Close

Login

Lost Password     Register

Close

Register

Lost Password     Login

Close

Lost Password

Login     Register

Book Review

Purchase Book at Amazon.com

Publisher's Note:

Back to the Future meets When You Reach Me in this powerful novel by National Book Award nominee Lisa Graff. As far as twelve-year-old McKinley O’Dair is concerned, the best thing about living in Gap Bend, Pennsylvania, is the Time Hop—the giant party the town throws every June to celebrate a single year in history. That one day is enough to make the few things that aren’t so fantastic about McKinley’s life—like her crabby homeroom teacher or her super-scheduled father—worth suffering through. And when McKinley learns that this year’s theme is 1993, she can’t wait to enter the Time Hop fashion show with a killer '90s outfit she’s designed and sewn all on her own. But when the Time Hop rolls around, nothing goes as planned. In fact, it’s the biggest disaster of McKinley’s life. Before she knows what’s hit her, McKinley somehow finds herself in the real 1993—and it’s not all kitschy parachute pants and Jurassic Park. All McKinley wants is to return to the present, but before she can, she’s going to have to make a big change—but which change is the right one? This humorous and heartfelt novel about destiny and self-discovery shines a poignant light on the way life could play out—if a person is given a chance to rewind.…

This review may contain affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase using these links, then Compass Book Ratings may earn a small commission.

ReWind

by Lisa Graff

Reviewer: Cindy M
Genre: Fiction
Recommended Age: 9+

Overall Book Review:

This book’s description compares it to Back to the Future, and that really is an apt description, especially for the first part of the novel. But ultimately, the book does take a turn into fresh territory with a lot of themes to keep the reader thinking after the last page is turned. Although there may be food for thought, this is not a slow-paced book. Something is always happening–and not usually the way McKinley, the protagonist, intends it to. There are plentiful references to 90’s pop culture, food, music, and fashion. (Yep, sorry children of the 90’s, it looks like you are officially a topic for historical fiction.)

One thing that is painful in this book, is the unkind words between the young characters and even though it is called out as hurtful and unacceptable behavior, it is still hard to read.

Middle grade readers who enjoy time travel and themes around friendship will enjoy this book. Lisa Graff is a seasoned author and this is another great addition to her literary portfolio.

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language: 3 religious exclamations.

Violence/Gore: Character punches another character in the stomach; character bangs nose resulting in a lot of blood.

Sex/Nudity: None

Mature Subject Matter

Stroke (loved one).

Alcohol/Drug Use:

None

Overall Book Rating
Profanity/Language
Rating:
1
10
Violence/Gore
Rating:
1
10
Sex/Nudity
Rating:
0
10

Share This Post

About the Reviewer

Cindy M
An accountant and CPA by profession, I found myself a book reviewer for Squeaky Clean Reads by happenstance. When the opportunity came to transform that website into Compass Book Ratings, I was excited to seize it and meld my business background with my love of books. As the mother of three teenage sons, I have read a large number of children and young adult books and I believe that there is great value in a content review service. As much as we would love to read everything our children read, there just isn’t enough time. I also appreciate being able to select books for myself that are really worth my precious and limited reading time. I believe there is a book out there for everyone–they just have to find it!

Share Compass Book Ratings