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Throwback #1
Throwback: Library Edition
Corey Fletcher has an active imagination. He sees things no one else does. Cracks jokes no one else gets. And goes places few would ever dare go. Like the past.
All he needs is a metal artifact from a point in time, and Corey can go there. Although hundreds of time travelers live in secret throughout the world, including Corey's own grandfather, none has the ability to change past events.
But when Corey accidentally saves a life while time traveling, he realizes that he is the first-ever “Throwback,” with the power to alter life as we know it. Which means his own life is now in all sorts of danger.
All he needs is a metal artifact from a point in time, and Corey can go there. Although hundreds of time travelers live in secret throughout the world, including Corey's own grandfather, none has the ability to change past events.
But when Corey accidentally saves a life while time traveling, he realizes that he is the first-ever “Throwback,” with the power to alter life as we know it. Which means his own life is now in all sorts of danger.
Audio CD
First published October 1, 2019
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About the author
Peter Lerangis
152 books795 followersLerangis's work includes The Viper's Nest and The Sword Thief, two titles in the children's-book series The 39 Clues, the historical novel Smiler's Bones, the YA dark comedy-adventure novel wtf, the Drama Club series, the Spy X series, the Watchers series, the Abracadabra series, and the Antarctica two-book adventure, as well ghostwriting for series such as the Three Investigators, the Hardy Boys Casefiles, Sweet Valley Twins, and more than forty books in the series The Baby-sitters Club and its various spin-offs.[1] He has also written novels based on film screenplays, including The Sixth Sense, Sleepy Hollow, and Beauty and the Beast, and five video game novelizations in the Worlds of Power series created by Seth Godin.[2] As a ghostwriter he has been published under the name A. L. Singer.[3]
Lerangis is the son of a retired New York Telephone Company employee and a retired public-elementary-school secretary, who raised him in Freeport, New York on Long Island. He graduated from Harvard University with a degree in biochemistry, while acting in musicals[4] and singing with and musically directing the a cappella group the Harvard Krokodiloes,[5][6] before moving to New York. He worked there as an actor[7] and freelance copy editor for eight years before becoming an author.[8]
In 2003, Lerangis was chosen by First Lady Laura Bush to accompany her to the first Russian Book Festival, hosted by Russian First Lady Lyudmila Putina in Moscow.[9][10]Authors R. L. Stine (Goosebumps) and Marc Brown (the Arthur the Aardvark series) also made the trip with Bush.[9]
Also in 2003, Lerangis was commissioned by the United Kingdom branch of Scholastic to write X-Isle, one of four books that would relaunch the Point Horror series there.[11] A sequel, Return to X-Isle, was published in 2004.
In 2007, Scholastic announced the launch of a new historical mystery series called The 39 Clues, intended to become a franchise.[12] Lerangis wrote the third book in the series, The Sword Thief, published in March 2009.[13][14][15] On March 3, 2009, Scholastic announced that Lerangis would write the seventh book in the series, The Viper's Nest.[14][16]
Lerangis lives in New York City with his wife, musician Tina deVaron, and their sons Nick and Joe.[17]
Lerangis is the son of a retired New York Telephone Company employee and a retired public-elementary-school secretary, who raised him in Freeport, New York on Long Island. He graduated from Harvard University with a degree in biochemistry, while acting in musicals[4] and singing with and musically directing the a cappella group the Harvard Krokodiloes,[5][6] before moving to New York. He worked there as an actor[7] and freelance copy editor for eight years before becoming an author.[8]
In 2003, Lerangis was chosen by First Lady Laura Bush to accompany her to the first Russian Book Festival, hosted by Russian First Lady Lyudmila Putina in Moscow.[9][10]Authors R. L. Stine (Goosebumps) and Marc Brown (the Arthur the Aardvark series) also made the trip with Bush.[9]
Also in 2003, Lerangis was commissioned by the United Kingdom branch of Scholastic to write X-Isle, one of four books that would relaunch the Point Horror series there.[11] A sequel, Return to X-Isle, was published in 2004.
In 2007, Scholastic announced the launch of a new historical mystery series called The 39 Clues, intended to become a franchise.[12] Lerangis wrote the third book in the series, The Sword Thief, published in March 2009.[13][14][15] On March 3, 2009, Scholastic announced that Lerangis would write the seventh book in the series, The Viper's Nest.[14][16]
Lerangis lives in New York City with his wife, musician Tina deVaron, and their sons Nick and Joe.[17]
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 2, 2019
Loved the NYC setting and the 9/11 story line. Unfortunately, the two extra time hops had too many confusing action scenes. The situation with the two time travelers who have transformed into mutant animals seemed unnecessary and distracting. Corey also assumes a girl in 1917 is gender-fluid just because she has disguised herself as a boy so she can audition to become a cowboy. This is supposed to be part one of a trilogy. Despite the satisfying ending of book one, I am not sure if I will be looking for books two and three.
Thank you to HarperCollins for providing a paperback ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to HarperCollins for providing a paperback ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2020
The story: When Corey learns he's inherited the family ability to travel through time, he also finds out that he's a "throwback"--one of the few time travelers with the ability to alter the past and thereby affect the future. His first mission: to rescue the grandmother he's never known, who died on 9/11. What he doesn't expect is to find himself stranded in 1917, being hunted by the street gangs of New York, or rescued by an unexpected cowboy named Quinn...
June Cleaver's ratings: Language PG; Violence PG-13; Sexual content G; Nudity G; Substance abuse PG; Magic & the occult PG; GLBT content G; adult themes G; overall rating PG. Good for grades 5-8.
Liz's comments: A fun adventure/time travel story that both boys and girls will enjoy, with a nice twist at the end. If your readers like this one, the second book in the series, "The Chaos Loop" is now available.
June Cleaver's ratings: Language PG; Violence PG-13; Sexual content G; Nudity G; Substance abuse PG; Magic & the occult PG; GLBT content G; adult themes G; overall rating PG. Good for grades 5-8.
Liz's comments: A fun adventure/time travel story that both boys and girls will enjoy, with a nice twist at the end. If your readers like this one, the second book in the series, "The Chaos Loop" is now available.
July 16, 2020
DNF. Started out with so much promise but then it lost me with that weird character chasing them in the park, half cat half rodent or whatever it was.
July 24, 2022
I got this book 3 years ago and put off reading it until now. I love Peter lerangis' books and I knew I would love this one. And I did!
February 12, 2020
I love the character interactions and the depiction of historical New York City in this middle-grade time-travel adventure, but it's maybe a bit overstuffed with plot. (The hero is nominally trying to save his grandmother from dying on September 11th, but he spends most of the narrative stuck in 1917.) There are also a few talking animals, which are technically explained yet feel far wackier than anything else in the story. And I'm not convinced that the ending is wholly earned, nor that some darker material involving the actual 9/11 attacks and repeated mention of suicide represents the best choice for a book in this age range. Overall, though, it's a fun quick read.
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June 21, 2019Corey is living in New York and has a best friend Laila. He comes to find out he can touch objects and travel in time. They need to have some metal in them. His grandfather who has been missing for over a year, suddenly shows up to talk to Corey because he too can time travel and as Corey has traveled back in time accidentally he saved someone's life and changed history! He is called a throwback, which means he not only can travel time, but he can change history. Corey's grandmother died during 9/11 and he decides to travel back to try to save her. His grandfather has tried many times, but it never works. As he travels back to 2001, he accidentally travels even farther to 1917 and things get a little out of control.
Great sci-fi. I couldn't stop reading!
Great sci-fi. I couldn't stop reading!
January 2, 2020
I really wanted to like this, but it felt superficial to me. The characters had little depth and what could have been a great emotional story and teaching moment (relationships, regrets and the tragedy of 9/11) just skates by.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2020
I really like the premise of the book. After reading the first third I was ready to give it 4 stars but the quality of the middle third of the book is not as good as the first third and the last third. Once I got past the middle, it got better again. I am still curious enough about the premise of the book to want to read the second book in the trilogy.
library-to-read
September 5, 2024found while searching Libby/Overdrive for a different book... I like time travel, so I'm trying it out...
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... never could get back into it as an ebook. Maybe I'll try the paper some day.
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... never could get back into it as an ebook. Maybe I'll try the paper some day.
July 28, 2023
Throwback follows Corey as he learns that he can travel back in time. This isn't unique - others, like his grandfather, can do it, too, but Corey is a rare individual who can change past events. After learning this, he decides to go back to 2001 to save his grandmother, who died in 9/11. However, he ends up 1917, loses the items required for his return, and is left to fend for himself.
