Déjà View: A Kid Nightmare

by Michael Thomas Perone

Twelve-year-old Bobby Dalton doesn't want to grow up. All his life, he has relied on the imaginary games of childhood with his best friends Joe and Max to get him through the tough times. But this all changes when his Seventh-Grade class buries a time capsule to commemorate the end of the 1980s. Now Bobby is being haunted by ghostly doppelgangers of himself, his friends, and others. He calls them "déjà view." Are these visions real, or has his imagination finally gotten away from him? And if they're real, what do they want? Bobby needs to figure this all out to survive his childhood…and his life.

From the author of the award-winning Danger Peak, Déjà View is a darkly funny coming-of-age dramedy with a sci-fi twist, cranked up to eleven. But even more, it's at once a pulse-pounding thrill ride and a haunting portrait of paranoia, mental illness, and the unbearable sadness of growing up.

About the Author

Michael Thomas Perone is an award-winning author who has written for The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore City Paper, Long Island Voice (a spinoff of The Village Voice), Yahoo!, and WhatCulture!, among others. His debut novel Danger Peak was called “the perfect teenage boy crusade” by Publishers Weekly and “a compelling bildungsroman about grief and finding wisdom” by Kirkus Reviews. If nothing else, he learned the word “bildungsroman” from the experience. He works as a Senior Editor in Manhattan and lives on Long Island with his wife and two daughters.

279 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2023

About the author

Michael Thomas Perone is an award-winning author who has written for The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore City Paper, Long Island Voice (a spinoff of The Village Voice), Yahoo!, and WhatCulture!, among others. His debut novel, the action-adventure Danger Peak, was the recipient of The Fall 2022 BookFest Award in the category of Young Adult – Action and Adventure and The 2022 Firebird Book Award in the category of Magical Realism. His follow-up, the coming-of-age/sci-fi mindbender Déjà View, was the recipient of The Spring 2024 BookFest Award in the category of Young Adult – Literary and Coming of Age, where it received First Place, and The 2024 Firebird Book Award in the category of Coming of Age. It was also a finalist of The 2024 Eric Hoffer Book Award. His short story collection, The Electric God and Other Shorts, was the recipient of The Spring 2025 BookFest Award in the category of Short Stories and The 2024 Firebird Book Award in the same category, where it received First Place. He works as a Senior Editor and lives on Long Island with his wife and two daughters.

Reviews

[Jame_EReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids and I are so stoked to be hosting a booktour spot of Deja View with @rockstarbooktours and @michaelthomasperone, and today my tour stops here.

I read this one for my kids because they’ve been busy closing their first semester of the school year and I thought this one would make it a reminiscing kind of book. Firstly, I really enjoyed this book because it brought back many childhood memories from name-throwing like Toys R Us, MTV, year 1989 etc. This one touched plenty of mental health issues that were very different and could be used as discussion topics with the kids. A bit dark on some areas but overall the coming of age and funny dialogues gave me some insights and nuances of things different from my usual days. I like the sci-fi-ish-fantasy and the almost paranormal-ish parts while the story digs deeper. Overall it is quite an interesting book to be shared to older middle-graders who wanted to enjoy and also ponder some of the challenges that come along while developing their own personal schemes and personas. I definitely enjoyed this one while thinking about my growing pains’ days.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely surprised me in the best way possible. Déjà View blends suspense, mystery, and just the right amount of dark humor into a story that pulls you in from the very first chapter. The pacing is sharp and clever, and the writing has a cinematic quality that made me feel like I was watching the scenes unfold right in front of me.

The characters are relatable yet flawed in ways that make them feel authentic, and the premise is refreshingly unique. Perone has such a talent for weaving tension with wit, making you laugh one moment and tense up the next. What really stood out to me is how the story feels universal at its core, it’s about choices, consequences, and how the past never stays buried for long.

I genuinely wish my grandkids were older so they could enjoy this, because this book has a timeless quality that speaks across generations. It’s clever, entertaining, and unforgettable the kind of story that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page.

