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Greg's First Adventure in Time
Archaeology, time travel, and a moose hunt combine to force 12-year-old Greg to face his fears and find his strengths. Greg explores a world that existed more than 3,000 years ago with his new Native American friend Hopelf. While Greg learns about Native American ways of life, how to hunt and fish, and just to survive, he is always searching for a way back home.
This new book for young readers allows your child to travel in time with Greg to 1,000 B.C. Greg's wild adventure will excite and enlighten all while telling a rousing story about a young boy's intriguing encounter with Native Americans.
This book was written for pre-teen readers.
This new book for young readers allows your child to travel in time with Greg to 1,000 B.C. Greg's wild adventure will excite and enlighten all while telling a rousing story about a young boy's intriguing encounter with Native Americans.
This book was written for pre-teen readers.
178 pages, Paperback
First published November 14, 2014
53 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Connie M. Huddleston
13 books42 followersAs a child, Connie Huddleston loved history and dreamed about her future as an award winning author. However, she got sidetracked and became an Army wife, a mother, an elementary school teacher, an archaeologist, and an historic preservation consultant, all before publishing her first book! Now in 2016, she has published six volumes, all dealing with her first passion (don’t tell her husband and children) — our nation’s past. She’s even won her first book award.
While three are written for children under the name, C.M. Huddleston, Connie’s other works are histories for adults on a variety of subjects. Currently she is researching and writing about President Theodore Roosevelt’s ancestors and planning Greg's Fourth Adventure in Time! Time travel occupies much of her time as there is so much to consider—like can dogs time travel?
She resides in a log cabin near Crab Orchard, Kentucky, with her husband, a retired Army officer, and an Australian Shepherd named Katie (who often time travels to far off meadows to chase deer). She enjoys the quiet of rural Kentucky, except when Katie barks at deer, turkeys, and of course, the UPS truck!
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 14, 2015
Well. I've just finished reading this book. So I'm still in a bit of a funk at having to come back to the real world from a fictional one.
The concept is simple. A boy, Greg, is helping his archaeologist mother on a dig when a trowel and a quartz spearhead connect and he travels back in time. What follows is the tale of his experiences as he spends two weeks with native Americans in the past, particularly with a young man Hopelf, who is due to be married in the winter (it is late summer to early autumn during the story).
The writing is clear and vivid, which I really appreciated. The story is a masterclass in archaeology and native American history, but concepts are kept simple and accessible, good for children to read. Moreover, the story doesn't get bogged down in terminology, but keeps moving at a good pace, good for holding interest.
I really enjoyed the story, and hope to keep it around long enough for my daughter to read when she is old enough.
The concept is simple. A boy, Greg, is helping his archaeologist mother on a dig when a trowel and a quartz spearhead connect and he travels back in time. What follows is the tale of his experiences as he spends two weeks with native Americans in the past, particularly with a young man Hopelf, who is due to be married in the winter (it is late summer to early autumn during the story).
The writing is clear and vivid, which I really appreciated. The story is a masterclass in archaeology and native American history, but concepts are kept simple and accessible, good for children to read. Moreover, the story doesn't get bogged down in terminology, but keeps moving at a good pace, good for holding interest.
I really enjoyed the story, and hope to keep it around long enough for my daughter to read when she is old enough.
September 6, 2016
When I was younger, I used to go through phases where I would become fascinated by certain eras of human history. I remember going through a phase where I became enthused with anything and everything associated with the Pioneer Era, then my curiosity centered around the ancient world, then the Victorian Era, etc. During my 'phases', I would go to the library and check out any and every book associated with the respective timeframe.
Since I was such a daydreamer (still kind of am, actually), I loved books associated with these timeframes that were geared towards younger audiences, but sadly, there weren't many and I usually ended up reading books geared more towards adults. C.M. Huddleston's "Greg's First Adventure in Time" is a book I would have loved. It deals with the protagonist, twelve-year-old Greg, as he time travels 3000 years into the past of Ancient America (a subject rarely dealt with in many children's books) and learns about the people of the time. It is a blend of fantasy, archaeology and history.
