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A fun, though brief, story with references to history and science. Good for an older reader who doesn't want a long book. ( )

Seems like a well-renowned author with many books & awards! Gary Paulsen's "The Time Hackers" has two 7th graders, Frank & Dorso trying to break "the code" after odd things, techno-practical "jokes" are played through Dorso's locker. First he finds a dead body & just as soon as it appears, it disappears. More pranks happen along the way while Frank & Dorso try to beat "the hackers".

This explains time travel as if it has actually been done. The only problem with reading this aloud is its reference to the boys wanting to time travel to "see naked ladies" (which is funny, but some parents/principals might not approve). ( )

MS Science Ficiton

Characters: Dorso Clayman and his friend Frank

Setting: present day, school

Theme: good v. evil

Genre: science fiction

Summary: Time travel, computer games, holigrams, and adventure are components of this story. Every time Dorso Clayman opens his locker, he finds something. In the opening scene he finds a stinky old medical cadaver. It is part of a practical joke. Scientists have discovered a way to bring people, animals, and items from the past. His friend has been doing “research” trying to get pictures of naked females by looking at items from the past. But the joke is less funny when they start involuntarily transporting to dangerous events and moments in history—Gettysburg, dinosaur age, etc. The boys must find out who created/hacked into the “time paradox’ and is playing with the possible destruction of the universe. They figure out that a chip must have been implanted in Dorso's computer and must find its creator in order to save the day.

Audience: Grades 4-8

Curriculum ties:

Personal response: There are humorous moments and believable characters that many kids should identify with.Easy to read and full of adventure, should be especially appealing to middle school boys.