Todd A. Fonseca has written a dandy little time travel adventure. One hopes The Time Cavern is the foundation for many sequels to come.
Aaron Logan's family has moved to Amish country, and this move is not a smooth one for him. To get away from his siblings, he is allowed to pitch a tent in the back area of the yard. He hears mysterious noises and with a flashlight goes to investigate. The spooky thing, the wind? Well, it whispered his name...
In his search of the property, Aaron finds pages of a diary that is 100 years old, and he becomes obsessed with finding areas mentioned in the notes. A girl, Jake, who lives on the farm next to the Logans, becomes friends with Aaron and she joins in the mystery solving.
Turns out there was an Amish boy who disappeared 100 years ago, in this same area, and the diary pages must be his!
In their adventure of unraveling the mystery of the lost boy, they find a most unique time machine. But it doesn't look like a time machine, and it darn well doesn't come with intructions - at least that they can tell. Or does it?
If you have ever visited Amish communities, you will understand the 'otherworldliness' of the areas. Simple homes, green shades on the windows, the horse driven carriages that co-mingle with modern cars.
It would be easy for kids to get caught up in the mystery of a community that is so different from ours.
Mr. Fonseca's book has been suggested for younger folks, and it certainly is kid friendly, teen friendly, but adults PLEASE read this book too - it is a pleasure and the principle of the time travel process is a fascinating one that will entertain everyone.
I look forward to the next adventures of Aaron and Jake...and company.
ellen george
The Time Cavern, by Todd A. Fonseca, ISBN 13: 978-1-48108, Borders Personal Publishing, review by ellen george