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“An Australian boy embarks on a time-traveling mission in an attempt to return to simpler times…The author deftly weaves multiple themes of family, friendship, nostalgia, and growth into a richly layered and thought-provoking tale that will linger in readers’ minds long after it’s over. Cultural references (such as to an iconic Australian birthday cake cookbook), an original take on time travel, and perfectly imperfect characters just doing their best all create a vivid sense of place and will make this title resonate with children and adults alike.”

– Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

Countdown to Yesterday

Written by Shirley Marr
Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

The present is the last place James wants to be. Since his parents have separated, he’s been living two different lives and neither of them add up to the great one he used to have. He thinks about his Top Six memories and wonders if he can go back.

During National Science Week, James meets the enigmatic Yan, a girl who looks at the world with x-ray eyes, and discovers that time travel might be possible after all. The two budding scientists’ quest to restore James’s lost past brings them into contact with retro Australian Women’s Weekly birthday cakes, old Commodore computers, chaotic rideshare vehicles of the future, and spacemen.

But as they get closer to their goal, James is forced to consider that his favorite moments from his personal history may not be as perfect as he remembers them.

Primary ISBN: 9781665948517
Publication Date: June 2024
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 08 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: Australia

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation, Immigrant

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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