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Time for a Change
Book 2 in the electrifying middle-grade sci-fi trilogy by six-time Grammy Award–winning musician, Academy Award–winning filmmaker, and New York Times–bestselling author Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and New York Times–bestselling author S. A. Cosby.
On the heels of their thrilling appearance in Rhythm of Time, best friends Rahim and Kasia are back traveling through time in Time for a Change. Last time around, they were on their own—now they are working with Aevum, a mysterious organization from the future that tasks them with averting disaster and safeguarding the flow of history.
The first assignment sends Rahim to Hawaii to recover a rock that Aevum insists is key to stabilizing the future. But things take a dramatic turn when he inadvertently jeopardizes the mission, thrusting him and Kasia into a web of intrigue populated by a diverse cast of time-travelers with their own enigmatic motives. There are doppelgängers from parallel dimensions. There are robots who may be allies but may be enemies. As Rahim and Kasia move like pinballs through time, they must navigate a treacherous path to unveil the truth and avert a devastating future across multiple realities.
Dynamic, richly written characters, a mystery that twists and turns through the corridors of time and the multiverse, interior illustrations, and crisp prose make for an infinitely readable sci-fi adventure that is sure to delight young readers.
On the heels of their thrilling appearance in Rhythm of Time, best friends Rahim and Kasia are back traveling through time in Time for a Change. Last time around, they were on their own—now they are working with Aevum, a mysterious organization from the future that tasks them with averting disaster and safeguarding the flow of history.
The first assignment sends Rahim to Hawaii to recover a rock that Aevum insists is key to stabilizing the future. But things take a dramatic turn when he inadvertently jeopardizes the mission, thrusting him and Kasia into a web of intrigue populated by a diverse cast of time-travelers with their own enigmatic motives. There are doppelgängers from parallel dimensions. There are robots who may be allies but may be enemies. As Rahim and Kasia move like pinballs through time, they must navigate a treacherous path to unveil the truth and avert a devastating future across multiple realities.
Dynamic, richly written characters, a mystery that twists and turns through the corridors of time and the multiverse, interior illustrations, and crisp prose make for an infinitely readable sci-fi adventure that is sure to delight young readers.
- GenresMiddle GradeAudiobook
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 17, 2026
7 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Questlove
19 books133 followersAhmir K. Thompson (b. 1971), known professionally as Questlove, is an American musician, drummer, record producer, disc jockey, filmmaker, music journalist, and actor. He is the drummer and joint frontman (with Black Thought) for the hip hop band the Roots. Additionally, he is an adjunct professor at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at New York University.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 17, 2026
Book 2 (Time for a Change) surpassed my expectations and had me stressed out more than book 1!!!! I didn’t even know that was possible!
This time Rahim is sent back in time to Hawaii and of course things don’t go as planned…so Kasia goes back with him to try to navigate the multiverse, robots, doppelgängers, and so much more!
This book definitely took me on an adventure! With the way book 2 ended, I need book 3 ASAP!
This time Rahim is sent back in time to Hawaii and of course things don’t go as planned…so Kasia goes back with him to try to navigate the multiverse, robots, doppelgängers, and so much more!
This book definitely took me on an adventure! With the way book 2 ended, I need book 3 ASAP!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am so glad that the first book fell into my lap just in time for this one to come out. I think this series is so much fun. this one is a little more complex than the first one but I really look forward to where this series is going to go. kids traveling through time to save the day potentially being manipulated by their future selves who knows what's going on? very fun.
January 31, 2026
I would like to thank both NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to this audiobook. This book releases on 2-17-26.
On January 13th, I finished book one of this series. I really enjoyed it, and I gave it four stars. Since it was still fresh in my head and ended on a cliffhanger, I couldn’t wait to jump right back into the series. It did not disappoint.
