TJ and the Time Stumblers: OOPS! by Bill Myer (Review)

The mishaps never end as TJ’s “helpers” from the 23rd century—Tuna and Herby—continue to study TJ as she learns the valuable lessons she’ll need to become a future world leader. In Oops!, TJ learns the importance of speaking and thinking well of people even when they are difficult, thanks to the Thought Broadcaster Pen, which exposes the thoughts of everyone it hits. As usual, Tuna and Herby’s attempts to fix the pen only make things worse—now all of TJ’s thoughts become reality! As she fights not to return meanness to others (and to clean up the disasters her thoughts cause, like turning whiny TV star Hesper Breakahart into a giant baby), TJ learns from her dad a little more about how her mother handled things: She kept reminding herself that each of us is God’s creation. And no matter how mean people may be, we all need to be loved. The same message also unfolds through a side story of classmate Chad Steel learning to treat a mean boy better.


My Review:

This is the third book in the TJ and the Time Stumblers series. All of them so far can be read alone. The characters do grow in each book so it is worth starting at the beginning. The names of the characters are a little corny like Hesper Breakahart. Younger kids might find them funny if they catch the meaning behind them. I liked the theme for this book. It was to not think bad about people even when they are mean to us. To remember that God created us all equal and loves us is an important lesson. Recommended.

TJ and the Time Stumblers: AAAARGH! by Bill Myers (Review)

This six-book series centers around two 23rd century goofballs, Tuna and Herby, who travel back in time to study TJ Finkelstein for their history project. TJ will someday become a great leader who demonstrates honesty, integrity, thoughtfulness, self-sacrifice, respect for others—all traits she hones and grasps through her adventures in this series. Unfortunately, Tuna and Herby get stuck in TJ’s time (modern day), so she has to deal with their schemes while juggling the normal issues of a seventh grader who has moved to a new city, is trying to fit in, and is coping with her mother’s death and her family’s new life.

In AAAARGH!!!, Tuna and Herby try to help TJ with a book report by getting the author to write it for her, but all three of them quickly see the consequences of cheating spiral out of control. Meanwhile, TJ’s cute neighbor and classmate Chad Steel is getting ready for a big surfing competition—and learning his own lesson about honesty.


My Review:
This was another interesting installment in the TJ and the Time Stumblers series. This is the second book and could be read alone. The main message in this one is honesty and being truthful in all aspects of life. For TJ it was a book report that Tuna and Herby had the author of Treasure Island write for her. For Chad it was a surf board with extra powers. I did not like the scene in the beginning of the book where TJ stomped on the foot of a pirate and he said Argh and bleeps. This book should not have any cussing in it. It is meant for the 8 to 10 age group. Overall I liked it. Tuna and Herby bring out more interesting gadgets that never seem to work the way they are supposed too. Kids will find their antics funny. Recommended with caution.

TJ and the Time Stumblers: New Kid Catastrophes by Bill Myers (Review)

This six-book series centers around two 23rd century goofballs, Tuna and Herby, who travel back in time to study TJ Finkelstein for their history project. TJ will someday become a great leader who demonstrates honesty, integrity, thoughtfulness, self-sacrifice, respect for others—all traits she hones and grasps through her adventures in this series. Unfortunately, Tuna and Herby get stuck in TJ’s time (modern day), so she has to deal with their schemes while juggling the normal issues of a seventh grader who has moved to a new city, is trying to fit in, and is coping with her mother’s death and her family’s new life.

In New Kid Catastrophes, TJ accidentally makes an enemy of Hesper Breakahart, the superstar who attends their school. And Tuna and Herby’s attempts to help just lead to one disaster after another. In the end, TJ is still very unpopular, but she learns the value of looking past appearances and gains a few friends—and the attention of the most popular boy in school.


My Review:

This is book one in a new series targeted to Christian tweens although I think upper elementary would like it best. They are simple and easy to read. I am 30 so my opinion may be a little different from the age group. I thought the plot and characters were interesting. The writing was not as great though. That age might not notice. I did like the way it had a lesson in it. This book it was not to judge based on appearance. Simple yet interesting and funny at times recommended.