I would recommend this book to any young day-dreamers or history buffs. C.M. Huddleston's book fills a gap in children's literature. I hope she writes many more books like this in the future.
My copy of this book was won from the Goodreads.com website.
Since I was such a daydreamer (still kind of am, actually), I loved books associated with these timeframes that were geared towards younger audiences, but sadly, there weren't many and I usually ended up reading books geared more towards adults. C.M. Huddleston's "Greg's First Adventure in Time" is a book I would have loved. It deals with the protagonist, twelve-year-old Greg, as he time travels 3000 years into the past of Ancient America (a subject rarely dealt with in many children's books) and learns about the people of the time. It is a blend of fantasy, archaeology and history.
I would recommend this book to any young day-dreamers or history buffs. C.M. Huddleston's book fills a gap in children's literature. I hope she writes many more books like this in the future.
My copy of this book was won from the Goodreads.com website.
March 17, 2015
Won in a goodreads giveaway
This book is absolutely fantastic! I very much enjoyed reading about Greg's travel into "The time out of mind". His adventures with his friend Hopelf are humorous and engaging and I learned a bit about archaeology and early Native Americans. This is a great adventure book for young readers and would encourage them to give it a try.
This book is absolutely fantastic! I very much enjoyed reading about Greg's travel into "The time out of mind". His adventures with his friend Hopelf are humorous and engaging and I learned a bit about archaeology and early Native Americans. This is a great adventure book for young readers and would encourage them to give it a try.
March 29, 2017
This is a fun book for middle grade readers. Greg's mom is an archeologist, and one of the artifacts she has unearthed propels him back in time to that era 3,000 years ago. It has a very informal tone to it that makes it sound more like Greg is your buddy telling you his big story. The tone gets more serious as the story intensifies toward the end. Living in prehistoric times isn't easy and is often dangerous. I like the way Huddleston builds the friendship with Greg and Hopelf and all the attention to detail. I think this would be a great series for kids who liked The Magic Treehouse books but are looking for something with a higher reading level and slightly older protagonist.
May 15, 2018
A fabulous prehistoric adventure!
Initially, Greg’s unexpected time travel fascinated him. But it didn’t take long for reality to crash into him in the form of fear – fear of the unknown and what was to come. And what if he didn’t make it back home? He had a great relationship with his mother, which added depth and longing to the story. Exploring these personal aspects of Greg were some of my favorite moments from the book. The author shared Greg’s sweet innocence in an intellectual way, not demeaning him in his youth in any way. But showing the reader that collecting data, piecing together your surroundings, and digging deep inside yourself are all part of problem solving, which kids (not just of the time travel sort) can use in everyday life. Greg grows and learns to trust in himself and in his skills. This story is really a confidence builder.
Greg’s voice was easy and definitely middle grade, with his thoughts flowing like a conversation. I enjoyed how he explained his experiences as they happened as well as those from his backstory. He was genuine and likable; he was also pretty funny and clever. I liked the way he reasoned out to find solutions to his problems. It was great meeting this character. And who wouldn’t love him? He talks to himself! A guy after my own heart.
The historical aspect of this story was fascinating, from techniques to catching fish to the natives’ culture and traditions. This story is sure to engage and interest young investigators and future archeologists. Middle graders will enjoy learning about how prehistoric people lived and how they weren’t all that different from us today. Humanity has universal desires of family, safety, and happiness no matter what age of existence. I’m looking forward to Greg’s next adventure!
Initially, Greg’s unexpected time travel fascinated him. But it didn’t take long for reality to crash into him in the form of fear – fear of the unknown and what was to come. And what if he didn’t make it back home? He had a great relationship with his mother, which added depth and longing to the story. Exploring these personal aspects of Greg were some of my favorite moments from the book. The author shared Greg’s sweet innocence in an intellectual way, not demeaning him in his youth in any way. But showing the reader that collecting data, piecing together your surroundings, and digging deep inside yourself are all part of problem solving, which kids (not just of the time travel sort) can use in everyday life. Greg grows and learns to trust in himself and in his skills. This story is really a confidence builder.
