is a master at science fiction and time travel stories. I didn't realize this is the sequel to Larklight when I picked it up so I guess perhaps your kids should start with that one. In any case, this is an incredibly imaginative and not-infrequently amusing. The Mumbys ( mom and kids Art and Myrtle ) travel to Starcross, a seaside resort where a strange hatter tries to control their minds with his evil headwear. Sound crazy? Oh, it is. Crazy. And wonderful. Ages 10 and up.

Time Traveling with a Hamster by Ross Welford. In this, one of the few children's books with a British Indian protagonist, Al Chaudhury gets a letter and a hamster from his deceased father. The letter tells him to find his father's time travel machine and go back in time to avert a disaster. A fun and suspenseful read, great for any fan of time-travel adventure books. Ages 10 and up.

Satch and Me (series) by Dan Gutman. The Baseball Card Adventure series travels back in time so kids can witness important events in a famous baseball player's life. Each book features a different player; Jackie Robinson, Jim Thorpe, Joe Stoshack and Babe Ruth are among the players on the roster. There are 12 books in all. Needless to say, this is an excellent choice for kids who love baseball! Ages 8 and up.

MORE: Middle grade books about sports!

Mira's Diary Lost in Paris (series) by Marissa Moss. This is a fun time travel series. Each book takes place in a different city: Paris, Rome, London and San Francisco. Mira's mother is missing and a strange postcard prompts Mira, her father and brother to head off to Paris. While there, Mira is transported back to 1881. While in the past, Mira learns her mother is trying to help a Jewish officer falsely accused of a crime–Alfred Dreyfus of the Dreyfus affair . This is no fluffy time travel book, however. Mira learns about historical anti-semitism and encounters famous figures like Emile Zola and Edgar Degas. An author's note further educates the reader about historical events. Ages 9 and up.

MORE: Chapter books set in Paris

Time Sight by Lynne Jonell. This engaging novel takes readers to Scotland, where Will and his brother Jamie have been sent while their father goes to find their mother who is in some kind of unspecified difficulty. While staying with cousins at the family castle, Will discovers he has "time sight," the ability to open up doorways into time–but only on the castle grounds. The two boys and their female cousin, Nan, take the doorway and travel to several time periods including the Bronze and Iron ages, and medieval Scotland. Lots of fun and has an old fashioned feel to it. Ages 8 and up.

The Last Musketeer by Stuart Gibbs. My son is a huge Gibbs fan, but we somehow only just discovered this trilogy. Fourteen year old Greg must travel through time to find his parents who have been flung into 17th century Paris and imprisoned. Keen to rescue them, Greg hooks up with three other teens, Aramis, Porthos and Athos and discovers a familial link to the famous musketeers. Lots of fun facts about what  living in 17th century Paris would have been like! Ages 8 and up.

Archer's Quest by Linda Sue Park. In this book, it is a traveller from the past who shows up in the present. Korean leader Koh Chu-mong surprises 12 year old Kevin by popping into is room one day. Koh Chu-mong is from 55 BCE. Kevin uses his math skills, the zodiac and Korean folk history to help the leader return to the past. There are not too many books that will teach your kids about ancient Korea while still delivering an engaging narrative so definitely pick this one up! Ages 8 and up.

On the Blue Comet  by Rosemary Wells. Like the Hogwart's Express, the Blue Comet is a magical train that takes children on unexpected adventures. However, the Blue Comet crosses time and space, taking its riders back and forth between the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. You can only board the Blue Comet if you possess an intense need to escape your current situation. That's exactly what happens when Oscar witnesses a crime. He is transported through time and must find his way back again.

Saving Lucas Biggs   by Marisa de los Santo and David Teague. This story is historical fiction mixed in with a bit of magic. Margaret's family has a secret: they can time travel. Margaret has made a promise never to use this power, but when her father is wrongly sent to jail she breaks her promise. Margaret goes back to 1938 when the local mining corporation was exploiting the workers and a union movement is gaining steam. She hopes to affect the events which led to the young Lucas Biggs to turn into the heartless Judge Biggs who sentenced her father to death.

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead. This is a super cool book with an amazing "Wow!" ending. After an incident in which her best friend stops speaking to her, Miranda starts getting mysterious letters asking for her help. Miranda tries to interpret the letters and discusses time travel with another boy, Marcus. Part mystery, part sci-fi, part coming of age novel, this Newbery winner is not to be missed.  Ages 9 and up.

Classic Time Travel Books

Time Cat by Lloyd Alexander. (1963) Instead of having nine lives, Gareth the talking cat is able to travel to nine different points in time. He takes, Jason, a boy, on adventures in Ancient Egypt, Rome, Peru and several other places where they get caught up in sometimes perilous situations. Great as a read aloud. Ages 8 and up.

Time at the Top and All in Good Time by Edward Ormondroyd. (1963) In Time at the Top , Susan takes an elevator, but when the doors open,  instead of revealing the 7th floor of the building, she steps out into the 19th century!  Enamored with the way of life, she befriends Victoria and the two conspire to get their parents together. After getting into scrapes involving buried treasure, Susan returns to the present and convinces her widowed father to travel back in time with her.  Ages 8 and up.

The House of Arden , by E. Nesbit (1908). Edred and Elfrida Arden are the heirs to Arden Castle, and just before he turns 10, Edred becomes Lord Arden, but he won't inherit the missing fortune unless he finds it before his birthday. The siblings set off on a time traveling adventure to find the treasure. Edred and Elfreda squabble like normal siblings and a grouchy magical creature, Mouldiwarp adds a quirky touch to this fun tale. One part fantasy and one part history! Ages 9 and up.

Tom's Midnight Garden by Phillipa Pearce. (1958) In the 1950s, Tom goes to live with his uncle and aunt where a clock strikes 13, there is a gorgeous but mysterious garden and his playmate is from the 19th Century. Beautiful, eerie, moving and wondrous. Ages 9 and up.

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Reader Interactions

Rachel says

July 15, 2019 at 3:01 pm

Once Was a Time by Leila Sales is also fantastic and has a great, surprise ending.

July 19, 2019 at 9:12 am

Thanks for the suggestion! I'll look for it.

July 16, 2019 at 10:48 am

We LOVE LOVE LOVE Dan Gutman's Baseball Card Adventure series! The time travel is great, but the window into other eras and themes that are timeless just make them so much fun! Thanks for this list, Erica.

Happy reading! 🙂

Ginger Moore says

February 07, 2023 at 8:05 pm

11,000 years lost is a great time travel book

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Exploring History's Greatest Adventures throughout time!

25 Time Travel Novels and series for Children, Middle Grade, and Young Adult

Time Travel Is An Exciting Science Fiction/Fantasy Genre Where The Plot Possibilities Are Truly Endless And They Can Sometimes Be As Educational As They Are Entertaining. Of course, not all time travel books are a set up to teach kids about a specific time period. Many are simply a fun fantasy. They’re the perfect gateway to historical fiction – especially if the child enjoys the time period.   Here are our picks for kid-friendly, time-travel books – some old, some new – including series and stand-alone novels.   A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle. This book only makes the list because people would expect to see it. But the brother and sister characters do not travel “back” in time. Instead, they travel through space and time, from galaxy to galaxy in search of their father – perhaps to future worlds? For ages 9 – 12.   Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne. There are over 60 books in this series where siblings Jack and Annie go on adventures throughout history experiencing dinosaurs and sabertooth tigers, Vikings, Egyptian Pharoahs and more. These make great early reader books. For ages 5 – 8.   The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls by M. J. Thomas is an adventure-packed chapter book series that follows siblings Peter and Mary and their dog, Hank, as they discover ancient scrolls that transport them back to key moments in biblical history. For ages 6 – 9.   Rescue on the Oregon Trail (Ranger in Time #1of 13) by Kate Messner. Ranger is a time-traveling golden retriever who has a nose for trouble . . . and always saves the day! For ages 7 – 10 years   World’s Worst Time Machine (Volume 1) by Dustin Brady. From the bestselling author of Trapped in a Video Game series, Brady’s laugh-out-loud sense of humor and daring adventure will keep even the most reluctant reader wanting to turn the pages of this new series. For ages 8 – 11.   The Secret Lake by Karen Inglis. Siblings Stella and Tom go back 100 years from their London home to solve a mystery in this page-turning instant classic. For ages 8 – 11.   George Washington’s Spy (Time Travel Adventures trilogy) by Elvira Woodruff. Ten-year-old Matt Carlton and six friends are accidentally swept back in time–to Boston in 1776! The British now occupy the city, and redcoat guards are everywhere! For ages 7 – 10.   One if By Land, Two if By Submarine by Eileen Schnabel. When Paul Revere is kidnapped by a time traveler determined to change the outcome of the American Revolution, thirteen-year-old Kep Westguard is sent to Boston, 1775, to take his famous midnight ride. For ages 10+.   Displaced: Both Feet in the Game by JJ Carroll. Seventh grader Nikola and his friends travel back 100 years and must travel over 4,500 miles with no money, no means of transportation and a sinister FBI agent on their heels. For ages 8 – 12.   Laurella Swift and the Keys of Time by Allison Parkinson. Laurella Swift and the Keys of Time is the first in a new series of Laurella Swift adventures. The historical fantasy takes middle-grade readers on a rip-roaring escapade to the court of Cyrus the Great. For ages 7 – 12.   The Last Musketeer by Stuart Gibbs. On a family trip to Paris, Greg Rich’s parents disappear. They’re not just missing from the city—they’re missing from the century. So, Greg does what any other fourteen-year-old would do: He travels through time to rescue them. For ages 8 – 12.   Anachronist : The Infinity Engines series (Book 1) by Andrew Hastie. Travelling into the past using the timelines of ancient artefacts, the Oblivion Order explore the forgotten centuries, ones that never made it into the history books. They make subtle adjustments to the past – saving us from oblivion in the future. Young Adult.   Glitch by Laura Martin. Glitchers are people who travel through time to preserve important historical events. Regan Fitz finds a letter from his future self, warning about an impending disaster that threatens him and everyone he knows. For ages 10+.   The Rhythm of Time by Questlove. Seventh grader Rahim Reynolds goes back to 1997 and learns what every time traveler before him has: Actions in the past jeopardize the future. For ages 10 – 12.   Stealing the Sword (Time Jumpers series Book 1) by Wendy Mass. Aimed at newly independent readers with easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page. For ages 6 – 9.   Justice for Joe by Dianna Dorisi Winget. When twelve-year-old Birch first learns the rare clock gene she inherited from her grandmother enables her to time travel, she’s not excited–she’s terrified. For ages 8 – 12.   The Hat, George Washington, and Me! By Gregory O. Smith. Part time travel, part crazy school, full-time fun! “Hey Mom, there’s a patriot in my cereal box!” A fast-moving mystery adventure for children ages 8-14.   The Eye of Ra by Ben Gartner . For readers graduating from the Magic Tree House series and ready for intense action, dive into this middle grade novel rich with meticulous historical detail. For ages 8 – 12.   The Thrifty Guide to the American Revolution : A Handbook for Time Travelers by Jonathan W Stokes. If you had a time travel machine and could take a vacation anywhere in history, this is the only guidebook you would need! For ages 8 – 12.   Hot on the Trail in Ancient Egypt by Linda Bailey. Book 1 of the series. All twins Josh and Emma want to do is get out of the creepy Good Times Travel Agency where their little sister, Libby, has led them. But the peculiar shop owner encourages them to open one of his guidebooks first — and they suddenly find themselves transported back in time.   The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keatley Snyder. Everyone thinks it’s just a game until strange things start happening. Has the Egypt Game gone too far? For ages 8 – 12.   Greg’s First Adventure in Time (Book 1 of 5) by C. M. Huddleston. Archaeology, time travel, and a moose hunt combine to force 12-year-old Greg to face his fears and find his strengths. Greg explores a world that existed more than 3,000 years ago with his new Native American friend Hopelf. While Greg learns about Native American ways of life, how to hunt and fish, and just to survive, he is always searching for a way back home. For ages 10+.   The Time Travelers by Linda Buckley-Archer. Gideon, Peter, and Kate are swept into a journey through eighteenth-century London and form a bond that, they hope, will stand strong in the face of unfathomable treachery. For ages 8 – 12.   Found (Book 1 of 8) by Margaret Peterson Haddix. One night a plane appeared out of nowhere, the only passengers aboard: thirty-six babies. As soon as they were taken off the plane, it vanished. Now, thirteen years later, two of those children are receiving sinister messages, and they begin to investigate their past. Their quest to discover where they really came from leads them to a conspiracy that reaches from the far past to the distant future–and will take them hurtling through time. For ages 10+.   The History Mystery Kids: Fiasco in Florida (Book 1 of 10) by Daniel Kenney. Professor Abner Jefferson is missing. His children watched him get sucked into a book. Now they must find him. By going back… through History! For ages 8 – 10.

J.J. Caroll

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16 Books About Time Travel

Full of adventure, time travel books have a little something for everyone! I personally love time travel books that travel to the past and preferably more than one place in the story. One of my favorite time travel YA books is The Girl From Everywhere by Heidi Heilig. On her father’s ship, Nix travels through time, depending on what map they use.

Time travel opens an even wider world for readers to discover through history and even into the future. This list includes both chapter books and middle grade titles for readers from ages 6-12. A lot of these would also make really great read aloud titles as well.

But, I will say, I was extremely disappointed in the distinct lack of diversity when it comes to time travel books for kids. There is more diversity in time travel books for teens, but I struggled to find more than just a few books BIPOC characters. If you know of others, please share in the comments below. Check out these great time travel books to share with your young readers!

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Abraham Lincoln, Pro Wrestler

(Time Twisters) by Steve Sheinkin

Amazon | Bookshop

Well, you can believe some of it. There is some real history. But also hijinks. Time travel. And famous figures setting off on adventures that definitely never happened―till now. Time is getting twisted, and it’s up to two kids to straighten things out.

When Abraham Lincoln overhears a classroom of kids say “history is boring,” he decides to teach them a lesson. Lincoln escapes from 1860―to pursue his dream of becoming a professional wrestler! Now siblings Doc and Abby have to convince Lincoln to go back to Springfield, Illinois, and accept the presidency . . . before everything spins out of control!

On the Blue Comet

by Rosemary Wells

One day in a house at the end of Lucifer Street, on the Mississippi River side of Cairo, Illinois, eleven-year-old Oscar Ogilvie’s life is changed forever. The Crash of 1929 has rippled across the country, and Oscar’s dad must sell their home–with all their cherished model trains–and head west in search of work. Forced to move in with his humorless aunt, Carmen and his teasing cousin, Willa Sue, Oscar is lonely and miserable–until he meets a mysterious drifter and witnesses a crime so stunning it catapults Oscar on an incredible train journey from coast to coast, from one decade to another. Filled with suspense and peppered with witty encounters with Hollywood stars and other bigwigs of history, this captivating novel by Rosemary Wells, gorgeously illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline, resonates with warmth, humor, and the true magic of a timeless adventure.

Dinosaurs Before Dark

(Magic Treehouse) by Mary Pope Osborne

Where did the tree house come from?

Before Jack and Annie can find out, the mysterious tree house whisks them to the prehistoric past. Now they have to figure out how to get home. Can they do it before dark…or will they become a dinosaur’s dinner?

The Glass Sentence

by S. E. Grove

She has only seen the world through maps. She had no idea they were so dangerous. Boston, 1891. Sophia Tims comes from a family of explorers and cartologers who, for generations, have been traveling and mapping the New World—a world changed by the Great Disruption of 1799, when all the continents were flung into different time periods.  Eight years ago, her parents left her with her uncle Shadrack, the foremost cartologer in Boston, and went on an urgent mission. They never returned. Life with her brilliant, absent-minded, adored uncle has taught Sophia to take care of herself.

Then Shadrack is kidnapped. And Sophia, who has rarely been outside of Boston, is the only one who can search for him. Together with Theo, a refugee from the West, she travels over rough terrain and uncharted ocean, encounters pirates and traders, and relies on a combination of Shadrack’s maps, common sense, and her own slantwise powers of observation. But even as Sophia and Theo try to save Shadrack’s life, they are in danger of losing their own.

The Last Last-Day-of-Summer

by Lamar Giles

Otto and Sheed are the local sleuths in their zany Virginia town, masters of unraveling mischief using their unmatched powers of deduction. And as the summer winds down and the first day of school looms, the boys are craving just a little bit more time for fun, even as they bicker over what kind of fun they want to have. That is, until a mysterious man appears with a camera that literally freezes time. Now, with the help of some very strange people and even stranger creatures, Otto and Sheed will have to put aside their differences to save their town—and each other—before time stops for good.

The Last Musketeer

by Stuart Gibbs

On a family trip to Paris, Greg Rich’s parents disappear. They’re not just missing from the city – they’re missing from the century. So, Greg does what any other 14-year-old would do: He travels through time to rescue them. 

Greg soon finds out that his family history is tied to the legendary Three Musketeers. But when he meets them, they’re his age, and they’ll only live long enough to become true heroes if he can save them. 

To rescue his parents, Greg must assume the identity of a young Musketeer in training and unite Athos, Porthos, and Aramis – but a powerful enemy is doing everything possible to stop him. 

The Library of Ever

by Zeno Alexander

With her parents off traveling the globe, Lenora is bored, bored, bored―until she discovers a secret doorway into the ultimate library. Mazelike and reality-bending, the library contains all the universe’s wisdom. Every book ever written, and every fact ever known, can be found within its walls. And Lenora becomes its newly appointed Fourth Assistant Apprentice Librarian.

She rockets to the stars, travels to a future filled with robots, and faces down a dark nothingness that wants to destroy all knowledge. To save the library, Lenora will have to test her limits and uncover secrets hidden among its shelves.

The Lincoln Project

(Flashback Four) by Dan Gutman

In  New York Times  bestselling author Dan Gutman’s all-new series, which blends fascinating real history with an action-packed and hilarious adventure, four very different kids are picked by a mysterious billionaire to travel through time and photograph some of history’s most important events. This time, the four friends are headed to 1863 to catch Abraham Lincoln delivering his famous Gettysburg Address.

They’ll have to work together to ask the right questions, meet the right people, and capture the right moment. And most important—not get caught! Back matter separating fact from fiction and real black-and-white photographs throughout make Flashback Four the perfect mix of true history and uproarious fun. Young readers will love reading the hilarious story, while still learning about a crucial moment in American history.

The Magic In Changing Your Stars

by Leah Henderson

Eleven-year-old Ailey Benjamin Lane, a gifted dancer, is certain that he’ll land the role of the Scarecrow in his school’s production of  The Wiz.  But when a classmate overshadows him at auditions, a deflated Ailey confides in his Grampa that he is going to give up dancing. Not ready to give up on Ailey, Grampa shares a story from his past. As a young boy, Grampa gave up  his  dreams of tap dancing even after the unofficial Mayor of Harlem, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, encouraged him to perform. Robinson also gifted him a special pair of tap shoes.

A curious Ailey tries on the shoes and is instantly transported back to 1930s Harlem. There he meets a young street tap dancer and realizes it’s his grandfather. Ailey thinks he can help the 12-year-old version of his Grampa face his fears, but he must tread lightly—if Ailey changes the past, can it affect his future, and will he ever make his way home? Featuring an all-Black cast of characters and many moments infused with Black culture and history, this is a time-travel adventure that has been waiting to be told.

The Mona Lisa Key

(Time Castaways) by Liesl Shurtliff

Mateo, Ruby, and Corey Hudson’s parents don’t have too many rules. It’s the usual stuff: Be good. Do your homework. And never ride the subway without an adult, EVER. But when the siblings wake up late for school, they have no choice but to break a rule. The Hudson siblings board the subway in Manhattan and end up on a frigate ship in Paris…in the year 1911.

As time does tell, the Hudson family has a lot of secrets. The past, present, and future are intertwined—and a time-traveling ship called the  Vermillion  is at the center. Racing to untangle the truth, the kids find themselves in the middle of one of the greatest art heists of all time.

And the adventure is just getting started.

Rescue on the Oregon Trail

(Ranger In Time) by Kate Messner

Meet Ranger! He’s a time-traveling golden retriever who has a nose for trouble . . . and always saves the day! Ranger has been trained as a search-and-rescue dog, but can’t officially pass the test because he’s always getting distracted by squirrels during exercises. One day, he finds a mysterious first aid kit in the garden and is transported to the year 1850, where he meets a young boy named Sam Abbott. Sam’s family is migrating west on the Oregon Trail, and soon after Ranger arrives he helps the boy save his little sister. Ranger thinks his job is done, but the Oregon Trail can be dangerous, and the Abbotts need Ranger’s help more than they realize!

Saving Lucas Biggs

by Marisa De Los Santos and David Teague

Thirteen-year-old Margaret knows her father is innocent, but that doesn’t stop the cruel Judge Biggs from sentencing him to death. Margaret is determined to save her dad, even if it means using her family’s secret—and forbidden—ability to time travel.

With the help of her best friend, Charlie, and his grandpa Josh, Margaret goes back to a time when Judge Biggs was a young boy and tries to prevent the chain of events that transformed him into a corrupt, jaded man. But with the forces of history working against her, will Margaret be able to change the past? Or will she be pushed back to a present in which her father is still doomed?

Told in alternating voices between Margaret and Josh, this heartwarming story shows that sometimes the forces of good need a little extra help to triumph over the forces of evil.

Stealing the Sword

(Time Jumpers series) by Wendy Mass

Chase and Ava find an old suitcase filled with strange objects. One of the objects looks like a dragon-headed doorknob… Suddenly Chase and Ava find themselves jumping back in time to King Arthur’s castle! They meet the king’s wizard Merlin and soon discover what the dragon-headed doorknob  really  is. It turns out they have an important job to do: They must save the king! But a bad guy is after them… How will Chase and Ava get back home? They will need to act fast to find out!

Time Traveling With a Hamster

by Ross Welford

My dad died twice. Once when he was thirty-nine and again four years later, when he was twelve.  On his twelfth birthday, Al Chaudhury receives a letter from his dead father. It directs him to the bunker of their old house, where Al finds a time machine (an ancient computer and a tin bucket). The letter also outlines a mission: travel back to 1984 and prevent the go-kart accident that will eventually take his father’s life. But as Al soon discovers, whizzing back thirty years requires not only imagination and courage, but also lying to your mom, stealing a moped, and setting your school on fire—oh, and keeping your pet hamster safe. With a literary edge and tons of commerical appeal, this incredible debut has it all: heart, humor, vividly imagined characters, and a pitch-perfect voice.

Time Villains

by Victor Piñeiro

Javi Santiago is trying his best not to fail sixth grade. So, when the annual invite any three people to dinner homework assignment rolls around, Javi enlists his best friend, Wiki, and his sister, Brady, to help him knock it out of the park.

But the dinner party is a lot more than they bargained for. The family’s mysterious antique table actually brings the historical guests to the meal…and Blackbeard the Pirate is turning out to be the worst guest of all time.

Before they can say avast, ye maties, Blackbeard escapes, determined to summon his bloodthirsty pirate crew. And as Javi, Wiki, and Brady try to figure out how to get Blackbeard back into his own time, they might have to invite some even zanier figures to set things right again…

A Wrinkle In Time

by Madeleine L’Engle

It was a dark and stormy night; Meg Murry, her small brother Charles Wallace, and her mother had come down to the kitchen for a midnight snack when they were upset by the arrival of a most disturbing stranger.

“Wild nights are my glory,” the unearthly stranger told them. “I just got caught in a downdraft and blown off course. Let me sit down for a moment, and then I’ll be on my way. Speaking of ways, by the way, there is such a thing as a tesseract.”

A tesseract (in case the reader doesn’t know) is a wrinkle in time. To tell more would rob the reader of the enjoyment of Miss L’Engle’s unusual book.  A Wrinkle in Time , winner of the Newbery Medal in 1963, is the story of the adventures in space and time of Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin O’Keefe (athlete, student, and one of the most popular boys in high school). They are in search of Meg’s father, a scientist who disappeared while engaged in secret work for the government on the tesseract problem.

If you’re interested in purchasing any of the titles above from my list of 16 Books About Time Travel , please use my affiliate links for Amazon or Bookshop. When you purchase from the links above, I will earn a commission as an affiliate.

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Middle-Grade & Middle-School Time Travel

MARCH 20, 2012

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT

by Greg Leitich Smith & illustrated by Henry Blake

Action and enthusiasm aplenty, but, like most time-travel tales, not much for internal logic. Full review >

CHILDREN'S

OCT. 1, 1988

by Jane Yolen

Full review >

APRIL 22, 2008

by Margaret Peterson Haddix

JULY 1, 2006

by Linda Buckley-Archer

SEPT. 4, 2012

by Marissa Moss & illustrated by Marissa Moss

A surprise ending will leave readers anticipating Mira’s next mission as she follows her mother through time and history. Full review >

FEB. 1, 2006

by Dan Gutman

NOV. 1, 2007

by Philip Reeve & illustrated by David Wyatt

SEPT. 21, 1987

by Diana Wynne Jones

SEPT. 1, 2007

by Guillaume Prévost & translated by William Rodarmor

APRIL 1, 2011

by Bianca Turetsky & illustrated by Sandra Suy

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Roger Tarkington and the Magic Calendar: Surviving Middle School (book 2 in the middle grade time travel series) Paperback – December 18, 2020

Purchase options and add-ons.

• Reading age 8 - 12 years
• Book 2 of 3 Roger Tarkington and the Magic Calendar
• Print length 238 pages
• Language English
• Dimensions 5 x 0.54 x 8 inches
• Publication date December 18, 2020
• ISBN-10 1734489847
• ISBN-13 978-1734489842
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From the Publisher

Middle school mystery with a time travel twist, product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Taft Publishing (December 18, 2020)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 238 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1734489847
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1734489842
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 12 years
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.5 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.54 x 8 inches
• #2,068 in Children's Intermediate Readers
• #2,197 in Children's Books on Boys' & Men's Issues
• #7,122 in Children's School Issues

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Book 2 in the Popular Time Travel School for Kids (8-12)

I.m. maynard.

About the author

I.M. Maynard is the author of the Roger Tarkington and the Magic Calendar middle grade series.

The popular time travel series follows 11-year-old Roger Tarkington, a 6th grade middle school student who uncovers a magic calendar that allows him to travel back and forth in time by pressing his wall calendar. Roger Tarkington and the Magic Calendar: Quest for Middle School Greatness was published in 2019. The second book in the series, Roger Tarkington and the Magic Calendar: Surviving Middle School, was released in 2021. The final book in the series, Roger Tarkington and the Magic Calendar: Time's Up, was released in 2023.

When he isn't writing, I.M. Maynard enjoys reading. His favorite contemporary middle grade novelists include: Louis Sachar (Holes), Stuart Gibbs (Spy School), Gordon Korman (Swindle), Carl Hiaasen (Chomp), Jerry Spinelli (Wringer), Jack Gantos (What Would Joey Do?), R.J. Palacio (Wonder), and Chris Rylander (The Fourth Stall).

I.M. Maynard lives on the East Coast with his wife and son, who was the inspiration for the series.

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Top 10 Time Travel Books

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25 Best Time Travel Books That Defy Time and Genre

By looking at the earliest iterations of traveling through time to the modern interpretations, we’ve collected the best time travel books. These best books vary from classic middle grade to contemporary romance. Each book defies a single timeline and a single defining genre.

25 Best Time Travel Books

The following books all feature time travel as a foundational element to the plot. In some, time travel is a narrative device which reveals more about the main character. Meanwhile, in others it is the hard-and-fast time machine that perhaps springs to mind. The inner workings of how the time travels functions are explained, or not explained, to various degrees.

Books about time travel have been around for more than a century and dip into almost every other genre. The picks on this list can also be categorized as romance or thriller, from middle grade to young adult to adult.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but is our recommendations for the best time travel books. If your favorite book about time travel isn’t on this list, leave a comment below to let other readers know your recommendation.

25. The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes

Most time traveling books imbue a lesson about life and the importance of the small moments. This often occurs through a protagonist who, even if they aren’t perfect, is trying to be better. But what if the ability to travel through time landed in the hands of someone evil? That’s what Lauren Beukes explores in The Shining Girls.

This horror sci-fi is about a killer who finds a portal to the past. He then uses it to track, visit, and murder his victims.

Except one victim, Kirby Mazrachi, survives his attack. Now Kirby will do whatever it takes, no matter how improbable, to bring her attacker to justice.

24. Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister

In a similar vein, Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister is a combination of the 1993 movie Groundhog Day and murder. That’s because the main character is up late waiting for her son to return home when she sees the impossible. Her son kills a stranger right in front of their house.

With her son in custody and a million questions swirling in her mind, the main character goes to sleep and wakes up the day before yesterday. Each morning she wakes up one day earlier searching for the reason her son committed the murder, determined to find it.

23. Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

The first book in the Ruby Red Trilogy veers slightly from the previous mystery thriller recommendations. That’s because Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier is a young adult romance with a historical fiction timeline. The trilogy is translated into English by Anthea Bell.

It follows sixteen-year-old Gwen who lives with her eccentric family in London. A time traveling gene runs through the female half of her lineage. However, Gwen was never introduced to the secrets of time travel as the gene was supposed to have skipped Gwen.

So, she is completely unprepared when she starts taking uncontrolled leaps into the past. Gwen needs to learn the ropes fast, while also dealing with her incredibly attractive time traveling partner Gideon.

22. Recursion by Blake Crouch

The time travel in the world of Recursion by Blake Crouch is slightly different than other recommendations, but the importance of memory is still paramount in this setting.

Barry Sutton, a cop in New York City, is investigating False Memory Syndrome. This is a new phenomenon that is driving victims to insanity.

The mysterious affliction is inserting memories into the minds of its victims. Most cannot cope with the onslaught of trauma. Barry and neuroscientist Helena Smith are the only ones who stand a chance at defeating this terrifying opponent.

21. Hyperion by Dan Simmons

Next in our list of the best time travel books is a classic: Hyperion by Dan Simmons. This is a sci-fi space opera which takes place on the world of Hyperion. It is the first book in a quartet with an additional prequel and sequel.

In this world there is a creature called the Shrike. Some worship it, some fear it, and some wish to destroy it. Structures move backward through time in the Valley of the Time Tombs and this is where the Shrike waits.

But on the eve of Armageddon, seven pilgrims set forth to Hyperion. They seek answers to the unsolved riddles of their lives. Each pilgrim carries hope and a secret, and one may hold the fate of humanity in his hands.

20. An Ocean of Minutes by Thea Lim

This is a story about love and the endurance of humanity. It unfolds against a backdrop of time travel, a flu pandemic, and sacrifice. An Ocean of Minutes by Thea Lim follows two people separated by time.

When Polly’s boyfriend Frank catches the deadly flu virus that is rampaging its way across America, she will do anything to save him. Even agree to a radical contract with a company that has invented time travel to work as a bonded laborer. If she agrees, the company will pay for Frank’s treatment.

Polly and Frank agree to meet in twelve years’ time in Galveston, Texas. But when Polly is sent an additional five years in the future, everything is thrown into question. Now Polly must try to find Frank, see if he is alive, and if their love still rings true.

19. The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley

The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley is another romance that involves themes of loss, grief, and identity.

Eva and Katrina spent their summers as children in Cornwall, so when Katrina dies that is where Eva returns to spread her ashes. But Eva must confront the metaphorical ghosts of her past. As well as the very real ghosts she finds in the home where she is staying.

That’s because in this home Eva can travel through time back to the eighteenth century. She finds herself interacting with the inhabitants who lived there then. She also finds herself falling for one of them, Daniel Butler, and needing to choose between the life she knows and the past she feels so drawn towards.

18. This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone

Another romance, This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone is equally ethereal and unexpected. It is written in the form of letters between two enemies from opposing sides of a war who slowly, through their shared correspondence, fall in love.

Known only as Red and Blue, their letters begin as taunts, then praise, and then something more. The prose in this book feels more like poetry. As Red and Blue traverse the strands of time and history to weave their own attacks in this War or snip others, we learn more about them, the intimacy of their correspondence, and the chances of their happily-ever-after.

17. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

No list of the best time travel books would be complete without Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, because it has become a beloved modern classic. Claire and Jamie’s love story has sold millions of copies and sprung from the pages into a hit TV adaptation. But this is where it all began.

In 1945, as Claire enjoys a second honeymoon with her husband in Scotland, she walks through an ancient stone circle and finds herself in 1743. Claire does not understand the forces which propelled her back in time, nor does she fully understand the fiery passion she feels for James Fraser, who has her questioning her vows of holy matrimony.

16. The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Another book that has become synonymous with time travel and likely immediately springs to mind is The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. It too has a popular screen adaptation with a 2009 movie and a more recent 2022 television series.

It follows the love story of Clare and Henry as they try to navigate their lives with Henry’s genetic condition that causes him to travel sporadically through time. They first met when Clare was six and Henry 36, then married when Clare was 22 and Henry was 30. Their fight for each other is moving and unforgettable.

15. All Our Wrong Todays by Elan Mastai

The future imagined by those in the 1950s was remarkable. In the world of All Our Wrong Todays by Elan Mastai, it was also accurate. What we think of as the real world is actually an offshoot that feels like a dystopian wasteland when Tom Barren finds himself in our version of 2016 after a time traveling mishap.

But in this alternate reality Tom finds versions of his family, his career, and the love of his life. Now, Tom must make a decision on whether to he needs to fix his mistake, or if he should forge out a new life in this unpredictable reality.

14. The Impossible Lives of Greta Wells by Andrew Sean Greer

The Impossible Lives of Greta Wells by Andrew Sean Greer opens in 1985 and depicts the various lives Greta might have lived, if she had been born in a different time.

It all starts when Greta begins psychiatric treatment for her depression after the death of her twin brother and a difficult break up. Through her treatment she begins to experience alternative versions of her life in 1918 and 1941. Each comes with its own hardships and losses, but if she had a chance to choose, where would Greta stay?

13. Just One Damned Thing After Another by Jodi Taylor

The next recommendation in our list of the best time travel books is the first in The Chronicles of St Mary’s series. Just One Damned Thing After Another by Jodi Taylor follows a group of time traveling historians who try to stay under the radar, but don’t always succeed. It is a fun adventure-filled read.

That’s because the members of St Mary’s Institute of Historical Research have a penchant for disaster as they investigate major historical events in contemporary time. While they always intend to observe quietly, they quickly realize it’s not just History they’re fighting.

