Turn Back Time: The Revolution

Turn Back Time #1

by Mavin Fox

Claire is a seventh-grade history buff. On one of her frequent visits to a thrift store, she finds a pocket watch. Little does she know that it’s no ordinary object. When showing it to her best friend Sam, the two of them end up going back in time to Colonial Era Boston. Thankfully, before they can get into any trouble, they’re helped by a girl named Prudence. Still, Claire and Sam have no idea how they got there, why they’re there, or how to get home. And now they’ve found themselves in the middle of a problem. They have to figure out how to get home, but first they have to help Prudence catch the person who’s been stealing from their family rye mill, and things are a little more complicated than they bargained for.

64 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2020

About the author

Mavin Fox is an educator turned author. After teaching Kindergarten, 2nd, and 5th grade for a few years, she became a literacy specialist and worked with struggling readers and writers in elementary school.

Reviews

[Mererid Evanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book of a series that aims at being an easy, entertaining and educational read for children. This book is certainly a good start, and the questions in the back encourage you to think about what you've read. It is written in the present tense, in seventh-grader Claire's voice. Claire likes old things, but her friend Sam is not interested in history at all, until she finds herself there! Suddenly in Boston on the eve of Revolution, the girls are lucky enough to find an open-minded friend. I was impressed by the naturalness of people's reactions and enjoyed the story. I did, though, feel that the solution to the petty theft/sabotage mystery was unlikely, and I would have liked to see a sympathetic loyalist character to balance the pro-Revolution viewpoint. However, for a short book it did cover a lot of ground.

[Samantha Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a quick, and easy read. It was a lot of fun. When I was young history was my favorite subject! Always fascinating! When my son is older and able to read chapter books I am so going to get him into this book for sure. The whole concept of time-traveling is what had me into reading this! Claire was such an interesting character. How she is only in the 7th grade! It is amazing! How it took one pocket watch to transport herself, and a friend back in time. Being able to witness history! Being a kid I always wanted to witness such historical events that you read in a history book. I am not going to say anything because I will not spoil. It was well done. I loved this!

[Julie Lyford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that this book hits many different reading levels. My daughter struggled with reading when she was younger and this would have been so wonderful, to be able to read a book that was at her age level but a slightly lower than 'normal' reading level.

The story keeps the attention of the reader, no matter which level. It would be a WONDERFUL addition to school libraries.

[Jim Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a history buff myself I enjoyed reading this to my daughter.

Great character development and as a history buff myself I really enjoyed reading this to my daughter. It's great for kids just getting into chapter books looking to learn a little and good on an adventure! Part of a series as well!

[Olaolu Ogunyemi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story About Time Travel!

I really enjoyed this book! It was well-written and the interaction between Claire and Sam reminded me of my 5th Grader and her friends, so I could not help but picture them traveling back in time to right before the American Revolution. I cannot wait to share with her!

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to the colonial period of US history for my 3rd grade daughter. A fun and fast moving fiction story that inspired some insightful questions and discussions about government and human liberties.

[Feather Chelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun way to learn about American history

I love the fact that the main character does not enjoy history, yet learns by traveling back in time. This book is fun and educational. I love that it has a glossary and discussion questions as well.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to the colonial period of US history for my 3rd grade daughter. A fun and fast moving fiction story that inspired some insightful questions and discussions about government and human liberties.