15 Minutes
Grade 5-8–Seventh grade would be easier, Casey figures, if he could just be on time for things–classes, football practice, even breakfast. When he finds his grandfathers old watch in the attic, he puts it on, but like most of Grandpops inventions, it doesnt seem to work right. Then, Casey discovers that he cant take it off. Grandpops notebook reveals that the watch is actually a time machine that can transport its wearer 15 minutes into the past. At first Casey is delighted, and he uses the Go-backs powers to enhance his coolness rating with the popular girls and to outsmart a bully. However, he soon realizes that altering the past has serious implications. Tests are easy when you can check the answers and then go-back and adjust your own. Football stardom is assured if you already know where the ball will go. But what happens when time-hopping affects other people? Casey then has to decide if he wants to be a hero at someone elses expense. Written in breezy first-person style with lots of side comments to readers, this lighthearted story combines science fiction, sports action, and raucous humor with a strong underlying message about personal responsibility and honesty.–Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, ILCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.