For kids who love thrilling adventures, historical mysteries, and stories about unlikely friendships, this graphic novel series delivers time-traveling fun.
When your child craves an exciting adventure that is visually engaging and sneakily educational, The Time Museum Volume 2 is a perfect choice. This graphic novel follows Delia and her team of time-traveling interns as they are sent to observe Leonardo da Vinci. Their simple mission turns into a thrilling mystery when a rival team meddles with history, forcing Delia's crew to protect the famous inventor. The story is a fast-paced blend of science fiction, history, and humor that highlights the power of teamwork, bravery, and friendship. Ideal for readers aged 8 to 12, it’s an excellent pick for fans of action-packed stories and a great way to spark an interest in history.
This book is free of significant sensitive topics. The conflicts are external, action-oriented, and presented with a sense of adventure rather than genuine emotional distress. The approach is entirely secular and focused on historical and sci-fi elements.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is an 8 to 11-year-old who loves graphic novels like "Amulet" or "Zita the Spacegirl." They enjoy a good mystery, are interested in science fiction concepts like time travel, and might have a budding interest in history or inventors. This is a perfect book for a child who enjoys ensemble casts where friendship and teamwork are central to saving the day.
Parent Prep
No preparation is needed. While this is the second book in a series, the plot is largely self-contained and easy to follow. A parent might mention that it features a real historical person (Leonardo da Vinci) to add a layer of context, but the book can be enjoyed cold. Previewing isn't necessary. A parent has just heard, "I'm bored, there's nothing to read!" from a child who loves video games and cartoons but resists traditional chapter books. Or, a parent is looking for a fun way to introduce historical figures and concepts without it feeling like a school lesson.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will be captivated by the colorful art, the action sequences, and the funny interactions between the team members, especially the caveboy, Greer. An older reader (10-12) will appreciate the clever plot, the historical details woven into the story, and the more nuanced team dynamics, including the friendly rivalry with Titus.
What Makes It Special
What sets this book apart is its brilliant fusion of a high-concept sci-fi adventure with accessible, engaging historical content. Unlike purely fantastical adventures, it grounds its story in a real time and place, using the graphic novel format to make history feel dynamic and exciting. The "museum intern" framing is a unique and clever premise for a time-travel series.
Read plot summary
Delia and her team of time-traveling interns are given their first solo mission: to observe Leonardo da Vinci in 15th-century Florence. The mission is quickly complicated by the arrival of Titus, a slick and mysterious rival from another time museum. When one of da Vinci's important notebooks goes missing, Delia's team must figure out if Titus is a friend or foe and race against the clock to recover the book without dangerously altering the timeline. The adventure involves chases, clever problem-solving, and a deeper look into the workings of the time-traveling universe.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
When the team first meets Titus, they aren't sure if he's a friend or an enemy. What clues in the drawings or dialogue helped you figure out his intentions?
2
Delia and her friends have to protect Leonardo da Vinci without changing history. If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be and what one question would you ask?
3
Each member of the team (Delia, Michiko, Greer, etc.) has a different skill. Why was it important for them to work together to solve the mystery of the missing notebook?
4
At one point, the team thinks their mission is a failure. How did they show resilience and keep trying to solve the problem even when things looked bad?