12. Doomsday Book by Connie Willis

This is another book which follows scholars and academics through time travel and is also the first book in a series. Doomsday Book by Connie Willis is the first book in the Oxford Time Travel series. It explores universal themes of evil, suffering, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Kivrin prepared for her next on-site study by receiving inoculations against the diseases of the fourteenth-century and crafting an alibi for a woman traveling alone. Her instructors in the modern day were busy with the painstaking calculations to send her to where she needed to be.

But then a crisis strands Kivrin in a time of superstition and fear. She finds herself becoming an unlikely angel of hope to those around her.

11. Time and Again by Jack Finney

Time and Again is the first book in the Time duology by Jack Finney. It follows a young man who is enlisted into a secret government experiment.

Si Morley finds himself transported from mid-twentieth century New York City to 1882. While enchanted by the city he solves a 20th-century mystery by finding its 19th-century roots. He also falls in love with a beautiful young woman and must choose between the past or the present.

10. The Kingdoms by Natasha Pulley

An alternative history standalone, The Kingdoms by Natasha Pulley asks the question of whether it is worth changing the past to save the future when it costs you everyone you’ve ever loved.

Joe Tournier doesn’t remember anything about his life before he stepped off a train onto the soil of 19th-century England, which is a French colony. The only clue he has is an old postcard of a Scottish lighthouse from 100 years ago. The post card is written in English, which is illegal, and signed with an M.

His search for his identity begins with who wrote this postcard. It will see Joe travel from French-ruled London to rebel-owned Scotland. He will remake history, and himself.

9. The River of No Return by Bee Ridgway

More than halfway through our list of the best time travel books is The River of No Return by Bee Ridgway. It presents another alternative history between London and France.

Lord Nicholas Falcott was dying on a Napoleonic battlefield when he suddenly awoke in 21st-century London. A secretive group of time travelers, The Guild, told him there is no return. But Nick’s heart belongs to Julia Percy back in 1815 and Nick is willing to gamble everything against the rules of time itself for their reunion.

8. One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle

After quite a few romantic time traveling stories, this recommendation ventures into a different type of relationship and form of love. One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle follows Katy to the Amalfi Coast of Italy as she grieves the loss of her mother.

Katy and her mother, Carol, were supposed to travel to Positano together; it is a town where Carol spent the summer before she met Katy’s father. While Katy travels to Italy alone, she soon feels her mother’s spirit all around her, and then she finds her mother walking through the streets, somehow 30 years old again.

Katy has gotten her mother back and has one Italian summer to get to know her as a young woman. But Katy will have to reconcile her version of her mother who knew everything with the young woman before her still figuring it out.

7. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

This next recommendation quickly became a beloved favorite following its publication, but before you read The Midnight Library by Matt Haig you may want to check out the detailed content warnings as it does have themes of suicide ideation and depression.

Despite the heavy themes, Haig is able to create a world that is lyrical, poignant, and strangely uplifting. Between life and death in this world there is a library which holds all the different variations of your life: The might-have-beens.

Nora Seed finds herself in the Midnight Library with the possibility to change her life for a new one. As she travels through the stacks she must decide what is truly fulfilling in life and what makes life worth living in the first place.

6. 11/22/63 by Stephen King

While he is known as the King of Horror, Stephen King has a grasp on writing that shines through in any genre he tackles. That much is true for 11/22/63 which takes place in two timelines as an English teacher from Maine attempts to stop the Kennedy assassination.

It begins in 2011 as Jake Epping’s friend shares with him the time traveling portal in the back of his diner. Jake agrees to this daring, and seemingly impossible, mission to prevent the Kennedy assassination. But in this world of a bygone era, Jake falls in love with a high school librarian and then encounters a troubled loner named Lee Harvey Oswald…

5. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

As we begin counting down the top five best time travel books, this is where we start to feature the classics that undoubtedly affected the course of the genre. The first of these classics is Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

The time travelling aspect of this book is part of the narrative and how Billy Pilgrim relives his life in a slightly disorienting and non-linear way. Centering on the infamous bombing of Dresden during the Second World War, Billy Pilgrim’s odyssey through time reflects the mythic journey of our own fractured lives as we search for meaning in what we fear the most.

4. The End of Eternity by Isaac Asimov

Our fourth pick for the best time travel book is The End of Eternity by Issac Asimov. This is a dystopian science fiction in which humanity is split between Eternals and non-Eternals.

Andrew Harlan is an Eternal, which means it is his job to travel through the past and present to monitor Time and, when necessary, change it. But when he falls in love with a non-Eternal woman, he decides to use the powers at his disposal to twist time for his own purposes, so he and the woman he loves can carve out a life together.

3. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

This next best time travel book is an evocative story about friendship and family. A Wrinkle in Time is the first book in the Time Quintet by Madeleine L’Engle, which is a middle grade classic.

It begins at the Murry house when a stranger beckons Meg, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O’Keefe on a dangerous and extraordinary adventure. It is a journey through time that will threaten their lives and our universe, but the life of Meg’s father hangs in the balance.

2. Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

Our penultimate pick for the best time travel book explores a theme that has not yet featured on our list, which is how time travel can be an incredibly different experience with the dangers of racism. Kindred by Octavia E. Butler is heralded as the first science fiction novel written by a Black woman; Butler and this novel have become a cornerstone of the genre.

In 1976 California, on her 26th birthday, Dana finds herself hurtled through time to antebellum Maryland. She saves a drowning white boy, but finds herself staring down the barrel of a shotgun. She escapes with her life when she is inexplicably transported back to the present, but this is just the beginning of multiple time traveling experiences with the same young man, which makes Dana realize the challenge she has been given.

1. The Time Machine by H.G. Wells

Finally, our best time travel book is the 1895 classic that literally coined the term which has now become universal: The Time Machine by H.G. Wells. Even though it was written more than a century ago, Wells’s novel remains a striking commentary on the duality of human nature.

It is a first-hand account of the main character’s journey from Victorian England to 800,000 years in the future. There the Time Traveller encounters an Earth that is slowly dying and populated by two races: The ethereal Eloi and the subterranean Morlocks. It depicts humanity’s greatest hopes, and its darkest fears.

Final thoughts on the best time travel books

In conclusion, here is a recap of our picks for the best time travel books. These recommendations span more than a century of literature. This list includes the first instances of time travel in fiction and other cornerstone classics that shaped this trope.

Books about time travel can go in countless directions, which makes it a building block for so many other genres: Middle grade, young adult, romance, or mystery. Regardless of whichever genre these time travel books share, each one offers a poignant reflection into the psyche of humanity. Each book on this list explores a what-if and the conclusions reveal a little bit more about our lived reality.

• The Time Machine by H.G. Wells (1895)
• Kindred by Octavia E. Butler (1979)
• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle (1962)
• The End of Eternity by Isaac Asimov (1955)
• Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut (1969)
• 11/22/63 by Stephen King (2011)
• The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (2020)
• One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle (2022)
• The River of No Return by Bee Ridgway (2013)
• The Kingdoms by Natasha Pulley (2021)
• Time and Again by Jack Finney (1970)
• Doomsday Book by Connie Willis (1992)
• Just One Damned Thing After Another by Jodi Taylor (2013)
• The Impossible Lives of Greta Wells by Andrew Sean Greer (2013)
• All Our Wrong Todays by Elan Mastai (2017)
• The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (2003)
• Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (1991)
• This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone (2019)
• The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley (2011)
• An Ocean of Minutes by Thea Lim (2018)
• Hyperion by Dan Simmons (1989)
• Recursion by Blake Crouch (2019)
• Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier (2009)
• Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister (2022)
• The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes (2013)

More Book Recommendation Resources

• 21 Best Psychological Thriller Books
• 15 Best Historical Fiction Books
• 17 Best Science Fiction Books
• 30 Best YA Fantasy Books

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40 Best Time Travel Books To Read Right Now (2024)

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Travel back in time with the best time travel books, including engrossing thrillers, romance, contemporary lit, and mind-bending sci-fi.

Table of Contents

Best Time Travel Books

Books about time travel promise to not only transport you across time periods and space – Doctor Who-style – but also tesser you into new dimensions and around the world. Most readers already know about classics like The Time Traveler’s Wife , A Christmas Carol , and The Time Machine .

For romance time travel, grab In A Holidaze or One Last Stop . For contemporary and new time travel books, Haig’s The Midnight Library and Serle’s In Five Years captivated our hearts and minds.

Recursion re-kindled our love for science fiction, and Ruby Red transported us to 18th-century London. Books like Displacement promise intuitive and raw commentary about generational trauma and racism in graphic novel form.

Below, find the best time travel novels across genres for adults and teens, including history, romance, classics, sci-fi, YA, and thrilling fiction. Get ready to travel in the blink of an eye, and be sure to let us know your favorites in the comments. Let’s get started!

Contemporary & Literary Fiction

If you enjoy contemporary and literary fiction filled with strong main characters, these are some of the best books in the time travel genre. Uncover new releases as well as books on the bestseller lists. Of course, we’ll share a few lesser-known gems too.

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle

Would your life change if you had one seemingly real dream or premonition? What if some key facts were missing but you had no idea? Can we change the future?

One of the best books about time travel and friendship, don’t skip In Five Years . In fact, we read this New York City-based novel in half a day. Have the tissue box ready.

Dannie nails an important job interview and is hoping to get engaged. Of course, this is all a part of her perfect 5-year plan. Dannie has arranged every minute of her life ever since her brother died in a drunk driving accident.

On the night of Dannie’s “scheduled” engagement, she falls asleep only to have a vision of herself 5 years into the future in the arms of another man. Did she just time travel or could this be a dream? When Dannie arrives back in 2020, her life goes back to normal. …That is until she meets the man from her dream.

We were expecting In Five Years to be a time travel romance story; however, this is a different type of love and one of the best books about strong friendships .

Read In Five Years : Amazon | Goodreads

Before the coffee gets cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Translated by Geoffrey Trousselot | We just love Japanese literature . One of the most debated time travel books among our readers – you’ll either love it or hate it – Before the coffee gets cold takes place at a cafe in Tokyo, Japan.

Along with coffee, this 140-year-old, back-alley cafe lets visitors travel back in time. Four visitors at the cafe are hoping to time travel to see someone for the last (or first) time. The way each patron views the cafe says a lot about them. The details and repetition are everything.

True to the title, visits may only last as long as it takes for the coffee to grow cold. If they don’t finish their coffee in time, there are ghostly consequences.

Before the coffee gets cold asks, who would you want to see one last time, and what issues you would confront?

Along with the many rules of time travel, these visitors are warned that the present will not change. Would you still travel back knowing this? Can something, anything, still change – even within you?

The story has a drop of humor with a beautiful message. We shed a tear or two. Discover even more terrific and thought-provoking Japanese fantasy novels here .

Read Before the coffee gets cold : Amazon | Goodreads

If you are looking for the most inspiring take on time travel in books, Haig’s The Midnight Library is it. This is one of those profound stories that make you think more deeply . TWs for pet death (early on) and suicide ideation.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Imagine if you could see your other possible lives and fix your regrets. Would that path be better? Would these changes make you happier?

Set in Bedford, England, and at a library , Nora answers these questions as she intentionally overdoses on pills. Caught in the Midnight Library – a purgatory of sorts – Nora explores books filled with the ways her life could have turned out. She tries on these alternative lives, pursuing different dreams, marrying different people, and realizing that some parts of her root life were not as they seemed on the surface.

Find hope and simplicity in one of the most authentic and heaviest time travel novels on this list. Haig addresses mental health through a new lens that is both beautiful and moving.

With a team full of avid readers and librarians, discover our top selections featuring more books about books .

Read The Midnight Library : Amazon | Goodreads

The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver

Some of the best time travel books are those with alternate realities, including The Two Lives of Lydia Bird . There are content warnings for prescription pill addiction and more.

Set in England, Lydia and Freddie are planning their marriage when the unthinkable happens. Freddie dies in a car accident on the way to Lydia’s birthday dinner. In a matter of seconds, Lydia’s world falls apart. She isn’t sure how she will survive. When Lydia starts taking magical pink sleeping pills, she enters an alternate universe where Freddie is alive and well.

Caught between her dream world and real life, Lydia must decide if she will give in to her addiction – living in a temporary fantasy world – or give it up completely.

While the repetitive and predictable plot drags a bit – slightly hurting the pacing – the overall story shows emotional growth and the nature of healing after loss. And, as Lydia soon learns via her dreams, no love is perfect. Maybe her future was destined to be different anyway, which is reminiscent of Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library .

Read The Two Lives of Lydia Bird Jose Silver : Amazon | Goodreads

The First Fifteen Lives Of Harry August by Claire North

If you are looking for more suspenseful books about time travel and like Groundhog Day , check out The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August. However, this is not just one day on repeat; instead, this is a lifetime.

Harry August is repeatedly reborn into the same life, retaining his memories each time. No matter what Harry does or says, when he lands on his deathbed, he always returns back to his childhood, again and again. On the verge of his eleventh death, though, a girl changes the course of his life. He must use his accumulated wisdom to prevent catastrophe.

Read The First Fifteen Lives Of Harry August : Amazon | Goodreads

An Ocean of Minutes by Thea Lim

When it comes to time travel books, An Ocean of Minutes is one of the most original takes about time travel’s effects on alternate history.

Polly and Frank are deeply in love in 1981 when a pandemic devastates the planet. By the end of 1981, time travel (invented in this alternate reality in 1993) has been made available.

Because of this invention, individuals can sign on to work for the TimeRaiser corporation in order to escape or save their loved ones in the present. Due to a flaw in the technology, though, they can only transport people for 12 years. This prevents them from stopping the pandemic by just 6 months.

When Frank gets ill, Polly signs up, both agreeing they will meet back up in 1993. Now alone in the future, Polly has to learn to navigate a world she has less than zero preparation for. In this world, she is a time refugee, bonded to TimeRaiser without a physical cent to her name.

Lim uses the time travel mechanic to cleverly explore the subject of immigration, forcing the reader to follow Polly blindly into a world they should know, but don’t. This is what makes An Ocean of Minutes one of the most unique time travel novels on this reading list.

Read An Ocean of Minutes : Amazon | Goodreads

Time Travel In Science Fiction

For fantasy and sci-fi lovers, take a quantum leap into fictional worlds, quantum physics, possible futures, black holes, and endless possibilities. See if you can tell the difference between the real world and new dimensions.

Recursion by Blake Crouch

Recursion is one of our all-time favorite time travel books to gift to dads who love sci-fi. Can you tell what we gave our dad for Christmas one year?

In Recursion, no one actually physically time travels – well, sort of. Instead, memories become the time-traveling reality.

Detective Barry Sutton is investigating False Memory Syndrome. Neuroscientist Helena Smith might have the answers he needs. The disease drives people crazy – and to their deaths – by causing them to remember entire lives that aren’t theirs. Or are they!?

All goes to heck when the government gets its hands on this mind-blowing technology. Can Barry and Helena stop this endless loop?

Recursion is also a (2019) Goodreads Best Book for Science Fiction.

Read Recursion : Amazon | Goodreads

This Is How You Lose The War by Max Gladstone and Amal El-Mohtar 

A Goodreads runner-up for one of the best science fiction novels (of 2019) – and one of the shortest time travel novels on this list – This Is How You Lose The Time War follows two warring time-traveling agents falling in love through a letter exchange.

Red and Blue have nothing in common except that they travel across time and space and are alone. Their growing and forbidden love is punishable by death and their agencies might be onto them.

In a somewhat beautiful yet bizarre story, we watch as Red and Blue slowly fall for each other and confess their love. They engage in playful banter and nicknames. Every shade of red and blue reminds them of each other.

The first half of the novel is a bit abstract. You might wonder what the heck you’ve gotten yourself into. However, once you get your feet planted firmly on the ground of the plot, the story picks up and starts making more sense.

We can’t promise you’ll love or even understand This Is How You Lose The Time War – we aren’t sure we do. However, this is truly one of the most unique sci-fi and LGBTQ+ time travel romance books on this reading list – written by two authors. Also, maybe crack out the dictionary…

Explore even more of the best LGBTQ+ fantasy books to read next.

Read This Is How You Lose The War : Amazon | Goodreads

All Our Wrong Todays by Elan Mastai

A debut novel, All Our Wrong Todays is both a humorous and entertaining time travel book that speaks to how we become who we are.

In 2016, technology perfected the world for Tom Barren. However, we all know that perfection doesn’t equate to happiness. Barren has lost his girlfriend, and he just happens to own a time machine… Now, Barren has to decide if he wants to keep his new, manipulated future or if he just wants to go back home to his depressing but normal life.

Read All Our Wrong Todays : Amazon | Goodreads

Here And Now And Then by Mike Chen

Imagine getting trapped in time and starting over. That’s exactly what happens to IT worker, Kin Stewart, in one of the bestselling science fiction time travel books, Here And Now And Then .

Stewart has two lives since he is a displaced time-traveling agent stuck in San Francisco in the 1990s. He has a family that knows nothing about his past; or, should we say future. When a rescue team arrives to take him back, Stewart has to decide what he is willing to risk for his new family.

Here And Now And Then is a time travel book filled with emotional depth surrounding themes of bonds, identity, and sacrifice. Find even more books set in San Francisco, California (and more!).

