"Kelly (also a Newbery medalist, for Hello, Universe) shines when acknowledging today's readers' justified fears while showing them that the key to surviving an uncertain road is traveling it in good company. As Ridge encourages Michael to occupy what he calls "the first state of being" -- focusing on the here and now, not fixating on a future we can't control -- Michael forges friendships and comes to accept that 'not knowing is part of life.'" -- New York Times Book Review
"This short but suspenseful novel is Rebecca Stead's When You Reach Me meets Tae Keller's Jennifer Chan is Not Alone. Though it takes place at the turn of the millennium, modern readers will be able to identify with Michael's anxieties over the future of the world, and find his journey compelling." -- BookPage (starred review)
"A teen time traveler from 2199 visits 1999 and befriends an endearing, anxious tween boy in this wholesome and splendidly entertaining middle-grade novel about embracing the unknown. Kelly has written one of the kindest boys in children's literature."
-- Shelf Awareness
"Kelly has deftly assembled a community of empathetically rendered characters, making this an enjoyable, uplifting reading experience. The elements of sci-fi will be enough to sate fans of the genre while remaining approachable for all audiences. A lovable cast buoys this time travel drama by one of the most reliable authors in children's literature." -- School Library Journal
"An epilogue reveals a delicious, thought-provoking twist on a question posed early on by Kelly: would the disruption of time influence past, present, or future events?" -- Publishers Weekly
"Kelly's memorable character development is on full display as anxious and sensitive Michael learns to embrace the present, while Ridge's charming misuse of slang adds humor to this amusing ride. A warmhearted blend of nostalgia and futurism." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Newbery winner Kelly gives us a time-travel book that stays grounded, despite the subject matter, and draws on the power of human connection through time and space . . . a solid emotional core will treat readers who love stories about found family and bravery, as well as those who would empathize with Michael's anxieties about the unknown future." -- Booklist
"Michael serves as an admirable foil to Ridge's privilege, and the book takes care to highlight his empathy as he struggles to figure out how to find and keep joy in a world filled with pain. Indeed, it is Michael--anxious, vulnerable, and ultimately brave--who will carry readers of all ages to the book's close." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Kelly neatly grounds the mind-bending what-ifs of cause, effect, and the nature of time with real, present relationships and situations. . . . A well-crafted adventure surrounding a big philosophical idea with a side of middle-grade romance. . . . Tantalizing." -- Horn Book Magazine
