What do you think?
Rate this book
The Young Traveler's Gift
Before David Ponder ever visited Truman in The Traveler's Gift , Michael Holder began his journey as the last young traveler to receive the unique gifts of wisdom offered by historical greats. In his senior year of high school, Michael hits rock bottom. Having been caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, he has now been suspended from the track team and lost his college scholarship. His coach is angry, his parents are disappointed, and he's diving headfirst into a downward spiral. Facing the bleak future ahead, he sees no way out and wonders if life is really worth living. But with some divine intervention, he's given a second chance when he's offered a once-in-a-lifetime journey of discovery. Rewritten to engage the minds of teens and tweens, The Young Traveler's Gift is sure to encourage and enlighten young men and women as they prepare to face the journeys that lie ahead.
160 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2004
105 people are currently reading
644 people want to read
About the author
Andy Andrews
117 books1,091 followers~ Hailed by a New York Times writer as a "modern-day Will Rogers who has quietly become one of the most influential people in America."
~ Spoken at the request of four different U.S. Presidents
~ Every single minute a book by Andy Andrews is sold somewhere in the world!
~ New York Times Bestselling Author of The Noticer and The Traveler's Gift
Source:
http://www.andyandrews.com/
~ Spoken at the request of four different U.S. Presidents
~ Every single minute a book by Andy Andrews is sold somewhere in the world!
~ New York Times Bestselling Author of The Noticer and The Traveler's Gift
Source:
http://www.andyandrews.com/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
October 15, 2022
„Даровете на младия пътешественик“ е адаптация за тийнейджъри на „Съкровищата на пътешественика“ от същия автор. Главният герой тук е променен от мъж на момче в тийнейджърска възраст и обстоятелствата около него също са леко видоизменени, но всичко останало обаче се припокрива с другата книга.
„Даровете на младия пътешественик“ е отчасти фентъзи, отчасти мотивационна книга за самопомощ. Доколко тези книги наистина помагат и мотивират е друг въпрос (то ако и наистина работеха, хората нямаше да преживяват кризи, депресии и т.н. – та и тези формули за успех и просперитет, които дават, са по-скоро нещо пожелателно, отколкото реално действащо).
Та и тук е горе-долу същото. Докато Майкъл е изгубил всякаква надежда за живота си, му се случва нещо необикновено. Поема на неочаквано пътешествие през времето и пространството, където се среща със седем исторически личности от миналото – Хари Труман, Джошуа Чембърлейн, Христофор Колумб (лично на мен тази среща ми беше най-интересна), Ане Франк, Ейбрахам Линкълн, цар Соломон и завършва с Архангел Гавраил. В края на срещата си с всеки един от тях Майкъл получава и по едно писмо с принципи за успеха, които са:
1. Поемам пълна отговорност
2. Аз съм човек на действието
3. Сърцето ми е изпълнено с решителност
4. Днес ще избера да бъда щастлив
5. Ще посрещна деня с опрощение
6. Ще търся мъдростта
7. Ще преследвам целта си докрай
Като цяло книгата подхвърля някои интересни идеи, но за мен е изпълнена с доста заучени, обобщаващи и пожелателни мъдрости. Посланията, които се опитва да дава, са поднесени някак твърде суховато. Фентъзито обаче я спаси от това да я определя като напълно скучна, плюс е и сравнително малкият ѝ обем, защото ако беше по-дълга със сигурност щеше да ме отегчи.
3.45 ⭐
„Даровете на младия пътешественик“ е отчасти фентъзи, отчасти мотивационна книга за самопомощ. Доколко тези книги наистина помагат и мотивират е друг въпрос (то ако и наистина работеха, хората нямаше да преживяват кризи, депресии и т.н. – та и тези формули за успех и просперитет, които дават, са по-скоро нещо пожелателно, отколкото реално действащо).
