The Doomsday Vault (Everwhen School of Time Travel (and Other Odd Sciences) #1)

After 12-year-old Herbert George “Bertie” Wells, who lives in 1878 London, accidentally creates a tiny black hole in his bedroom while working on a science experiment, he’s awarded a scholarship to the century-spanning institution of the Everwhen School of Time Travel and Other Odd Sciences. Other new students include 12-year-old chemistry whiz Zoe Fuentes from 2025 Queens, whose brilliant ideas sometimes outrun her common sense, and 12-year-old inventor Amelia “Millie” da Vinci from 1471 Italy, who’s sick of being overshadowed by her perfect older brother Leonardo. The trio contend with all manner of otherworldly oddities, scientific shenanigans, and extraordinary experiments as they acclimate to the school’s unique curriculum and quirky inhabitants. But when they discover sinister plots involving a vindictive ghost, a missing headmaster, a temporal paradox, and the dreaded Doomsday Vault, they must save Everwhen—and time as they know it—from destruction. This frenetic and fanciful series-opening tale by Wheeler (Cursed) takes liberties with historical figures and events, often sacrificing logic for tongue-in-cheek humor. Via alternating perspectives, the intersectionally diverse protagonists face and embrace the chaos throughout their wildly inventive adventure. Ages 8–12. (Jan.)