Book Reviews"A well-constructed, compelling addition to an ongoing time-travel tale." --Kirkus Reviews
Full Review VOYA Magazine
Ty decides to stay in the year 1858, but Kristi uses the time machine to return to the present day. Ty feels responsible for the death of one of his friends in the war so he decides it is his duty to become a surgeon. When Kristi discovers Ty’s decision to help the wounded results in his untimely death, she acts immediately, returning to the past in order to warn him—but changing the past is not as easy as she thinks. Time to Heal is the third installment in the American Epochs series. McClimans paints a vivid picture of the bloodiest time in American history: the Civil War. The rancid smells and rampant prejudice seep through each page. The grimmest details are left out, however, ensuring that readers understand the horrors of the war without having nightmares about it. Through Ty and Kristi’s experiences, readers struggle through the war, a historic period that is too big to fit on the pages of a history book. Readers begin to see through the eyes of both sides, sympathizing with characters who fight for family, friends, and freedom.—Richard Vigdor. |
Assembly Reviews"I am writing to thank you for the wonderful assembly you presented to the students of East York Elementary School on Friday, March 28, 2014. The students enjoyed hearing you talk about your book writing and adventures. You are a charismatic and engaging speaker! I was so very impressed with how you involved the entire student body into your presentation. East York thanks YOU!"
--Dr. Mary Beth Grove, Principal, East York Elementary School "I was impressed with our Todd McClimans author visit. Todd promoted reading, writing and imagination as he talked about his book Time Traitor. I appreciated the way he personalized his content based on the age and interest of the children that attended. Todd was personable, enthusiastic and encouraged the children to write and enjoy every minute of the editing process. I plan on having him again when book # 2 in the American Epochs series is released."
--Ellen Helfrick, Branch Manager, Collinsville Library |
Pennsylvania School Librarians Association (PSLA)
April 2014 BOB Fiction Reviews
April 2014 BOB Fiction Reviews
From VOYA Magazine, June 2014
At George Washing Prep, Kristi Connors, a rich girl trying to get herself kicked out of school, and Ty Jordan, an orphan who is bullied constantly, have no reason to become friends. Then, they discover that their cantankerous history teacher, Dr. Xavier Arnold, has created a time machine. When his secret is revealed, Dr. Arnold drags Kristi and Ty into the past with him, where he hopes to avenge his ancestor, Benedict Arnold. Will Dr. Arnold be able to change the course of history and clear Benedict of his traitorous reputation? Will Kristi get back home where she is not confused for a slave girl? Will Ty want to return when he is in a time period where he is appreciated and not bullied?
McClimans combines the perfect amount of humor and history in this time-traveling adventure story. The distinct voices of Kristi and Ty are well developed and believable for the circumstances. Neither of them have happy family backgrounds, and both are forced to discover new aspects of themselves when kidnapped to the past. At times, the story can read a little like a history textbook with all of the explanation of the time period, but the exposition is needed for student readers to fully understand the story behind Dr. Arnold’s desire to redeem his ancestor. This is a great start to what is sure to be a popular middle school and junior high series.—Blake Norby
At George Washing Prep, Kristi Connors, a rich girl trying to get herself kicked out of school, and Ty Jordan, an orphan who is bullied constantly, have no reason to become friends. Then, they discover that their cantankerous history teacher, Dr. Xavier Arnold, has created a time machine. When his secret is revealed, Dr. Arnold drags Kristi and Ty into the past with him, where he hopes to avenge his ancestor, Benedict Arnold. Will Dr. Arnold be able to change the course of history and clear Benedict of his traitorous reputation? Will Kristi get back home where she is not confused for a slave girl? Will Ty want to return when he is in a time period where he is appreciated and not bullied?
McClimans combines the perfect amount of humor and history in this time-traveling adventure story. The distinct voices of Kristi and Ty are well developed and believable for the circumstances. Neither of them have happy family backgrounds, and both are forced to discover new aspects of themselves when kidnapped to the past. At times, the story can read a little like a history textbook with all of the explanation of the time period, but the exposition is needed for student readers to fully understand the story behind Dr. Arnold’s desire to redeem his ancestor. This is a great start to what is sure to be a popular middle school and junior high series.—Blake Norby