Review: Time Shifters

Time travel has always been an intriguing idea. What would happen if we could go back in time and change things? Could we improve our lives? In this entertaining graphic novel, author Chris Grine puts those ideas out there and leaves readers thinking, though they’ll be so entertained that they might not realize it.

Time Shifters
By Chris Grine.
Scholastic Graphix. 2017. ISBN 9780545926591
HC, $24.99. 268pp.
Grades 3 and up

Brothers Kyle and Luke are good friends. Like all brothers, they tease and fight, but ultimately they are there for each other. When both are accosted by bullies on a summer afternoon, Kyle attempts to save Luke, but he is pushed into a deep ravine and dies.

While grieving, Luke accidentally stumbles upon some strange characters in the woods behind his house: A mummy, a vampire Napoleon, and a skeleton. They drop a machine that attaches itself to Luke, and he ends up as the target of their chase. Then he meets another curious team: A dinosaur, a poltergeist, and an odd scientist. The machine is a time and space traveler, and it transports Chris and his group into an insect world, where they are chased by the first team.

This is a bizarre and funny adventure that young readers will enjoy. The vivid artwork and the peculiar characters that surround Luke will stretch readers’ imagination. Although this is a light, adventurous read, Grine embeds themes such as friendship, giving the benefit of the doubt, and of course, changing the path of history that will resonate with many readers.

The appealing artwork will make certain that this doesn’t sit on the shelf, and readers will be glad that the story is left open-ended for another adventure to come.

Filed under: Graphic Novels, Reviews