Greg’s voice was easy and definitely middle grade, with his thoughts flowing like a conversation. I enjoyed how he explained his experiences as they happened as well as those from his backstory. He was genuine and likable; he was also pretty funny and clever. I liked the way he reasoned out to find solutions to his problems. It was great meeting this character. And who wouldn’t love him? He talks to himself! A guy after my own heart.
The historical aspect of this story was fascinating, from techniques to catching fish to the natives’ culture and traditions. This story is sure to engage and interest young investigators and future archeologists. Middle graders will enjoy learning about how prehistoric people lived and how they weren’t all that different from us today. Humanity has universal desires of family, safety, and happiness no matter what age of existence. I’m looking forward to Greg’s next adventure!
June 10, 2015
When Greg finds himself transported in time back to 1,000 BC he feels more than a little lost. Greg is an outcast in this foreign time and place; but then he finds a friend who helps him to survive. Hopelf is a Native American who teaches Greg how to hunt and fish and about the cultures of his people. After Greg saves his friend Hopelf’s life the native people honor him for his bravery. Despite finally achieving a sense of belonging, Greg is still determined to find a way back home.
Young history buffs will revel in this book which offers fun and interesting historical elements wrapped up in an engaging story; and reluctant readers may discover an affinity for the subject of history. Greg's First Adventure in Time sets the stage for many more books, all of which are likely to spur an interest in the imaginative minds of young readers while fueling an interest in learning about history.
Young history buffs will revel in this book which offers fun and interesting historical elements wrapped up in an engaging story; and reluctant readers may discover an affinity for the subject of history. Greg's First Adventure in Time sets the stage for many more books, all of which are likely to spur an interest in the imaginative minds of young readers while fueling an interest in learning about history.
March 24, 2015
Greg's First Adventure in Time, by C. M. Huddleston, is my eighty-second book that I have received and read from Goodreads. This book is a fantastic read. I really enjoyed reading about Greg's travel in time. It takes place in prehistoric setting. Greg travels back in time 1,000 years. He meets up with his friend Hopelf. He and his friend teach us about archaeology, and early native Americans. Greg learning how to hunt and fish, start a fire without matches.
In the end of the story Greg saves Hopelf life and he is treated as a member of Hopelf people.
I would recommend this book to be read by all children. I would like to thank the author of this book and for all the post cards that he sent.
In the end of the story Greg saves Hopelf life and he is treated as a member of Hopelf people.
I would recommend this book to be read by all children. I would like to thank the author of this book and for all the post cards that he sent.
May 7, 2015
I loved this little book. Lots of room for a serial and Greg would be awesome. Lot of fun within this book but a lot of serious material as well. Great book for young and young at heart as well. I am looking forward to any additional stories by this author.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
July 17, 2017
C.M. Huddleston has hit upon the secret of good reading for middle-graders in her award-winning Greg’s First Adventure in Time. The formula includes taking a respectful but sarcastic 12-year old boy, an adult ready to share an interesting life calling—such as Greg’s own mother’s career in archeology—a magical travel in time, and the discovery of a new land that comes complete with some soon-to-be new friends. In Greg’s First Adventure in Time, Greg travels from his mother’s worksite at Cresaptown, on the edge of the Potomac River in Maryland, to a time with some native Americans who once called the area “home”—at least for a part of their year. Young readers will learn something of the lingo of the archaeologist, some facts about the scientific process a dig requires, and some details about those who’ve gone before.
Greg’s First Adventure in Time is sure to be enjoyed by young readers. Greg has just the right amount of sass to keep him interesting. But parents, too, can appreciate the series, as Greg also shows respect for his elders, for information, learning, and history. He is a ready student—and sure to encourage other young and ready students to keep reading, as they’ll find many adventures through the leaves of the pages of a book, to faraway times and lands, just as is presented in C.M.Huddleston's tales.
Greg’s First Adventure in Time is sure to be enjoyed by young readers. Greg has just the right amount of sass to keep him interesting. But parents, too, can appreciate the series, as Greg also shows respect for his elders, for information, learning, and history. He is a ready student—and sure to encourage other young and ready students to keep reading, as they’ll find many adventures through the leaves of the pages of a book, to faraway times and lands, just as is presented in C.M.Huddleston's tales.
July 25, 2017
What kind of excitement can a twelve-year-old have on his summer vacation when Mom is an archaeologist? 1. Dig in the dirt. 2. Find cool artifacts. 3. Travel back in time.
Greg may not want to admit it, but digging up ancient artifacts is a very cool summer job! Best of all, since his mom is the lead archaeologist on an excavation destined to become a modern ballpark, he gets tagged "her assistant" and helps a class of eleven-year-olds learn the "basics of archaeology." For a twelve-year-old, Greg is kind of a veteran at this whole archaeology thing.
While using his Mom's favorite trowel, Greg discovers an arrowhead, and a rabbit, and his life changes forever.
Greg travels back in time where he meets Hopelf, son of Cray of the People of the Long Valley with the Long Mountain. With no way to get back home, Greg must find a way to survive, and making friends with Hopelf may be his best hope.
This time-traveling historical adventure is the perfect book for middle-grade readers. It is one of those rare and wonderful books that has the power to enthrall young readers without them even realizing they are learning about the prehistory of America.
Classrooms would do well to add this book to their reading list! It is entertaining and informative. Highly recommended!
Greg may not want to admit it, but digging up ancient artifacts is a very cool summer job! Best of all, since his mom is the lead archaeologist on an excavation destined to become a modern ballpark, he gets tagged "her assistant" and helps a class of eleven-year-olds learn the "basics of archaeology." For a twelve-year-old, Greg is kind of a veteran at this whole archaeology thing.
While using his Mom's favorite trowel, Greg discovers an arrowhead, and a rabbit, and his life changes forever.
Greg travels back in time where he meets Hopelf, son of Cray of the People of the Long Valley with the Long Mountain. With no way to get back home, Greg must find a way to survive, and making friends with Hopelf may be his best hope.
This time-traveling historical adventure is the perfect book for middle-grade readers. It is one of those rare and wonderful books that has the power to enthrall young readers without them even realizing they are learning about the prehistory of America.
Classrooms would do well to add this book to their reading list! It is entertaining and informative. Highly recommended!
May 24, 2017
We all knew archeologists were time travelers, but how delicious to have it happen so literally! When I began Greg's First Adventure in Time, it felt a little like reading an extremely entertaining textbook on history and archaeology (and since I love both history and archaeology, that was fine with me). But by the time I had finished--while still enjoying the deluge of information and folklore--I was completely invested in the characters and the story. Greg, a self-professed chatterbox, is an engaging, funny kid, and you can really hear his voice as he tells his story. As soon as I finished, I added Greg's Second Adventure in Time to my shopping cart and began researching Native American arrowheads, gorgets, and pendants, eager to find a souvenir of the journey I had just taken with Greg in 1000 BC Maryland. Highly recommended for middle grade readers and any fans of Elizabeth George Speare's marvelous Sign of the Beaver. I look forward to Greg's future adventures in "a time out of mind."
~ Rebecca Hammond Yager, author of the 2016 reimagining of Beauty & the Beast.
~ Rebecca Hammond Yager, author of the 2016 reimagining of Beauty & the Beast.
May 3, 2025
This was a fun time travel story, which promises more adventures to come! As the main character, Greg, is helping his archeologist mother at a site, he ends up traveling in time to ancient America. He makes friends with a boy and learns a lot about the culture.
The book is interesting and even though a lot of knowledge is shared it is never too much. I mean one never feels as though being lectured to. I look forward to seeing what other adventures Greg will get into.
The book is interesting and even though a lot of knowledge is shared it is never too much. I mean one never feels as though being lectured to. I look forward to seeing what other adventures Greg will get into.