This is an easy 5 out of 5 stars for me. Michael Thomas Perone has crafted a gem here, and I’ll be recommending it to anyone looking for something fast-paced, fun, and thought-provoking all at once.

[Reader Views · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Deja View: A Kid Nightmare” by Michael Thomas Perone” stars 12-year-old Bobby Dalton as a young protagonist weathering the start of his middle school years. Struggling from the transition between elementary school and the tougher, meaner, meatier experience of 7th Grade, Bobby starts seeing strange visions after his class buries a time capsule to celebrate the end of the decade. His visions are not of the future, however, but seem to be strange mirror-like images of his recent past. Are the visions of him and his friends real, or is Bobby suffering from something more serious? “Deja View” is the story of a kid who does not want to grow up, but no matter how hard he tries, things keep changing and time keeps marching on.

“Deja View: A Kid Nightmare” is written in a perfect tone to capture the attention of a middle-grade audience. Bobby’s narrations are strikingly authentic, and the trials readers experience alongside him are all too familiar for anyone who is currently or has already gone through the treacherous tween years of junior high. The bullying, body insecurity, and drifting of childhood friendships are things that most readers will be able to identify with, and this helps make Bobby a sympathetic narrator you want to root for.

At the same time, I also found myself wanting to shout at him sometimes to stand up to his “friends” and remember that there is nothing wrong with who he is. Then, I thought, Well, how perfect a way to capture how we all wish we could go back and say these same things to our own younger selves. Bobby’s visions give the book a spooky twist that also helps add a dose of thrill which will resonate with readers of Bobby’s own age.

I did wonder if “Deja View: A Kid Nightmare” was a little too slow to get going. The first half of the book mainly depicts the gradual drifting of Bobby from Joe and Max, which is certainly a big part of the overall plot and Bobby’s character, but I felt like I was waiting a little too long for the real thrills to start. The first real concrete scene where we see Bobby experiencing a vision is not until about 85-90 pages in. After that, aside from the convenience store sign, the subject is not really broached again for another 30-35 pages, after Bobby and his friends bury their own time capsule. Based on the book summary, I kept expecting the real heart of the sci-fi twist to finally start, and it seemed like I had to dig deep to finally get there.

Overall, I think “Deja View: A Kid Nightmare” by Michael Thomas Perone is a great book for middle-grade readers and even those in their first or second year of high school. I can also see it finding an audience with readers, such as my millennial self because there is something wonderfully nostalgic and familiar about reading a book set in the late 80s and early 90s. The pop culture references, games Bobby plays with his friends, and the places they visit are all things that Gen X and Millennial readers will gobble up like candy. It is a bittersweet story about a kid who is struggling on the cusp between childhood and adulthood, and that’s something pretty much any reader can relate to on some level.

[L.M. Coppa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun sci-fi/YA story. This story follows 12-year old Bobby as he desperately tries to hold onto his childhood and is thrusted into a nightmare of dueling realities he has to navigate. True to form, Perone delivers tons of nostalgia and fun characters. Truly enjoyed this read!

[Deep Choudhary · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Déjà View: A Kid Nightmare, Michael Thomas Perone crafts a haunting, nostalgic, and emotionally layered coming-of-age story that defies genre conventions. Blending psychological suspense, subtle science fiction, and sharp emotional insight, this novel takes readers deep into the mind of a boy caught between the carefree safety of childhood and the disorienting uncertainties of adolescence.

Set at the tail end of the 1980s, the story follows 12-year-old Bobby Dalton, who is reluctantly navigating the shift from elementary innocence to the more complicated world of junior high. For Bobby, imagination has always been a sanctuary. But after a seemingly symbolic act—burying a time capsule with his closest friends—his world begins to unravel in deeply unsettling ways He’s suddenly confronted by strange visions: ghost-like versions of himself, his friends, and others around him. Are these manifestations just figments of his overactive mind, or do they hint at something far more disturbing?

What makes Déjà View stand out is its ability to combine humor, heartache, and suspense in equal measure. Perone handles the delicate topic of mental health—especially as it relates to children—with authenticity and care. Bobby’s experiences mirror the turbulence of growing up: the fear of change, the desire to hold onto what’s familiar, and the confusion of not being able to trust your own perceptions. Readers are drawn into Bobby’s world, experiencing his fear, doubt, and yearning for clarity with palpable intensity. Perone’s narrative voice captures the voice of youth with surprising depth and believability. The dialogue is natural, the setting richly detailed, and the emotional core deeply resonant. Even the moments of surrealism and mystery are grounded in the very real struggles of growing up in a world that doesn’t always make sense. The story’s darker undertones are balanced by sharp wit and moments of tenderness, especially in the portrayal of friendship and loyalty.

In Déjà View, Perone has written more than just a coming-of-age tale—he has delivered a psychological exploration of identity, memory, and the loss of innocence. Readers who appreciated Danger Peak will find themselves once again immersed in a narrative that is both thought-provoking and emotionally charged. This is a story that lingers, asking us to consider how we process trauma, how we navigate the transition into adulthood, and how powerful—and fragile—our imaginations can be. Perone continues to establish himself as a master of character-driven storytelling with a distinctive voice. Déjà View is a deeply human novel with a sci-fi twist, perfect for fans of literary fiction who enjoy narratives that challenge the boundary between reality and imagination.

[Vidhika Yadav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Déjà View: A Kid Nightmare by Michael Thomas Perone

Michael Thomas Perone’s Déjà View: A Kid Nightmare stands as a genre-bending, heart-felt coming-of-age story that captures the turbulent season of growth in uncanny precision. Set during the late '80s, it concerns 12-year-old Bobby Dalton, a boy caught between the final days of childhood and the early hours of adolescence. While his friends and he bury a time capsule, the symbolic occasion soon turns surreal—Bobby starts seeing ghost-like versions of himself and others. But are these visions trauma manifestations, or something beyond human comprehension?

Perone walks the thin line of psychological suspense, nostalgia, and subtle science fiction with heart-warming storytelling. Bobby's voice is powerfully moving-full of longing, confusion, and quiet resilience. It deals with the themes of bullying, friendship, emotional isolation, and identity in a very fine manner, making this novel very relevant and relatable to middle-grade readers and the adults whose heart yearns to go back to those forever cherished days of innocence.

Though the plot is laid down quite slowly, what follows is an in-depth exploration of growing pains, memory, and mental health. These friendships, often fragile and fallible, add weight to the emotions while the spooky undertones provide a great twist. An especially deep one is Bobby's internal conflict between wanting to freeze time and the imperative that life must go on.

Rendered with deep-and-detailed 1980s flavor and a haunting emotional core, Déjà View is a reflective, bittersweet tale that stakes its claim in your memory-an honest ethnography of the tumult of fear and wonder that is growing up.

[Megha Bhatia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up is strange enough without seeing ghostly versions of yourself, and that’s exactly the unsettling space this book explores so memorably.

Set in the late 1980s, the story follows twelve-year-old Bobby Dalton as he stands at that awkward crossroads between childhood and adolescence. What begins as a simple, symbolic act, burying a time capsule with his best friends, slowly spirals into something far more mysterious. Soon, Bobby starts seeing eerie duplicates of himself and the people around him. No one else can see them. No one believes him. And that quiet isolation becomes just as haunting as the apparitions themselves.

What I appreciated most is how the author balances nostalgia with psychological tension. This isn’t a fast-paced thriller in the traditional sense. It unfolds gradually, almost patiently, allowing us to sit with Bobby’s confusion, fear, and longing. The themes feel real: bullying, shifting friendships, peer rejection, and the silent pressure to “grow up.” Bobby’s internal struggle, wanting to freeze time while knowing life won’t wait, is something many of us can relate to, even as adults looking back.

The friendships in the book feel fragile and authentic, full of humour and awkwardness. Then, just when you think you understand where the story is going, it takes a sharp, unexpected turn that genuinely caught me off guard.

Unlike the author’s earlier work, this novel leans more into emotional depth than action, and I found that refreshing. It’s written for young adults, but it speaks to anyone who remembers the confusion of those in-between years.

This book is at once funny, unsettling, and deeply bittersweet — a coming-of-age story wrapped in mystery that lingers long after the final page.

[M. Book reveiwers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Déjà View: A Kid Nightmare by Michael Thomas Perone is a story about a 12-year-old boy named Bobby Dalton. He doesn’t want to grow up and loves playing games with his best friends, Joe and Max. But after their class buries a time capsule, strange things start happening. Bobby begins seeing ghost-like copies of himself and others. No one else can see them, and Bobby doesn’t know if it’s real or if something is wrong with him. This part of the story really made me remember my school days and how confusing it felt to grow up.

What I liked about this book is how true Bobby’s feelings were. He faces bullies, fights with friends, and feels lonely sometimes. It reminded me of my own childhood. I also felt bad for him because his friends didn’t always treat him right. While reading, I wanted to tell him to be stronger and leave the people who don’t care about him. It made me think about the times I also stayed quiet just to keep friends.

The spooky parts in the story were fun. It takes some time for the scary things to happen, but when they do, it makes the story more interesting. I liked how the book mixed real-life problems with strange, ghostly things. It’s not a fast story in the beginning, but it gets better as you read more. I enjoyed how it kept me thinking about what would happen next.

I would tell others to give this book a try, especially kids in middle school or people who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s. It brings back old memories of childhood, games, and school life. It teaches you that growing up is not easy, but you have to face it. I really liked it because it felt honest, simple, and made me think about my own past.

[Keka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Déjà View: A Kid Nightmare is a haunting, emotionally resonant coming-of-age tale that deftly weaves nostalgia, psychological suspense and subtle sci-fi with remarkable sensitivity. The novel is set in the 1980s and revolves around Bobby Dalton, a twelve-year-old boy who is on the fence between childhood and adulthood. At first it’s a fun time capsule kind of thing, but it morphs into someone trying to videotape unsettling, ghostly versions of himself and others imagined or trauma or something more disturbing. Perone reflects the inner world of a child with striking accuracy. Bobby’s fears of growing up, losing friends, being bullied and letting go of his innocence feel so convincingly real that it grounds the supernatural. The gradual pacing allows the psychological tension to grow organically and for this, the story rewards patient readers with a haunting and reflective payoff. The central theme of Déjà View is not fear, but more about memory, identity and the subtle terror of change. It is a thick and atmospheric novel that lingers after the last page.

[Country Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the first chapter in this book, it was super engaging for the readers to hear about digging by the characters right away. I mean it makes you think, what are they digging for? Why are they digging? All these questions pop into your head as a reader and that is a great start to a book!
This is the story of Bobby and his friends Joe and Max. Bobby is 12 and doesn’t ever want to grow up, like Peter Pan. He just wants to play and do nothing else. This is a great coming of age book for boys and how they grow up in the 1980’s. As a child who grew up in the 1980’s this book is accurate and spot on. I love the mentions of the 80s toys and also the tv shows😊
I love the ending of the book with Dr. Pann and the sci-fi twist in this book. I kind of hope that the end of this story isn’t the end and that there will be more about Bobby and his friends in another book possibly. I want to see what happens with Anna and in general.

[Melanie Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is a beautiful combination of sci-fi, coming-of-age and adventure. Filled with 80s pop culture, this story grabbed me right off the bat with the character development and engaging, fast-paced plot.

Following the friendship of a 12 year old group of boys, the main character, Bobby, can’t seem to grasp what it means to grow up. A seemingly simple Peter Pan syndrome veers dangerously off course when his world comes into contact with a dangerous other-worldly force. Maybe, just maybe, he’s not as crazy and immature as everyone else seems to think.

The twists and turns left me unsure of where the story would go and I found myself furiously flipping the pages in order to learn how all of the plot points would come together. If you’re a fan of Stranger Things and Stephen King’s It, this HAS to be your next read. I can’t wait to read more of Perone’s work.

[Rosanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of Michael Thomas Perone’s debut novel, Danger Peak, this was an unexpected read but no less enjoyable. He almost seems to be playing with a different genre (namely sci-fi), though it’s still in his wheelhouse of ‘80s nostalgia and coming of age. In fact, I’d say this novel is more coming of age than his last one, and that’s saying something. I agree with the other reviewers who said the book isn’t as fast-paced as Danger Peak, but the story grows on you the more you progress through it, and I certainly wasn’t expecting the slam-bang ending—despite warnings from those same reviewers! Overall, I enjoyed this book as much as the last one, despite the story being much darker. Give it a try if you liked Danger Peak. You won’t regret it.

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Déjà View funny and strangely affecting. You don’t realize how moving the story is until you get to the very end. I won’t recount the plot since you can read it in the book’s description and other reviews here, and I also don’t want to spoil anything. Needless to say, this coming-of-age story has a way of sneaking up on you. First, you’re laughing along at the kids' hijinks and especially their dialogue (the bits about Chuck E. Cheese and “Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue” are hilarious), and then the next moment, your heart goes out to Bobby, the main character. By the end, it’s downright poignant and even made me miss my own childhood. Highly recommended.

[Luminita LaFlash · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read by Michael Thomas Perone, and I admit that even though I am not a child, I enjoyed reading it. Yes, it is dedicated primarily to young readers, but if you let your imagination flow, this book will also be enjoyable and exciting for adults. It makes you think about your life when you have wishes, dreams, and hopes. I recommend it to anybody who enjoys the exciting and mind-blowing way of fictional thinking. Just let your imagination flow and enjoy the ride. Discover the idea behind the book title. Déjà View: A Kid Nightmare. Grab a copy of the book and encourage your children and grandchildren to read it. It's delightful with all the twists and unexpected.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written for a young adult audience, but it is accessible and entertaining for readers of all ages. I loved tagging along with Bobby on his journey through the gateway of adolescence. There are lots of funny and poignant moments, and a very unexpected ending! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to more from this author.

[Mike Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel nails the anxiety of adolescence while delivering a clever sci-fi mystery that never lets up. The “déjà view” concept is haunting, original, and used to explore paranoia, grief, and mental health with real care. A well-earned award winner.

[Jess Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Déjà View captures the terror and tenderness of growing up with uncanny precision. Bobby’s visions blur the line between imagination and reality, creating a story that’s both thrilling and deeply emotional. Darkly funny, unsettling, and painfully honest, this is coming-of-age sci-fi at its best.

[Carolyn Hagmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very odd book. It was coming of age for the first 75% and then flipped very abruptly to Sci-fi for the rest. Well written, but felt like two different books smashed together.

[Sarah Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling and thoughtful read that stayed with me long after I finished the last page.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story felt authentic and powerful, with moments that truly stood out.

[Author Lift · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very captivating story, I love it

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book was such a joy. The story stayed with me long after I turned the last page. Thank you for sharing your talent with us.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book truly touched me. The characters felt real, and the message was powerful. I’m grateful I found this story, well done.

[Olivia Bennett]

You can feel the heart in this book. It’s clear how much care went into writing it. I really enjoyed every moment and look forward to more from you.

[Frank V · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can feel the author’s voice and creativity on every page. I’m so glad I picked up this book.

[Readers · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a reader, I just want to say thank you. Your book made me feel seen, inspired, and entertained. It was a beautiful experience.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clever, mind-bending read that kept me questioning reality until the very last page.

[Williams Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, sharp, and unforgettable, this book stayed with me long after I finished.

[Chazzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perone weaves suspense and philosophy beautifully. I couldn’t put it down.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating concept executed with precision. Every chapter pulled me deeper.