Full disclosure: I read the first half of the sequel, Chaos Loop, by accident before reading this book. Thus far the sequel is much stronger than this book, so if you enjoyed/were on the fence for this one, give the sequel a try!
I could not connect with Corey as a main character. The story tells us a few quirks about him like he's 'a throwback to a more civilized age' or nerdy, but honestly, I never got that from his dialogue or actions. He reacts to time traveling the same way every time it happens and doesn't process the events of the story. The main motivation, saving his grandmother, is absent much of the story and Corey doesn't seem distressed either by the possibility of being trapped in 1917 or worried that he'll massively change the future by accident.
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW
The plot was a lot of filler. The goal of the 1917 bit is for Corey to get back to the present, but surprisingly little time is spent on this. Instead, it's around him bonding with a cowboy and learning to ride a horse. Given the setup, I expected more urgency in the plot.
There is also a subplot with his friend, Leila, that amounts to nothing and has no impact on any of the events of the story aside from establishing a few things that will be relevant in the sequel. The grandfather mentions that people will want to exploit Corey's ability to change the future, but nothing comes of this either.
Lastly, there is a character in the story who is a girl pretending to be a guy, and it just confused me. Corey's reaction made it seem like this character was a commentary on being transgender in the past, but I don't think the character is transgender because the story refers to her as 'she' for the rest of the book. The way she talks about her reasons for pretending is much more in line with that she's a girl who just wants to be a cowboy, which is more commentary on gender roles. Either way, the story just frames this in a manner that's very confusing.
On the positive side, the story reads fast and, despite the fact that nothing was happening, it did keep my interest. If I hadn't read half of the sequel by accident already, I probably wouldn't pick it up though. The sequel seems to be much better so I'll finish it up.
Full disclosure: I read the first half of the sequel, Chaos Loop, by accident before reading this book. Thus far the sequel is much stronger than this book, so if you enjoyed/were on the fence for this one, give the sequel a try!
I could not connect with Corey as a main character. The story tells us a few quirks about him like he's 'a throwback to a more civilized age' or nerdy, but honestly, I never got that from his dialogue or actions. He reacts to time traveling the same way every time it happens and doesn't process the events of the story. The main motivation, saving his grandmother, is absent much of the story and Corey doesn't seem distressed either by the possibility of being trapped in 1917 or worried that he'll massively change the future by accident.
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW
The plot was a lot of filler. The goal of the 1917 bit is for Corey to get back to the present, but surprisingly little time is spent on this. Instead, it's around him bonding with a cowboy and learning to ride a horse. Given the setup, I expected more urgency in the plot.
There is also a subplot with his friend, Leila, that amounts to nothing and has no impact on any of the events of the story aside from establishing a few things that will be relevant in the sequel. The grandfather mentions that people will want to exploit Corey's ability to change the future, but nothing comes of this either.
Lastly, there is a character in the story who is a girl pretending to be a guy, and it just confused me. Corey's reaction made it seem like this character was a commentary on being transgender in the past, but I don't think the character is transgender because the story refers to her as 'she' for the rest of the book. The way she talks about her reasons for pretending is much more in line with that she's a girl who just wants to be a cowboy, which is more commentary on gender roles. Either way, the story just frames this in a manner that's very confusing.
On the positive side, the story reads fast and, despite the fact that nothing was happening, it did keep my interest. If I hadn't read half of the sequel by accident already, I probably wouldn't pick it up though. The sequel seems to be much better so I'll finish it up.
April 9, 2020
Thirteen-year-old Corey Fletcher discovers the actual existence of time traveling and that he has a genetic link to do so through his paternal grandfather. When his first accidental traveling leads him to change the present, he discovers that he a special traveler called a “Throwback” for their unique ability to change history while the others cannot. His first mission as a Throwback comes at the request from his grandfather to rescue his grandmother from the events of September 11, 2001. His harrowing trip will take him from the present, to 2001, to 1917, and then back again. Will his journey be successful and is this the last of his travelling? Only time will tell…
This action-suspense novel for middle grade readers will draw them right into the story from the first glance at the exceptional cover art through the exciting conclusion of what is the first book of a trilogy. Lerangis sets up the story arc so that while the reader has some resolution to the central mission of this story; there are some intriguing larger picture consequences to his traveling that need to be answered in future books. These unresolved threads will keep readers coming back for the next novel which is set to be published in late April 2020. Mature life and death consequences from a character who is a new teen should be noted as Corey struggles with some of the moral pathos that result from his actions and make this title more suitable for middle school collections than early grade school.
