Secrets

The Time Machine Girls #1

by Ernestine Tito Jones

Don't go in the attic. Out of the 100 rules their grandparents gave them to follow, that one was the most important, so of course, it was also the first one Hazel's six-year-old sister, Bess, decides to break. Hazel cannot believe she has to be in charge of her crazy little sister this entire summer. What could be worse for an eight-year-old who always follows the rules?



But she never expected Bess would accidentally uncover a dark family secret that involves a hidden time machine and their mysterious, and grumpy, grandpa.



Just when she thought her summer couldn't get any worse, Hazel finds herself stuck in the time of Colonial America, trying to keep her sister under control while also trying to make it back. She quickly finds out that she and her sister are going to have to work together to figure it out, and that maybe, that's not such a bad thing after all.

Books also by Ernestine Tito Jones

Follow Failure: Book Two, The Time Machine Girls

From the Bottom of the Cauldron: Tales of Witch Training 

92 Sandwiches 

Genres: Time Travel, Childrens

109 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 11, 2015

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This had some nice aspects, but overall I was underwhelmed. The writing style isn't bad, but it's self-published and some editing would have helped polish it, and the lack of illustrations makes it less appealing for the younger chapter book audience. However, I probably would have given it three stars if not for the fact that the touted history tie-in is fairly weak and the "moral of the story" is a bit dubious. We spend very little time actually interacting with young George Washington and about all we see him do is chop down a cherry tree and then admit it to his father -- doesn't really bring history to life, IMO, as most kids in the target age have already heard that story. The time travel girls then see the father give George a big hug and appreciate his honesty -- which surprised them, as they thought sure George would get in trouble. So, that seems to be the "moral of the story" -- be honest with those you love and they will still love you. But, no... when the little sister is about to tell their mom that they went into the forbidden attic and used the time travel machine (she's finally being honest, after her big sister repeatedly told her throughout the story not to tell lies) the big sister elbows her into silence, leaving the mom in the dark. So, umm... what IS the moral of the story? Also, the undercurrent about the grandfather possibly having stolen various important artifacts from history and stashing them in the attic (why was George Washington's hatchet in the attic!? the children wonder) was a little odd. Still, we will probably try the second book in the series given my son will be interested to read about Thomas Edison and it's at the library, so will see if the series improves.

[Barbara Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming chapter book featuring two sisters, eight year old Hazel and six year old Bess. The girls could not be more different: Hazel is responsible, truthful and obedient, Bess is unrestrained, mischievous and prone to hide the truth.

The sisters are trapped in their grandparents home for the summer while their mother helps them clean out the house in preparation for downsizing. Because the girls have no TV and no internet, the opportunity for getting into trouble immediately presents itself. Hazel has been given a book of rules; under no circumstances can they go into the attic. When Hazel consents to play hide and seek with Bess, little Bess runs to hide in the attic. There the girls find some strange books about time travel and a unusual contraption, which Bess promptly decides to sit in. Sure enough, they find themselves back in time. The sisters find themselves in the year 1738 on the lawn of George Washington's boyhood farm. He is a six year old boy. What connection does their time machine have with George? Will the girls be able to find their way back home to the twenty first century? If so, how can they explain what they did to their parents and grandparents?

This book is the introduction to a series that promises to hold lots of fun for beginning and early middle grade readers. A house full of secrets, strange grandparents, and two inquisitive and intelligent sisters sound like the beginning of an interesting adventure series for readers in the seven to twelve age group.

[Kyria KALATA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for young girl readers who need short fast chapters. We really enjoyed the adventure and mischief in the story. The sisters had characteristics that were relatable. There was moments of true laughter which is a good sign the book was a hit.

[Abigail Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the beginning of the story, Hazel and Bess were playing hide-and-go-seek and went to the atik. Then they found a time matching that took them to George Washington's house. At the end they made it back home and their mother never fined out. The story ended with a mystery.

I choose this rating because I love this book and I rated it five stars
I like it because it was really interesting and it was based on George Washington

[Faith Hellow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time machine girls







I really liked it
It was pretty cool
It was good
I wish it was longer but in all it was good

[Aly V · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute, fun read. It's a fairly quick read, as well, which I think young folks will appreciate. As an adult reader, though, I was expecting a bit more. "Secrets" has more of a "short story" vibe, but with a cliff hanger ending, which sort of threw me off guard. But, since I did enjoy Book 1 of the Time Machine Girls, I'll definitely check out Book 2. Looking forward to another round of time machine mayhem with Hazel and Bess.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Considering this is written for 6-8 year olds, it is a pretty good time travel story. Two sisters, ages 6 and 8, discover a time machine in their grandparents attic. They end up visiting George Washington when he was only a boy, about their age.

[Alysia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Someone recommended this series as historical fiction for kids. It was okay. My 8 year old enjoyed it and my ten year old tolerated it. It's very simple reading but each book uses a character from history to teach a lesson. That is about the only reason I'll bother with the rest.

[Julie Carithers Overstreet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!

[Molly Milosevic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like Bess and hazel. Bess is really funny and hazel is the older sister and Bess is the younger sister Time Machine girls are awesome 😍🥰😘😇🤩🙂😉😀😃😄😁🤗also funny 😆

[Patti · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very boring

BORING I hated this. Too kiddish. I wanted to Read something my age appropriate I am 12 like come on this is for 5 year olds.

[Ashwika Jha]

Loved it!