Our time-traveling duo does it again. We met more characters and experienced a ton more action. I have to say, for this to be a middle school book, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I work in Crimes against Children and I love to give the children books after leaving our office. These two books were well written and refreshing. I will definitely purchase copies for them, my future grandchildren, and for me as well, lol. Book 2 also ends on a cliffhanger, so I’ll be patiently waiting for book three.
The narrator, Zeno Robinson, does a phenomenal job. I recommend picking up the audiobook. He brought life to all the characters. Outstanding job sir!
On January 13th, I finished book one of this series. I really enjoyed it, and I gave it four stars. Since it was still fresh in my head and ended on a cliffhanger, I couldn’t wait to jump right back into the series. It did not disappoint.
Our time-traveling duo does it again. We met more characters and experienced a ton more action. I have to say, for this to be a middle school book, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I work in Crimes against Children and I love to give the children books after leaving our office. These two books were well written and refreshing. I will definitely purchase copies for them, my future grandchildren, and for me as well, lol. Book 2 also ends on a cliffhanger, so I’ll be patiently waiting for book three.
The narrator, Zeno Robinson, does a phenomenal job. I recommend picking up the audiobook. He brought life to all the characters. Outstanding job sir!
February 17, 2026
We didn’t have to wait long at all for this fun middle-grade sci-fi time-travel sequel! Read my full review here. 3.66⭐
Publication is expected February 17.
#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #TimeforaChange
Publication is expected February 17.
#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #TimeforaChange
February 21, 2026
My kids and I really, really loved the first book in this series. I was out here recommending it to my friends, especially friends with kids, because it was such a strong family read for us.
So going into this one, expectations were high.
The good news is my kids still loved it, and honestly that matters most. We listened as a family on audiobook, and when I asked what they liked most, they immediately said they loved watching Rahim and Kasia go back in time to fix their future. Their favorite character was Rahim without hesitation. My 8 year old said it was because he never gives up, which is such a great takeaway.
As an adult, though, this one did not hit me the same way the first book did.
What I loved so much in book one was the family-centered heart, and for me that felt less present in this sequel. The story still has a lot going for it, but that specific piece, the family values that stood out so strongly in the first book, felt more muted here.
I also felt like a few plot started to feel repeated. A bully trying to take the phone again was the biggest example for me. Since we already saw that kind of conflict, it felt overplayed the second time around. I really hope that is not something the series keeps recycling in the next book.
That said, I did appreciate that one bully storyline got closure. I’m hoping that means the series is moving forward instead of repeating the same arc over and over.
One thing I actually liked, even though it made me sad, is that one character seems to be drifting toward the dark side. I hate it and love it at the same time. Life is not all rainbows and butterflies, and I appreciate when a kids’ story makes room for harder choices and messier emotions. It also gave me a chance to have good conversations with my kids about doing the right thing, even when it is hard and even when it may hurt someone close to you.
Audiobook-wise, we all loved it. Zeno Robinson did an amazing job, especially with how clearly he distinguished the characters. Zero complaints from any of us, which is rare when listening with kids.
So overall, this was a huge win for my kids and a solid read for me. They would absolutely give it 5 stars. As an adult, I’d give it 3.5 stars.
So going into this one, expectations were high.
The good news is my kids still loved it, and honestly that matters most. We listened as a family on audiobook, and when I asked what they liked most, they immediately said they loved watching Rahim and Kasia go back in time to fix their future. Their favorite character was Rahim without hesitation. My 8 year old said it was because he never gives up, which is such a great takeaway.
As an adult, though, this one did not hit me the same way the first book did.
What I loved so much in book one was the family-centered heart, and for me that felt less present in this sequel. The story still has a lot going for it, but that specific piece, the family values that stood out so strongly in the first book, felt more muted here.
I also felt like a few plot started to feel repeated. A bully trying to take the phone again was the biggest example for me. Since we already saw that kind of conflict, it felt overplayed the second time around. I really hope that is not something the series keeps recycling in the next book.
