by Questlove with S. A. Cosby; G.P. Putnam’s Sons, an imprint of Penguin Random House, 2023
Questlove is an American musician, record producer, disc jockey, filmmaker, music journalist, and actor. He is the drummer and joint frontman (with Black Thought) for the hip hop band The Roots.
S.A. Cosby is the author of the New York Times bestseller Razorblade Tears and Blacktop Wasteland, which won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, was a New York Times Notable Book, and was named a best book of the year by NPR, The Guardian, and Library Journal, among others. When not writing, he is an avid hiker and chess player.
Rahim Reynolds is a seventh grade student with few or no technology devices, not even a cell phone. His best friend, Kasia Collins, a technology genius, seems to have all the latest tech gadgets and equipment. Kasia surprises Rahim with a cell phone she made just for him. He is excited to have a cell phone to make calls and research his favorite rap group. But Rahim doesn’t know that his unique cell phone is also a time machine. So, when Rahim researches his favorite rap group, he is transported back to 1997. Rahim is surprised to be in 1997 and he tries to adjust to the time period. At first, Rahim doesn’t know that his actions in 1997 will affect the future. When he finally realizes this, the past and present has already collided. Now Rahim and Kasia must work together to get him home unscathed and keep the present intact.
Questlove and Cosby have written a fantastic adventure story full of action and information. Together, they have integrated history, music, and technology into this incredible story. The authors kept 1997 authentic and real. The action is fast paced and will keep the readers engaged. The characters are adorable and lovable. When some past events literally collide with the present, they make for an interesting read. But the message that past actions impact the future is very clear.
What works: Rahim’s and Kasia’s two parent family structures. Although the families had different rules about technology, they were similar in providing a strong foundation of love and support for their children.
What doesn’t work: Some of the past and present collisions were a bit exaggerated.
Grab it: This is the beginning of a series. If this book is any indication of what is to come, I look forward to reading the entire series. This book is just that good.
Black Cotton Reviewers 