Right Back at You - by Carolyn Mackler (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

From the award-winning, bestselling author of Not If I Can Help It, a story about reaching across time to find the support you need against bullies, bad friends, and antisemitism.

Mason lives in 2023. His parents have just split up, and there's a guy at school who won't get off his case. As part of an assignment, he writes a letter to Albert Einstein and it ends up getting a little too personal. He throws the letter into his closet...

...and the next day he gets a letter back from a girl named Talia, who lives in 1987. She has problems of her own, including classmates who make jokes because she's Jewish. She thought her friends would have her back. But it ends up the only person she really has to talk to is... a random boy from the future?

In the tradition of such beloved novels as When You Reach Me and Save Me a Seat, Carolyn Mackler has written a funny, all-too-relatable story about finding the friend you need... even if that friend happens to live in another year.

Review Quotes

Praise for Right Back at You:

"An absorbing introduction to the paradoxes and possibilities of time travel." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Through authentic and likable characters, readers will learn much about the Holocaust and antisemitism, as well as the importance of leaning on friends and family for support." -- School Library Journal

"Weighty issues (e.g., alcoholism and its impact on families) are handled skillfully, and the narrative takes several unexpected turns that add fun and intrigue despite the overall serious tone." -- The Horn Book

Praise for Best Friend Next Door:

"[Mackler] gives a spot-on portrayal of the ups and downs of young friendships." -- Kirkus Reviews

"[Mackler] insightfully portrays the complexities of friendship and adapting to change... An engaging, supportive read." -- Booklist

"Charming." -- School Library Journal

About the Author

Carolyn Mackler is the award-winning, bestselling author of the novels Best Friend Next Door and Not If I Can Help It. Her novels for teen readers include the Printz Honor book The Earth, My Butt, Other Big Round Things, and Right Back at You. She lives in New York City with her family.