Glitch

In this buddy time travel tale by Martin (Hoax for Hire), Cadets Regan Fitz and Elliot Mason are rivals at Glitch Academy; they’re training to use their rare genetic ability to travel through time and prevent “Butterflies” (so named for the butterfly effect) from altering U.S. history. Regan, 12, daughter of the Academy commander, is a mediocre student with solid intuition. Her classmate and social nemesis, Elliot, is at the top of their class but lacking in Regan’s instincts. After they discover a letter sent from a future Regan to their current selves, they are forced to collaborate in a secret new program that trains Glitchers to work in pairs. A threat by Butterfly organization Mayhem against the Academy means that Regan and Elliot may have to do the forbidden: travel to the past to change the future. By using historical moments, such as the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, for the missions, Martin imparts a bit of learning in an enjoyable fashion, while the protagonists’ sparring morphs gradually and believably into a firm friendship. There is much here to please middle grade readers, whether they enjoy historical fiction, time travel, or tales of camaraderie. Ages 8–12. [em](June) [/em]