Best Time Travel Fiction Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2026

The Wrinkle in Time Quintet Boxed Set is a classic sci-fi/fantasy series by Madeline L'Engle that every young person should read. The quintet includes A Wrinkle in Time, A Wind in the Door, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, Many Waters, and An Acceptable Time, all beautifully designed and packaged in a box set with art by Taeeun Yoo. The series follows the Murry family as they embark on thrilling adventures through time and space, facing evil forces and saving the world. This boxed set is a must-have for any young adult who loves science fiction and fantasy.

The Complete Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Boxset is a hilarious and entertaining read for anyone who loves science fiction and humor. This collection includes all five parts of the trilogy, following Arthur Dent's adventures through space and time. From the destruction of Earth to the ultimate gastronomic experience, the series offers a mind-boggling variety of ways to be blown up and/or insulted. The author, Douglas Adams, creates an imaginative and witty universe that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end. Overall, this boxset is a must-read for anyone looking for a fun and unique sci-fi adventure.

The Do-Over by Lynn Painter is a captivating time loop story that follows a teenage girl, Emilie Hornby, as she relives her worst Valentine's Day over and over again. Emilie's struggles with her parents' divorce and her boyfriend's infidelity are depicted with honesty and heart, while the budding romance between Emilie and Nick adds a touch of humor and sweetness to the story. Painter's writing is engaging and playful, making The Do-Over an unequivocally hilarious and delightful read. This book is a must-read for fans of young adult romance and time travel fiction.

A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel is a stunning adaptation of Madeleine L'Engle's classic science fiction and fantasy novel, now a major motion picture. Hope Larson's colorful illustrations bring the story's memorable characters, like the three Mrs. and the Happy Medium, to life in a new and exciting way. The graphic novel is perfect for both old fans and new readers, and it remains true to the story's soul, delivering all the intellectual and emotional impact of the original novel. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves classic literature books for teens and young adults.

The Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children Boxed Set is a thrilling series that mixes fiction and photography to create a unique reading experience. The set includes three paperback novels by Ransom Riggs and a collectible postcard. The story follows Jacob Portman, who discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children after a family tragedy. The adventure continues as Jacob and his newfound friends journey to London, hoping to find a cure for their beloved headmistress, Miss Peregrine. The series is a must-read for teens who love dark, magical stories and is a perfect gift for book lovers.

The Martian: A Novel by Ballantine Books is a thrilling and gripping read that will keep you on edge until the very end. The story follows astronaut Mark Watney, who is stranded on Mars and must use his ingenuity and resourcefulness to survive. The technical details are impressively geeky, making the story surprisingly plausible. The book is a celebration of human ingenuity and a pure example of real-science sci-fi. The character of Mark Watney is one of the most appealing, funny, and resourceful in recent fiction. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves space travel and suspense thrillers.

Throwback by Maurene Goo is a heartwarming and hilarious time travel adventure that follows a Gen Z Korean American girl, Sam, who gets thrown back to the '90s with her teenage mother, Priscilla. As Sam navigates the outdated tech and regressive attitudes of the time, she also discovers the true nature of her relationship with her mother and finds unexpected romance with football player Jamie. Goo's writing is witty and poignant, and she expertly weaves together themes of family, identity, and the immigrant experience. Throwback is a unique and delightful addition to the time travel fiction genre for teens and young adults.

The Girl in the Castle by James Patterson is a thrilling novel that follows Hannah Dory, a teen caught between two worlds, as she seeks to save her sister by traveling back in time to a brutal winter in 1347. However, Hannah's journey is not without its challenges, and she must navigate the truth of her identity and the consequences of her actions. With action-packed fight scenes, flickers of romance, and Patterson's signature speedy chapters, this survival story is sure to captivate young adult readers who enjoy suspenseful tales with a side of political revolt. Overall, The Girl in the Castle is a unique and exciting addition to the survival stories genre.

Displacement, a historical graphic novel from Kiku Hughes, follows a teenager named Kiku who is suddenly transported back in time to the Japanese internment camps of World War II. Living alongside her grandmother and others who were denied their civil liberties, Kiku witnesses the acts of resistance and community that helped them survive. This poignant and powerful book highlights the intergenerational impact of trauma and the power of memory. The spare linework and muted earth tones of the artwork emphasize the somber tone of the narrative, making it a timely and timeless work of art.