Parents' Guide to

The Rhythm of Time

By Barbara Saunders, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Tween travels through time in fun tale with lots of twists.

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Black boy and girl in cityscape, above; boy bursting through circles of light, below

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

When THE RHYTHM OF TIME begins, 12-year-old Rahim, an African American boy living in Philadelphia, is chafing under his fathers' refusal to let him have a computer and mobile phone. His best friend, Kasia, a computer whiz, makes him a mobile phone that doesn't need a service carrier because it taps into government airwaves. He soon discovers the phone has very unusual features: transporting him not only through space but also through time.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Full of twists and humor, this thrilling time travel story is fast-paced, suspenseful, and sweet, and may attract even reluctant readers. The Rhythm of Time, by musician, producer, Academy Award-wining filmmaker, and bestselling author Questlove and S.A. Cosby, brings us a tight pair of friends and two sets of loving, out-of-the-ordinary parents who support their children's individuality. The ending hints that there will be a sequel.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the theme of how choices shape the future in The Rhythm of Time. What's an important choice you'll need to make this year? What can you do to make a good decision?

  • How is your family different from your friends' families?

  • If you could travel in time, where would you go?

Book Details

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