Read Here And Now And Then : Amazon | Goodreads

How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe by Charles Yu

How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe is one of the most unusual books about time travel out there.

Our protagonist Charles Yu lives in a world where time travel exists and is readily available to the average person. And yes, he is named after the author, and yes, it is as meta as it sounds; and yes, this is just the beginning of this speculative fiction time travel book.

Charles Yu’s day job is spent repairing time machines for Time Warner Time. But in his free time, he tries to help the people who use time travel to do so safely and to counsel them if things have gone wrong.

It’s no surprise that Charles’ entire life revolves around time travel since his father invented the technology many years ago. And then he disappeared. In fact, Charles is also trying to find out just what happened to his dad, and where – or when – he’s gone.

How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe won’t be for everyone, but it’s one of the best time travel books if you want delightfully meta, fantastically non-linear, and very very weird.

Read How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe : Amazon | Goodreads

The Vanished Birds by Simon Jimenez

For beautiful, lyrical time travel novels about found family and love, The Vanished Birds is a must-read.

Nia Imani exists outside of time and space. She travels in and out of the world through a pocket of time with her space crew. They emerge to trade or sell goods every eight months. But eight months for them is 15 years for everyone else.

She has lived this way for hundreds of years. Though she has her crew, and there are people she shares connections with sporadically throughout their lives, she is lonely. And although she barely ages, she watches friends and lovers grow old and die.

One such person is Kaeda, who meets Nia for the first time when he is 7. The next time he sees her, he has aged 15 years, while she is only months older. She continues to come every 15 years of his life, always looking the same.

Then one day a mysterious, mute boy falls from the sky into Nia’s life. His name is Ahro, and there’s something extra special about him. Something that could revolutionize space travel forever. And now there might be people after Ahro who won’t love him the way Nia does.

If you love a character-driven book with exquisite prose – and a few time warps – this is one of the best time travel books for you.

Read The Vanished Birds : Amazon | Goodreads

Night Watch by Terry Pratchett

Night Watch is one of the most fun and thrilling books about time travel. It’s also a bit ridiculous and very very British.

Why can’t policing just be simple? All Sam Vimes wanted to do was capture and arrest a dangerous murderer. But thanks to those damned wizards and their experiments, he and the killer have both been accidentally thrown back in time thirty years.

And to top it off, the man who would have become a mentor to young Sam Vimes in the past has been killed in the process! How’s Vimes going to get this all sorted out?

The City Watch he’s spent years improving is just a bunch of semi-competent volunteers at this point. He’s got no money, no clothes, and no friends. But at least he’s making enemies fast. Can he catch the killer, stop history from not repeating itself, and get home to his family? Oh, and the city’s about to dissolve into civil war. Typical.

Night Watch is perfect if you prefer your time travel books to be fantasy-based.

P.S. There may be mild spoilers for previous books in the Discworld series, but this can be read as a standalone. And if you only ever read one Discworld novel, this is one of the best there is – and so far the only one of the Discworld books with time travel!

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The Future of Another Timeline by Annalee Newitz

The Future of Another Timeline is one of the few time travel books to explore history through a feminist lens.

In 1992, Beth – a high school senior – and her friends Heather, Lizzy, and Soojin attend a riot grrl concert with Heather’s boyfriend Scott. But afterward, one of Scott’s not-so-funny sexist jokes gets out of hand and Lizzy accidentally kills him. Now they’re on the run, and the bodies just keep piling up.

Meanwhile, in 2022, Tess is part of a group of women and non-binary people working together to change history. They have the use of five time devices which only allow them to travel backward and back to the present day – but never forwards.

Beth and Tess come from two wildly different times (1992, and 2022, respectively). But, while Beth is busy making history, Tess is quite literally trying to change it. However, both of them want the same thing: a better world. When their worlds collide, will they be able to save each other – and the world?

The Future of Another Timeline is a time travel fiction celebration of feminism and queerness with lots of sci-fi and punk rock thrown in. This is one of the best time travel novels for those who enjoy stellar women making history .

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The Kingdoms by Natasha Pulley

The Kingdoms is wildly imaginative and sure to enchant fans of time travel books, alternative history stories, and tales about parallel universes.

In 1898 Joe Tournier steps off a train and suddenly can’t remember anything that comes before that moment. The world he now finds himself in is as foreign to him as it is to us: an alternate history/reality where the UK lost the Battle of Trafalgar and is now a French colony.

In this world, the British are kept as slaves. Napoleon is a popular name for pets, and tartan is outlawed. Since Joe arrives on a train from Glasgow speaking English and wearing tartan, there is some speculation he might be from The Saints, a terrorist group based in Edinburgh fighting for freedom.

But all Joe remembers is the fading image of a woman and the name Madeline. Although he is identified by his owner and brought “home,” Joe is determined to find this Madeline. And his resolve is only strengthened when he receives a postcard signed ‘– M’ and dated 90 years in the past.

Discover even more books about Scottish culture, history, and everyday life.

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The Light Brigade by Kameron Hurley

The Light Brigade is one of the best time travel stories for anyone who loves character-driven tales or books about war and conflict.

As war wages on Mars, the military has devised the perfect soldier to fight on the frontlines: being made of light. The Light Brigade, as they’re called back home, is made up of soldiers who have undergone a procedure that breaks them down into atoms capable of traveling at the speed of light. They are the perfect soldiers, but broken people.

The book follows one such soldier, Dietz, an eager new recruit who is experiencing battle out of sync with everyone else. Because of this, she – and we – see a different reality of the war than the one presented by the Corporate Corps. As Dietz becomes more and more unstuck in time, she becomes more and more unsure of her own sanity and the role she is playing in this war.

Read The Light Brigade : Amazon | Goodreads

The Umbrella Academy by Gerard Way

You Look Like Death Volume 1 | Now a popular (and excellent) Netflix TV show, The Umbrella Academy is one of the best time travel books of all time.

One day, forty-seven children are suddenly and inexplicably born to women who were not previously pregnant. Eccentric millionaire Reginald Hargreeves goes around the world buying as many of the surviving children as he possibly can. He is able to get seven.

These children, it turns out, all have superpowers (except, it seems, for the unremarkable Number Seven aka Vanya). They become the crime-fighting group: The Umbrella Academy.

Fast forward several years, and Number Five, whose special power is that he can travel in time a few seconds or minutes per go, has mysteriously appeared after Hargreeves dies. And now he brings warning of an apocalypse – one which he insists none of his siblings will survive.

The Umbrella Academy series currently has three volumes, all packed with tales of time travel, parallel worlds, family drama, and lots of epic battles. We’ve absolutely loved this time travel book series so far; we can’t wait to see what Gerard Way does with future installments.

Discover even more great books with music, musicians, and bands.

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Historical Fiction

Travel back in time to witness wars and history. See what happens if you try to rewrite the future. Many of these historical fiction books with time travel promise to teach you more.

The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

We have a plethora of Agatha Christie fans amongst our Uncorked Readers , and Turton’s The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evenlyn Hardcastle is inspired by Christie.

Similar to Levithan’s Every Day , each day, Aiden wakes up in a different body from the guests of the Blackheath Manor. Trapped in a time loop, Aiden must solve Evelyn Hardcastle’s murder to escape. In the process, he navigates the tangled web of secrets, lies, and interconnected lives of the guests. Can he identify the killer and break the cycle?

The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle is an award-winning historical thriller and one of the best time travel novels if you enjoy Downton Abbey and Groundhog’s Day . Discover even more great books set at hotels, mansions, and more.

Read The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle : Amazon | Goodreads

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Travel back in time to Scotland in one of the most well-known time travel book series (and now TV series) of all time. Outlander is a part of pop culture. A New York Times bestseller and one of the top 10 most loved books according to The Great America Read, get ready to enter Scotland in 1743.

Claire Randall, a former British combat nurse, walks through an ancient circle of stones and is transported into a world of love, death, and war. This is a place of political intrigue, clan conflicts, and romantic entanglements. Claire must navigate the unfamiliar landscape while grappling with her feelings for the dashing Jamie Fraser.

Encounter even more cult-classic books from the ’90s like A Game Of Thrones , which is perfect for fantasy map lovers .

Read Outlander : Amazon | Goodreads

11/22/63: A Novel by Stephen King

Written by bestselling author, Stephen King, 11/22/63 is one of the best award-winning time travel books for historical fiction lovers. Set in 1963 when President Kennedy is shot, 11/22/63 begs the question: what if you could go back in time and change history?

Enter Jake Epping in Lisbon Falls, Maine.  Epping asks his students to write about a time that altered the course of their lives. Inspired by one of those haunting essays, Epping enlists to prevent Kennedy’s assassination.  How is this time travel possible? With the discovery of a time portal in a local diner’s storeroom…

11/22/63 is one of the most thrilling and realistic books about time travel, according to both critics and readers.

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Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

If you are looking for historical fiction novels about time travel that address slavery and racism, be sure to check out Butler’s Kindred. This is also one of the best books published in the 1970s .

One minute Dana is celebrating her birthday in modern-day California. The next, she finds herself in the Antebellum South on a Pre-Civil War Maryland plantation. Dana is expected to save the plantation owner’s son from drowning. Each time Dana finds herself back in this time period as well as the slave quarters, her stays grow longer and longer as well as more dangerous.

Examine the haunting legacy and trauma of slavery across time. For younger readers, there is also a graphic novel adaptation . Discover more books that will transport you to the South .

Read Kindred : Amazon | Goodreads

What The Wind Knows by Amy Harmon

A bestseller and Goodreads top choice book, if you devour historical Irish fiction, What The Wind Knows will transport you to Ireland in the 1920s.

Anne Gallagher heads to Ireland to spread her grandfather’s ashes. Devastated, her grief pulls her into another time. Ireland is on the verge of entering a war, and Anne embraces a case of mistaken identity. She finds herself pulled into Ireland’s fight for Independence at the risk of losing her future life. She also falls for another main character and doctor, Thomas Smith.

What The Wind Knows is one of the best time travel novels that both romance and fantasy readers can appreciate. Witness connections that transcend time.

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The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes

Known for being one of the best time travel books for thriller lovers, The Shining Girls also has the reputation as the spookiest novel on this reading list.

Kirby Mazrachi is the last shining girl – a girl with a future and so much potential. Harper Curtis is a murderer from the past meant to kill Mazrachi. However, Kirby is not about to easily go out without a fight, leading her on one violent quantum leap through multiple decades.

As Kirby races against time to track down a serial killer and unravel the mysteries of the House, encounter themes of resilience, fate, and the shining spirit that can transcend even the darkest forces.

Read The Shining Girls : Amazon | Goodreads

Time Travel Romance Books

We love a good time-travel romance novel, but we also understand how hard it can be to hold onto love when time is so unstable. From queer love stories set on trains to holiday celebrations, fall in love across time with these books.

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston

From bestselling author, Casey McQuiston of Red, White, & Royal Blue – one of our favorite LGBTQ+ books for new adults – don’t miss the most-talked-about book (from 2021), One Last Stop.

Twenty-three-year-old August is quite the cynic and living in New York City. Up until now, August has jumped schools and towns as often as you change a pair of socks. August has also never been in a serious relationship and wants to find “her person.” August’s life suddenly changes, though, when she meets a beautiful and mysterious woman on the train.

Jane looks a little…out of date… and for good reason; she’s from the 1970s and trapped in the train’s energy. August wants nothing more than to help Jane leave the train, but does that mean leaving her too?

A feel-good, older coming-of-age story, laugh out loud and be utterly dazzled as you follow love across time and space. You’ll cozy (and drink) up in the parties and community surrounding August. One Last Stop is one of the all-time best LGBTQ+ time travel books – and perfect if you enjoy books that take place on trains .

Read One Last Stop : Amazon | Goodreads

The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

The Time Traveler’s Wife is one the top time travel romance novels – and not just because the story features a librarian . We are so biased.

Henry and Clare have loved each other pretty much forever. Unfortunately, Henry has Chrono-Displacement Disorder, sporadically misplacing him in time. Of course, this time-traveling dilemma makes Clare’s and Henry’s marriage and future together pretty darn interesting.

Grab some Kleenex as they attempt to live normal lives and survive impending devastation. The Time Traveler’s Wife has also been made into a romantic movie classic . Watch even more fantasy movies with romance .

Read The Time Traveler’s Wife : Amazon | Goodreads

In A Holidaze by Christina Lauren

If you are looking for a sweet and sexy holiday rom-com set in Utah, grab In A Holidaze by Christina Lauren.

Mae leaves her family and friend’s Christmas vacation home after drunkenly making out with an old childhood friend. Blame the spiked eggnog. Unfortunately, Mae’s secretly in love with her best friend’s brother, Andrew. On the ride to the airport, Mae wishes for happiness just as a truck hits her parent’s car. 

Mae lands in a time-travel loop where her dreams start coming true.  Is it too good to last?   What happens when she isn’t happy once again? Is she trapped?

For holiday books about time travel, this one is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit if you enjoy movies like Holidates  or  Groundhog’s Day . It’s light with a happy ending – typical of this author duo. We also recommend In A Holidaze if you are looking for Christmas family gathering books – a big request we see here at TUL.

P.S. Did you know that Christina Lauren is a pen name for a writing duo, Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings? Christina Lauren also wrote The Unhoneymooners , which was also hilariously enjoyable and set on an island .

Read In A Holidaze : Amazon | Goodreads

A Knight In Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux

For cozy time travel romance books and a feminist tale set abroad, try A Knight In Shining Armor .

Dougless Montgomery is weeping on top of a tombstone when Nicholas Stafford, Earl of Thornwyck, appears. Although this armor-clad hunk allegedly died in 1564, he stands before her about to embark on a journey to clear his name. Convicted of treason, Montgomery vows to help her soon-to-be lover find his accuser and set the record straight.

Read A Knight In Shining Armor : Amazon | Goodreads

The Night Mark by Tiffany Reisz

Set in South Carolina, if you love lighthouses and beach vibes, you’ll find something enjoyable in the time travel romance, The Night Mark .

After Faye’s husband dies, she cannot move on and recover. Accepting a photographer job in SC, Faye becomes obsessed with the local lighthouse’s myth, The Lady of the Light.

Back in 1921, the lighthouse keeper’s daughter mysteriously drowned. Faye is drawn into a love story that isn’t hers and becomes entangled in a passionate and forbidden love affair.

Read The Night Mark : Amazon | Goodreads

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

Anyone who likes their time travel books to have a magical love story should pick up The Seven Year Slip for their next read. It’s one of our favorite magical realism novels .

When Clementine’s aunt dies, she inherits her fancy New York apartment on the Upper East Side. Although Clementine would really rather have her aunt back and can’t imagine living in her home, she eventually forces herself to move in and inhabit her aunt’s space.

And not long after, she wakes up to discover a strange man in her living room… except it’s not her living room, it’s her aunt’s… from seven years ago. Clementine’s aunt always said her apartment held a touch of magic; sometimes it created time slips that brought two people together when they were at a crossroads.

But what happens when you start to fall for someone stuck seven years in the past? Clementine knows there’s no future together, but she also can’t let go of this link to her aunt.

Like her previous speculative fiction romance, The Dead Romantics , Ashely Poston’s unique time travel tale is full of heartache and grief. However, it will also make you swoon. Basically, this one is a must if you are a fan of time travel romance books.

Read The Seven Year Slip : Amazon | Goodreads

Classic Books

No time travel reading list would be complete without the classics. Below, uncover just a few great time travel novels that started it all.

The End of Eternity by Issac Asimov

The End of Eternity is said to be one of Asimov’s science fiction masterpieces. This is also one of the most spellbinding books about time travel – although some criticize the story for its loopholes.

Harlan is a member of the elite future known as an Eternal. He lives and works in Eternity, which like any good time travel novel, is located separately from time and space.

Harlan makes small changes in the timeline in order to better history. Of course, altering the course of the world is dangerous and comes with repercussions, especially when Harlan falls in love.

Read The End of Eternity : Amazon | Goodreads

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

It goes without saying that Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol is one of the most famous and best time travel books for classic lovers – and a literary canon-worthy Christmas novel.

Ebenezer Scrooge is a greedy, lonely, and cruel man who truly has no Christmas spirit. Haunted by the ghosts of the past, present, and future, Scrooge must find the ultimate redemption before it’s too late. Does he have a heart?

Find even more classic and contemporary ghost books , including a few unique takes on ghosts.

Read A Christmas Carol : Amazon | Goodreads

Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

Slaughterhouse-Five is a somewhat bizarre time travel book about finding meaning in our sometimes fractured and broken lives. It’s also one of the most popular books published in the ’60s .

Similar to The Time Traveler’s Wife, Billy Pilgrim is “unstuck” in time in Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five. Drafted into World War II, Pilgrim serves as a Chaplain’s assistant until he is captured by the Germans. He survives the bombing at Dresden and ultimately becomes a married optometrist. Things get a little wild…

Suffering from PTSD, Billy claims that he is kidnapped by aliens in a different dimension. Like most time travel novels, the story is out of order and Billy travels to different parts of his life.

Aliens come in all shapes and sizes; have more alien encounters with this reading list .

Read Slaughterhouse-Five : Amazon | Goodreads

A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain

First published in 1889, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court is one of the most popular classic and satirical time travel novels that’s set close to our childhood home. Having grown up in CT close to the old Colt factory, this story makes us smile.

Hank Morgan supervises the gun factory and is knocked unconscious. Upon waking, he finds himself in Britain about to be executed by the Knights of King Arthur’s Round Table in Camelot.

Morgan uses his future knowledge to his advantage, making him a powerful and revered wizard, which unfortunately doesn’t quite save him as he hopes. Not to mention that Morgan tries to introduce modern-day conveniences and luxuries to a time period that isn’t quite ready for them.

Read A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur’s Court : Amazon | Goodreads

The Time Machine by H.G. Wells

The Time Machine is one of the best frontrunner time travel books of all time. Published in 1895, the Time Traveler recalls his exhausting time travel adventures to incredulous believers. He even disappears in front of them.

Blended with fantasy and science fiction over the course of 800,000 years, the Time Traveler battles “bad guys.” He also loses his time machine, debatably falls in love, and meets the underground dwelling Morlocks.

Read The Time Machine : Amazon | Goodreads

Young Adults Books

For young adults and teens – plus adults who appreciate YA – read the best middle-grade and high school time travel books. We’ve included more time travel graphic novels and manga here too.

Displacement by Kiku Hughes

For historical YA graphic novels , Displacement is one of the must-read books about time travel that will teach young readers about generational trauma, racism, politics, and war.

Follow Kiku, who is displaced in time, back to the period of U.S. Japanese incarceration [internment] camps – essentially glorified prisons – during WW2. Kiku begins learning more about her deceased grandmother’s history, which mirrors the horrid actions under former President Donald Trump. How can Kiku help stop the past from repeating itself, and more so, how can we?

In a simplistic but powerful style of storytelling, Hughes’s emotional YA WW2 book is accessible to young readers. Displacement is also one of the shorter and quicker books with time travel on this list. Find even more LGBT+ graphic novels to read – one of our favorite genres.

Read Displacement : Amazon | Goodreads

The Girl From Everywhere by Heidi Heilig

Changing the past can be pretty tempting. We’ve even seen that The Flash cannot resist. However, altering the course of history can be dangerous…

The first of two YA time travel books, Nix is the daughter of a time traveler. Her dad can sail anywhere on his ship, The Temptation. Her dad has his own temptation, though: to travel back to Honolulu in 1868, the year before her mom dies in childbirth. Nix’s father threatens to possibly erase her life and destroy a relationship with her only friend.

Discover even more great books about maps. Or, travel via armchair with these ship books.

Read The Girl From Everywhere : Amazon | Goodreads

Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

Translated by Anthea Bell | If you are looking for time travel in books and enjoy YA historical fiction, try Ruby Red , which is the first in the Ruby Red Trilogy.

Gwyneth Shepherd quickly learns that she can easily time travel, unlike her cousin who has been preparing her entire life for the feat. Gwyneth wants to know why such a secret was kept from her. There are so many lies. Gwyneth time travels with the handsome Gideon back and forth between modern-day and 18th-century London to uncover secrets from the past.

Back in our MLIS and library days, Ruby Red was one of our favorite YA time travel books to recommend since so few knew about the series. Just a small warning that this enemies-to-lovers trope is a tad sexist, though. Find books like Ruby Red on our books with red (and more colors) in the title reading list .

Read Ruby Red : Amazon | Goodreads

Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

A little creepier for young adult time travel novels, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is all about time loops. We’ve only read the first in this eerie series that mixes manipulated vintage photography with a suspenseful and chilling story.

Jacob discovers a decaying orphanage on a mysterious island off the coast of Wales. Known as Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, the building isn’t exactly abandoned… Jacob runs into peculiar children who might be more than just ghosts.

If you are looking for Kurt Vonnegut-esque time travel books for teenagers, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is for you. Find even more great adult and YA haunted house books to add to your reading list .

Read Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children : Amazon | Goodreads

A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L’Engle

One of the most well-known books about time travel for families – made even more popular by Oprah and Mindy Kaling, A Wrinkle In Time , is the first book in The Time Quintet .

Although a time travel book series for elementary and middle-grade students – and also a 1963 Newbery Medal winner – adults will love the lessons and whimsical sci-fi quality of A Wrinkle In Time.

Meg Murray and her brother, Charles Wallace, go on an adventure in time to find and rescue their father. Their dad disappeared while working for the government on a mysterious tesseract project.

Watch this thrilling time travel adventure mixed with a coming-of-age story and a little girl power, too.

Read A Wrinkle in Time : Amazon | Goodreads

Orange by Ichigo Takano

Translated by Lasse Christian Christiansen and Amber Tamosaitis | This YA sci-fi romance manga is one of the most endearing time travel books you’ll ever read.

On the first day of 11th grade, Naho oversleeps for the first time ever. She also receives a letter that claims to be sent from herself 10 years in the future. The letter tells her both of the two big things that will happen to her that day as proof of sender: she will be late, and there will be a new kid in class named Naruse Kakeru from Tokyo who will sit next to her.

Naho is unsure if she trusts the letter, or whether or not she should heed its warnings – especially since it talks about past regrets and trying to undo them.

Orange is an adorable, but heartbreaking time travel manga that teaches us the meaning of friendship, love, regret, and so much more. If you’re looking for the best books about time travel for teens, Orange is the perfect option (and adults will love it too).

Read Orange : Amazon | Goodreads

If you devour the time travel genre, don’t miss these great movies…

If you enjoy books that take you back in time, you might also appreciate these top movies with time loops . Would you be able to fix past mistakes, fall in love, and you know, maybe not die this time? Find out if these protagonists succeed.

Travel Back In Time With These Reading Lists:

• Best ’90s Books
• Iconic ’80s Books
• Best WWII Historical Fiction

Christine Frascarelli

Dagney McKinney

45 Comments

Hi, nice list but just FYI you have one of the novels named incorrectly: it should be All Our Wrong Todays, not All Our Wrongs Today.

Thanks for letting us know! Every year, this list grows, and sometimes we miss a few mistakes.

The Things Are Bad Series by Paul L Giles is the funniest, most insightful time travel books I’ve ever read. It has everything!

Thanks so much for the review and rec!

Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain is an engrossing time travel book that I enjoyed immensely.

Our readers and contributors are big Diane Chamberlain fans. Thanks!

A huge time travel fan. A great list. Another time travel book recommendation: Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montemore. Wonderful story.

Thank you so much for the kind words and recommendation! We’ll have to check it out.

Great list, thanks. I also love seeing all the recommendations in the comments. I would add the Chronos Files series to your list. And, of course, the film ABOUT TIME, which is fantastic!

Thanks so much for the recommendations. We appreciate it!

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Middle Grade Time Travel Book: One If By Land, Two If By Submarine

• November 1, 2019
• 10 Comments
• Categories: Book Reviews , Podcasts
• Tags: American History , book review , fireworks , homeschool , middle grade books , revolutionary war , science fiction , submarines

MIDDLE GRADE TIME TRAVEL BOOK!

If you need a middle grade time travel book for your child, grandchild, and one that has a lot of great historical content, I’ve got you! A debut middle grade time travel / historical fiction is out this month, written by Eileen Schnabel! It’s fast-paced and full of action, with an easy-to-like team of characters. 

Middle Grade Time Travel Book

Summary from Goodreads:

When Paul Revere is kidnapped by a time traveler determined to change the outcome of the American Revolution, twelve-year-old Kep Westguard is sent to Boston, 1775, to take his famous midnight ride. Kep’s four-person team has twenty-four hours to light the famous lanterns at Old North Church, warn Lexington and Concord that the British are coming, and rescue John Hancock and Samuel Adams from hanging as traitors to the crown.

As the clock ticks, one teammate is arrested as a runaway slave, a British watchman stops another from lighting the lanterns, and Kep nearly drowns when he attempts to cross the Charles River in a Patriot inventor’s prototype wooden, hand-crank submarine. When Hancock and Adams ask Kep to sneak a trunk of critical papers out from under the eyes of the British Army during the Battle of Lexington, Kep has to decide how much he’s willing to sacrifice for his country. If he fails, there will be no America to return to.

 I  love time travel novels! And I love middle grade fantasy! ( for more middle grade book recommendations, click here! ) Plus, book sneaks in a lot of historical facts into the fast-paced action. Unsuspecting middle school kids won’t even notice they’re learning. (I learned a thing or two myself!)  The plot is tight, the adventure never stops, and the four time traveler characters are engaging, quirky, and relatable. I can’t wait for book 2! Great news is that this is a series.  

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

I was lucky enough to catch busy author Eileen Schnabel to answer a few questions for us!

Who is your favorite character? (I can’t decide if mine is Tela the animal-loving sharpshooter or smart, sensitive Max!)

That would be like trying to choose a favorite child – at least among the four teammates.  They are all my favorites – each with different strengths and weaknesses.  They’ve lived so long in my head that I sometimes hear them bickering as I’m typing up a scene.  They are a chatty bunch! 

W hy the American revolution?  

There is small cemetery in our town that I sometimes walk in.  I enjoy finding old and unusual names and imagining the lives of those who lived long before me.  One day I saw a plaque of a Revolutionary War soldier, a man who’d served with George Washington as a teen.  I was fascinated – Wisconsin wasn’t even a state during the revolution and I tried to imagine his life, his sacrifices fighting for the country, what surely had to be his worry that the Americans would never successfully beat the ‘greatest war machine’ in the world, the British.  I wondered if modern Americans realized the sacrifices involved; if we were still that tough?  I decided I’d send a team of kids to explore both questions. 

C oolest thing you uncovered during your research?  

 I uncovered SO many cool things while researching – Washington’s spy ring, secret coded messages including how laundry was hung on a line, women who served as soldiers by hiding their gender, some rather unpleasant medical techniques – bone saws anyone?  But one of the coolest was probably learning about the Turtle – the world’s first submersible built in 1775 by an American to use against the British Navy by attaching explosive charges to ships in the harbor. An Australian friend who’d read the book recently sent me a picture from the Spy Museum in Washington, DC of a replica of the Turtle.  

If you could live in any time period, what would it be?  

 I would definitely pick NOW!  While it would be enormously fun to visit historical times and places, the freedoms we’ve achieved in this country are something I treasure and appreciate!  And I prefer modern dentistry 🙂 

I understand that, having practiced dentistry for ten years!

C offee or tea?

Tea! Those colonists who boycotted tea were strong souls indeed!  I can’t imagine starting my day with anything other than my tea. But I like to think if I’d been there during the Revolution I’d have given it up right along with the other patriots. 

They must have been strong souls! Although I’m more of a coffee girl myself, I bet the colonists had caffeine headaches without their tea! And they wouldn’t have any Tylenol, either!

City or country?  

Country.  I love visiting cities, but I’m happiest hiking outdoors with my dog Piper in one of Wisconsin’s beautiful state parks.  

Sweet or salty?

Both! My favorite treat is Dr. Pepper and popcorn!

My boxer Louie loves popcorn!

Book two?  

Book two is based on the battles of Saratoga, a tipping point in the American Revolution.  I’m currently researching the battle from both sides and preparing to send Kep and the gang to stop the British once again! 

One If By Land, Two If By Submarine is available on Amazon ! It’s also available at bookshop.org. See below for affiliate link, meaning I receive a small stipend, which does not affect your cost. Nor Jeff Bezos pocketbook!

Let’s congratulate Ms. Schnabel on her debut by shooting off some fireworks. Fireworks make me think of the Fourth of July.

If you’re curious about how fireworks work, you can read more here .

If you want to read more about submarines this first link is an article about the Turtle . For more about the history of submarines, click here.

I am fairly sure Louie wouldn’t want to step one paw in a submarine! He likes it on dry ground so it’s a good thing he’s not on Kep’s time travel team!

Would you go back in time to save history? And get into that teeny submarine?

No, I would not like to go back in history and I don’t trust myself to save anyone, but the book sounds really awesome. Thanks for sharing about it. Eva

I don’t blame you. I sure wouldn’t get into that submarine! Thanks for stopping by.

Great book review. I truly enjoyed learning something when I read in this for submarine looks very interesting. Keep up the good work.

Thanks so much! Submarines are amazing.

I would’t relish spending days in a tight submarine, but I would love to travel back in time. If I was still teaching fourth grade, One if by Land, Two if by Submarine would have been a great read aloud.

Great point about reading the book aloud. Time travel does sound as if it has some merit!

What a fun review for a fun book! I love the photo of the submarine.

I love the photo, too. Eileen (author) provided it. The photo of the Turtle made me want to research submarines….not necessarily ride in one, though! Thanks for stopping by.

Thanks for reviewing the story! I so enjoyed chatting about it with you! And the fireworks were a great bonus 🙂 Eileen

I love fireworks! And your book!

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The 30 Best Fiction Books About Time Travel, Ranked By Readers

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Time travel has long fascinated readers and writers alike, offering a narrative escape hatch to the past or future, where the possibilities are as limitless as the imagination. This fascination is abundantly reflected in the myriad of fiction books about time travel that span genres, styles, and epochs. From the speculative to the historical, good time travel books invite readers on journeys that defy the linear constraints of time, allowing us to explore what-if scenarios, alternate histories, and the complex web of cause and effect. Our list, curated by sci-fi book enthusiasts and ranked from best to worst by Goodreads review averages, is a testament to the enduring allure of time travel in literature.

Among the standout titles is Kindred by Octavia E. Butler, a compelling blend of historical fiction and science fiction that offers a poignant exploration of race, power, and identity through the lens of time travel. 11/22/63 by Stephen King combines meticulous historical research with the author’s signature storytelling prowess to reimagine the events leading to the assassination of JFK. Meanwhile, Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut uses the motif of time travel to craft a deeply moving anti-war narrative, showcasing the genre’s capacity to tackle profound themes.

Curated with the input of dedicated sci-fi book enthusiasts, our list aims to guide readers through the vast and varied landscape of time travel fiction. Whether you’re a seasoned time traveler or a newcomer to the genre, these books promise to transport you beyond the boundaries of time and reality, challenging your perceptions and igniting your imagination. Below, find the top fiction books about time travel, ranked by their Goodreads review averages.

Note: These Goodreads ratings are subject to change and are accurate as of 2/5/24.

1 Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

Goodreads:  4.41

Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut is a seminal work in American literature, blending science fiction, satire, and war memoir to explore the themes of free will, fatalism, and the absurdity of human conflict. It’s often mentioned on lists of the best sci-fi books of all time. The book tells the story of Billy Pilgrim, a World War II veteran and POW survivor of the Dresden bombing, who becomes “unstuck in time” and experiences moments of his life out of sequence. This non-linear narrative structure allows Vonnegut to weave together the past, present, and future, including Billy’s abduction by aliens from the planet Tralfamadore. Since its release in 1969, Slaughterhouse-Five has received widespread acclaim, cementing its place in the literary canon. While it has not won specific awards, its impact and significance have been recognized through its inclusion in various lists of the greatest books ever written and its enduring presence in academic and literary discussions.

The novel’s distinction as one of the best books about time travel stems not from its depiction of time travel as a technological or fantastical phenomenon but from its innovative use of the concept as a narrative device to explore the human condition. Vonnegut’s portrayal of time travel reflects the fragmented nature of memory and the human psyche, particularly in response to trauma and the incomprehensibility of war. Through Billy Pilgrim’s journeys across time, Slaughterhouse-Five challenges readers to reconsider linear narratives and confront the cyclic nature of violence and despair. This philosophical and existential approach to time travel, combined with Vonnegut’s sharp wit and profound insights into the absurdities of human existence, secures the novel’s place as a timeless masterpiece in the genre.

2 11/22/63 by Stephen King

Goodreads:  4.33

11/22/6 3 by Stephen King is a riveting novel that merges elements of historical fiction, science fiction, and thriller. The plot centers around Jake Epping, a high school English teacher who discovers a time portal in a local diner that leads back to September 9, 1958. With the guidance of the diner’s owner, Al, Jake embarks on a mission to prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, believing that changing this one event could positively alter the course of history. Throughout his journey, Jake encounters the complexities of living in the past, falls in love, and faces the moral and ethical dilemmas of changing history. The book has been acclaimed for its detailed research and compelling narrative, earning it a spot on The New York Times Best Seller list and notable recognition among readers and critics alike.

Considered one of the best books about time travel, 11/22/63 stands out for its intricate plot, deep character development, and the thought-provoking exploration of the “butterfly effect” — the idea that small changes can have large, unforeseen consequences. Stephen King masterfully combines historical accuracy with speculative fiction, creating a vivid portrayal of the late 1950s and early 1960s in America. The novel’s ability to blend real historical events with the fictional journey of its protagonist offers readers a unique and immersive experience. King’s exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the weight of history, coupled with his skillful narrative construction, makes 11/22/63 a standout work in the genre of time travel fiction, resonating with readers long after they turn the last page.

3 Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

Goodreads:  4.30

Kindred, authored by Octavia E. Butler, stands as a profound and pioneering work within the science fiction genre, melding elements of time travel with a stark examination of American history. The novel follows Dana, a young African-American woman in the 1970s who finds herself repeatedly transported back in time to the early 19th century. In this antebellum Maryland, she encounters her ancestors: a white slave owner and a black woman who is one of his slaves. While Kindred has not been awarded in the traditional sense often associated with science fiction, its impact and significance have been recognized through its inclusion in academic curricula and its influence on subsequent generations of writers. It is celebrated not only for its innovative use of the time travel trope but also for its unflinching confrontation with the complexities of race, slavery, and power dynamics.

The acclaim of Kindred as one of the best books about time travel stems not only from its imaginative narrative structure but also from its ability to leverage the time-traveling experience as a powerful lens through which the enduring effects of slavery and racism in America are explored. Butler’s novel is distinguished by its emotional depth, compelling character development, and the seamless integration of historical fact with speculative fiction elements. This unique combination allows readers to engage with the historical past in a deeply personal and reflective manner. The book’s enduring popularity and relevance are testament to its standing as a seminal work that transcends the typical boundaries of genre to offer insights into the human condition and the cyclical nature of history.

4 Hyperion by Dan Simmons

Goodreads:  4.26

Hyperion by Dan Simmons is a towering achievement in the science fiction genre, weaving together the tales of seven pilgrims who journey across a far-future universe to the distant world of Hyperion. On the eve of an interstellar war, these characters—each with a unique story that is gradually unveiled—seek the answers to their deepest questions before the mysterious and deadly entity known as the Shrike. This Hugo Award-winning novel, released in 1989, masterfully combines elements of space opera with deep philosophical questions and a richly imagined universe, showcasing Simmons’ prowess in storytelling and world-building.

Considered one of the best books about time travel, Hyperion stands out due to its innovative use of time travel as a central plot device. The novel intricately explores the concept through the Shrike and the Time Tombs, around which much of the story’s mystery revolves. Simmons employs time travel not just as a means of moving characters through space and time but as a profound element that affects the narrative’s structure, themes, and the characters’ fates. The way time travel is woven into the plot highlights the complexities of causality, destiny, and personal choice, making Hyperion a compelling and thought-provoking read that pushes the boundaries of the genre and offers a unique perspective on the consequences and paradoxes of time travel.

5 Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon is not just a novel; it’s a sprawling journey across time that marries elements of historical fiction, romance , and adventure. First published in 1991, the story introduces readers to Claire Randall, a former World War II nurse who, while on a second honeymoon in Scotland with her husband Frank, is mysteriously transported back in time to 1743. Thrust into a world of clan politics, stark landscapes, and looming conflict, Claire encounters Jamie Fraser, a gallant and chivalrous young Scots warrior, and her life becomes irrevocably intertwined with his. As she navigates the dangers of a bygone era, Claire is torn between her fidelity to the future and the love she discovers in the past. Outlander has captivated millions with its rich historical detail, compelling characters, and thrilling narrative, earning Gabaldon a dedicated fanbase and several awards, including the Quill Award and the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Award for Best Romance of 1991.

Considered one of the top time travel romance books of all time, Outlander stands out for its unique blend of historical accuracy, time travel, and deep, enduring romance. Gabaldon’s meticulous research into the period brings 18th-century Scotland to vivid life, providing a lush backdrop for the passionate relationship between Claire and Jamie. Unlike many time travel stories that focus solely on the mechanics of time travel or the butterfly effect, Outlander delves into the human element—exploring the complexities of love and loyalty across different times. This novel transcends the genre by focusing on the emotional journey of its characters, making it a quintessential read for fans of romance and time travel alike.

6 The End of Eternity by Isaac Asimov

Goodreads:  4.24

The End of Eternity by Isaac Asimov is a quintessential piece of science fiction literature that delves into the complex themes of time travel and its far-reaching consequences. Published in 1955, the novel introduces readers to The Eternity, a secretive organization that exists outside conventional time, with the ability to manipulate and alter historical events to prevent human suffering and catastrophe. The story follows Andrew Harlan, a Technician in Eternity who specializes in making these delicate temporal adjustments, as he navigates the moral and ethical dilemmas posed by manipulating time. Despite its critical acclaim and the way it showcases Asimov’s prowess in building intricate, thought-provoking narratives, The End of Eternity did not receive contemporary awards at the time of its release. However, its enduring popularity and influence on the science fiction genre underscore its significance and the way it captures the imagination of readers, illustrating Asimov’s masterful exploration of time travel’s complexities and its impact on humanity.

7 Replay by Ken Grimwood

Goodreads:  4.15

Replay by Ken Grimwood is an intriguing exploration of time travel, life’s possibilities, and the concept of destiny. The novel follows Jeff Winston, a radio journalist who dies of a heart attack at 43 and inexplicably wakes up in his 18-year-old body in 1963, with all his memories intact. As Jeff lives his life over and over, he experiences different paths and choices, each “replay” offering new opportunities, challenges, and insights into the human condition. Despite its fantastical premise, the book delves deeply into themes of love, regret, and the significance of the choices we make.

Since its release, Replay has been acclaimed for its originality and depth, winning the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel in 1988. It remains a cherished work for its profound narrative and the emotional journey it offers readers, making it a standout title in the time travel genre.

8 To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis

Goodreads:  4.11

To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis is a delightful foray into the world of time travel, combining wit, historical intrigue, and a dash of romance. The novel follows Ned Henry, a time-traveling historian who is sent back to the Victorian era to correct an anomaly that threatens to alter history. His mission becomes entangled with that of fellow historian Verity Kindle, leading to a series of comedic and chaotic adventures as they navigate the complexities of 19th-century social etiquette, all while trying to ensure the future remains unchanged.

Willis masterfully blends elements of science fiction with the historical setting, creating a rich and engaging narrative. Upon its release, the book was met with critical acclaim and went on to win both the Hugo and Locus Awards for Best Science Fiction Novel, cementing its place as a cherished work in the genre.

9 Lightning by Dean Koontz

Goodreads:  4.09

Lightning, a novel by Dean Koontz, stands out as an intriguing blend of science fiction and suspense, masterfully weaving the concept of time travel into a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling. The story follows Laura Shane, a woman whose life is intermittently saved by a mysterious stranger, who we come to learn is a time traveler from Nazi Germany. This stranger’s interventions are pivotal at various junctures in Laura’s life, leading to revelations about destiny, the nature of good and evil, and the intricate fabric of time itself. Since its release, Lightning has captivated readers with its unique plot and compelling characters, although it hasn’t been specifically highlighted for literary awards, its enduring popularity and critical acclaim underscore Koontz’s prowess in crafting suspenseful narratives with a science fiction twist. The book remains a standout example of Koontz’s ability to blend genres seamlessly, making it a must-read for fans of time travel fiction and suspense alike.

10 Doomsday Book by Connie Willis

Goodreads:  4.03

Doomsday Book by Connie Willis is an exceptional foray into the realm of time travel, seamlessly blending historical fiction with science fiction elements. The novel follows Kivrin Engle, a young historian who, through the use of futuristic time travel technology, is sent back to the 14th century. However, what was intended to be a meticulous academic observation turns into a harrowing journey of survival when she arrives during the onset of the Black Plague. Willis’s detailed depiction of medieval England, along with the parallel narrative of Kivrin’s colleagues in the 21st century grappling with a deadly influenza outbreak, creates a compelling exploration of humanity, resilience, and the interconnectedness of history and the present. Doomsday Book has garnered critical acclaim for its intricate plot and emotional depth, winning both the Nebula and Hugo Awards for Best Novel, affirming its status as a masterpiece in the science fiction genre.

11 The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North

The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North is a captivating exploration of immortality and the infinite possibilities of life. The novel follows its titular character, Harry August, who lives his life over and over again with full memory of his previous existences. Each time Harry dies, he is reborn into the same life but with the opportunity to make different choices, leading to varied outcomes. This cycle allows Harry to experience the 20th century multiple times, witnessing its major events and technological advancements firsthand. However, the equilibrium of his perpetual rebirths is threatened when he receives a message from the future indicating a looming catastrophe that only he can prevent. This unique take on time travel and reincarnation has not only captivated readers worldwide but also earned critical acclaim.

Since its release, the book has been recognized for its originality and depth, including being nominated for the Arthur C. Clarke Award and winning the John W. Campbell Memorial Award for Best Science Fiction Novel. North’s novel stands out for its philosophical musings on time, memory, and the human condition, making it a significant contribution to the genre.

12 The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Goodreads:  3.99

The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger is a uniquely crafted narrative that intertwines romance, science fiction, and the raw complexities of human relationships through the lens of time travel. The novel introduces readers to Clare and Henry, an artist and a librarian who have an unconventional love story shaped by Henry’s rare genetic disorder that causes him to involuntarily travel through time. This condition presents both profound connections and heartbreaking challenges as they navigate their lives together, often out of sync in time yet deeply bonded by love. Since its release in 2003, the book has captivated audiences with its emotional depth and innovative storytelling, earning it widespread acclaim.

Although it did not win major literary awards, The Time Traveler’s Wife achieved significant commercial success, became a New York Times bestseller, and was adapted into a film and a television series, highlighting its lasting impact and appeal to both readers and viewers alike.

13 A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

Goodreads:  3.98

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle is a groundbreaking work of science fiction and fantasy that has captured the imaginations of readers since its publication in 1962. The novel follows the adventures of Meg Murry, her younger brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O’Keefe as they embark on a perilous journey through space and time to rescue Meg’s father, a scientist trapped on a distant planet by a malevolent force known as IT.

L’Engle masterfully combines elements of science fiction, fantasy, and coming-of-age narrative, exploring themes of love, courage, and the battle between good and evil. A Wrinkle in Time has received widespread acclaim, including the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1963, recognizing it as a significant contribution to American children’s literature. Its enduring popularity has established it as a classic, inspiring generations of readers to look beyond the confines of their reality.

14 Time and Again by Jack Finney

Goodreads:  3.94

Time and Again by Jack Finney is a classic in the genre of time travel literature, first published in 1970. The novel follows Simon Morley, a young advertising artist who enlists in a secret government project that enables him to travel back in time to New York City in 1882. Using his artistic skills, Morley immerses himself in the past, exploring the rich tapestry of late 19th-century life with an eye for detail that brings the era to vivid life. As he becomes entangled in the lives of the people he encounters, Morley finds himself faced with choices that have the power to alter history. Time and Again ‘s enduring popularity and critical acclaim have cemented its status as a beloved masterpiece of time travel fiction. The novel is celebrated for its meticulous historical research, engaging plot, and the philosophical questions it raises about the nature of time and our place within it.

15 The Gone World by Tom Sweterlitsch

Goodreads:  3.93

The Gone World by Tom Sweterlitsch is a mesmerizing entry in the realm of books about time travel, blending elements of science fiction, mystery, and thriller genres to create a gripping narrative. The story follows NCIS Special Agent Shannon Moss as she investigates the murder of a Navy SEAL’s family and the disappearance of his teenage daughter. Moss is part of a secretive military division that investigates crimes by traveling to future timelines. Her quest for answers leads her to a future that should never happen and reveals a terrifying world-ending event known as the Terminus.

Sweterlitsch masterfully constructs a complex, multi-layered plot that challenges the boundaries of time and space, inviting readers to contemplate the implications of diving into the unknown and the impact of our choices on the future.

16 Lest Darkness Fall by L. Sprague de Camp

Goodreads:  3.92

Lest Darkness Fall by L. Sprague de Camp is often heralded as one of the top books about time travel, thanks to its inventive plot and engaging narrative. This classic novel transports its protagonist, Martin Padway, to sixth-century Rome, just before the onset of the Dark Ages. Armed with his knowledge of modern technology and historical events, Padway endeavors to alter the course of history to prevent the impending collapse of civilization. Through his attempts to introduce advancements and thwart the fall of Rome, the book explores themes of innovation, cultural impact, and the intricate dance of cause and effect. De Camp’s meticulous attention to historical detail, combined with his imaginative speculation, makes Lest Darkness Fall a standout tale in the time travel genre, engaging readers with its blend of history, science fiction, and adventure.

17 The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers

Goodreads:  3.90

The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers is a riveting entry in the pantheon of top books about time travel, masterfully blending historical fiction, fantasy, and science fiction into a cohesive and enthralling narrative. The story transports readers to 19th-century London, where a modern-day scholar finds himself caught up in a dark and complex plot involving ancient Egyptian magic, body-swapping, and a secret society of time travelers. Powers crafts a meticulously researched Victorian London as the backdrop for this adventure, weaving real historical figures and events with fantastical elements. The novel’s richly detailed world, combined with its intricate plot and compelling characters, makes The Anubis Gates not just a journey through time but an immersive dive into a past as dangerous as it is enchanting, solidifying its status among the top books about time travel.

18 The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom

Goodreads:  3.89

The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom is a thought-provoking addition to the genre of time travel literature, weaving a narrative that stands out among the top books about time travel. This novel introduces readers to Dor, the first person to measure time, who is punished for trying to quantify life’s moments. Banished to a cave for centuries, he is forced to listen to the world’s pleas for more time. It is not until he is granted his freedom, with a mission to teach two earthly souls the true meaning of time, that Dor can truly understand the depth and complexities of his invention. Albom’s storytelling is both unique and insightful, exploring the profound impact time has on human experiences and relationships. Through Dor’s journey, The Time Keeper delves into the essence of time’s value, making it a poignant and memorable read in the exploration of time travel’s narrative possibilities.

19 The Time Machine by H.G. Wells

The Time Machine by H.G. Wells stands as a cornerstone in the pantheon of classic time travel books, setting the foundation for the genre with its innovative concept and imaginative exploration of the future. In this seminal work, Wells introduces readers to the Time Traveller, a scientist who invents a machine that enables him to journey into the distant future. There, he encounters the Eloi and the Morlocks, two divergent species evolved from humanity, offering a stark, evolutionary vision of Earth’s fate. Through its vividly imagined future and philosophical underpinnings, The Time Machine not only captivates with its adventurous plot but also invites reflection on the social and scientific implications of time travel, cementing its status as a timeless masterpiece in science fiction literature.

20 Timeline by Michael Crichton

Goodreads:  3.86

Timeline by Michael Crichton stands as a noteworthy entry among classic time travel books, masterfully weaving historical fiction with cutting-edge science fiction. The novel plunges its characters—and readers—into the heart of medieval France, where a group of archaeologists and historians from a modern-day technological corporation use quantum technology to travel back in time. Their mission is to rescue their professor, who has become stranded in the 14th century amidst the feudal conflicts and the stark realities of medieval life.

Crichton’s meticulous research into the period brings an authenticity to the adventure, while his exploration of quantum mechanics adds a plausible scientific foundation to the time travel narrative. Timeline captivates with its thrilling plot, rich historical detail, and the timeless allure of journeying into the past, marking it as a must-read for fans of the genre.

21 Blackout/All Clear by Connie Willis

Goodreads:  3.85

Blackout/All Clear by Connie Willis is an ambitious duo of time travel novels that masterfully blend historical detail with the speculative intrigue of time travel. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the story follows a group of historians from 2060 who travel back to the 1940s to observe and document the everyday lives of those who lived through the Blitz, the evacuation of Dunkirk, and other pivotal moments of the war.

However, their mission takes a perilous turn when they become trapped in the past, unable to return to their own time. Willis’s meticulous research and vivid storytelling immerse readers in the era, while the novel’s exploration of history, memory, and the human experience through the lens of time travel offers a poignant reflection on the resilience and courage of those who faced the uncertainties of war.

22 The Man Who Folded Himself by David Gerrold

Goodreads:  3.81

The Man Who Folded Himself by David Gerrold is a time travel novel that delves into the mind-bending possibilities of self-interaction across different timelines. This narrative follows Daniel Eakins, a young man who inherits a time belt from his uncle, granting him the power to travel through time. Unlike typical time travel stories that focus on altering historical events or exploring the future, Gerrold’s novel takes a more introspective approach. Daniel uses the time belt to visit different periods in history, meet versions of himself from alternative timelines, and even attend his own parties, leading to profound existential questions and the exploration of free will, identity, and the human condition. Gerrold’s ingenious plotting and philosophical insights make The Man Who Folded Himself a standout in the genre, offering a unique take on the consequences and paradoxes of time travel.

23 All Our Wrong Todays by Elan Mastai

Goodreads:  3.75

All Our Wrong Todays by Elan Mastai is a captivating time travel novel that skillfully blends elements of science fiction and romance to explore the consequences of technology and the complexity of human emotions through the lens of time travel. The story is set in a 2016 that feels like the utopian future people in the 1950s imagined we would have, complete with flying cars, moving sidewalks, and no pollution. It follows Tom Barren, who, after a time travel experiment goes awry, finds himself in a starkly different 2016—the one we know. As Tom navigates this alternate reality, he is confronted with the profound impact of his actions on the world and the lives of those he loves. Mastai’s novel is a thought-provoking journey that questions the idea of perfection, the value of imperfection, and the intricate paths that lead us to the lives we are meant to live.

24 Version Control by Dexter Palmer

Goodreads:  3.73

Version Control by Dexter Palmer is a thought-provoking time travel novel that delves into the complexities of reality, the impact of technology on human relationships, and the nature of time itself. The story centers around Rebecca Wright, who suspects her world feels off-kilter and not quite real following a personal tragedy. Her husband, Philip, is a physicist working on a causality violation device, which is ostensibly not a time machine but begins to hint at the possibility of altering timelines. As the narrative unfolds, Palmer explores the subtle yet profound effects of technology on everyday life and the concept of “version control” in both software development and the fabric of the universe. This novel stands out for its deep philosophical inquiries, its critique of modern life, and the way it seamlessly blends science fiction with the emotional depth of its characters’ personal lives, making it a unique and compelling read within the time travel genre.

