Switching Well

A twist of magic sends Ada Bauer, a native of San Antonio, Tex., 100 years into the future, from the late 19th century to the present. Simultaneously, Amber Burak, a teenager in contemporary San Antonio, travels 100 years back, to Ada's time. Struggling to return home, each is almost lost in the social service network of the other's era. Griffin's story is especially fascinating in its exploration of changing mores and folkways. She also proves to have an exceptional ear for the conversational tics of both the 19th and the 20th centuries. Her intelligent, engaging heroines respond to their new circumstances with great resourcefulness, each discovering within herself the capacity to do good. Highly original, and a true page-turner. Ages 10-14. (Apr.)