Best Children's Time Travel Fiction Books of 2026

The dragons are back, and this time they are on a mission to save the world from the extinction of tacos. In "Dragons Love Tacos 2: The Sequel" by Dial Books, the dragons travel back in time to plant taco trees and save the world. However, things take a spicy turn when the dragons encounter spicy salsa and end up traveling to the wrong time periods. The comical illustrations, deadpan statements, and absurdity of the plot make this book a humorous tale for children who love dragons and tacos. Overall, "Dragons Love Tacos 2: The Sequel" is a delightful addition for old fans and new readers alike.

The Rhythm of Time is a thrilling time-travel adventure novel by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and S. A. Cosby, perfect for fans of Amari and the Night Brothers and Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky. The story follows seventh-grader Rahim Reynolds, who finds himself transported back to 1997 with the help of a special phone built by his genius friend, Kasia Collins. Together, they navigate the unfamiliar territory of 90s Philadelphia while trying to find a way back to the present. The book is an engaging love letter to the 90s, with lots of time-travel hijinks and 90s rap references that make it a fun and funny series starter for Black tweens. Overall, The Rhythm of Time delivers a high-velocity tale that is both heartwarming and suspenseful, making it a must-read for children's action and adventure book enthusiasts.

The Secret Lake: A children's mystery adventure is an exciting time travel story that follows siblings Stella and Tom as they embark on a quest to solve the mystery of their elderly neighbor's lost dog. As they uncover clues, they find themselves transported back in time almost 100 years to their home and its gardens, where they make both friends and enemies and discover startling connections between the past and present. With short, gripping chapters and many twists and turns, this book is a firm favorite with both boys and girls aged 8-11. Overall, The Secret Lake is a modern children's classic that is sure to captivate young readers.

A Wrinkle in Time, the first book of the Time Quintet series, is a children's classic that won the Newbery Medal in 1963. The story follows Meg, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin as they travel through space and time to find Meg's father, who disappeared while working on a government project involving a tesseract, a wrinkle in time. The book is a thrilling adventure that introduces readers to complex scientific concepts in an accessible way. Overall, A Wrinkle in Time is a timeless classic that continues to capture the imaginations of readers young and old.

The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls is an action-packed chapter book series for children ages six to nine, following siblings Peter and Mary and their dog Hank as they embark on adventures through time, discovering key moments in biblical history. The series includes all nine titles in the complete collection, featuring a rich cast of supporting characters and key figures from the Bible stories. Written by Mike Thomas, these books provide a fun and imaginative way to teach children about the Bible. The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls is a must-read for parents looking to introduce their children to the wonder and adventure of biblical history.

Dinosaurs Before Dark is the first book in the Magic Tree House series, which takes readers on a time-traveling adventure with siblings Jack and Annie. In this installment, the duo is transported to the prehistoric past and must find a way back home before dark. With plenty of suspense, magic, and dinosaur information, this beginning chapter book is perfect for young readers just past the easy-to-read stage. The Magic Tree House series has been a beloved favorite for over 25 years and is sure to inspire a love of reading and adventure in every child who joins Jack and Annie on their journey.

Captain Underpants and the Terrifying Return of Tippy Tinkletrousers: Color Edition (Captain Underpants #9) by Dav Pilkey is a fun and thrilling read for kids. In this book, the boys are taken back in time to their kindergarten days, where they face a bully named Kipper Krupp. With no Captain Underpants to rely on, they must use their brains to beat the bullies. The book is full of humor, action, and age-appropriate vocabulary that will keep young readers engaged. The color edition adds to the visual appeal of the book. Overall, this book is a great addition to the series and perfect for kids who love adventure and humor.

The Magic Tree House Books 25-28 Boxed Set is a collection of four bestselling chapter books from the Magic Tree House series. The books take Jack and Annie on thrilling time-traveling adventures, meeting William Shakespeare, gorillas, the Plymouth Pilgrims, and surfers from Hawaii. Written by Mary Pope Osborne and illustrated by Sal Murdocca, this set is perfect for beginner readers who are just starting with chapter books. The set also includes Fact Trackers, which are nonfiction companions to the Magic Tree House adventures. Overall, this is a fantastic set that will keep kids entertained and engaged while also teaching them about history and culture.

Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman is a hilarious and imaginative story that takes readers on a wild adventure through time and space. The book follows a father who goes out to buy milk for his children's breakfast and returns with a tale involving pirates, aliens, and time travel. Gaiman's writing is witty and engaging, and Skottie Young's illustrations perfectly capture the absurdity and humor of the story. This book is perfect for young readers who love a good adventure and appreciate a healthy dose of humor. Overall, Fortunately, the Milk is a delightful and unique read that will leave readers of all ages thoroughly entertained.

This 4-book boxed set of Choose Your Own Adventure series is perfect for children aged 9-12 who are reluctant readers. With its interactive format, the reader becomes the hero of the story and gets to make decisions at every page turn. The set includes Mystery of the Maya, House of Danger, Race Forever, and Escape, all written by R.A. Montgomery. Each book takes the reader on a thrilling adventure, from searching for a lost friend in Mexico to racing through the African countryside. The books are packaged in a bright gift box, making it a great present for young readers. Overall, this set is an excellent way to engage children in reading and spark their imagination.