There’s an age-old question that often gets asked among new friends: if you had a time machine, would you rather visit the future or the past?
Well, thanks to the genre of time travel books, you don’t have to choose. You can travel anywhere in time, just by turning the pages. And no matter how old you are, time travel books for young adults are a great choice for your next read. Featuring relatable protagonists and universal themes, young adult time travel is a genre perfect for readers of all ages.
To help you find the next addition to your TBR list, we’ve put together a compilation of our ten favorite time travel books for young adults. Let’s dive in.
10. Juliet Immortal by Stacey Ray
Ah, Romeo and Juliet. The seemingly immortal story that modern society still can’t get enough of.
This imaginative young adult time travel novel reimagines the star-crossed lovers as enemies. After Romeo murders Juliet in pursuit of his own immortality, she too is given eternal life.
The two fight through the years in a battle of good and evil in a seeming status quo. That is, until Juliet finds love again, and Romeo is less than thrilled…
Why we recommend it: I liked the playful paranormal elements in this young adult time travel novel.
9. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Young Jacob survives tragedy, and he’s sent to Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children to start a new life.
However, as Jacob discovers the orphanage in ruins, he begins to uncover its history. Perhaps the children there were far more than simply peculiar…
Other books in the series:
- Tales of the Peculiar
- Hollow City
- Library of Souls
- A Map of Days
- The Conference of the Birds
- The Desolations of Devil’s Acre
- Miss Peregrine’s Museum of Wonders
Why we recommend it: I loved the combination of suspense, mystery, and horror in this young adult time travel book.
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8. A Kiss In Time by Alex Flinn
This hilariously unpredictable time travel book for young adults is a retelling of the Sleeping Beauty legend.
It follows a young man named Jack, who accidentally awakens Talia after a spell thrust her into a 300-year-long nap.
As the two strangers get to know each other, they’re confronted with the unexpected consequences of their actions.
Why we recommend it: I liked the playful tone of this young adult time travel book.
7. If I Wake by Nikki Moyes
This unforgettable young adult novel is a must-read for fans of time travel books.
Lucy is just your average teenage girl. And Will is her average best friend. But there’s one thing about them that is very much not average: they only interact in dreams.
As Lucy begins to sleep more and more to spend time with Will, other elements of her life begin to decay. Can Will save her when she ends up in a coma?
Why we recommend it: I enjoyed the ways this time travel novel for young adults creatively explored ideas of mental health.
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Subscribe to our weekly newsletter6. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
This mysterious and suspenseful young adult time travel book tells the story of Miranda, a sixth grader who begins receiving mysterious messages that seem to predict the future.
As the notes continue, Miranda begins to suspect that someone’s life may be in danger, and only she can save them.
Why we recommend it: I was amazed by the detailed plot development in this brief little book.
5. Timeless by Alexandra Monir
The book on this list most deserving of a film adaptation, this young adult time travel novel is the perfect read for anyone looking to get lost in a new series.
Michele moves to New York to live with her mysterious and wealthy grandparents, expecting to start anew after her family life is upended. But when she finds an old diary that enables her to time travel, she descends into a double-life split between the early twentieth century and the modern day.
Other books in the series:
- Secrets of the Time Society
- Timekeeper
Why we recommend it: I loved how atmospheric and dreamy this romantic young adult time travel book was.
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4. Manifesto by Scott McElhaney
Christian is a teenager whose emotional well-being is constantly threatened by news of yet another school shooting.
Until one day, Christian inherits a wristwatch which enables him to time travel. Is he willing to try and stop the violence? Is it even possible?
This is a bit of an obscure book with few reviews, however it deserved to be discovered!
Why we recommend it: I admired how this young adult time travel book skillfully explored complex and heavy topics like gun violence.
3. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
This critically acclaimed time travel book for young adults was adapted into a successful film starring Reese Witherspoon.
It follows two siblings who are lured into a perilous time travel adventure. Can they save the universe?
Other books in the series:
- A Wind in the Door
- A Swiftly Tilting Planet
- Many Waters
- An Acceptable Time
Why we recommend it: I loved the emotional stakes in this young adult classic.
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2. Waterfall by Lisa Tawn Bergren
On a boring summer day in Italy, two sisters accidentally find themselves transported through time to the fourteenth century. Can they survive being thrust into the middle of a fierce battle between two knights?
Other books in the series:
- Cascade
- Torrent
- Bourne
- Tributary
- Deluge
- Bourne & Tributary
Why we recommend it: I enjoyed the characterization in this young adult time travel novel.
1. Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier
Gwen’s life is safe, and sometimes even boring. That is until she finds out that she’s inherited her family’s time-travel gene.
When she meets Gideon on her time trips, she’s repulsed by his obnoxious attitude. But, sooner or later, sparks may fly…
Other books in the series:
- Sapphire Blue
- Emerald Green
Why we recommend it: I loved the enemies-to-lovers plotline in this time travel book for young adults.
These are our ten best time travel books for young adults. Do you have a recommendation for us? Leave a comment!
As always, happy reading.