That said, I did appreciate that one bully storyline got closure. I’m hoping that means the series is moving forward instead of repeating the same arc over and over.
One thing I actually liked, even though it made me sad, is that one character seems to be drifting toward the dark side. I hate it and love it at the same time. Life is not all rainbows and butterflies, and I appreciate when a kids’ story makes room for harder choices and messier emotions. It also gave me a chance to have good conversations with my kids about doing the right thing, even when it is hard and even when it may hurt someone close to you.
Audiobook-wise, we all loved it. Zeno Robinson did an amazing job, especially with how clearly he distinguished the characters. Zero complaints from any of us, which is rare when listening with kids.
So overall, this was a huge win for my kids and a solid read for me. They would absolutely give it 5 stars. As an adult, I’d give it 3.5 stars.
February 26, 2026
Time for A Change by Questlove and SA Cosby is a middle grade science fiction tome featuring time travel. It is the middle book in a trilogy. Although I did not read the first, I had no trouble picking up the thread. I originally decided to read it based on SA Cosby’s name on the cover. I love time travel and this was pretty decent. There were a few holes, but probably not noticeable to people who have not read/thought about time travel. The main characters, Rahim and Kasia are interesting and give hope for the future. Kasia is the brains and Rahim is more practical.Both are in middle school. I think the lesson of this book is that sometimes the future isn’t what you want it to be; the change is to be guarded against, whether one sees it coming or not. There is an element of AI as well, but this one had morals.
The story is a fast moving one with several trips back in time and at least one forward. Their future selves made visits as well. This is probably OK for youngsters who have been raised on TV and video games. The plot is typical of time travel: they messed up and tried to fix it. Their parents were probably pretty typical of parents of off-the-charts brilliant: a bit dazed. Meeting Barack Obama as a youth was one of the high points for them. All it all, it was a decent book.
Zeno Robinson is the reader and I have to say, I am not impressed. He was too breathless, too earnest. Not realistic. If I read the next in the trilogy, I will do just that: read. I would like to think that decent young people’s fiction should be read by a better reader.
I was invited to listen to Time for A Change by Macmillan Audio. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #MacMillanAudio #Questlove #SACosby #TimeForAChange
The story is a fast moving one with several trips back in time and at least one forward. Their future selves made visits as well. This is probably OK for youngsters who have been raised on TV and video games. The plot is typical of time travel: they messed up and tried to fix it. Their parents were probably pretty typical of parents of off-the-charts brilliant: a bit dazed. Meeting Barack Obama as a youth was one of the high points for them. All it all, it was a decent book.
Zeno Robinson is the reader and I have to say, I am not impressed. He was too breathless, too earnest. Not realistic. If I read the next in the trilogy, I will do just that: read. I would like to think that decent young people’s fiction should be read by a better reader.
I was invited to listen to Time for A Change by Macmillan Audio. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #MacMillanAudio #Questlove #SACosby #TimeForAChange
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Picking up from where the first book left off, Rahim and Kasia are ready to start a new school year, and this time Kasia is going to attend school with Rahim. Rahim manages to avoid Man Man and make it to lunch relatively unscathed, when Kasia shows up with a new group of friends excited about the upcoming talent show. Rahim is a little jealous that Kasia doesn't seem to need his help navigating school, and when they get a call from their future selves and a new mission for Rahim, Kasia is a bit jealous that he gets to do the time travelling and she has to stay behind as the anchor. When the mission goes awry and history changes to the point that Barack Obama is no longer a president but rather a national best teacher award winner, they know they have some fixing to do. But Rahim is feeling a bit conflicted, he thinks the future them are acting a bit strangely. When things fly even further off the rails, it's not entirely clear if the kids will be able to fix things this time.
Another fast-paced adventure from this middle grade series. Kids will definitely be able to identify with Kesia and Rahim. The story is engaging, and the ending leaves things wide open for the next book in the series. I will look forward to its release.
