Time Between Us

Gr 8 Up—Sixteen-year-old Anna Greene dreams of visiting exotic locations far removed from her safe, suburban life in 1995 Evanston, Illinois. When she meets newcomer Bennett Cooper, she's immediately drawn to him, but there's something curious about him-it's as if one moment he knows her and the next he treats her like a complete stranger. It's not until Anna is working at her family's bookstore and Bennett saves her from being robbed at knifepoint that she finally discovers his secret: he can travel through time. As they go to places Anna has never heard of, an unexpected tragedy forces them to question fate and the power Bennett has to change the future. When he is eventually sent back to his own time, Anna must make decisions that could doom or reunite them some day. Romantic and passionate, Stone's debut novel is swoon-worthy. Filling the story with excitement and destinations such as Thailand and Italy, she takes readers on a journey so that they, too, can experience the wonder that Anna feels. Although she's a dreamer, the teen is also quite practical and responsible, giving her character depth and believability. Because of Bennett's unpredictable comings and goings, Anna is the emotional glue that holds the story together. The connection between them is tangible and will resonate with readers who enjoy their romance mixed with adventure. Recommended for fans of Audrey Niffenegger's The Time Traveler's Wife (MacAdam/Cage, 2003).—Audrey Sumser, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Mayfield, OH