I would recommend this book for purchase by any school or public library.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
This action-suspense novel for middle grade readers will draw them right into the story from the first glance at the exceptional cover art through the exciting conclusion of what is the first book of a trilogy. Lerangis sets up the story arc so that while the reader has some resolution to the central mission of this story; there are some intriguing larger picture consequences to his traveling that need to be answered in future books. These unresolved threads will keep readers coming back for the next novel which is set to be published in late April 2020. Mature life and death consequences from a character who is a new teen should be noted as Corey struggles with some of the moral pathos that result from his actions and make this title more suitable for middle school collections than early grade school.
I would recommend this book for purchase by any school or public library.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
April 13, 2025
The first in the MG "Throwback" series, I found this book to be an interesting read. Lerangis' time travel novel about a young boy, Corey, who discovers time travelers exist, and surprisingly, his grandfather is one of them. The focus of the grandfather's time travel is to save his wife who perished in the attacks on 9/11/01 on the World Trade Center. When Corey's grandfather fails numerous times to save Corey's future grandmother, Corey knows he must try, in spite of the dangers to himself and what he may do to time itself.
Read "Throwback" and travel back in time with Corey through old New York City to see if he's successful at saving the grandmother he never knew, along with people he meets along the way.
Read "Throwback" and travel back in time with Corey through old New York City to see if he's successful at saving the grandmother he never knew, along with people he meets along the way.
August 8, 2023
A story about a boy who can time travel and have the power to change events. I like the concept of time travel in this story. Not everyone who travelled to different point in time can change the past occurrence, and those who can actually do it, is called Throwback. And adding to that, there's an effect on those who got addicted to time travelling and received consequences for it.
At first, I don't like that almost anyone can time travel, but I can see that there is a bigger picture for this idea. There's an organisation for this, meaning there's more to it than just a boy who time travel to save his grandmother.
This book is a good read for kids and teen.
At first, I don't like that almost anyone can time travel, but I can see that there is a bigger picture for this idea. There's an organisation for this, meaning there's more to it than just a boy who time travel to save his grandmother.
This book is a good read for kids and teen.
November 7, 2019
First in a new trilogy by Lerangis.
Everyone thinks Corey has an active imagination. He sees people who aren't there and sees other times. He learns that he indeed does see things from other time periods and is a time hopper. In fact, he's a rare, potentially one-of-a kind time hopper who can change history. He accidentally does this twice during the first book.
Much of the book is setting background for the story. Readers meet the characters and see them interact. They also experience several time hops to 2011 and 1917. Lerangis slips history in seamlessly along with his tale.
Everyone thinks Corey has an active imagination. He sees people who aren't there and sees other times. He learns that he indeed does see things from other time periods and is a time hopper. In fact, he's a rare, potentially one-of-a kind time hopper who can change history. He accidentally does this twice during the first book.
Much of the book is setting background for the story. Readers meet the characters and see them interact. They also experience several time hops to 2011 and 1917. Lerangis slips history in seamlessly along with his tale.
February 3, 2020
If you think about the time travel mechanics in here too hard it all falls apart, but overall this is a fun, adventurous read about a kid who can travel through time and change the past. When Corey tries to travel back in time to save his Grandmother, who died in 9/11 before he was born, an accident sends him back to 1917 with no way of getting back to 2019. Throw in his best friend in 2019 frantically looking for him, and a grandfather who can also travel in time, and this is an engaging story that I think a lot of kids will enjoy.
April 20, 2020
This is a fun opening to a trilogy about a kid who can travel through time and also change history. Some of the dialogue was a bit disjointed and awkward, but overall the plot was highly engaging and kept you turning pages as fast as possible to find out how the story would end. There are often gaps and unresolved issues in time travel books, but this one makes sense and is believable even with characters transforming into animals... A great book to recommend to students who enjoy action and adventure. I'm looking forward to reading the next book that comes out in May.
May 15, 2020
This series opener by Peter Lerangis is a fast paced adventure. There are some bizarre things you just have to accept and move on, like the side effects of too much time travel. You somehow turn into an extinct animal from earth's past. Umm...ok. I'll go with it for now. Corey's adventures in 1917 are pretty intense, and he comes close to death more than once. Fans of adventure and time travel will enjoy this one!
Read more at Bookish Adventures.
Read more at Bookish Adventures.
June 23, 2021
I waited until all three books were released to start this series, and I’m so glad I did, because now I can’t wait to find out what happens in book two. Time travel is always a fun premise, and all of the characters were easy to root for. It doesn’t matter that this is for kids; a good story is a good story!
I’ve met Peter Lerangis twice and both times couldn’t help gushing over how much I loved his Baby-Sitters Club books (he was a frequent ghostwriter for Ann M. Martin), so it’s really nice to read something actually by him, that is fully his own idea. On to book two!
I’ve met Peter Lerangis twice and both times couldn’t help gushing over how much I loved his Baby-Sitters Club books (he was a frequent ghostwriter for Ann M. Martin), so it’s really nice to read something actually by him, that is fully his own idea. On to book two!
January 10, 2025
LOVEEE TIME TRAVEL BOOK <3 so this book is about Corey who can time travel also a throwback (no spoiler) his mission is to save his grandmother but a lot if things happen 🌚 I think he literally can survive in all eras 🤘🏻 🤌🏻 THE PLOT TWIST 🤌🏻
BTW this book is not really suitable for 8-12 y/o because it contains some violence thingy. its light and fast paced book that I can finish it in one sitting if i don’t have any exam
5/5 ⭐️ i might read the second and third but its hard to find it ( maybe in children section) ? 😹
BTW this book is not really suitable for 8-12 y/o because it contains some violence thingy. its light and fast paced book that I can finish it in one sitting if i don’t have any exam
5/5 ⭐️ i might read the second and third but its hard to find it ( maybe in children section) ? 😹
October 9, 2022
Omygosh, this book has just become one of my favorite time travel books. The main character, Corey, can time travel. He never met his grandmother, because she died on 9/11. His grandfather, who can also time travel, has relived her death repeatedly trying to save her. Then, by accident, they discover Corey is a special time traveler (you’ll have to read to find out, I’m not saying 🙂). But can he do it, or is it truly not possible? Or are they just not looking at the problem at the right angle?
December 10, 2019
Received this as a Goodreads Giveaway. Definitely liked it; pacing was really good and an interesting concept. But the ending was kind of disappointing in that a lot of the action was really rushed. I've seen reviews stating this is the start of a trilogy, so maybe these plot points will be continued, but as a standalone, it's a fairly good read as well.
July 25, 2022
Time travel! This is one of the best time travel books I have ever read. I am super excited to get my hands on number 2 in the series. It takes place in NYC in current day, 2001 and 1917. As it was written before COVID, there was no mention of the Spanish Flu, ok... 1917 is the year before that epidemic. Interesting glimpses into how life has changed.
January 21, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It's definitely middle grade young adult fiction. I mean, not all the dialogue or the characters were super realistic, but this was a very interesting and engaging book. I had a hard time putting it down.
**I received an advance copy to review**
**I received an advance copy to review**
April 27, 2022
I listened to the audiobook. I honestly listened to it three times in a row. I definitely enjoyed this book. But I just thought about this, if she died before he was even alive.. When did she have children? I'm confused 🤔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2023
A strange time-travel, ability to change the past, people changing into animals story. This was a fun read, with odd things happening in every chapter. The characters are engaging, but I wanted more interaction with the main characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2024
I've read a few of Mr. Lerangis' books before, and while Seven Wonders wasn't my cup of tea (and that's okay) Throwback definitely was. It was a slow climb, but overall it was AMAZING. Can't wait for book 2!
November 6, 2019
fun New York city time travel
December 5, 2019
Too many loose ends... guess stuff gets explained in the next book, but I'm not sure I'll have the patience for all these jumps and stuff.
It's not you, book, it's me... 🤷🏻♀️
It's not you, book, it's me... 🤷🏻♀️
January 21, 2020
3.5 stars rounded down to 3.
March 9, 2020
Fun time travel adventure. Good blend of recent historical events with older ones.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews