Adventures in the Middle Ages

Good Times Travel Agency #2

by Linda Bailey

Join the Binkertons -- twins Josh and Emma and their pesky little sister Libby -- as they visit the Good Times Travel Agency for a trip unlike any other -- to medieval times. The trio quickly discover that medieval life isn't all knights in shining armor and stately pageants. Things go from bad to worse when the castle they're in is attacked and flaming arrows and flying cows shower down on them. Kids will love the book's contemporary comic-book look with its zany illustrations, speech balloons and guidebook. Parents and teachers will love the well-researched story lines and solid factual information.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Medieval History, Picture Books, Childrens

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

I was born and grew up in Winnipeg —a daydreamer with her nose in a book. In my twenties, I traveled around the world, mostly by ship. Later, I moved to Vancouver, where I earned a B.A. and M.Ed. at the University of British Columbia. Among my jobs were travel agent, college teacher, instructional designer and editor.

For years, I dabbled with writing. But I didn't begin to write in earnest until I had two young daughters. My first book was published in 1992, and I have since written more than thirty others, including novels, picture books and non-fiction.

I live in Vancouver, a short walk from the sea. I write full-time and still love to travel, read and daydream.
- Source

Series:
* Stanley
* Stevie Diamond Mystery
* Good Times Travel Agency

Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best Juvenile (1997): How Can a Frozen Detective Stay Hot on the Trail?
◊ Best Juvenile (2000): How Can a Brilliant Detective Shine in the Dark?

Reviews

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The three Binkerton children go on an adventure in the Middle Ages to a castle where Josh B thinks he will be a knight. Life at that time was much harder than they expected, and they get caught up in a battle - a siege on the castle. This book is a great way to learn about the Middle Ages - very well illustrated.

[Klinton Saha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This time the Binkerton trios want to know about the middle ages specially the knights.Good time travel agency is at their service.
There they experienced the lifestyle,food, clothes and all about of middle ages . Luckily they escaped from a war that happened in middle ages.


I love Bill's illustrations 🤩

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids and I really enjoyed this fun approach to history. Two modern day kids travel through time and get stuck in the Middle Ages. Bits of history and fun facts intermixed with a short plot. It kept everyone’s attention.

[Megan B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and great information!

[Nolan Brendel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like it because the went to the travel agency and went to the Middle Ages.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved learning about what life was like in the medieval period. I also loved reading about Josh and Emma. They’re so funny.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read-aloud with kids, Dec. '25

it's okay.

[Quincy Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book to engage students in reading and help them learn real information about the Middle Ages. This book is one of many in Linda Bailey's series, Good Times Travel Agency. These books follow the three Binkerton children on adventures to foreign lands and to times long past. The fictional time traveling adventures of these children are exciting and would probably interest readers of about 3rd and 4th grade. Alongside the fictional adventure, however, is accurately researched information about that time period presented in a very understandable, interesting way. It is a good opportunity to help students understand the differences between literature and informational texts. This book teaches all about life during the Middle Ages, including the feudal system, food, clothing, occupations, beliefs, architecture, and much more. The book provides accurate depictions of life then to help students understand the reality of living during the Middle Ages, not only the idealized picture sometimes portrayed in stories set in this period. It is a good introduction to the time period since it covers so many different aspects of life during that time. It would be a fantastic book to use at the beginning of a unit or project on the Middle Ages, sparking students' curiosity and giving them ideas about something specific they might want to study further. They will enjoy reading about the Binkerton children's adventures and learn right alongside them.

[Shelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exciting adventure of three siblings who accidentally travel back in time to the Middle Ages; done in a picture book/graphic novel format that even the most reluctant of readers will love. The character's story-line may be false, but the setting and all the wonderful information given throughout is very true.

This is a great series to help elementary/middle school student's in their Ancient History studies, or just for a fun read. Educators may wish to break up into two reading sessions due to its length.

These books do not need to be read in order to understand and enjoy.

[Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A comic-book style story of siblings Josh and Emma who travel through time (Magic Tree House-style) to the Middle Ages. A "guidebook" printed at the bottom of each page give explanations of what is happening in the story. I found the comic book arrangement awkward and difficult to read. The guidebook at the bottom, however, was interesting. Grades 3-8

[Carina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, its a good way to learn about the middle ages in a funny way. I like the plot aswell, becuase instead of just staying in one place, they move to all the classes in medival times. I recamend this book to people who like history and graphic novels.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

The kids love the comic book-y format of these stories. This book was chock full of info on the Middle Ages intertwined with the story of the misadventures of Josh, Libby and Emma. Fun!

[Luke Ewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like history and adventures and I like they combined together. It is also funny.