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The Long Shadow
Richie, age 14, doesn’t expect to time-travel. He just wants to go camping.
Aunt Trudy never wanted kids. Now that she’s Richie’s guardian, she makes his life miserable. Richie wants to escape, so he seeks refuge in the deep Missouri woods he loves so much.
Looking for a campsite, he wanders between two cedar trees. Suddenly it’s not summer, but late fall. All the vehicles on the road look like they’re going to an antique-car show. Even so, Richie doesn’t realize at first that he’s traveled back in time fifty years. After a freak storm, he’s freezing. The person who saves him is Morris, a mysterious black woodsman.
So, why is a policeman soon chasing Richie? And why is Morris so determined to hide from everyone? Richie and Morris both long for home. But getting there seems impossible.
Then Richie realizes that the key to bringing Morris in from the cold could be a trip further back in time—to try to prevent a terrible crime.
Winner of a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award, The Long Shadow keeps readers turning pages. Find out today why so many fans love this book and its positive message of reconciliation and hope.
What they’re saying …
"I loved this book. I could not stop reading it once I had begun. It is a delightful story, as well as a very painful one, told very well without a wasted word. I gladly recommend it to anyone." --Jerram Barrs, professor at Covenant Theological Seminary and author.
"Heartwarming and heartbreaking, Richie's story is a shining example of how taking a chance on unlikely friendships is the best way to break down the barriers we build." —Jill Williamson, award-winning author of the Blood of Kings trilogy
"Searching for a new favorite book? Look no further than The Long Shadow by Phyllis Wheeler. This is a great book for fans of To Kill a Mockingbird but with a time-travel twist. Richie grabs your attention and doesn’t let go until the very end."—Elsie G, age 13.
Aunt Trudy never wanted kids. Now that she’s Richie’s guardian, she makes his life miserable. Richie wants to escape, so he seeks refuge in the deep Missouri woods he loves so much.
Looking for a campsite, he wanders between two cedar trees. Suddenly it’s not summer, but late fall. All the vehicles on the road look like they’re going to an antique-car show. Even so, Richie doesn’t realize at first that he’s traveled back in time fifty years. After a freak storm, he’s freezing. The person who saves him is Morris, a mysterious black woodsman.
So, why is a policeman soon chasing Richie? And why is Morris so determined to hide from everyone? Richie and Morris both long for home. But getting there seems impossible.
Then Richie realizes that the key to bringing Morris in from the cold could be a trip further back in time—to try to prevent a terrible crime.
Winner of a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award, The Long Shadow keeps readers turning pages. Find out today why so many fans love this book and its positive message of reconciliation and hope.
What they’re saying …
"I loved this book. I could not stop reading it once I had begun. It is a delightful story, as well as a very painful one, told very well without a wasted word. I gladly recommend it to anyone." --Jerram Barrs, professor at Covenant Theological Seminary and author.
"Heartwarming and heartbreaking, Richie's story is a shining example of how taking a chance on unlikely friendships is the best way to break down the barriers we build." —Jill Williamson, award-winning author of the Blood of Kings trilogy
"Searching for a new favorite book? Look no further than The Long Shadow by Phyllis Wheeler. This is a great book for fans of To Kill a Mockingbird but with a time-travel twist. Richie grabs your attention and doesn’t let go until the very end."—Elsie G, age 13.
- GenresMiddle GradeTime Travel
202 pages, Paperback
Published May 9, 2021
19 people want to read
About the author
Phyllis Wheeler
17 books32 followersPhyllis Wheeler set a goal at age 13 to write a children’s book. That led to a journey with lots of detours. She’s written for daily newspapers, worked on airplanes as a mechanical engineer, and raised four children--doing some homeschooling along the way. Get to know her and get a free short story at PhyllisWheeler.com.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 4, 2021
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.*
"I'd seen the face of evil, and it looked very human."
What a sad and touching book. I absolutely adored the exploration of difficult topics like racism and justice. It saddened me to learn at the end that this story was based on true historical events. I think it only serves as another strength of this book that it took such a terrible tragedy and found a way to add a fictional twist that could help educate young and old readers alike.
The writing style was quite distinct with lots of short, succinct sentences and I found that very refreshing. It's not often authors choose to be so straightforward and to the point; it's the norm to be overly descriptive. I found it very impressive how the author managed to make such a large impact with so little words, I suppose it really is true that less is more.
So, all in all, an absolutely fantastic read and I think it should be required reading for young students in America and even other countries. It certainly taught me a lot and I think it'd teach others a lot too!
"I'd seen the face of evil, and it looked very human."
What a sad and touching book. I absolutely adored the exploration of difficult topics like racism and justice. It saddened me to learn at the end that this story was based on true historical events. I think it only serves as another strength of this book that it took such a terrible tragedy and found a way to add a fictional twist that could help educate young and old readers alike.
The writing style was quite distinct with lots of short, succinct sentences and I found that very refreshing. It's not often authors choose to be so straightforward and to the point; it's the norm to be overly descriptive. I found it very impressive how the author managed to make such a large impact with so little words, I suppose it really is true that less is more.
So, all in all, an absolutely fantastic read and I think it should be required reading for young students in America and even other countries. It certainly taught me a lot and I think it'd teach others a lot too!
Want to read
March 13, 2021I am picking you up NEXT 💓
April 30, 2021
The Long Shadow, written for a middle school audience, kept me engaged and entertained throughout.
In this story a fourteen-year-old boy, Richie, from white suburbia, finds himself fifty years in the past, fighting his way through a freak storm. Afraid to accept the help of Morris, an adult African American man, both Richie and Morris have to work through their preconceived biases in order to survive the storm together. Richie learns the backstory that has caused Morris to fear the law, and tries to go back to change the history of Morris’ family, risking his own safety for his friend.
The key focus of the book is the friendship that develops between Richie and Morris. It made me think of the barriers we often put between ourselves and those who are “other”–whether racially, politically, culturally, or based on differing faiths; and how helping and listening to each other creates true friendship that erases those barriers.
I think this book would be useful to initiate conversations in a classroom or book club. Where do I relate with either the boy or the man, and why? What barriers do I sometimes subconsciously raise between myself and others?
Richie and Morris experience adventures a bit reminiscent of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. And Morris’ fear of authority is reminiscent of portions of Roots. While I received a free book in exchange for an honest review, I plan to purchase several copies of this book for my nieces and nephews.
I give it five stars for a Middle Grade audience.
In this story a fourteen-year-old boy, Richie, from white suburbia, finds himself fifty years in the past, fighting his way through a freak storm. Afraid to accept the help of Morris, an adult African American man, both Richie and Morris have to work through their preconceived biases in order to survive the storm together. Richie learns the backstory that has caused Morris to fear the law, and tries to go back to change the history of Morris’ family, risking his own safety for his friend.
The key focus of the book is the friendship that develops between Richie and Morris. It made me think of the barriers we often put between ourselves and those who are “other”–whether racially, politically, culturally, or based on differing faiths; and how helping and listening to each other creates true friendship that erases those barriers.
I think this book would be useful to initiate conversations in a classroom or book club. Where do I relate with either the boy or the man, and why? What barriers do I sometimes subconsciously raise between myself and others?
Richie and Morris experience adventures a bit reminiscent of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. And Morris’ fear of authority is reminiscent of portions of Roots. While I received a free book in exchange for an honest review, I plan to purchase several copies of this book for my nieces and nephews.
I give it five stars for a Middle Grade audience.
October 4, 2021
Feast of St. Francis Assisi
The Long Shadow By Phyllis Wheeler
A Book Review and Commentary
Jonah Flees From the Lord
1 The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.”
3 But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.
4 Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. 5 All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship.
But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. 6 The captain went to him and said, “How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us so that we will not perish.”
7 Then the sailors said to each other, “Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity.” They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. 8 So they asked him, “Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What kind of work do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?”
9 He answered, “I am a Hebrew and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.”
10 This terrified them and they asked, “What have you done?” (They knew he was running away from the Lord, because he had already told them so.)
11 The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, “What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?”
12 “Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.”
13 Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. 14 Then they cried out to the Lord, “Please, Lord, do not let us die for taking this man’s life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, Lord, have done as you pleased.” 15 Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. 16 At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him.
Jonah’s Prayer
17 Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. 2 1 [a]From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. 2 He said:
“In my distress I called to the Lord,
and he answered me.
From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help,
and you listened to my cry.
3 You hurled me into the depths,
into the very heart of the seas,
and the currents swirled about me;
all your waves and breakers
swept over me.
4 I said, ‘I have been banished
from your sight;
yet I will look again
toward your holy temple.’
5 The engulfing waters threatened me,[b]
the deep surrounded me;
seaweed was wrapped around my head.
6 To the roots of the mountains I sank down;
the earth beneath barred me in forever.
But you, Lord my God,
brought my life up from the pit.
7 “When my life was ebbing away,
I remembered you, Lord,
and my prayer rose to you,
to your holy temple.
8 “Those who cling to worthless idols
turn away from God’s love for them.
9 But I, with shouts of grateful praise,
will sacrifice to you.
What I have vowed I will make good.
I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’”
10 And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.
------------------------------------
This book is in many ways a "Jonah story," for our main character, Richie, is a fourteen-year-old who ran away from his Aunt Trudy's home, a woman who really never wanted him, deep into the Missouri woods, he loved.
In the woods, he meets Morris, a black man on the run who befriends Richie. Richie gets picked up by a trucker while hitchhiking which mysteriesly begins his journey to 1969 and 1923 in search of answers for Morris in order to help Morris go home.
Ultimately what he finds on this journey is a transformation of himself from the racism within himself and around him, and learning to accept everyone as simply human beings on the same journey.
This is the same journey of Jonah, and of Francis of Assisi. All three obeyed God reluctantly. The Latin roots of the word "obey" means, literally, to hear the direction of, to turn our ears toward, or more simply to listen.
Saint's listen to God in the despised, the weak, and the marbelized-in the Ninevites, in blacks of 2019, 1969, and 1923, in all who are cast aside by the world.
St. Francis was so attuned to God's voice that he heard God everywhere, particularly in those silenced and misunderstood--lepers, beggars, and even animals.
One prayer we all should pray is that we follow the example of all three, Jonah, Richie, and St. Francis of listening to God in all of creation--particularly in what is hard for us to hear--the beggars, the homeless, the disenfranchised, the blacks, Native Americans and all people of color outside our doors. St. Francis will bless our animals but calls us to spread that blessing to all who suffer. Deo Gratias! Thanks be to God!
-------------------
Fr. River Damien Sims,sfw, D.Min., D.S.T.
P.O. Box 642656
San Francisco, CA 94164
www.temenos.org
415-305-2124
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Tuesday, October 5, 1:00- p.m.-4:30 p.m.-Nurses giving vaccine on the Haight.
March 17, 2022
Fourteen-year-old Richie lives with his unkind aunt, Trudy, after becoming orphaned. He can’t stand her rudeness and runs away thinking he is better off surviving in the woods. It is here, alone, in the forest, where Richie’s life takes an unexpected turn. A teenager, living alone, finds it very difficult to live in the woods alone. Somehow, he meets Morris, an African American man who seems to get the teen equipped for the upcoming winter survival skills that will be required.
Just like Richie, Morris also has his own secrets. He’s been hiding in the woods because of fear and injustice. It is here that we come to understand that Richie has somehow timed-traveled from 2019 to 1969. As their friendship grows, Richie wishes he could change the injustice that Morris and his family had endured due to the wrongful conviction and lynching of Morris’s grandpa, James Scott.
Again, Richie is transported in time in 1923, a few days before James Scott is going to be accused of a heinous crime. Richie realizes he has time-traveled to save Mr. Scott and his family from the horrible abuse they are about to experience.
This story is written for ages 10-14, and the author does an excellent job writing in a manner that is easy to read but moves at an appropriate pace. The story is filled with tension, relating to racial injustice, historical inequity, and bias. The story doesn’t end with a perfect ribbon that is tied for the reader to feel good about themselves. Rather, it allows the reader to experience heartache, and question whether the same issues that people of color experienced in the 1920s are still evident today.
Just like Richie, Morris also has his own secrets. He’s been hiding in the woods because of fear and injustice. It is here that we come to understand that Richie has somehow timed-traveled from 2019 to 1969. As their friendship grows, Richie wishes he could change the injustice that Morris and his family had endured due to the wrongful conviction and lynching of Morris’s grandpa, James Scott.
Again, Richie is transported in time in 1923, a few days before James Scott is going to be accused of a heinous crime. Richie realizes he has time-traveled to save Mr. Scott and his family from the horrible abuse they are about to experience.
This story is written for ages 10-14, and the author does an excellent job writing in a manner that is easy to read but moves at an appropriate pace. The story is filled with tension, relating to racial injustice, historical inequity, and bias. The story doesn’t end with a perfect ribbon that is tied for the reader to feel good about themselves. Rather, it allows the reader to experience heartache, and question whether the same issues that people of color experienced in the 1920s are still evident today.
June 3, 2021
An important Message Wrapped in a Page Turner
Phyllis Wheeler masterfully crafts a story around a culturally charged event in history, the 1923 lynching of James Scott, drawing the readers in with an unexpected twist of sci-fi. The Long Shadow delivers an important message and reminds us that the past wasn’t so long ago. It is 2019, and 14-year-old Richie struggles with the grief of losing both his parents while adapting to life with his abrasive aunt. Running away seems his best option. Determined to make it on his own, he quickly discovers that living off the land is not as easy as he had hoped. When Richie discovers that he has passed through a time portal to 1969, he realizes he has bigger worries than his aunt.
An uplifting story about a boy who discovers that inexperience and fear are the root of prejudice he wasn’t even aware of. Richie is thrown into the past, where he undertakes a mission to save a man’s life. It is a story of survival, friendship, the horrors of prejudice, and the reality of cultural bias. Young readers will cheer for Richie as he learns to hunt and fish with the help of a new friend, cry with him when he meets failures, gasp as you relive the atrocities he experiences, and find the twist at the end surprising and insightful. Thank you to Phyllis Wheeler for this journey through history.
Cherie Postill - Author, Presenter - St. Louis, MO.
Phyllis Wheeler masterfully crafts a story around a culturally charged event in history, the 1923 lynching of James Scott, drawing the readers in with an unexpected twist of sci-fi. The Long Shadow delivers an important message and reminds us that the past wasn’t so long ago. It is 2019, and 14-year-old Richie struggles with the grief of losing both his parents while adapting to life with his abrasive aunt. Running away seems his best option. Determined to make it on his own, he quickly discovers that living off the land is not as easy as he had hoped. When Richie discovers that he has passed through a time portal to 1969, he realizes he has bigger worries than his aunt.
An uplifting story about a boy who discovers that inexperience and fear are the root of prejudice he wasn’t even aware of. Richie is thrown into the past, where he undertakes a mission to save a man’s life. It is a story of survival, friendship, the horrors of prejudice, and the reality of cultural bias. Young readers will cheer for Richie as he learns to hunt and fish with the help of a new friend, cry with him when he meets failures, gasp as you relive the atrocities he experiences, and find the twist at the end surprising and insightful. Thank you to Phyllis Wheeler for this journey through history.
Cherie Postill - Author, Presenter - St. Louis, MO.
May 10, 2021
"The Long Shadow" would be a good read for upper-elementary and middleschool students unfamiliar with the details of how white Americans opressed and violated Black Americans in Missouri during the early- and mid-1900s.
It's told through the eyes of Richie, a white, present-day 14-year-old running away from home in the midst of family problems. Author Phyllis Wheeler does a good job of making Richie a believable boy, sure that he can use his Scouting skills to hide and survive in the local woods. He remains believable as he accidentally time-travels to two different points in his community's past.
When he meets a black man also hiding out in the woods, Richie is forced to confront his own biases as well as the white racism that pervades the area in decades past and damages Black Americans in a variety of ways -- some of them life-threatening.
I received a free copy of this book in advance as a fellow SCBWI member, and this is my honest evaluation. I would recommend families and teachers buy this book for fifth- through eigth-graders, especially white readers unfamiliar with the specifics of oppression suffered by Black Americans.
"The Long Shadw" would be good reading during a school lesson on the history of the 1920s, 1960s/70s, or good historical fiction reading anytime. The vocabulary is not too difficult for average readers and would be easy for advanced readers.
It's told through the eyes of Richie, a white, present-day 14-year-old running away from home in the midst of family problems. Author Phyllis Wheeler does a good job of making Richie a believable boy, sure that he can use his Scouting skills to hide and survive in the local woods. He remains believable as he accidentally time-travels to two different points in his community's past.
When he meets a black man also hiding out in the woods, Richie is forced to confront his own biases as well as the white racism that pervades the area in decades past and damages Black Americans in a variety of ways -- some of them life-threatening.
I received a free copy of this book in advance as a fellow SCBWI member, and this is my honest evaluation. I would recommend families and teachers buy this book for fifth- through eigth-graders, especially white readers unfamiliar with the specifics of oppression suffered by Black Americans.
"The Long Shadw" would be good reading during a school lesson on the history of the 1920s, 1960s/70s, or good historical fiction reading anytime. The vocabulary is not too difficult for average readers and would be easy for advanced readers.
May 2, 2021
Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Where do I start?
First things first, I enjoyed reading this book. It was a sad but heartwarming story. Honestly, I struggled reading this book because everytime I picked it up, I always ended up being sleepy. I had to slap myself and focus.
The writing style was quite new to me, the author pointed some facts that enlightens me - especially this book has the concepts of justice and racism which are very sensitive and timely. It reminds me of what's happening now in the entire world.
The storyline was impressive. Upon reading it, it felt as though I was there watching from afar. However, I did skim-read some parts, it doesn't mean I was disappointed or whatever.
Overall, this book is too much for me but in a positive way. It was touching and very informational. I did learned a lot from this book which I hope other readers would learn as well. I hope someone out there will read this book, not just those young readers out there but adults as well. This book matters for everyone.
Where do I start?
First things first, I enjoyed reading this book. It was a sad but heartwarming story. Honestly, I struggled reading this book because everytime I picked it up, I always ended up being sleepy. I had to slap myself and focus.
The writing style was quite new to me, the author pointed some facts that enlightens me - especially this book has the concepts of justice and racism which are very sensitive and timely. It reminds me of what's happening now in the entire world.
The storyline was impressive. Upon reading it, it felt as though I was there watching from afar. However, I did skim-read some parts, it doesn't mean I was disappointed or whatever.
Overall, this book is too much for me but in a positive way. It was touching and very informational. I did learned a lot from this book which I hope other readers would learn as well. I hope someone out there will read this book, not just those young readers out there but adults as well. This book matters for everyone.
April 18, 2021
The Long Shadow, by Phyllis Wheeler, combines adventure with substance, and contains unexpected twists, cleverly tied together through family generations. This mysterious time-travel tale keeps you wondering right up to the end. Told in a direct, forthright style, it includes interesting characters, worthy role models, and connections to several historical contexts. I especially appreciated the sounds, smells, and haikus that hinted at something supernatural, and the affirmation that a person can reach out of their comfort zone and change. The “Fact vs. Fiction” section following the story is perfect. Kids – and adults – will enjoy reading this book. I can’t wait to introduce it to my grandkids!
--Gail H, grandmother and educator.
NOTE: I received a free advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. As soon as it comes out in paperback, I will be buying one - or more than one - copy!
--Gail H, grandmother and educator.
NOTE: I received a free advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. As soon as it comes out in paperback, I will be buying one - or more than one - copy!
May 21, 2021
Young people assume that the world has always operated the same way it does currently. But the truth is that our country has undergone massive changes during the last three or four generations.
The biggest upheaval took place in race relations from about 1920 to about 2020. Phyllis Wheeler’s “The Long Shadow” tackles that evolution. She shows how the effects of terrible deeds echo through the years. She accomplishes it by using a device YA readers love: Time travel.
When 14-year-old Richie decides to camp in the woods to escape an over-vigilant guardian, he isn’t expecting to slide back to 1967, be rescued by an unlikely new friend, or ultimately, attempt to prevent a lynching. Yet he confronts all these events.
Can Richie help Morris reunite with his family? Can he rescue an innocent man from a terrible death? Finally, can he get back to his own time? Read “The Long Shadow” by Phyllis Wheeler to find out.
….L.C. Braff
The biggest upheaval took place in race relations from about 1920 to about 2020. Phyllis Wheeler’s “The Long Shadow” tackles that evolution. She shows how the effects of terrible deeds echo through the years. She accomplishes it by using a device YA readers love: Time travel.
When 14-year-old Richie decides to camp in the woods to escape an over-vigilant guardian, he isn’t expecting to slide back to 1967, be rescued by an unlikely new friend, or ultimately, attempt to prevent a lynching. Yet he confronts all these events.
Can Richie help Morris reunite with his family? Can he rescue an innocent man from a terrible death? Finally, can he get back to his own time? Read “The Long Shadow” by Phyllis Wheeler to find out.
….L.C. Braff
May 10, 2021
The Long Shadow by Phyllis Wheeler
When I finished readying Phyllis Wheeler’s novel, The Long Shadow, I continued sitting on my living room sofa to process this captivating story. Wheeler’s spin for a teen boy to travel through time brings the true story of James T. Scott’s 1923 lynching to life, exposing young readers to racism and the fallouts that occur. The overall message that it’s okay to have friends that are different is cleverly woven into history as the young teen Richie travels back through two different American time periods. I highly recommend that all young people read this book to understand our culture’s dilemmas with racism and how we can learn from one another and move forward to better times.
When I finished readying Phyllis Wheeler’s novel, The Long Shadow, I continued sitting on my living room sofa to process this captivating story. Wheeler’s spin for a teen boy to travel through time brings the true story of James T. Scott’s 1923 lynching to life, exposing young readers to racism and the fallouts that occur. The overall message that it’s okay to have friends that are different is cleverly woven into history as the young teen Richie travels back through two different American time periods. I highly recommend that all young people read this book to understand our culture’s dilemmas with racism and how we can learn from one another and move forward to better times.
June 6, 2021
Time traveling teen learns history first hand
Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2021
The Long Shadow is an exciting adventure story based on a true history of racial injustice. A teenager accidentally travels back in time to experience first hand what most kids his age only read about in history books. After running away from a difficult situation at home, Richie uses the skills he learned in Boy Scouts to survive in the woods on his own. He later teams up with with an unlikely companion who’s family’s history seems to guide Richie’s time travels. I love time travel stories and The Long Shadow does not disappoint. It covers two different eras of U.S. history as well as the present time. If you love contemporary time travel stories with a bit of history, you will love this book.
Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2021
The Long Shadow is an exciting adventure story based on a true history of racial injustice. A teenager accidentally travels back in time to experience first hand what most kids his age only read about in history books. After running away from a difficult situation at home, Richie uses the skills he learned in Boy Scouts to survive in the woods on his own. He later teams up with with an unlikely companion who’s family’s history seems to guide Richie’s time travels. I love time travel stories and The Long Shadow does not disappoint. It covers two different eras of U.S. history as well as the present time. If you love contemporary time travel stories with a bit of history, you will love this book.
June 17, 2021
A page -turner.
Ms. Wheeler’s debut book is a middle-grade time travel with a hint of heavenly intervention.
Join 14 year-old Ritchie as he puts Scout skills learned in 2019 to the test in 1969 Missouri. It’s a good thing he finds a guide to both the woods and the times. But his ‘living history’ lesson takes a further turn as he goes back to1923 to learn life lessons—and a dark spot in his family history.
Ms. Wheeler’s debut book is a middle-grade time travel with a hint of heavenly intervention.
Join 14 year-old Ritchie as he puts Scout skills learned in 2019 to the test in 1969 Missouri. It’s a good thing he finds a guide to both the woods and the times. But his ‘living history’ lesson takes a further turn as he goes back to1923 to learn life lessons—and a dark spot in his family history.
November 12, 2022
An insightful story of a fifteen year old boy who tries to correct a miscarriage of justice that happened many years before. A wonderful blending of history and modern day life by using time travel.
August 4, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book.
I apologize in advance if this review is all over the place or doesn’t make sense, but I’m trying to write it as I go so I don’t forget anything 😂🤦🏻♀️ Please note, since I am the only other review for this book, aside from the author, I am hesitant to leave a star rating. If I WERE to rate this book, I would not give it higher than two stars. Probably more like a one star rating to be honest. I just feel like this story is extremely problematic in multiple ways.
Example one, it's 2019.
We start the story off with a boy bumping in to a man carrying a pocket watch. Later we learn the sentimental value of this item, but I feel like it's extremely outdated and if it did carry the attachment for Morris that the author claimed, this old man would probably not be leaving the house with it.
