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Cover of World's Worst Time Machine

World's Worst Time Machine

Dustin Brady (2025-04-29)

Subgenre
Age groupMiddle Grade 8-12
Content ratingPG
Pages (Quick Read (<250))
Setting
CSM age10

Content levels

ViolenceMild
Sexual contentNone
LanguageNone

Trigger warnings

Kidnapping

Hero archetypes

Coming-of-Age Hero

Heroine archetypes

Coming-of-Age Heroine

Synopsis

The "World's Worst Time Machine" sends Liam and Elsa on a string of extraordinary expeditions in this series perfect for fans of funny, unexpected adventures and wacky plot twists from bestselling author Dustin Brady. A hilariously broken time machine leads fifth graders Liam and Elsa into a whirlwind of unforgettable adventures. Whether accidentally summoning the wrong Thomas Edison, hunting for treasure at the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago, or digging up long-buried secrets in an alternate dimension, this series from bestselling author Dustin Brady promises mystery, action, and excitement. Book One: World's Worst Time Machine: When Liam accidentally summons the wrong Thomas Edison, chaos ensues as "Tommy Twinkles" plots to rob a futuristic bank. To rescue his kidnapped parents and set things rights, Liam and his friend Elsa embark on a thrilling adventure filled with sci-fi gadgets, time travel, and real-life gangsters. Book Two: Treasure in the White City: Legend tells of a treasure hidden in Chicago's 1893 World's Fair, and Liam and Elsa believe it could help them find Elsa's missing grandfather. Armed with their patched-up time machine, they must outwit rival time travelers, unravel the White City's secrets, and rely on each other like never before. Book Three: Journey to the Center of Time: Liam and Elsa search for the mysterious Professor Snellenburg by unraveling long-hidden secrets, starting with the puzzling Voynich Manuscript. Along the way, they travel to an alternate dimension, uncover the origin of time slime, and journey to the very center of time.

Tags

Middle Grade AdventureTime Travel ComedyHistorical FictionScience Adventure

Is World's Worst Time Machine appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 10 and up.

A humorous middle grade time travel adventure where fifth graders use a malfunctioning time machine to solve mysteries across history. Mild peril includes kidnapping and encounters with gangsters, but the tone is lighthearted and comedic throughout.

What to know going in

This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include kidnapping.

Who'll love this

Kids will love the wacky time travel mishaps, historical mysteries, and the clever friendship between Liam and Elsa as they fix their mistakes.