Description:

Leo never imagined that time travel might really be possible, or that the objects in H. G. Wells’ science fiction novels might actually exist. But then a miniature time machine appears in Leo’s bedroom, and he recognizes one of the tiny riders: himself! His search for the time machine and his fate leads him to the New-York Circulating Material Repository, a magical library that lends out objects instead of books. Hidden away in the Repository basement is the Wells Bequest, a secret collection of powerful objects straight out of classic science fiction novels: robots, rockets, submarines, a shrink ray—and one very famous time machine. And when Leo’s adventure of a lifetime suddenly turns deadly, he must attempt a journey to 1895 to warn real-life scientist Nikola Tesla about a dangerous invention. A race for time is on! ** ### From School Library Journal Gr 6-9-A mysterious visit from himself on a tiny time machine with a beautiful girl prompts Leo to seek out H.G. Wells's The Time Machine. That and the need to study historical robots for his science-fair project lead him to discover the New York Circulating Material Repository. There he finds not only the mysterious girl, but also a wonderfully unique library that seems to have some magical properties. He becomes a page and gains access to The Wells Bequest, a special collection that houses many of the fantastical items from Wells's books, including the infamous time machine. When another page threatens to destroy all of New York City with Nikola Tesla's death ray, Leo and Jaya, the head page, go back in time to try to stop him. Shulman once again crafts a marvelously engaging story that will have fantasy and sci-fi readers hooked. Tidbits about H.G. Wells and other famous writers are sprinkled throughout and will have readers seeking out their novels. In fact, this is a great tale that explores many aspects of time travel and science fiction without overwhelming readers in meticulous explanation. The adventure, danger, and hints of romance will have readers swiftly turning pages, anxious to discover each new surprise. All libraries serving middle-school readers will want to order this one.-Jessica Miller, West Springfield Public Library, MAα(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. ### From Booklist Following the fantastic events in The Grimm Legacy (2011), the Circulating Materials Repository has plenty more secrets to share, and Leo, a frustrated inventor, is just the person to uncover them. With Jaya, the head page, he explores the Wells Bequest, a collection of miraculous machines from classic sf stories, including Wells’ time machine. Together, they try to save the future by changing to the past, meeting Nikola Tesla and Mark Twain on the way. The circuitous conversations about time travel raise more questions than they provide answers, but it’s Leo and Jaya’s adventure and sweet romance, as well as the enigmatic appeal of the repository, that keep the engines humming. Grades 6-9. --Sarah Hunter