Also, our main character uses a flip style cell phone. I don't know anyone who two years ago used such a thing. Our main character is fourteen years old, given ammo and a gun OF HIS OWN that is stored god knows where and is free to grab it as he pleases. Not only that, he is also a proficient hunter, fisherman, knows how to use a compass, and has advanced knowledge of plant life. While not even being out of the tenth grade... I suppose the reason this doesn't bode well with me is that if we are going to read a story inspired by real life events then more of this should ring true or believable for its audience.
Next, I feel like in the first chapter alone, the author uses the word "black" at least ten times to describe more than just skin color. I just think that detailed descriptions and variations would be more useful in depicting this world and an atmosphere a bit better. I personally just can't like a book that is for children that constantly points to skin color negatively or without some tact by using phrases such as "There don't seem to be too many black people" or "I didn't think the cops would look for a white teen in the black section of town".
But also, in this first chapter, I know that we, as readers, are supposed to see that Richie has this preconditioned bias to his surroundings as well as the people in his city which is bad enough. However, not only is he racist in the beginning, but he's a bit of a rebel. Which, due to the overwhelming verbal abuse from his aunt, I would be an awful child too if that's the attitude I constantly received from my caregiver. In one chapter alone, Aunt Trudy says, "I'm about ready to give up", tells him she wants to send him away, calls him a "stupid idiot", and says that she doesn't know what his parents ever saw in him... Yikes.
Next complaint, and back to the issue of it being 2019... I feel like, taking place in St. Louis, the appearance of a man of color would not have been that shocking to Richie. However, if the author hadn't told me it was 2019, OR St. Louis I would never have known. I guess what I am trying to say is that this story is overly character driven, and when it comes to setting the scene, whether it be in the city or while he spends time out in the woods, I experienced a lot of difficulty imagining the surroundings since nothing is very descriptive.
I also get that it is a short book, but a lot of action is packed into a couple short chapters and it is hard to understand what is going on... For example both times hunters appear. One minute they're in the woods, the next they are not... Or when the cops come looking for him. He is running but we don't know why... Or when we find out about another missing boy... Stuff is just thrown into these chapters and I feel like with a little more time spent explaining and more details regarding the setting or characters internal feelings, these scenes could really come alive.
And this also goes with my feelings that EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER lacks depth and feels flat. I won't even go into how I don't think neither Morris nor Richie are very well done main characters, but even the supporting characters are emotionless. For example, when time traveling, Richie appears suddenly in the road and is hit by an old man while driving. The man takes Richie's body home to his wife while they care for an UNCONSCIOUS child for two days. Neither of these two grown adults are worried in the slightest bit when he wakes up and talks to them. Instead, they say things such as "my car hit you". No mention of being sorry, if he has parents, or of seeing a doctor... ALSO they find out Richie claims to have an uncle he was traveling with, and instead of reuniting this child with his family or getting the police involved, they suggest he stay there and help with the laundry for a few days until "MAYBE" his uncle FINDS HIM.
I won’t even go into my disgust over the chapter regarding the lynching of Mr. Scott...
All in all, I appreciate the chance to read this story, but it definitely was NOT one of my favorites.
I apologize in advance if this review is all over the place or doesn’t make sense, but I’m trying to write it as I go so I don’t forget anything 😂🤦🏻♀️ Please note, since I am the only other review for this book, aside from the author, I am hesitant to leave a star rating. If I WERE to rate this book, I would not give it higher than two stars. Probably more like a one star rating to be honest. I just feel like this story is extremely problematic in multiple ways.
Example one, it's 2019.
We start the story off with a boy bumping in to a man carrying a pocket watch. Later we learn the sentimental value of this item, but I feel like it's extremely outdated and if it did carry the attachment for Morris that the author claimed, this old man would probably not be leaving the house with it.
Also, our main character uses a flip style cell phone. I don't know anyone who two years ago used such a thing. Our main character is fourteen years old, given ammo and a gun OF HIS OWN that is stored god knows where and is free to grab it as he pleases. Not only that, he is also a proficient hunter, fisherman, knows how to use a compass, and has advanced knowledge of plant life. While not even being out of the tenth grade... I suppose the reason this doesn't bode well with me is that if we are going to read a story inspired by real life events then more of this should ring true or believable for its audience.
Next, I feel like in the first chapter alone, the author uses the word "black" at least ten times to describe more than just skin color. I just think that detailed descriptions and variations would be more useful in depicting this world and an atmosphere a bit better. I personally just can't like a book that is for children that constantly points to skin color negatively or without some tact by using phrases such as "There don't seem to be too many black people" or "I didn't think the cops would look for a white teen in the black section of town".
But also, in this first chapter, I know that we, as readers, are supposed to see that Richie has this preconditioned bias to his surroundings as well as the people in his city which is bad enough. However, not only is he racist in the beginning, but he's a bit of a rebel. Which, due to the overwhelming verbal abuse from his aunt, I would be an awful child too if that's the attitude I constantly received from my caregiver. In one chapter alone, Aunt Trudy says, "I'm about ready to give up", tells him she wants to send him away, calls him a "stupid idiot", and says that she doesn't know what his parents ever saw in him... Yikes.
Next complaint, and back to the issue of it being 2019... I feel like, taking place in St. Louis, the appearance of a man of color would not have been that shocking to Richie. However, if the author hadn't told me it was 2019, OR St. Louis I would never have known. I guess what I am trying to say is that this story is overly character driven, and when it comes to setting the scene, whether it be in the city or while he spends time out in the woods, I experienced a lot of difficulty imagining the surroundings since nothing is very descriptive.
I also get that it is a short book, but a lot of action is packed into a couple short chapters and it is hard to understand what is going on... For example both times hunters appear. One minute they're in the woods, the next they are not... Or when the cops come looking for him. He is running but we don't know why... Or when we find out about another missing boy... Stuff is just thrown into these chapters and I feel like with a little more time spent explaining and more details regarding the setting or characters internal feelings, these scenes could really come alive.
And this also goes with my feelings that EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER lacks depth and feels flat. I won't even go into how I don't think neither Morris nor Richie are very well done main characters, but even the supporting characters are emotionless. For example, when time traveling, Richie appears suddenly in the road and is hit by an old man while driving. The man takes Richie's body home to his wife while they care for an UNCONSCIOUS child for two days. Neither of these two grown adults are worried in the slightest bit when he wakes up and talks to them. Instead, they say things such as "my car hit you". No mention of being sorry, if he has parents, or of seeing a doctor... ALSO they find out Richie claims to have an uncle he was traveling with, and instead of reuniting this child with his family or getting the police involved, they suggest he stay there and help with the laundry for a few days until "MAYBE" his uncle FINDS HIM.
I won’t even go into my disgust over the chapter regarding the lynching of Mr. Scott...
All in all, I appreciate the chance to read this story, but it definitely was NOT one of my favorites.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2021
netgalley ARC.
The book had an interesting concept that was not fully realised. I thought bits worth exploring further were glossed over and there was a lack of scene-setting or real character development. It was a fast-paced story that might keep children interested and introduces them to aspects of history they might not be wholly familiar with.
I enjoyed the links between the characters and how going back in time enabled the main character to discover more about himself and his ideas of others. Although, this seemed surface-level and at times a bit too moralising.
The fantasy element, allowing the main character to travel back in time could have been explored further as he just accepts this ability with a shrug and doesn't seem bothered by it. It isn't really explained why he is able to do this, whether others have done it too. It is supposed to start in 2019 but seems more like 1999.
I think it would keep younger children (age 8-10) entertained with enough adventure and exploration to sustain interest while introducing racial inequality, the history of lynching and justice.
The book had an interesting concept that was not fully realised. I thought bits worth exploring further were glossed over and there was a lack of scene-setting or real character development. It was a fast-paced story that might keep children interested and introduces them to aspects of history they might not be wholly familiar with.
I enjoyed the links between the characters and how going back in time enabled the main character to discover more about himself and his ideas of others. Although, this seemed surface-level and at times a bit too moralising.
The fantasy element, allowing the main character to travel back in time could have been explored further as he just accepts this ability with a shrug and doesn't seem bothered by it. It isn't really explained why he is able to do this, whether others have done it too. It is supposed to start in 2019 but seems more like 1999.
I think it would keep younger children (age 8-10) entertained with enough adventure and exploration to sustain interest while introducing racial inequality, the history of lynching and justice.
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