I do not love the narrator, when he reads the dialogue his voice is normal, but when he reads the narration it seems like he's shouting or straining his voice.
I received an ARC of the audiobook from #NetGalley.
Another fast-paced adventure from this middle grade series. Kids will definitely be able to identify with Kesia and Rahim. The story is engaging, and the ending leaves things wide open for the next book in the series. I will look forward to its release.
I do not love the narrator, when he reads the dialogue his voice is normal, but when he reads the narration it seems like he's shouting or straining his voice.
I received an ARC of the audiobook from #NetGalley.
February 1, 2026
Thank you Macmillan Audio, Macmillan Young Listeners, and NetGalley for the advanced electronic audio review copy of this book. This is a sequel to the middle grade series The Rhythm of Time where friends Rahim and Kassia travel back in time to avert disaster and save the world. In this volume, they’re just as busy traveling across the multiverse to save the universe from yet another catastrophe. Written by the multi-award winner Questlove, this fast moving action-packed volume brings back our time-traveling duo as well as introduces some new characters. The cliffhanger from the first volume gets resolved and this volume ends on yet another cliffhanger so I’ll be impatiently awaiting the next volume to see what happens next. The narrator does a wonderful job bringing the story to life, so I wholeheartedly recommend the audiobook. Anyone who enjoys a good sci-fi would definitely enjoy this series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I would like to thank Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners and Netgalley for a free ALC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
On this worthy sequel to the Rhythm of Time, we pick up with the consequences of the last book in a great way. Although I found this one a little awkward in its pacing, I did think this book had more ideas and had more challenging content. Not that I don't think any middle grader wouldn't enjoy the adventure in these pages, just that there is a little more meat in the bones of this story but you gotta kind of slug it out, as we do circle the story quite a bit. I had a good time, and I did think about all the ramifications of the story in the end.
On this worthy sequel to the Rhythm of Time, we pick up with the consequences of the last book in a great way. Although I found this one a little awkward in its pacing, I did think this book had more ideas and had more challenging content. Not that I don't think any middle grader wouldn't enjoy the adventure in these pages, just that there is a little more meat in the bones of this story but you gotta kind of slug it out, as we do circle the story quite a bit. I had a good time, and I did think about all the ramifications of the story in the end.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Title: Time For A Change
Author: Questlove & S.A.Cosby
Genre: Fantasy | Sci-Fi
Format: Audiobook
Narrated: Zeno Robinson
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐️⭐️ (5)
Last time around, they were on their own—now they are working with Aevum, a mysterious organization from the future that tasks them with averting disaster and safeguarding the flow of history.
Book two in the series, just like the first book, was easily a 5-star read. Highly recommended.
The audiobook is narrated by Zeno Robinson. He does an amazing job, easy to listen to and understand. I listened at 2x speed.
The Ending: Amazing
Would I Recommend: Yes
Days Read: 1 Days
Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Author: Questlove & S.A.Cosby
Genre: Fantasy | Sci-Fi
Format: Audiobook
Narrated: Zeno Robinson
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐️⭐️ (5)
Last time around, they were on their own—now they are working with Aevum, a mysterious organization from the future that tasks them with averting disaster and safeguarding the flow of history.
Book two in the series, just like the first book, was easily a 5-star read. Highly recommended.
The audiobook is narrated by Zeno Robinson. He does an amazing job, easy to listen to and understand. I listened at 2x speed.
The Ending: Amazing
Would I Recommend: Yes
Days Read: 1 Days
Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Going back in time with Rahim and Kasia was again very exciting. Kasia, the genius next door, has the most sophisticated technology that she created. We learn that they have been doing other missions for their older selves, but all is not what it seems. In this story, we meet a young Barack Obama in Hawaii, which causes horrible consequences.
I was a little bit upset at how Kasia was being portrayed. Her emotions and the way she reacted to many situations caused a lot of conflict. I will have to read the next because this one ends on such an unhappy note. I liked the supportive banter the two shared before, and I was not as much a fan of the way their friendship struggled in this book.
I was a little bit upset at how Kasia was being portrayed. Her emotions and the way she reacted to many situations caused a lot of conflict. I will have to read the next because this one ends on such an unhappy note. I liked the supportive banter the two shared before, and I was not as much a fan of the way their friendship struggled in this book.
March 21, 2026
Book 2 (Time for a Change) seriously leveled up 😳🔥 I didn’t think it could top book 1, but wow… the stress was real.
Rahim gets sent back to Hawaii and, of course, nothing goes right 🌊⏳ Kasia jumps in and it turns into full multiverse chaos—robots, doppelgängers, time twists. It’s a bit more complex but still super fun, and the whole “future selves pulling strings” thing has me hooked 👀
I loved being back with them, but I wasn’t a fan of how Kasia was written this time 😕 Her reactions caused a lot of tension, and I missed their easy friendship.
Still, such a wild ride—and that ending?? RUDE 😩 I need book 3 ASAP.
Rahim gets sent back to Hawaii and, of course, nothing goes right 🌊⏳ Kasia jumps in and it turns into full multiverse chaos—robots, doppelgängers, time twists. It’s a bit more complex but still super fun, and the whole “future selves pulling strings” thing has me hooked 👀
I loved being back with them, but I wasn’t a fan of how Kasia was written this time 😕 Her reactions caused a lot of tension, and I missed their easy friendship.
Still, such a wild ride—and that ending?? RUDE 😩 I need book 3 ASAP.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an audio ARC.
This was a fun installment to this series. I thought there was a lot going on and was hard to keep track of at times, but this book was overall fun. I liked seeing the characters continue to grow over time. I liked the complexities in the plot and how this series is shaping up. I enjoyed the themes as well that are introduced in this book. The narrator is also pretty good. He really brings the characters to life and is quite enjoyable to listen to.
This was a fun installment to this series. I thought there was a lot going on and was hard to keep track of at times, but this book was overall fun. I liked seeing the characters continue to grow over time. I liked the complexities in the plot and how this series is shaping up. I enjoyed the themes as well that are introduced in this book. The narrator is also pretty good. He really brings the characters to life and is quite enjoyable to listen to.
February 22, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4 stars
Rahim and Kasia are back traveling through time trying to save the future. The two of them are trying to figure out who is giving them advice about the future world and what their mission is. Rahim is such a relatable character. Looking forward to book three.
Fantastic narration by Zeno Robinson.
4 stars
Rahim and Kasia are back traveling through time trying to save the future. The two of them are trying to figure out who is giving them advice about the future world and what their mission is. Rahim is such a relatable character. Looking forward to book three.
Fantastic narration by Zeno Robinson.
never-finished
February 13, 2026I think kids would like this one, but I've never been good with books in which the whole plot hangs on a big screw-up--too stressful! Also, I think coming in on book two makes it harder to understand what's going on, so I'd recommend starting with book one. Thanks to Libro.FM for a free educator copy of the audiobook.
March 9, 2026
Excellent continuation of the series. Rahim and Katia are up to their necks with problems started in the first book. Things are getting worse and they will have to be at the top of their game to save the world.
Highly recommend. Read The Rhythm of Time first.
Highly recommend. Read The Rhythm of Time first.
February 6, 2026
Not as good as the first book. Still enjoyable.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I enjoy this series: the friendship, musical references, and making time travel and multiversal worlds accessible to kids. love it
Review of advance copy
Thanks to Libro.FM for this audio arc. I really enjoyed this sequel even more than the original and can't wait for the next installment.
February 20, 2026
4.5 stars
March 6, 2026
Excellent sequel to The Rhythm of Time, an exciting middle grade time travel adventure series. This is a planned trilogy, so this one does end on a cliffhanger like the first installment did.
Rahim and Kasia's adult selves contact them and say that they need Rahim to travel to Oahu in the 1970s to collect a rock that will have long term implications on the future. Things unfortunately go wrong and the young duo end up pitted against some forces out to cause harm.
This is a fun series, I listened to it as an audiobook and Zeno Robinson does an excellent job giving voice to the kids and the adventures they experience. However much I enjoy listening to the audio version though, the books themselves are fantastic because they are illustrated by the amazing Godwin Akpan, and those illustrations really make the story come to life and make it easier to visualize what is happening.
If you have middle grade readers who enjoy time travel adventure stories, this is a well crafted series filled with music references, a bit of mystery and suspense, and emotional impact from families joining together to fight against evil.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Rahim and Kasia's adult selves contact them and say that they need Rahim to travel to Oahu in the 1970s to collect a rock that will have long term implications on the future. Things unfortunately go wrong and the young duo end up pitted against some forces out to cause harm.
This is a fun series, I listened to it as an audiobook and Zeno Robinson does an excellent job giving voice to the kids and the adventures they experience. However much I enjoy listening to the audio version though, the books themselves are fantastic because they are illustrated by the amazing Godwin Akpan, and those illustrations really make the story come to life and make it easier to visualize what is happening.
If you have middle grade readers who enjoy time travel adventure stories, this is a well crafted series filled with music references, a bit of mystery and suspense, and emotional impact from families joining together to fight against evil.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
March 4, 2026
This is a super fun series. loved it!
March 11, 2026
This cant end like this
March 26, 2026
About as good as the first one. A fun, modern-day take on Back to the Future, for kids.
March 4, 2026
I wish I had been able to read a book like this - culturally aware, relevant but not preachy- when I was a kid growing up. The way that this series mixes Questlove's cultural knowledge (The man is a legend, and how cool it is that we get to read about the things he knows in this format) with S.A. Cosby (perhaps the best storyteller out there right now, imo). Grateful that this series exists so I can share it with my kids.
Narrator did a good job with this one, I love how energetic and young he sounds while portraying Middle schoolers.
Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Narrator did a good job with this one, I love how energetic and young he sounds while portraying Middle schoolers.
Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
January 30, 2026
***Update (1/30/26): I first read the e-book in early October and wrote the original below review. I just finished the audiobook (late January) and loved that even more. I recommend this book in any accessible modality, but especially the audiobook when and where that's an option. What a fantastic series!!!!*****
****Original Review: 10/6/26****
4 stars
This is a great sequel that should be read not as a standalone but as a follow up to _The Rhythm of Time_, where folks will get all of the backstory they need on Rahim, Kasia, and how they got here (when/wherever "here" may be in the moment!).
The first book in the series ends with a great cliffhanger and introduces new characters (sort of) and possibilities that I was really excited to see play out in the sequel. My hopes for that part were not only met but exceeded. A favorite aspect of the original is the charming friendship between Rahim and Kasia, and that also continues to evolve here, as do their respective interests and skills (don't worry; Kasia is still killing it!).
I'm so glad to have more age-appropriate sci fi for my students to share with their students and to enjoy for themselves.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
****Original Review: 10/6/26****
4 stars
This is a great sequel that should be read not as a standalone but as a follow up to _The Rhythm of Time_, where folks will get all of the backstory they need on Rahim, Kasia, and how they got here (when/wherever "here" may be in the moment!).
The first book in the series ends with a great cliffhanger and introduces new characters (sort of) and possibilities that I was really excited to see play out in the sequel. My hopes for that part were not only met but exceeded. A favorite aspect of the original is the charming friendship between Rahim and Kasia, and that also continues to evolve here, as do their respective interests and skills (don't worry; Kasia is still killing it!).
I'm so glad to have more age-appropriate sci fi for my students to share with their students and to enjoy for themselves.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews