A time traveler's history of tomorrow

Eighteen-year-old physicist Genevieve is thrilled to present her innovation on a particle accelerator called a cyclotron onstage at the 1934 Chicago World's Fair. But when her device malfunctions mid-presentation, she's saved from the fallout by time traveler Ash, who transports them both to 1893 Chicago. Soon Ash reveals himself to have been tasked with saving the world from purported annihilation brought about by the cyclotron. Having exhausted his powers, Ash is unable to return Genevieve to her timeline, prompting the teens to explore the past and encounter new friends, including Black academic secretary and mathematician Matilda. With help from Matilda, Genevieve discovers a way to get back home without relying on Ash's abilities, but Ash's commitment to his world-saving mission complicates matters. Via the white-cued protagonist's cutting alternating POVs and the duo's layered relationship with Matilda, Kulper (A Starlet's Secret to a Sensational Afterlife) illustrates how race and gender inequality barred women and BIPOC individuals from scientific acclaim. Snappy dialogue, dynamic supporting characters, and robust worldbuilding further serve to deliver a satisfying combination of sparkling romance and whirlwind adventure. Ages 14--up. Agent: Sara Crowe, Sara Crowe Literary. (Nov.)

Numerous challenges bedevil a pair of time travelers from 1934 Chicago. Genevieve Newhouse is a brilliant physicist, so used to being ignored next to her sparkling sisters that she's developed the ability to turn invisible. Never one to let a little transparency get her down, 18-year-old Genevieve becomes a thief, stealing library books in order to perfect her invention, the "important, dramatic, ETCH-MY-NAME-IN-HISTORY accomplishment" that will finally get her noticed. A devastating accident that could bring about the apocalypse certainly would have done the trick--if it weren't for intervention from Ash Hargreaves, also 18, who's run away from his religious extremist community. His desire to prevent a terrible tragedy grew so strong that he gained the ability to time travel. In Genevieve's moment of crisis, he yanks the two of them back 41 years, from the 1934 Chicago World's Fair--where Genevieve was exhibiting a cyclotron--to the 1893 Columbian Exposition. Luckily the stranded teens (both cued white) meet the brilliant Matilda Flemming, a Black physics genius, who's being exploited by an arrogant professor. Ash, Genevieve, and Matilda are up against racist and sexist physicists, paranoid capitalists--and time itself. They still find spare moments for both romance and heavy-duty personal growth. Ash, who tries to redeem the worst people in his life and never needs to outshine his talented love interest, is genuinely heartwarming, and the friendship between Genevieve and Miss Flemming is a joy. Delightful timey-wimey adventure that would make smashing television.(Historical paranormal. 13-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.