A Time Traveler's Theory of Relativity

  • Interest Level: Grade 4 - Grade 8
  • Reading Level: Grade 3

He believes in science, but only magic can help his mom.

Twelve-year-old Finn is used to people in his family disappearing. His twin sister, Faith, drowned when they were three years old. A few months ago, his mom abandoned him and his dad with no explanation. Finn clings to the concrete facts in his physics books—and to his best friend, Gabi—to ward off his sadness. But then his grandmother tells him a secret: the women in their family are Travelers, able to move back and forth in time.

Finn’s mom is trapped somewhere in the timeline, and she’s left Finn a portal to find her. But to succeed, he’ll have to put his trust in something bigger than logic.

“This is an incredible book, no matter which time universe you’re in. I couldn’t put it down. One of my favorite debut novels of the year.”—Erin Entrada Kelly, New York Times bestselling author and 2018 Newbery Medal winner

Format Your Price Add
978-1-7284-6767-2
$10.99
978-1-5415-6448-0
$22.99
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Interest Level Grade 4 - Grade 8
Reading Level Grade 3
Category SEL: A Self-Awareness, SEL: D Relationship Skills, SEL: E Responsible Decision-Making, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2019
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Carolrhoda Books ®
Language English
Number of Pages 352
Publication Date 2019-10-01
Text Type Fiction—Science Fiction/Fantasy
BISACS JUV064000, JUV013030, JUV039030
Dewey [Fic]
Dimensions 5.25 x 7.5
Lexile 630
Guided Reading Level Z
ATOS Reading Level 4.7
Accelerated Reader® Quiz 503847
Accelerated Reader® Points 9.0
Features Author/Illustrator biography, Awards, Reviewed, and Teaching Guides

Awards

  • Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award List, Long-listed, 2021
  • SCBWI Crystal Kite Award Finalist, Long-listed, 2020
  • Oklahoma Library Association Sequoyah Masterlist, Nominated, 2020
  • Carolyn W. Field Award Honor Book, Winner, 2020

Reviews

School Library Journal

“Any young reader who wants to believe that magic can change the harsh realities of life will find much to enjoy here. Recommended for all middle grade fantasy sections.”—School Library Journal

Booklist

“Valentine’s debut is an emotionally compelling and heartfelt tale of love and family that is reminiscent of Tuck Everlasting and A Wrinkle in Time.”—Booklist

Kirkus Reviews

“This soft-science-fiction debut will resonate with Madeleine L’Engle fans.”—Kirkus Reviews

Kathi Appelt

“This novel will stretch your both your brain and your heart at the same time. Find the thread and jump in. You’ll be so glad that you did.”—Kathi Appelt, author of Angel Thieves and 2013 National Book Award Finalist The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp

Erin Entrada Kelly

“This is an incredible book, no matter which time universe you’re in. I couldn’t put it down. One of my favorite debut novels of the year.”—Erin Entrada Kelly, New York Times bestselling author and 2018 Newbery Medal winner

Fran Wilde

“[A]n excellent adventure that pulls at the heart as much as the mind.”—Fran Wilde, award-winning author of The Bone Universe series and Riverland