Та и тук е горе-долу същото. Докато Майкъл е изгубил всякаква надежда за живота си, му се случва нещо необикновено. Поема на неочаквано пътешествие през времето и пространството, където се среща със седем исторически личности от миналото – Хари Труман, Джошуа Чембърлейн, Христофор Колумб (лично на мен тази среща ми беше най-интересна), Ане Франк, Ейбрахам Линкълн, цар Соломон и завършва с Архангел Гавраил. В края на срещата си с всеки един от тях Майкъл получава и по едно писмо с принципи за успеха, които са:
1. Поемам пълна отговорност
2. Аз съм човек на действието
3. Сърцето ми е изпълнено с решителност
4. Днес ще избера да бъда щастлив
5. Ще посрещна деня с опрощение
6. Ще търся мъдростта
7. Ще преследвам целта си докрай
Като цяло книгата подхвърля някои интересни идеи, но за мен е изпълнена с доста заучени, обобщаващи и пожелателни мъдрости. Посланията, които се опитва да дава, са поднесени някак твърде суховато. Фентъзито обаче я спаси от това да я определя като напълно скучна, плюс е и сравнително малкият ѝ обем, защото ако беше по-дълга със сигурност щеше да ме отегчи.
3.45 ⭐
January 10, 2013
Reminded me of Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom. Quick read that gives you something to think about.
January 23, 2013
A friend recommended this book to me recently, and even though on the surface it appeared to be written more for a younger person (the protagonist is just a teenager), I have to say that I genuinely found value in this work. The author artfully writes about the experiences of a young man who finds himself in a very challenging personal situation (i.e., a "moment of truth" in his life). Using a very innovative narrative, the author describes the young man's encounters with seven historical figures (e.g., Abraham Lincoln, Anne Frank), each of whom provides him with a critical "decision" necessary for achieving success in life. While I have read similar advice in other personal growth books, it was never delivered in such an entertaining manner. I highly recommend this book as a personal growth resource.
September 3, 2021
this book would be better if michael had more than two brain cells. not to mention, most of the advice was contradictory to each other. oh well. read it for school. done with it for good now.
okay I got super mad all over again because of poor anne frank. down to one star.
this sucked.
okay I got super mad all over again because of poor anne frank. down to one star.
this sucked.
April 24, 2025
Annual reread, becomes more meaningful and relevant each time!
July 23, 2018
So I had to read this book for summer reading and automatically I’m a little more critical of books that are assigned to me. This book was short. Like really short. I read it in one sitting and it only took me about an hour and a half. Short books are fine. But when they fail to articulate any sort proper lesson it’s not fine. The boy in the story finds himself traveling back in time and spends about an hour with seven historical figures all of which give him some sort of lesson. The fact that they are famous really holds no significance, everything the main character experiences with these people is rather bland. The reader learns nothing that a person with at least the education of an eleven year old wouldn’t know. And to make it even worse the main character doesn’t do anything to obtain these lessons. He talks with some famous person for a little bit and then bam he get a lesson that he did nothing to deserve. Then when he comes back to the present he is automatically a perfect person. This book was poop. A big pile of poop that no one should read. Ever. Because who wants to read poop. Not I. Thank you for reading my review and have a good day.
- A sleep deprived high school student
- A sleep deprived high school student
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2018
This book was very interesting. I really liked the story of the book because I have never read a book like this that was so good. Something that the author did very well was when he expressed Michaels emotions. When he was mad he was mad. He was very expressing. Something the author could have done better was the length of the visits. I will try not to spoil much but he visits legends of the past. The visits were very short but they were very touching.Let me tell you that the ending of this book was such a good ending that I kept on looking to see if there was more. You will really enjoy this book.
April 7, 2022
It isn't the worst thing I've had to read for school. It came full circle at the end and had a plot that was pretty easy to follow.
May 23, 2022
The Young Traveler’s Gift
(Young Reader’s Edition)
By: Andy Andrews
Genres:
Fiction, Fantasy
Time travel, Inspirational
Self- discovery, Religious
Recommended:
8th grade → Adult
Favorite Quotes:
“Life itself is a privilege, but to live life to the fullest- well, that is a choice.” ..
“First we make a choice. Then our choices make us.”
“When I make a decision, I will stand behind it. My energy will go into making the decision. I will waste none on second thoughts. My life will not be an apology. It will be a statement.”
“Most people fail at whatever they attempt because of an undecided heart. Should I? Should I not? Go forward? Go back? Success requires the emotional balance of a committed heart. When confronted with a challenge, the committed heart will search for a solution. The undecided heart searches for an escape.”
“The answer, of course, is that we are always and forever influenced by those with whom we associate. If a man keeps company with those who curse and complain—he will soon find curses and complaints flowing like a river from his own mouth. If he spends his days with the lazy—those seeking handouts—he will soon find his finances in disarray. Many of our sorrows can be traced to relationships with the wrong people.”
“If you worry about what other people think of you, then you will have more confidence in their opinion than you have in your own. Poor is the man whose future depends on the opinions and permission of others.”
Summary:
Michael Holder is a high school senior with a promising future, until one night he finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. He finds himself kicked off the track team and loses his college scholarship. Michael is uncertain how quickly his life has spun out of control when he finds himself transported in time. This quick, inspirational read takes us on a journey with Michael as he learns important life lessons from some of the past historical greats. I am not a huge fan of time travel, however, this book pulled me into the fast paced world of self-discovery. The importance of success in life decisions, making the most of our situations by focusing on positivity, and the necessity of forgiving oneself are the key reasons I highly recommend this read!!! I am purchasing it for all the important tweens and teens in my life!
#reluctantreaderreads
#andyandrews
(Young Reader’s Edition)
By: Andy Andrews
Genres:
Fiction, Fantasy
Time travel, Inspirational
Self- discovery, Religious
Recommended:
8th grade → Adult
Favorite Quotes:
“Life itself is a privilege, but to live life to the fullest- well, that is a choice.” ..
“First we make a choice. Then our choices make us.”
“When I make a decision, I will stand behind it. My energy will go into making the decision. I will waste none on second thoughts. My life will not be an apology. It will be a statement.”
“Most people fail at whatever they attempt because of an undecided heart. Should I? Should I not? Go forward? Go back? Success requires the emotional balance of a committed heart. When confronted with a challenge, the committed heart will search for a solution. The undecided heart searches for an escape.”
“The answer, of course, is that we are always and forever influenced by those with whom we associate. If a man keeps company with those who curse and complain—he will soon find curses and complaints flowing like a river from his own mouth. If he spends his days with the lazy—those seeking handouts—he will soon find his finances in disarray. Many of our sorrows can be traced to relationships with the wrong people.”
“If you worry about what other people think of you, then you will have more confidence in their opinion than you have in your own. Poor is the man whose future depends on the opinions and permission of others.”
Summary:
Michael Holder is a high school senior with a promising future, until one night he finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. He finds himself kicked off the track team and loses his college scholarship. Michael is uncertain how quickly his life has spun out of control when he finds himself transported in time. This quick, inspirational read takes us on a journey with Michael as he learns important life lessons from some of the past historical greats. I am not a huge fan of time travel, however, this book pulled me into the fast paced world of self-discovery. The importance of success in life decisions, making the most of our situations by focusing on positivity, and the necessity of forgiving oneself are the key reasons I highly recommend this read!!! I am purchasing it for all the important tweens and teens in my life!
#reluctantreaderreads
#andyandrews
January 8, 2023
Holy shit! I have never had the pleasure to read a book as bad at this.
Chapter 6 literally killed the book for me and my friend. Who in their right mind would get advice from Christopher Colombus?! A man who killed and enslaved hundreds of Native Americans? Can we talk for a second that you personally decided to add a controversial historic figure to a Christian Book? You could've picked literally anyone, and yet you decided on someone who has caused the deaths of millions (but it's alright because this is a Christian book). I would say you could've added Mahatma Ghandi, someone who isn't controversial, but you would've turned him Christian, wouldn't you?
Besides that, there's a line about how Christopher Colombus is the only person in the world who believes that the Earth is round, not flat. That is incorrect, my good sir. People have literally known the Earth was round for centuries. Ancient Greeks who? Come on, if you're going to make a book that's centered about meeting HISTORIC figures and the history that comes with them, please do your research 🙏🙏🙏.
And CHAPTER 7!! Chapter 7 was, for the most part, okay-ish. Kinda weird that you'd put someone who's Jewish in a Christian book, but okay. But why'd you have to mention God in the last paragraph of her lesson? It's obvious you weren't talking about the Jewish God, but the Christian God.
I skipped chapter 9 and stopped reading from there. I'm literally done with this book. Thank you, Andy Andrews, for writing this book.
Chapter 6 literally killed the book for me and my friend. Who in their right mind would get advice from Christopher Colombus?! A man who killed and enslaved hundreds of Native Americans? Can we talk for a second that you personally decided to add a controversial historic figure to a Christian Book? You could've picked literally anyone, and yet you decided on someone who has caused the deaths of millions (but it's alright because this is a Christian book). I would say you could've added Mahatma Ghandi, someone who isn't controversial, but you would've turned him Christian, wouldn't you?
Besides that, there's a line about how Christopher Colombus is the only person in the world who believes that the Earth is round, not flat. That is incorrect, my good sir. People have literally known the Earth was round for centuries. Ancient Greeks who? Come on, if you're going to make a book that's centered about meeting HISTORIC figures and the history that comes with them, please do your research 🙏🙏🙏.
And CHAPTER 7!! Chapter 7 was, for the most part, okay-ish. Kinda weird that you'd put someone who's Jewish in a Christian book, but okay. But why'd you have to mention God in the last paragraph of her lesson? It's obvious you weren't talking about the Jewish God, but the Christian God.
I skipped chapter 9 and stopped reading from there. I'm literally done with this book. Thank you, Andy Andrews, for writing this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2017
A Trip Worth Taking
Loved it! I have read and also loved The Traveler's Gift and was in the process of buying that book for Christmas gifts for a niece and nephew when I saw this book for the "Young" and from the description and their ages decided this would be a better fit. I can always get them the "adult" version later.
I decided to get my own copy to read so I would know what they were getting. I was not disappointed. The storyline is more geared to teens but the principles interwoven inside the stories are timeless (that is the definition of a principle isn't it?) and the same as in the original Traveler's Gift.
I recommend this as a gift for any teen you care about and want to encourage their current love of reading or maybe trigger a new interest. They will thank you later.
Loved it! I have read and also loved The Traveler's Gift and was in the process of buying that book for Christmas gifts for a niece and nephew when I saw this book for the "Young" and from the description and their ages decided this would be a better fit. I can always get them the "adult" version later.
I decided to get my own copy to read so I would know what they were getting. I was not disappointed. The storyline is more geared to teens but the principles interwoven inside the stories are timeless (that is the definition of a principle isn't it?) and the same as in the original Traveler's Gift.
I recommend this as a gift for any teen you care about and want to encourage their current love of reading or maybe trigger a new interest. They will thank you later.
January 10, 2019
This book is pretty short if you are a fast reader and i’am not but was half way through the book in 20 to 30 minutes. It has 155 pages and the book in my opinion is very detailed I was very said when Micheal got put in jail. He like to take journeys through history to meet heroic figures I thought that was interesting. It was also one of the New York’s Times bestsellers. The author is Andy Andrews and on some of the pages they have fainted pictures witch when you look at them they are beautiful. I hope you got a lot from my report of this book I hope you end up reading it.
July 3, 2023
It started off fine. Michael’s life is ruined, how will he ever fix it? Well guess what, he won’t. All he’ll do is stand there like an idiot while people give him advice that anyone over the age of 10 could have thought of. And then at the end, he’s suddenly a famous bestseller author? He did nothing to earn that. It’s super boring, too. Even though its only like 150 pages, it took me a week because I would practically fall asleep after a chapter. It’s also weirdly religious. I never ever would have finished if I didn’t have to read it for school.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2018
I highly recommend this book. It taught me a lot, and was good to read. It had lots of dramatic elements, that were all fixed with God. The author is really good at describing what is happening. When he is traveling between different visions, the author describes it so perfectly. One thing that I didn’t like about the book is that the story itself is a bit generic and predictable. Other then that, I really like this book, and recommend it to everyone.
February 7, 2019
This book is about a senior in high school named Michael Ponder. Michael then gets in a accident and is arrested for a DUI, Michael's parents are not very happy with him but Michael shakes it off. About a week later, Michael gets in another accident and starts to dream, he meets famous people like Abraham Lincoln, Christopher Columbus, etc. I would recommend this book to someone who likes historical books.
August 11, 2020
Amazing message for all ages
My daughter was required to read this book for religion class at her Catholic school. The teacher was giving extra credit for students that had their parents read as well, which is why I picked it up. This book has such inspiring words and a great, easy to understand message for all ages. Very good mix of fiction, history and an inspirational message! Great job!
My daughter was required to read this book for religion class at her Catholic school. The teacher was giving extra credit for students that had their parents read as well, which is why I picked it up. This book has such inspiring words and a great, easy to understand message for all ages. Very good mix of fiction, history and an inspirational message! Great job!
November 13, 2018
This is a very interesting book about a man who’s in jail and he wants to find who he truly is and fixing his future. He goes back in time and asks famous investors presidents and people how they got to where they are and gave him some advice about life. He struggles a lot and seeks wisdom and to make better decisions.
May 14, 2021
This was a favorite in 8th grade many years ago.
I found a copy at a local thrift store and immediately bought it!
Still just as powerful and still just as moving. A short read that holds Seven Decisions that are so crucial to a life well lived! Truths wrapped in fantasy and time travel are my favorites!!
I found a copy at a local thrift store and immediately bought it!
Still just as powerful and still just as moving. A short read that holds Seven Decisions that are so crucial to a life well lived! Truths wrapped in fantasy and time travel are my favorites!!
September 8, 2023
This is a very good read. It helps to become the best you can be as a person. The main character experiences some really hard stuff at the beginning but after he goes to all of the historical people he learns about how he can be better for his family. I gave this a 4 stars because it can help you to get into a better mindset if you take this book into your everyday life.
June 1, 2017
I absolutely loved this book. We read it in my Bible class throughout a few months, taking a chapter or two every week or so. It was a mix between Inspirational and Historical Fiction. I completely suggest this for any middle schoolers who want a great book.
October 3, 2017
Amazingly insightful
Through contact with famous successful people in a dream a troubled young man is given a chance to become a better person and worthy contributor to society.
An excellent read for anyone needing a helping hand up into a more satisfying productive life.
Through contact with famous successful people in a dream a troubled young man is given a chance to become a better person and worthy contributor to society.
An excellent read for anyone needing a helping hand up into a more satisfying productive life.
February 17, 2018
I read this so I could help my son with a school project. I really liked how the young man "travelled" to all these important people from the past. The gifts he received are invaluable for any person, young or old, to learn.
June 6, 2018
This book is written for young people who are facing a crises. The advise was good, but very simplistic. I think most upper level high schoolers would not take it very seriously. This was a book club read. I am not sure why it was chosen.
March 12, 2019
This book was good but not the best. It was interesting but did not fulfill my expectations. It made me think a lot. It also got me more bored than anything else. I don’t know why I stuck with it but I did.
August 10, 2020
This book is really bad. It's marketed as a coming-of-age, but the reader sees little to no character development. The concept is basic, not necessarily bad, but the execution is absolutely horrible. I do not understand why the reviews are so good.
December 11, 2020
Alright, a little preface first, I was forced to read this and do a project on this book by my ELA teacher.
The idea of the book is alright at best, but, the way Andy Andrews executed it was absolutely horrendous.
The idea of the book is alright at best, but, the way Andy Andrews executed it was absolutely horrendous.
January 13, 2022
Exactly the truth this world needs
This book speaks of the truths that this world seems to have forgotten. What a gift this book becomes when read with intention. If one chooses, they may change the direction and momentum of their lives by putting the truths into practice.
This book speaks of the truths that this world seems to have forgotten. What a gift this book becomes when read with intention. If one chooses, they may change the direction and momentum of their lives by putting the truths into practice.
October 5, 2022
Recommended to me from a student. This is a good book for a Christian teenager with lots of reflection points and things to consider. It was inspirational and I enjoyed the references to history (even though Columbus might have been a little out of touch).
May 7, 2024
I loved this book so much! I loved seeing how Micheal (the main character)’s life changed as he met all different people. It’s a clean book and it mentions God a lot, which I love since I’m a Christian! I really recommend this book!
March 15, 2017
Slightly interesting story with great wisdom sprinkled throughout.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews