Treasure in the White City

World Worst Time Machine #2

by Dustin Brady, Dave Bardin (Illustrator)

The $3 time machine strikes again in this second installment in the illustrated novel series perfect for fans who love funny, unexpected adventures and wacky plot twists from best-selling author Dustin Brady.

Legend says that an eccentric millionaire hid a treasure somewhere inside the legendary "White City" at the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. Elsa and Liam have reason to believe that treasure holds the key to finding Elsa's grandfather who disappeared mysteriously over a year ago. The kids decide to break out the duct tape and twist ties to reassemble the World's Worst Time Machine. They're on the hunt!

Liam and Elsa are not the only time travellers after the treasure. Not even close. If they're going to survive long enough to untangle the secrets of the White City, they'll need to upgrade their technology, make a few new friends, and rely on each other like never before. Oh, also, they're going to need a LOT of pickles. 

Genres: Middle Grade

232 pages, Hardcover

Published April 16, 2024

Reviews

[Jim Windisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wild adventure through the 1893 Chicago Columbian Exhibition that will please middle grade readers who appreciate non-stop action. As an adult reader, some of my favorite books have featured time travel and the 1893 Columbian Exhibition, but never together. This is definitely a middle-grade time travel romp that doesn't delve deeply into the history. Still, readers get enough imagery of the fair and a short nonfiction section at the end that might inspire further interest in the World's Fair.

Although I hadn't read the first World's Worst Time Machine book, I was able to pick up enough information about the characters and events of the first book that I didn't feel like I had missed out. The short recap of the first book at the beginning was especially helpful. Protagonists Liam and Elsa are clever enough to outsmart antagonists in surprising ways, while also being relatable as they struggle to understand some things about the past. There are a few laugh out loud moments: my favorite featured another famous fictional time-traveler. Overall, it's a fun read that I would recommend to young readers.

Note: my review refers to an advance reader copy ebook received through NetGalley

[Jenna Stensland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great middle grade novel! The time travel and action packed chapters make it a fast paced interesting story. It was really interesting to learn about the time period and the Chicago Fair as well. I recognized some of the names along the way and I was really happy that the section in the back introduced the real history of the people we met along the way. I really like the historical fiction mixed with time travel. It is a great mix for this age group that keeps the plot intriguing. I will keep an eye out for more of this series!

Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second in a series involving the world’s worst time machine, but one doesn’t really need to read the first as it summarizes a little of what happened. Overall though, two kids, Elsa and Liam traveled back to the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair to find a way to get Elsa’s grandfather back who disappeared in the first novel. This is a fun, exciting adventure as the two discover not only what the fair was like but have to deal with other time travelers. A great middle grade book that also has historical figures and facts in it making not only a fun adventure but one learns about too.

[Lisa Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think kids who love mystery and adventure will love this book. And I could tell from the title that it would be funny! My favorite part was when they were rescuing the time machine from under water comparing it to putting a wet phone in rice.
There was also a lot to learn about that time in history, with the Chicago World's Fair and its exhibits from around the world. The children get to meet interesting people, including a snake oil salesman. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

[Sn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great for 9 to 13 year olds and has a great sense of mystery if you enjoy adventure you should read this book I rate it 8 out of 10
If you want more reviews visit netgallery.co.uk