
Reach for this book when your child feels like they see the world differently than everyone else or struggles with the feeling that their observations are being ignored by adults. It is a perfect choice for the middle grade reader who craves a sense of agency and enjoys piecing together complex puzzles. The story follows three observant friends who discover their school is literally glitching out of existence every Friday, forcing them to take on a responsibility no adult even realizes exists. At its heart, this is a story about the power of collective memory and the strength found in teamwork. It addresses themes of trust, bravery, and the importance of standing by your truth even when the world forgets it. Parents will appreciate the clean, imaginative mystery that emphasizes intellectual curiosity and loyalty over violence or horror. It offers a safe but thrilling space for 9 to 12 year olds to explore the idea of being the 'hero' of their own reality.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe book is secular and focuses on light sci-fi/fantasy elements. It deals with the concept of gaslighting in a metaphorical sense, as the children's reality is constantly denied by the adults around them. The resolution is hopeful and empowering, centering on the children's capability.
A 10-year-old who loves escape rooms, logic puzzles, or 'hidden world' stories. It is especially resonant for the child who feels like an outsider or has a highly observational personality.
This is a safe cold-read. Parents might want to discuss the concept of 'time loops' if the child finds the non-linear logic confusing at first. A child complaining that 'no one ever listens to me' or expressing frustration that adults dismiss their concerns or ideas.
Younger readers (9) will focus on the 'cool factor' of the disappearing room and the secret tunnel. Older readers (12) will better appreciate the stakes of being the only ones who remember the truth and the burden of saving the world in secret.
Unlike many school fantasies that whisk children away to a magical land, this story keeps the magic rooted in the mundane school setting, making the 'glitch' feel more immediate and unsettling.
At Greenwood Public School, an entire classroom, including the teacher and furniture, disappears every Friday afternoon. When it returns, the community experiences a total memory wipe, except for three students: Ayaan, Mira, and Kabir. The trio discovers a hidden tunnel and an ancient clockwork mechanism beneath the school that is causing 'glitches' in time. They must learn to navigate these loops and repair the device before Friday becomes a permanent, unending reality.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.