June 7, 2025
Quite the Tale
This was an interesting story to read. I feel like this book was written for a young adult audience (and I don't recall if it was listed as that genre on the cover or anywhere else. But despite being directed toward a younger audience, I had fun reading it.
This was an interesting story to read. I feel like this book was written for a young adult audience (and I don't recall if it was listed as that genre on the cover or anywhere else. But despite being directed toward a younger audience, I had fun reading it.
September 14, 2024
A nice change
It was fun to read a book written by an archaeologist. Because there's actual knowledge with the adventure. Nicely written and interesting too!
It was fun to read a book written by an archaeologist. Because there's actual knowledge with the adventure. Nicely written and interesting too!
August 8, 2019
"Greg's First Adventure in Time" is just what the title says: an adventure! The pre-historic setting provides a thrilling backdrop for boy vs nature drama that reminds older readers of Jack London tales. Young readers will easily identify with the title character, Greg, but also commiserate with his new friend, Hopelf. This book deftly blends archeological information with the story, so that children learn about our ancient ancestors without feeling that they are reading a textbook.
Because this is a children's chapter-book, I'd like to include the comments of my sons:
"Hold it, is this book about ME? Because this guy sure does talk like me!"
"Eew, they ATE that rabbit they just killed? That is so gross!" (Followed a few minutes later by: "I wonder what they are going to hunt for dinner now? Did they have cows? I would hunt a cow!)
"I don't want it to end! I mean, I want Greg to see his Mom again, because I'm sure she misses him, but he needs to stay with his friend! That is his BEST friend now!"
I would quote my boys further, but I don't wish to spoil any of the major plot points. They giggled, gasped, and, yes, even shed a tear during a few parts. The best take-away I have from their time reading this book, though, is that they are hungry to read more tales about Greg!
Because this is a children's chapter-book, I'd like to include the comments of my sons:
"Hold it, is this book about ME? Because this guy sure does talk like me!"
"Eew, they ATE that rabbit they just killed? That is so gross!" (Followed a few minutes later by: "I wonder what they are going to hunt for dinner now? Did they have cows? I would hunt a cow!)
"I don't want it to end! I mean, I want Greg to see his Mom again, because I'm sure she misses him, but he needs to stay with his friend! That is his BEST friend now!"
I would quote my boys further, but I don't wish to spoil any of the major plot points. They giggled, gasped, and, yes, even shed a tear during a few parts. The best take-away I have from their time reading this book, though, is that they are hungry to read more tales about Greg!
July 18, 2016
This was a really fun book for my daughter and I to read together. She loves history, and this has her on a new kick to become an archeologist! Well written, kept her attention as well as was enjoyable for me as an adult.
April 6, 2017
"Greg's First Adventure in Time" brings early American history to life for middle-school readers. The main character Greg is magically transported back in time while helping his mom at an archaeological dig -- and he's immediately mistaken for a god by a young Indian man called Hopelf. They quickly develop a friendship (after Hopelf figures out Greg really isn't a god), and Greg is invited into the Indian boy's life. He learns how to catch fish with a net, hunt with spears, and even skin animals. In the process, he saves Hopelf's life and is welcomed into his tribe as a hero. With the author's detailed knowledge on the subject, you learn a lot about early Native American Indian customs and culture. If your child loves stories about history, Indians, or the great outdoors, he or she will really enjoy reading "Greg's First Adventure in Time."
April 7, 2017
I concur with previous reviewers--this book was a lot of fun! Greg is an engaging narrator--observant, self-aware and funny (I laughed aloud during the moose hunt. Read it and you'll understand why.). Beyond entertaining me, the story reminded me of how much I LOVE archaeology! I wish I'd had the opportunity to first read it as a kid. The archaeological details are well-done and endlessly fascinating. I feel I got a real education on pre-Colombian North American indigenous culture--a time period not typically visited in scifi/fantasy stories. I'm looking forward to sharing the book with my nephews.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews