Jaclyn Moriarty's Time Travel for Beginners is a witty and inventive young-adult novel that playfully bends the rules of time travel while keeping its emotional heart firmly grounded in family and friendship.
A time-slip adventure with a difference
The story follows 12-year-old Merri, who discovers a mysterious device that allows her to travel back in time. But this is no ordinary time machine – it comes with a set of quirky, unpredictable rules that Merri must learn to navigate.
Rather than a straightforward historical romp, Moriarty uses the time-slip premise to explore deeper themes of loss, memory, and the desire to change the past. Merri's journeys take her to pivotal moments in her own family's history, where she uncovers secrets that challenge her understanding of the present.
Character-driven storytelling and gentle romance
Moriarty's signature wit shines through in the dialogue and narration, making Merri an instantly likeable and relatable protagonist. The supporting cast, including Merri's grandmother and a boy from her school who becomes an unexpected ally, are drawn with warmth and humour.
A gentle romance threads through the narrative, but it never overshadows the central mystery. The novel balances light-hearted moments with genuinely poignant scenes, particularly when Merri confronts the limitations of what time travel can and cannot fix.
A fresh take on a familiar trope
While time travel is a well-worn trope in children's fiction, Moriarty brings a fresh perspective by focusing on the emotional consequences rather than the mechanics. The rules of the time travel are deliberately ambiguous, which keeps the reader guessing and mirrors the unpredictability of real life.
Fans of Moriarty's previous work, such as The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone, will recognise her playful tone and inventive world-building. New readers will find a standalone story that is both thought-provoking and thoroughly entertaining.
Ultimately, Time Travel for Beginners is a charming and clever addition to the YA canon, one that will resonate with readers who have ever wished they could revisit their own past – and who have learned that some things are better left as they are.
