Timelight - by Faith Conlon (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Can a mysterious power help a thirteen-year-old boy solve the disappearance that has fractured his family?

Seventh grader Charlie Winter has never stopped believing he can find his missing mom, even when his dad has given up hope. Three years after she vanished on Charlie's birthday, his mom's disappearance remains a mystery no one wants to talk about. No one, that is, except Charlie's grandmother. Then, during a strange snowstorm, his grandmother is injured and Charlie learns a secret: she's a time traveler. And so is he.

Soon Charlie embarks on a dangerous adventure with his three best friends, searching the past for a magical silver amulet he believes is the key to finding his mom. As they cross continents and centuries, rescuing animal companions along the way, Charlie and his friends discover they aren't alone. Malcolm Mordrex, a vengeful time traveler seeking the same amulet for darker purposes, is chasing them.

With harrowing obstacles at every turn and his friends thrust into a terrible trap, Charlie must find a way to defeat Malcolm and face a choice about his own past--a choice that could mean life or death. And time is ticking down . . .

Review Quotes

Time travel, friendship, history, family, soccer, and magic -- this story has everything I want! Conlon's storytelling captures a sense of adventure and emotional depth we all crave. I love Charlie and his friends, and you will, too. --Tegan Tigani, Children's Book Buyer, Queen Anne Book Company

"When Charlie Winter learns his grandmother's secret, he is launched into a time traveling quest to find a magical silver amulet that might solve the mystery of his missing mom, putting him right in the path of the evil Malcolm Mordrex. Luckily, Charlie has the help of three good friends--plus a dog, a cat, and a parrot fluent in French! This is a page turner with a big heart." --Kirby Larson, Newbery Honor author of Hattie Big Sky

"A leisurely build-up leads to adventures that come thick and fast once the characters start going back in time. Charlie is a sympathetic character with loyal friends that readers will want to know more about." --Kirkus Reviews

"[Timelight] offers an innovative take on time travel . . . a fun book of time-traveling adventure." --YA and Kids Books Central

"A vivid time travel story that crosses generations of intent, power, and legacy . . . The action is swift, but what shines is the characterization . . . Libraries seeking an action-packed children's adventure that elevates its subjects beyond time travel alone will find Timelight a powerful acquisition that works on a number of different thought-provoking levels." --D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review