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beyondevak's review
4.0
The Accidental Time Traveller was an extremely enjoyable reading experience. I thought the concept of a time traveling youngling was attention-grabbing. This is good because it will encourage young readers to think and to consider. To imagine the unlimited possibilities that come with storytelling. I love that.
I appreciated all of the characters that were introduced. They were distinct and unusual. Their voices were their own. As I read, I found that I was excitedly drawn in more and more. The ending was charming and sweet. And I must say, I loved the afterword.
This book was received from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. The words I have expressed are my own.
I appreciated all of the characters that were introduced. They were distinct and unusual. Their voices were their own. As I read, I found that I was excitedly drawn in more and more. The ending was charming and sweet. And I must say, I loved the afterword.
This book was received from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. The words I have expressed are my own.
lynxman_44's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
4.0
froggylibrarian1's review
3.0
I really like time travel books. In fact, they are one of my favorites so I really wanted to like this. But, it didn't totally work for me. Saul lives in Scotland with his mom, dad, and new twins. He has some good friends, a cool hang out, and he deals with normal boy stuff - school, a bully, wanting a new bike. While going to the store for his mom a girl, Agatha suddenly appears and almost gets hit by a car. It turns out she came from 1812 in an experiment done by her father. Good premise but the middle part of the book lagged quite a bit and the actual method of time travel...not great. I know...time travel is far fetched to begin with but this didn't work for me at all. Also, some of the relationships - Saul's friends with Agatha and another girl Agnes, the resolution of the bully problem, his dad who shows up just at the end - weren't developed enough. I did like the ending and the closure with the ring but there were some jumps concerning Agnes and Agatha that could have been developed more.
One part that really bothered me was Saul's award winning essay. I get that it was an essay written by a middle grade boy but award winning? It was not good at all...
I think another issue with the book is the abundance of British words and references - not sure my students would understand all of it.
One part that really bothered me was Saul's award winning essay. I get that it was an essay written by a middle grade boy but award winning? It was not good at all...
I think another issue with the book is the abundance of British words and references - not sure my students would understand all of it.
liibookaddict's review
3.0
3.5 Stars
You can also find this review on my blog: http://liisadventuresinbookland.blogspot.pt/
'The Accidental Time Traveller' was a funny surprise to me. It started quite slow, but then it picked up really fast and I did not want to put it down until I found out if Agatha Black managed to get back to the past or not.
When it comes to the characters of this book, Agatha was most certainly my favorite. Her old fashioned way of speaking along with her fascination with everything that we now find commom was incredible. Actually this was probably my favorite part of this book, how the author was able to capture this innocence and fascination with the new century - our century - and put it down to words in a way that allowed you to almost experience it like it was new to you too.
Also, Janis Mackay was able to write this book from the perspective of an eleven-year-old boy with such perfection that I was completely amazed. Saul was a young boy with a huge heart, and the way he risked his friendships to help a girl he didn't know much about was beautiful.
This book is kind of perfect for children, since it covers dealing with what some may consider 'strange' people, bullying and how being able to look past our differences may come in our favor.
You can also find this review on my blog: http://liisadventuresinbookland.blogspot.pt/
'The Accidental Time Traveller' was a funny surprise to me. It started quite slow, but then it picked up really fast and I did not want to put it down until I found out if Agatha Black managed to get back to the past or not.
When it comes to the characters of this book, Agatha was most certainly my favorite. Her old fashioned way of speaking along with her fascination with everything that we now find commom was incredible. Actually this was probably my favorite part of this book, how the author was able to capture this innocence and fascination with the new century - our century - and put it down to words in a way that allowed you to almost experience it like it was new to you too.
Also, Janis Mackay was able to write this book from the perspective of an eleven-year-old boy with such perfection that I was completely amazed. Saul was a young boy with a huge heart, and the way he risked his friendships to help a girl he didn't know much about was beautiful.
This book is kind of perfect for children, since it covers dealing with what some may consider 'strange' people, bullying and how being able to look past our differences may come in our favor.
seventhaurora's review
3.0
Quite good for a Primary 7 level book, but not a lot of action. The girls in my reading group quite liked this book, but the boys didn't like it at all - "too boring".
10lewis2011's review
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
elephant's review
3.0
Set in modern day Scotland, 11 year old Saul meets a girl who has been transported there from 200 years past. As he tries to help her to find her way back in time, he learns how to deal with bullies, to be grateful for what he has, and makes a new frien. I think that elementary and middle school age children may enjoy the story, but some of them will have trouble with the language.
paschott's review
4.0
The Accidental Time Traveller by Janis Mackay tells the story of a young man named Saul who has become frustrated with his life in Scotland. He is sent out to the store by his mom and you can hear his frustration as the story opens and his mom is preoccupied with the twins. We follow Saul’s train of thought as he avoids bullies, makes his way to the store, and helps a strangely dressed girl avoid an accident. At this point we’re introduced to our accidental time traveller, Agatha Black.
Saul decides he’ll try to hide Agatha because nobody will understand her and he’s also a little afraid to be seen helping a girl. Agatha asks to be shown around the town and reminisces about how much things have changed. Saul takes her to his gang’s hideout and asks her to stay there while he heads home. At this point we learn that Saul has the option to enter a “Young Historians” contest for Scottish history. (a little foreshadowing) Saul wants to win the competition to buy a brand new bike. Saul goes about his normal routine at home, taking some extra food along the way so he can bring it to Agatha.
Saul and Agatha grow to be friends and Saul learns more about Scotland in the past. He hatches a plan to pass Agatha off as a boy so “he” can join his gang and attend school. Saul also tries to learn more about Agatha’s trip through time to help her return to her own time. Along the way, we see how Agatha looks at the world from her 200 years in the past and how Saul sees his world through new eyes.
We watch Saul grow a little bit through his adventure with Agatha. He thinks of himself a little less, gains some confidence, and gains an unexpected friend in Agatha. Does he succeed in helping Agatha return to her own time? Does Saul win the History prize and get his new bike? Janis Mackay tells a great story to answer all of those questions.
My Take: This was a great read for young adults and adults as well. I would have no problem giving this to my 5th grader to read and I think it would be appreciated. I enjoyed Saul’s story, though was initially put off by his negative attitude. As I got to know Saul, I saw that change and appreciated the story more. I think this is a good read for its target audience and can recommend it.
Disclaimer: I was provided with this book by the publisher with no expectations on their part. The opinions expressed are my own and were not influenced by anyone else.
Saul decides he’ll try to hide Agatha because nobody will understand her and he’s also a little afraid to be seen helping a girl. Agatha asks to be shown around the town and reminisces about how much things have changed. Saul takes her to his gang’s hideout and asks her to stay there while he heads home. At this point we learn that Saul has the option to enter a “Young Historians” contest for Scottish history. (a little foreshadowing) Saul wants to win the competition to buy a brand new bike. Saul goes about his normal routine at home, taking some extra food along the way so he can bring it to Agatha.
Saul and Agatha grow to be friends and Saul learns more about Scotland in the past. He hatches a plan to pass Agatha off as a boy so “he” can join his gang and attend school. Saul also tries to learn more about Agatha’s trip through time to help her return to her own time. Along the way, we see how Agatha looks at the world from her 200 years in the past and how Saul sees his world through new eyes.
We watch Saul grow a little bit through his adventure with Agatha. He thinks of himself a little less, gains some confidence, and gains an unexpected friend in Agatha. Does he succeed in helping Agatha return to her own time? Does Saul win the History prize and get his new bike? Janis Mackay tells a great story to answer all of those questions.
My Take: This was a great read for young adults and adults as well. I would have no problem giving this to my 5th grader to read and I think it would be appreciated. I enjoyed Saul’s story, though was initially put off by his negative attitude. As I got to know Saul, I saw that change and appreciated the story more. I think this is a good read for its target audience and can recommend it.
Disclaimer: I was provided with this book by the publisher with no expectations on their part. The opinions expressed are my own and were not influenced by anyone else.
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