10 Thrilling Time-Travel and Adventure Books for Young Readers

Adventures In Time And Space Towards New Goals By Bernardino Schwimmeltrik

Towards New Goals: Adventures in Time and Space by Bernardino Schwimmeltrik is a thrilling, educational, and heartwarming adventure novel aimed at older children and young adults. The story follows a group of characters traveling through time and space, encountering historical figures like Neanderthals, Romans, and Vikings, while also visiting fantastical realms such as a robot-inhabited planet. The characters embark on various missions, including protecting a French family from the guillotine and rescuing slaves, all while facing natural and supernatural challenges like snowstorms and pirate attacks.

Originally published in Swedish in 2022, the book gained significant attention and was later translated into English. It combines fantasy and historical elements, and includes moral and political reflections without becoming overly didactic. Schwimmeltrik’s writing began as bedtime stories for his son, which he eventually turned into this engaging novel​

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

Meg Murry and her brother, Charles Wallace, are swept into a fantastical adventure when they meet Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which. Their father, a scientist, disappeared while working on a project involving time travel, and the children, along with their friend Calvin, embark on a journey to rescue him. Their adventure takes them across space and time, battling against an evil force called the Black Thing that seeks to take over the universe. They must confront their deepest fears, and in the end, it’s Meg’s love for her brother that saves the day. The novel blends science fiction with themes of family, courage, and faith, and has become a classic for its imaginative story and emotional depth.

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

In this beloved series, four siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—discover a magical land called Narnia, hidden behind a wardrobe in an old professor’s house. As they explore Narnia, they become embroiled in a battle between the forces of good, led by the majestic lion Aslan, and the forces of evil, headed by the White Witch. The series is filled with biblical allegories, mythical creatures, and epic battles. It spans seven books, each focusing on different adventures in Narnia, but all tied together by themes of loyalty, bravery, and redemption. The series’ timeless appeal lies in its rich world-building and moral lessons.

The Time Machine by H.G. Wells

A Victorian scientist builds a machine that allows him to travel through time. Venturing far into the future, he encounters two distinct races—the Eloi, a peaceful but lazy and unintelligent group, and the Morlocks, a brutish species that preys on the Eloi. As the protagonist tries to understand how human civilization devolved into these two extremes, he faces existential questions about society’s future. Wells’ classic novel explores the consequences of class division and technological advancement, delivering a cautionary tale wrapped in a gripping sci-fi adventure.

The Book of Time by Guillaume Prévost

Sam Faulkner’s life changes when his father mysteriously disappears. Using an ancient statue as a portal, Sam is transported to different periods in history—from the medieval past to ancient Egypt. With each leap, Sam gains clues about his father’s fate, all while facing life-threatening challenges in every era. This action-packed, time-travel adventure seamlessly blends historical education with fantasy. As Sam uncovers family secrets, he also learns valuable lessons about courage, loyalty, and resilience. The series is ideal for young readers who love history wrapped in mystery and adventure.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson, a seemingly ordinary boy, discovers he’s a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is thrust into a world where Greek myths come to life. He attends Camp Half-Blood, a sanctuary for demigod children, and embarks on a quest to retrieve Zeus’ stolen lightning bolt. Along the way, Percy learns of an impending war between the gods and the titans and must use his newfound powers to prevent it. Riordan blends ancient mythology with modern-day issues, making Greek myths accessible and entertaining for young readers. The series emphasizes friendship, bravery, and finding one’s place in the world.

Time Riders by Alex Scarrow

In this gripping series, three teens—Liam, Maddy, and Sal—are recruited by a mysterious organization to stop time travelers from altering history. Each book sees them thrown into different historical events, from the American Civil War to the future, as they attempt to preserve the timeline. With action-packed scenes and complex moral questions, Time Riders offers readers an exciting mix of sci-fi and historical fiction. The characters must learn to trust one another while grappling with the enormous responsibility of maintaining the integrity of time.

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

Meggie’s father, Mo, has a rare gift—he can bring characters from books into the real world by reading aloud. However, this ability comes with a cost, as real-world objects and people are often transported into the book in exchange. When a villain from a novel called Inkheart is unleashed into their world, Meggie and Mo must confront the dangers of their power. Inkheart explores themes of storytelling, magic, and family, with richly drawn characters and an intricate plot. It’s an enchanting book for anyone who has ever dreamed of living inside a story.

The Time Travelers by Linda Buckley-Archer

After accidentally being sent back to 1763, two modern-day children, Peter and Kate, must find a way to return to their time. Their journey is filled with danger, including encounters with thieves, highwaymen, and mysterious forces that control time. As they struggle to survive in the past, they realize that their actions could have profound consequences on the future. This historical adventure blends time travel with real-world history, offering readers a fast-paced, thrilling story while also delving into the complexities of changing the past.

Tom’s Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce

When Tom is sent to stay with his aunt and uncle, he discovers a magical garden that only appears at midnight. In the garden, he meets a young girl named Hatty, and the two form a deep friendship. As Tom returns to the garden night after night, he realizes that he is traveling through time, witnessing different periods in the garden’s history. This beautifully written novel is a poignant exploration of friendship, time, and growing up. It’s a timeless classic for readers of all ages.