25 The Accidental Time Machine by Joe Haldeman

Goodreads: 3.72

The Accidental Time Machine by Joe Haldeman is a compelling science fiction novel that explores the adventures of Matt Fuller, a lab assistant at MIT, who stumbles upon a time machine quite by accident. As Fuller uses the device to leap forward in time, he encounters various futures, each more bizarre and fascinating than the last. The plot weaves through these temporal shifts, delivering a narrative rich in speculative science, social commentary, and the human condition. Upon its release, the book received positive reviews for its imaginative storytelling, Haldeman’s crisp writing, and the engaging way it addresses the consequences of time travel. While The Accidental Time Machine did not win major science fiction awards like the Hugo or Nebula, it further cemented Joe Haldeman’s reputation as a master storyteller in the genre, capturing the interest of readers and critics alike for its inventive take on the time travel theme.

26 The Psychology of Time Travel by Kate Mascarenhas

Goodreads:  3.71

The Psychology of Time Travel by Kate Mascarenhas weaves an intricate narrative that explores the ramifications of time travel on human psychology and relationships. Published in 2018, the book introduces readers to a unique world where time travel is not only possible but has also created a complex society with its own rules and norms. The plot unfolds through the perspectives of multiple characters across different timelines, showcasing Mascarenhas’s skill in handling non-linear storytelling. This debut novel has been well-received for its innovative approach to science fiction, blending mystery, and feminist themes seamlessly. Critics have praised Mascarenhas for her thought-provoking exploration of how time travel might affect mental health, power dynamics, and interpersonal connections. While The Psychology of Time Travel has not been highlighted by major award wins, its positive reception and unique contributions to the science fiction genre have made it a noteworthy read for enthusiasts and casual readers alike, marking Mascarenhas as an author to watch.

27 The Chronoliths by Robert Charles Wilson

Goodreads:  3.68

The Chronoliths, penned by Robert Charles Wilson, unfolds around the enigmatic appearance of massive monuments, known as Chronoliths, which materialize across the globe. These monuments, inscribed with dates 20 years in the future, herald the military victories of a leader named Kuin. The narrative centers on Scott Warden, a man who finds himself intricately linked to these phenomena and the global efforts to decipher their origins and implications. The novel adeptly blends the elements of science fiction with deep psychological and sociopolitical themes, exploring how humanity grapples with the known and the unknown, destiny, and the concept of free will. Upon its release, The Chronoliths was met with critical acclaim for its originality, compelling storytelling, and the depth of its character development. It not only received praise for its thought-provoking content but also clinched the John W. Campbell Memorial Award for Best Science Fiction Novel in 2002, solidifying Wilson’s reputation as a distinguished voice in the science fiction genre.

28 Bones of the Earth by Michael Swanwick

Goodreads:  3.49

Bones of the Earth by Michael Swanwick is a sci-fi novel that intricately weaves together themes of time travel, paleontology, and the ethics of scientific discovery. The plot centers around a group of paleontologists who are given the opportunity to study dinosaurs in their natural habitats, thanks to the advent of time travel. However, as they delve deeper into the prehistoric past, they uncover mysteries that challenge their understanding of time and existence itself. Upon its release, the book was met with critical acclaim for its imaginative storytelling and thorough research into dinosaur science, earning Swanwick praise for blending hard science fiction with engaging narrative elements.

Bones of the Earth was nominated for several prestigious awards, including the Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Awards for Best Novel, showcasing its impact within the science fiction community and affirming Swanwick’s reputation as a masterful storyteller.

29 How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe by Charles Yu

Goodreads:  3.45

How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe , penned by Charles Yu, unfolds within a universe where time travel is not just possible but has become an integral part of the fabric of existence. The narrative follows the life of a time machine repairman named Charles Yu, who shares the author’s name. Trapped in a time loop, the protagonist embarks on a deeply introspective journey, exploring themes of loneliness, family dynamics, and the quest for meaning within the confines of a meticulously constructed science fictional setting.

Upon its release, the book garnered attention for its innovative blend of science fiction elements with poignant, introspective storytelling, earning praise for Yu’s unique voice and imaginative approach to the genre. Critics lauded its clever use of metafiction and the ways it grapples with the complexities of human emotion against a backdrop of time travel and theoretical physics. Although it didn’t snag any major science fiction awards, it firmly established Charles Yu as a significant voice in contemporary science fiction, receiving critical acclaim and a warm reception from readers who appreciated its thoughtful exploration of the human condition through the lens of science fiction.

30 The Map of Time by Félix J. Palma

Goodreads:  3.39

The Map of Time by Félix J. Palma is a riveting novel that intricately weaves together history, science fiction, and romance into a captivating narrative. Set in Victorian London, it explores the concept of time travel through the lives of its characters, intertwining their stories with real historical figures such as H.G. Wells. The plot is rich with twists and turns, offering readers a blend of suspense, mystery, and a deep reflection on the nature of time and love. Upon its release, the book received critical acclaim for its imaginative storytelling, detailed historical research, and the ability to blend genres seamlessly. Critics praised Palma’s skillful narrative and the novel’s complex character development. While The Map of Time has been celebrated for its innovation and depth, it is more noted for its literary achievements and storytelling prowess than for winning specific awards. Nonetheless, its reception among readers and critics alike cements its status as a standout work in speculative fiction.

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The 23 best middle-grade books for ages 8 through 12, according to Goodreads members

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• Middle-grade books are written for readers ages 8-12.
• We used Goodreads to determine readers' favorite middle-grade reads.
• Want more books? Check out the best middle-grade books, according to a high schooler.

For many of us, our lifelong love of reading began at a young age with a book we still cherish to this day . From a magical fairytale to a hero's origin story, the books we love when we are young stay close to our hearts for the rest of our lives. While middle-grade reads are designed for younger audiences (usually 8-12 years old), they can absolutely be enjoyed by readers of any age. 

To make this list, we turned to Goodreads members who have rated and reviewed their favorite middle-grade reads. If you're looking for a fun read you loved when you were young or a new book to inspire a young reader, middle-grade books can offer just that. 

The 23 best middle-grade reads, according to Goodreads members:

The first in a greek mythology-inspired middle-grade series.

"The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan, available at Amazon and Bookshop  from $5.97

When Percy Jackson starts getting into trouble at school, his mother decides to send him to Camp Half-Blood, a summer camp for demigods, where Percy learns that he's actually a son of Poseidon. With over one million five-star ratings on Goodreads, readers love to follow Percy on his exciting adventure to reach the Underworld and solve a thrilling mystery. 

The first book in a hugely popular middle-grade series

"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling, available at Amazon, $6.98

" Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone " is the first in a wildly popular middle-grade fantasy series about a young boy who discovers he's a wizard on his 11th birthday. Loved by children and adults of all ages, this book follows Harry as he attends his first year at Hogwarts, a magical school for witches and wizards.

The sequel to a beloved middle-grade read

"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" by J.K. Rowling, available at Amazon and Bookshop  from $6.98

In this second book of the " Harry Potter " series, Harry is getting ready to begin his second year at Hogwarts when he receives a cryptic warning that danger awaits him at school and he should not return. Desperate to get away from his dreadful aunt and uncle, Harry leaves for Hogwarts anyway and is met with a danger lurking in the walls that only he seems to hear.

The sequel in an exciting middle-grade series

"The Sea of Monsters" by Rick Riordan, available at Amazon and Bookshop  from $5.98

Set one year after the first book in the series, Percy Jackson is finishing seventh grade and can't wait to return to Camp Half-Blood when he learns the safest place for demigods like him might not be so safe this year. Determined to save the camp, Percy and his friends set off on an adventure to the Sea of Monsters in this engrossing and fantastical read. 

The thrilling third book in a magical middle-grade series

"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling, available at Amazon and Bookshop  from $8.78

" Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban " follows Harry to his third year at Hogwarts with the news that a dangerous murderer has escaped the highest security wizard prison. With terribly dark dementors searching for the escapee, all eyes are on Harry as rumors swirl that the criminal is coming for him. 

The third book in a heroic, middle-grade series

"The Titan's Curse" by Rick Riordan, available at Amazon and Bookshop  from $5

In this thrilling and action-packed fantasy story, Percy Jackson is on a quest to save his friend, Annabeth, and the Greek goddess Artemis, who have both been kidnapped by the Titans. This is an emotional story of friendship, love, and loss in this third book of a beloved middle-grade series that inspires young readers to learn more about Greek mythology .

An emotional middle-grade read

"Wonder" by R.J. Palacio, available at Amazon and Bookshop from $9.72

August Pullman looks a lot different than other kids, born with a facial difference that has kept him homeschooled his whole life. Now, August is starting fifth grade at Beecher Prep and is desperate to feel like an ordinary kid. But when his classmates can't seem to see past his looks, he leans on his family and closest friends to avoid the bullies and learn to love himself.

The fourth installment of a mystical middle-grade series

"The Battle of the Labyrinth" by Rick Riordan, available at Amazon and Bookshop  from $7.35

In a series loved for its dynamic characters and their exciting adventures, Percy Jackson is getting ready for high school as the evil Titan Kronos and his army prepare to invade Camp Half-Blood. He and his demigod friends must enter an elaborate labyrinth to save their beloved camp in this fourth book of the " Percy Jackson and the Olympians " series. 

The final book in an exceptional middle-grade series

"The Last Olympian" by Rick Riordan, available at Amazon and Bookshop  from $5.98

" The Last Olympian " is the final book in the " Percy Jackson and the Olympians " series which follows Percy and his demigod friends as they prepare for a brutal war with the Titans. In this nail-biting finale, Percy must finally face the foretold prophecy and his army must use everything they have to fight the Titans as they advance towards Mount Olympus.

The fifth book of a fantastical middle-grade series

"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" by J.K. Rowling, available at Amazon and Bookshop  from $11.95

In the fourth book of the " Harry Potter " series, Hogwarts is one of three schools taking place in a dangerous but legendary Triwizard Tournament, where one student from each school participates in a series of extremely challenging tasks and competes for the Triwizard Cup. When Harry's name is mysteriously chosen despite him not being entered, he is forced to compete anyway as a devious plot emerges. 

A gothic middle-grade series about three unlucky children

"The Bad Beginning" by Lemony Snicket, available at Amazon and Bookshop  from $6.99

" The Bad Beginning " is the first of a creepy middle-grade series about three Baudelaire children who are orphaned and sent to live with a dastardly, vaguely related villain named Count Olaf. The children encounter a series of misfortunes, often orchestrated by their new guardian who conspires to steal their inheritance.   

A fantastical middle-grade tale about a kind witch

"The Girl Who Drank the Moon" by Kelly Barnhill, available at Amazon and Bookshop  from $6.38

Every year, the people of the Protectorate leave a baby in the forest as an offering to the witch who lives within, hoping it will keep her from terrorizing their town. Xan, the witch who lives in the forest, is actually a kind and gentle witch who feeds the babies starlight and delivers them to families on the other side of the woods. When Xan accidentally feeds a baby moonlight, the baby develops amazing magic powers and Xan decides to keep her safe by raising the child as her own.

The fifth magical book in a bestselling middle-grade series

"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" by J.K. Rowling, available at Amazon and Bookshop  from $6.98

Plenty of changes await Harry in his fifth year at Hogwarts, including a dreadful new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, a new member of his Quidditch team, and studying for the ultra-important fifth-year exams. In this book, Lord Voldemort's rise becomes an even greater threat and Harry must learn about the past and the prophecies to understand how someone could one day defeat him.

A beloved middle-grade classic

"A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle, available at Amazon and Bookshop  from $5.35

" A Wrinkle in Time " is a 1962 middle-grade classic that follows young Meg Murry as she travels through space and time on a science-fantasy adventure to find her missing father. When a strange new neighbor mentions a tesseract, Meg discovers that her father was working on it and sets off with her brother and schoolmate on a brilliant but dangerous journey to find him.

A creepy middle-grade read

"Coraline" by Neil Gaiman, available at Amazon and Bookshop from $8.27

In Coraline's new house, only one door is locked. Beyond this door lies a house that seems to be just like hers, but with better toys, food, and parents who want to keep her as their own. Trapped in this world are tons of other children as well — and Coraline seems to be their only hope of rescue.

A brilliant middle-grade tale about an unlucky young girl

"The Trials of Morrigan Crow" by Jessica Townsend, available at Amazon and Bookshop  from $8.27

Morrigan Crow was born on the unluckiest day ever, blamed for everyone's misfortunes and fated to die at midnight on her 11th birthday. As midnight creeps closer, a strange man whisks her away to a magical city called Nevermoor, where she must compete against other children for a place in an exclusive society.

The first book in a fantastical middle-grade sequel series

"The Lost Hero" by Rick Riordan, available at Amazon and Bookshop  from $8.99

" The Lost Hero " is the first in a sequel series to " Percy Jackson and the Olympians ," called " The Heroes of Olympus " series. This book begins three months after the "Percy Jackson" series ends as readers meet Jason Grace, a Roman demigod who wakes up on a school bus with no memories of his past. He quickly meets his best friend and girlfriend before being whisked off to Camp Half-Blood where a mystery soon unfolds and sends the three on their first fantastical adventure.

The highly anticipated final installment of a magical middle-grade series

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling, available at Amazon and Bookshop  from $9.98

In the epic conclusion of the fantasy series that inspired a generation of readers, Harry and his two best friends embark on a cross-country journey to uncover the secrets that will defeat Lord Voldemort once and for all. Cumulating in an epic, magical battle, this book ends the " Harry Potter " series in an emotional and action-packed way.

The sixth book of a magical middle-grade series

"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling, available at Amazon and Bookshop  from $6.98

The war between good and evil continues as Harry searches for the answers to defeating the dark wizard, Lord Voldemort. While continuing his magical schooling and periodically meeting with the headmaster, Harry slowly uncovers the full story of the boy who became Voldemort.

A middle-grade read about a magical land

"The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis, available at Amazon and Bookshop from $7.39

In this story beloved by children and adults since 1950, the four Pevensie siblings are sent to live in a huge home in the English countryside and, while exploring, discover a wintry, magical land through the back of a wardrobe. However, they soon find that the land is ruled by a terrible White Witch and set out to free the creatures from the witch's curse.

A spooky middle-grade book about a girl who can see ghosts

"City of Ghosts" by Victoria Schwab, available at Amazon and Bookshop  from $6.78

While her parents are television ghost hunters, Cassidy Blake can actually see ghosts including her best friend, Jacob, a ghost who rescued her from nearly dying in a drowning accident. As her parents investigate a haunted spot in Scotland, Cassidy faces a sinister spirit who must be sent permanently to the other side in this middle-grade read with an enticingly spooky atmosphere on every page.

A middle-grade classic about far more than digging holes

"Holes" by Louis Sachar, available at Amazon and Bookshop  from $4.67

Stanley Yelnats has just been sent to a boy's detention center called Camp Green Lake, unjustly accused of stealing and doomed to dig holes all day until his punishment is complete. Though the labor is supposed to be a character-building activity for the boys, Stanley realizes the warden is actually looking for something buried beneath the dried-up lake in this 1999 Newbery Award Winner.

A spooky middle-grade read about a boy who lives in a graveyard

"The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman, available at Amazon and Bookshop  from $8.27

" The Graveyard Book " is an adorable middle-grade story about a normal boy named Nobody "Bod" Owens who just happens to live in a graveyard and is being raised by ghosts. Bod's days are full of adventures, despite the danger that lurks just outside of the graveyard, keeping him from leaving.

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33 of the Top Middle Grade Books on Goodreads

Silvana Reyes Lopez

Silvana Reyes is a Mexican book blogger. She enjoys all types of sub-genres, but loves a good love story. Romance fiction is her heart and joy and you might find her screaming about book releases on her Twitter account.

View All posts by Silvana Reyes Lopez

Looking for the top middle grade books for your readers? We’ve compiled a list of the best books based on reviews from Goodreads users!

What are middle grade books?

But first, what is middle grade? Middle grade books usually are intended for kids between 8 and 12 years old. Some see this category as one that middle graders read, thus the name. But really, anyone can read anything they like and enjoy, no matter the age.

Reka Simonsen,  executive editor at Atheneum Books for Young Readers, describes middle grade in a way that it “deals with the things kids are going through at those ages: friendships made and lost, family relationships changing, physical changes, a wide range of school experiences, and a growing awareness of the wide world outside of oneself and the injustices it often contains.”

Sometimes these books get incorrectly categorized. Like Simonsen says, middle grade often deals with particular things. When a book has a more complex and darker theme, often it gets categorized as young adult. But let’s not forget that you have to take in mind every piece of the puzzle. The age, the setting, the emotions behind actions, the feeling that the novel gives you, etc. If it has a more complex theme, it doesn’t mean it isn’t a middle grade book. Let’s not disrespect the category. People say “it’s for kids” like it’s something not worth their time, something “less than”. The intended age range doesn’t make it less important than the popular adult books.

Defining the Top Middle Grade Books

So how are we going to find out about the top middle grade books? I’m following the model of a previous post and navigating Goodreads in its entirety. To qualify for this list, books needs to have an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars and at least 4,000 ratings. In the case of the last category, which is the top middle grade books published in 2019, I’m adding the top titles even though they might have less than 4,000 ratings.

When it comes to series, I’m only including the first book. One single author can have a lot of top books, we know this, so I’m adding only one book per author. As for categories, we know that there are thousands and thousands of books out there, so I’m categorizing in various lists so we get a good variety of books.

Worth noting that I’m not including Harry Potter because time and time again the author has shown she is very problematic, even if the series is very dear to readers. So let’s see which are the top middle grade books on Goodreads, alright?

Top Classic Middle Grade Books

The lion, the witch and the wardrobe  by c.s. lewis.

One of the most beloved middle grade series, I didn’t know how to include The Chronicles of Narnia. This was the first book published but as we know, chronologically, this is not the first book—that’s The Magician’s Nephew . With an average rating of 4.21 and 1,975,998 ratings, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is at the top of everyone’s list.

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

It recently had a movie adaptation and with reason, because the fanbase is huge. The average rating is 4.0 with 993,142 ratings. 72% of those ratings are of 4–5 stars, which says a lot. A Wrinkle in Time is a classic that won’t be forgotten.

Matilda by Roald Dahl

Who remembers the movie? Whenever you find it on TV you can’t help but stop and watch it from beginning to end. Roald Dahl has written your favorite kids’ movies, and if you didn’t know, Matilda is one of them. The average rating is 4.31 with 558,757 ratings.

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

I have a deep love for this story and Anne Shirley-Cuthbert. I became a fan because of the Netflix series Anne with an E , but soon after, I read the first two or three books of the series and I couldn’t help but want more and more. With a 4.25 average rating and 662,517 ratings following it, the story of the orphan Anne is one that we cannot stop loving each time we pick it up.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

The creepy story of Coraline has many, many fans. An average rating of 4.06 and 437,731 ratings? This dear-to-our-hearts horror middle grade novel definitely left an impression on us.

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

Are you already crying after seeing the name of this book? Because I am. It left a hole in my heart and years later, I’m still not over it. Bridge to Terabithia has a wonderful movie adaptation that they should never remake to be honest. The book is so beloved by the population; having an average rating of 4.0 with 409,823 ratings

Top Contemporary Middle Grade Books

Wonder by r.j. palacio.

The story of August Pullman is one you have to read. Many have!!! The average rating is 4.45 and it has 634,608 ratings to go with that big number.

I remember reading this, and owning one of my first books in English. It will bring out many emotions: sadness, happiness, joy, anger, desperation, and more. But every single moment reading it is a wonder-ful moment.

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

Finding a new best friend, a dog named Winn-Dixie, inside the supermarket will change Opal’s life. Because of Winn-Dixie, she will meet friends and have stories about her new hometown. It has a 4.04 average rating and 186,327 ratings.

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume

This book has a 4.10 average rating and 127,224 ratings. For the ones who have younger siblings and felt the sudden change of attention when they were born, Peter understands you. His little brother Fudge gets away with everything and he’s only three years old!

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

Melody has cerebral palsy but it doesn’t define her. She’s going to let everyone know – somehow.

Out of My Mind has a 4.38 average rating, with 95,155 ratings. 85% of those ratings are 4-5 stars, of people who deeply enjoyed this novel and have taken a piece of it into their hearts.

Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan

With a 4.16 average rating and 54,410 ratings, Counting by 7s tells the wonderful story of Willow Chance, a 12-year-old genius who finds comfort with counting by 7s. When her adoptive parents suddenly die in an accident, she is left alone in this strange world where she will have to learn how to push through.

Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Ally has dyslexia, but she has gone undiagnosed for a long time, so she really thinks that she’s just dumb and can’t read. When her new teacher sees underneath the trouble maker, Ally’s confidence begins to grow. Fish in a Tree has a 4.28 average rating and 37,206 ratings.

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

The Crossover is a novel written in verse where 12-year-old Josh Bell tells his family’s story through it. He’s good at basketball, but he’s also very good at making mad beats.

This novel has an average rating of 4.26 with 36,606 ratings. You can never go wrong with a Kwame Alexander novel.

George by Alex Gino

George is recommended so much and beloved a lot more, and I couldn’t agree more. It has a 4.05 average rating and 25,725 ratings. It’s the story of George, a trans girl who wants to be Charlotte in her class play of Charlotte’s Web,  but her teacher is not letting her. With the help of her best friend, she’s going to come up with a plan to make her dream come true.

Top Fantasy Middle Grade Books

The lighting thief by rick riordan.

Percy Jackson is everywhere. It had movie adaptations, there is also a musical, and lots of graphic novels. But everything started back here: Percy finding out he’s a demigod. I absolutely love and adore this series and everything that came after (the sequels, the spin-offs, the new series that only mention Percy briefly).

The Lighting Thief is the first book in the series and it has  4.25 average rating with 1,799,340 ratings.

The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer

Chris Colfer is a Golden Globe winner because of his role as Kurt Hummel on Glee. He also writes bestselling books like The Wishing Spell . Filled with lots of magic and adventures, The Wishing Spell has an average rating of 4.23 and 85,584 ratings.

The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen

If you love fantasy books with princes, impersonators, and a competition, The False Prince might just be the right book for you. It has a 4.22 average rating with 67,256 ratings. It’s worthy to note that the next books in the series all have average ratings above 4.0 with a lot of ratings as well.

The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani

The School for Good and Evil has such an interesting concept that I can’t get enough of. Imagine a school for good and evil, to make fairytale heroes and villains. Agatha and Sophie, best friends, are about to find out their destinies.

The start of this series has an average rating of 4.02 and 55,752 ratings.

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

A magical book with dragons, witches, and a moonlight-filled girl will enchant you and your life really quickly. The Girl Who Drank the Moon has an average rating of 4.18 with 39,087 ratings.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin

This fantastical tale will take you on the adventure of your dreams. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon introduces Minli, a young girl who believes all her father’s tales about the Old Man of the Moon and the Jade Dragon. Are you ready to meet them all? It has an average rating of 4.27 and 33,033 ratings.

Top Middle Grade Books Published in 2019

The remarkable journey of coyote sunrise by dan gemeinhart.

Coyote and her dad haven’t been home in five years. Not after her mom and sisters died in a car crash. But when Coyote finds out her neighborhood’s park is going to be demolished, she creates this plan to travel 3,600 miles back without her father knowing…

This novel is the one with the most ratings in 2019, excluding graphic novels. It has an average rating of 4.51 with 4,680 ratings.

Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga

Told entirely in verse, Other Words for Home is going to follow Jude and her life after she leaves Syria with her mother, and later gets to America with the idea of how it’s going to be—and finds out it’s something she didn’t expect. This middle grade novel has a 4.45 average rating and 3,776 ratings.

Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds

Jason Reynolds is a powerhouse in the literary world. His newest novel, Look Both Ways , is a brilliant tale told in ten stories from various perspectives of characters who know each other and go to the same school. This book has an average rating of 4.07 and 2,880 ratings.

The Unteachables by Gordon Korman

The synopsis of this book reminded me so much of the manga Assassination Classroom . It doesn’t feature any fantastical elements, tho, but what made me think of it is about a class of misfits or notorious students who do everything wrongly. They’re assigned a teacher who is worse than them and slowly will learn more about themselves.

This book has an average rating of 4.27 with 2,550 ratings.

The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman

The Bridge Home tells the story of Viji and Rukku, two sisters who run away to live on their own under a bridge. There they find friends and with it, a family. But soon after, things take a turn for the worst. The Bridge Home has an average rating of 4.33 and 3,003 ratings.

Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly

Iris is the only deaf person in her school and she feels more alone than ever. But when she finds out that there is a whale who is unable to speak to others, she understands how that feels and decides to help him! Song for a Whale has an average rating of 4.26 and 1,919 ratings.

Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez

Sal and Gabi is one of Rick Riordan Presents books. Expect lots of fun humor, adventures, epic quests, friendship and lots of myths!

Sal and Gabi has an average rating of 4.20 with 1,493 ratings.

The Line Tender by Kate Allen

This beautiful and hopeful story of sharks, family and unlikely friendships has an average rating of 4.29 and 1,400 ratings that tells us this story is going to make us feel so much.

Pay Attention, Carter Jones by Gary D. Schmidt

This hilarious middle grade novel starts when a butler appears at Carter Jones’s house. From there on, his life turns upside down and he has live with this know-it-all adult. This title has a 4.09 average rating and 1,294 ratings.

Dear Sweet Pea by Julie Murphy

Dear Sweet Pea is Julie Murphy’s debut middle grade novel. You might know her as the one who wrote Dumplin’ and Ramona Blue . What can you expect going into this book? A 15-pound cat, an eccentric neighbor who also happens to be the town’s famed advice columnist, and a girl who is finding it really hard to know how to be, now that her parents are divorced.

This novel has an average rating of 4.08 with 1,180 ratings.

Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams

Genesis Begins Again is Alicia D. Williams’s debut novel that you need to pick up. This book talks about colorism inside the Black community as well as what it’s like living with a parent who verbally abuses you. This book has a 4.35 average rating and 1,121 ratings.

A Pinch of Magic by Michelle Harrison

A Pinch of Magic will bring together three sisters who want to break an ancient curse that has been connected to their family. With an average rating of 4.14 and 1,107 ratings, this book is a must if you enjoy fantasy novels!

A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Ramee

Some rules are worth breaking. Shay’s life is about following the rules. She wants to have everything in order, but when she enters junior high, everything changes.

A Good Kind of Trouble has an average rating of 4.23 and 1,092 ratings.

It’s important to note that when I was searching for the books for this list, most of the ones with the high ratings were by white authors. The really popular white authors. There were many authors of color that had high rating books but not enough for me to include them before the other ones.

I decided to make the last category because I know the publishing industry is changing and the book community is changing each day. I was happy to find books by authors of color for this list and I hope for this new year we can see a change too.

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13 New, Amazing Middle Grade Books, May 2024

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2024 continues to impress me with amazing new middle grade books. This huge batch of books includes historical fiction, realistic fiction, adventure, graphic novels, and more! Two of these books ( And Then Boom , Telephone of the Tree ) will make you cry!

Believe it or not, I still have more MG books on my shelf for May and may have to do a second review post. We’ll see how I like them! If I like them enough, I’ll review and share those books, too.

One more thing: These are ALL AMAZING books, but I’m adding stars again to the books that will be on my best book list of 2024 instead of for a book of the month. Due to my time constraints and a lack of interest, I will not be creating any more book of the month activities. Thanks to those of you who downloaded the previous ideas.

New Middle Grade Books, May 2024

Telephone of the Tree written by Alison McGhee REALISTIC / LGBTQ+ Tear alert–this book will make you cry SO HARD! Ayla always relied on her friendship with her nonbinary best friend Kiri who is gone. Ayla is waiting for Kiri to get back. When a telephone appears on her tree, she wonders if it’s magic. It seems to help people who stop to talk to their loved ones who have died. Ayla refuses to use the telephone for a long time. When she does accept what happened, it’s heartbreaking to witness her grief.

Jerry Let Me See the Moon written and illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler PARANORMAL Illustrated and fast-paced, this unique adventure takes place in a secret city that Jerry’s dad built for were-people. But the full-moon opening ceremony party goes terribly wrong with people’s animal instincts taking over, making the apex predators dangerous to everyone else. Even worse, no one is shifting completely back–they’re stuck partially as animals! This is a BIG problem because a suspicious news crew is trying to uncover the town’s secret. How will Jerry and his new friends solve the problem and keep the weres safe from discovery?

Operation Happy : A World War II Story of Courage, Resilience, and an Unbreakable Bond written by Jenni L. Walsh HISTORICAL FICTION WWII Jody’s marine dad moves their family to Hawaii in 1940 to a small island naval base along with Jody’s beloved former military dog named Happy. Jody’s mom is always worried and terrified about something bad happening. When the worst happens, and Pearl Harbor is bombed, Jody, her sister, and her mom are evacuated to San Francisco. There, Jody’s mom stays in bed and is uncommunicative so it’s up to Jody and her sister to take care of themselves. But it’s too much, especially after Happy saves Jody from an attack. The loving relationship with Happy fills this story with sweetness despite the hardships they face. The only criticism I have of this book is that I think it should have included backmatter to address the mention of the Japanese American internment camps, among other topics. Otherwise, I thought it was a good historical fiction book that would appeal to lower grades and sensitive readers who don’t want to read about the violence of war.

Explorer Academy Vela: The Sailor Cipher written by Trudi Trueit, illustrated by Kadijah Khatib ADVENTURE In this new series, we follow Sailor’s adventures on a new and improved boat called Vela. But just as she’s about to start classes, Sailor learns that her sister is missing, and it might be due to her work for a top-secret organization. Despite worrying about her sister, Sailor goes undercover to find the mole in the secret organization, keeps attending classes, and hides her powers of animal communication like her grandmother directed her when she was young. Action, intrigue, and adventure — plus great illustrations and writing make this a stand-out first book of a new must-read series.

The Girl Who Fought Back by Joshua M. Greene NONFICTION WWII BIOGRAPHY I haven’t watched the entire show to know how age-appropriate it is, but I feel like you could pair this book with the Hulu show “We Were the Lucky Ones.” Comment if you know what ages could watch the show. This an excellent biograpical story of a Jewish girl who helped the Jewish resistance in Poland. Vladka (her code name) leaves the ghetto to pass for a Christian outside the ghetto walls and work for the Jewish resistance. I learned so much about the divided Jewish factions in the ghetto and the Polish resistance not helping the Jews with weapons. Amazingly, Vladka survived the war and much of what we know about her life, Joshua attributes to her autobiography and many speaking engagements. This is a well-researched, must-read historical biography.

Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All written and illustrated by Chanel Miller REALISTIC / ILLUSTRATED In this charming, illustrated story, Magnolia’s parents own a laundromat in New York City. A new girl named Iris from California suggests that Magnolia find the owners of the lost socks on the (slightly embarrassing) lost sock bulletin board so that’s how the girls spend their days. Magnolia uses her knowledge of their customers to seek out the owners. They learn the backstories and secrets of many people, as well as introduce Iris to the city of New York. Magnolia experiences growing pains in her new friendship but also growth in other relationships in her beautiful, diverse, and kind community.

The Minor Miracle: The Amazing Adventures of Noah Minor written by Meredith Davis, illustrated by Billy Yong SUPERHERO Noah learns he is a gravitas and can train to be an agent to do good in the world. But he also learns that his uncle is a fugitive who wants Noah’s help to unlock the stolen secret Gravitas capsule of agent names. When Noah struggles to learn and control his powers, his frustration leaves an opportunity for his uncle and he’s swayed by his persuasive, manipulative uncle. Luckily, Noah soon realizes his uncle erased his best friend’s memories and really is the bad guy after all. But how will he help his best friend? And stop his uncle? This is an entertaining story of growing up with superpowers and making good choices.

The Monarchs of Winghaven written by Naila Moreira REALISTIC / SCIENCE & CONSERVATION Sammie loves observing the field she calls “Winghaven,” recording in her journal the flora and fauna she notices. But one day, she finds a boy named Bram at HER spot –a boy who makes her angry by giving her suggestions for improving her drawings. Despite her annoyance, Bram’s nature photography and friendliness win Sammie over. Together, they start a summer-long study of the monarchs who live at Winghaven. When Sammie learns about a shady deal involving the mayor and a developer which would sell the land, destroying the diverse ecosystem, Bram and Sammie must figure out how to save and protect the land. This is a gentle story about nature-loving kids, conservation, advocacy, and friendship.

The Kid written by Jeff Schill WESTERN There aren’t too many “Western” stories in middle grade, but this one is everything a Western should be–gunslingers, outlaws, farming, and city slickers plus action and adventure. When Henry’s father dies, Henry worries about losing the family farm and getting separated from his three younger brothers. His solution is inventing a heroic character called The Kid to keep people away from Destiny, Colorado. What he doesn’t know about this stories is that they make money and people think The Kid is real!  In fact, an outlaw called Snake Eye Sam escapes from prison just so he can kill The Kid, traveling closer and closer. Henry and Sam’s stories are joined by the city slicker editor’s story as he travels to meet The Kid. also. He wants more stories. The book culminates with a Western showdown– but it’s a story, not guns, that will save them all. Bravo!

Plain Jane and the Mermaid written by Vera Brosgol FANTASY GRAPHIC NOVEL In this story about beauty, real love, and kindness, Jane’s (horrible) parents have died and she’s disinherited from her home unless she gets married. Jane believes she’s in love with a handsome boy. Even though she doesn’t know the boy, she proposes to him right before he’s snatched by a beautiful mermaid. When Jane finds a way to breathe underwater to rescue the boy, she’s captured by a demon and, after escaping, is helped by a level-headed selkie boy who agrees to show her the human-eating mermaid’s location. We hope Jane realizes she isn’t really in love with the handsome boy because the selkie boy is much nicer. First, she’ll have to complete her rescue, and to her surprise, she finds a human in the selkie village that she knows and will change everything! This is a great story with gorgeous art and an important message that will keep any fantasy and middle grade book reader entertained.

Melissa Taylor, MA, is the creator of Imagination Soup. She's a mother, former teacher & literacy trainer, and freelance education writer. She writes Imagination Soup and freelances for publications online and in print, including Penguin Random House's Brightly website, USA Today Health, Adobe Education, Colorado Parent, and Parenting. She is passionate about matching kids with books that they'll love.

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