THE DOOMSDAY VAULT: Everwhen School of Time Travel (and Other Odd Sciences), by Thomas Wheeler, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Jan. 28, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 8-12)
Three kids find friendship and so much more at an interdimensional school for time travelers in The Doomsday Vault: Everwhen School of Time Travel (and Other Odd Sciences), by Thomas Wheeler.
When Bertie Wells accidentally creates a black hole in his bedroom in the year 1878, the last thing he expects is for a grown-up to step out. Darla Marconi comes with an offer: Bertie is invited to attend the EverWhen School of Time Travel and Other Odd Sciences.
Not exactly thrilled at the idea, but not exactly having anything better to do, Bertie agrees. And that was only the first weird thing to happen to him that day. Thankfully, he’s not alone—144 years in the future, math whiz Zoe Fuentes just accepted the same invitation, and 550 years in the past, Amelia da Vinci (yes, that da Vinci) has also decided to attend.
Transported to 2024 for their first semester of school, these three must team up and work together in order to survive the year, including weathering a time paradox, solving the case of a disappearing dean, and uncovering the truth behind a shady intergalactic secret society.
At least time is on their side! —Synopsis provided by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
The Doomsday Vault takes “school books” — think Harry Potter Spy School, and the School for Good and Evil — to a new level. This time around, it’s the EverWhen School of Time Travel and Other Odd Sciences. And while that might sound complicated, author Thomas Wheeler not only makes it accessible but fun.
At the center of the story are Bertie, from 1878, Millie, from 1471, and Zoe, from 2025. The three quickly become friends, helping each other learn new things, and frankly, survive.
Wheeler captures interest from the very first paragraph of The Doomsday Vault. His writing is clear and inviting. As are his characters. And the situations Wheeler places them in are great fun. Settings come alive through his deft hands, unfolding almost cinematically.
The Doomsday Vault is a fast-paced adventure that will appeal to a large cross-section of readers.
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