World's Worst Time Machine
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Graphic novel · Ages 7–11 · 2023

World's Worst Time Machine

By Dustin Brady, Dave Bardin (Illustrator)

Book #1 in the World's Worst Time Machine series

A $3 time machine brings chaos, gangsters, and missing parents. Can two kids fix the timeline?

3.8/5 Goodreads · 166 ratings
192 pages
$9.99Save 4%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Liam's $3 time machine summons a 1933 gangster instead of Thomas Edison, and his parents vanish. With his friend Elsa, they must navigate a world of sci-fi gadgets and real-life gangsters to restore order. Can these fifth graders outsmart time and save the day, or will chaos reign? Join their hilarious, action-packed adventure filled with unexpected twists and a whole lot of Cheetos.

From the publisher

Liam Chapman just bought a real, working time machine for only $3! Sure, it’s labeled “World’s Worst Time Machine,” but how bad could it be? Turns out, it’s so much worse than Liam could have ever imagined. “… fast-paced action, humor, and strong characters… Brady has written a great series starter that also has a nice sprinkling of history, a little science, and engaging, fun characters. Highly recommended.” – Jean Little Library When Liam summons Thomas Edison to help him finish his book report, the time machine delivers the wrong one. This Thomas Edison is a 10-year-old aspiring gangster from 1933 who demands to be called “Tommy Twinkles” and is also very interested in robbing a bank of the future. Liam could use some help from his parents here, but unfortunately, the time machine has kidnapped them both. In desperation, he turns to his friend Elsa. To set things right, these two fifth graders must embark on an adventure full of sci-fi gadgets, real-life gangsters, time travel, and a whole lot of Cheetos. With over two million books sold, author Dustin Brady has mastered the art of hooking kids on reading. Short chapters filled with heart-pounding adventure, hilarious twists, and unforgettable characters keep even the most reluctant readers invested to the last page. This new series adds real-life history to the formula, making it a fun, fresh way to teach history.

At a glance
Format
Paperback
Pages
192
Reading age
7–11
Audience
Juvenile Reader
Lexile
600L
Themes & topics
Books about friendshipBooks about scienceBooks about experimentsBooks about scientistsBooks about 19th century
For readers who can't stop at one

The next favorite is already out there.

Age-appropriate books selected to help their love of reading grow, delivered right to their door.

Find their book club
Bookroo club box with books for growing readers
The author

More from Dustin Brady

Explore Dustin's bookshelf
Trapped in a Video Game
#1 in Series
Sale price
$999

Trapped in a Video Game

Ages 8–10 · 2016
Sale price
$1199

The Secret of Phantom Island

Ages 8–12 · 2020
Sale price
$899

Leila & Nugget Mystery

Ages 7–9 · 2022

My Friend from the Future

Ages 8–12 · 2024
The illustrator

More from Dave Bardin

Explore Dave's bookshelf

Peter Powers and the Itchy Insect Invasion!

Ages 6–10 · 2017

Miles Morales Untangles a Web

Ages 5–9 · 2024
Reptil & Ghost-Spider Join Forces!
Sale price
$1799

Reptil & Ghost-Spider Join Forces!

Ages 5–9 · 2025

PrestonPlayz: The Mystery of the Super Spooky Secret House

Ages 8–12 · 2023
The series

The World's Worst Time Machine series

See the whole series

Treasure in the White City

Ages 7–11 · 2024
Sale price
$1199

World's Worst Time Machine

Ages 7–11 · 2025
Your next read

Books that feel like this one

See all similar books

Billy Stuart and the Zintrepids

Ages 6–8 · 2011
My Best Friend is a Secret Agent: How Chip Became C.H.I.P. and Foiled the Freaky Fuzzy Invasion
#1 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$999

My Best Friend is a Secret Agent: How Chip Became C.H.I.P. and Foiled the Freaky Fuzzy Invasion

Ages 7–11 · 2015

Mellybean and the Giant Monster

Ages 7–10 · 2020

Beano: The Day the Teachers Disappeared

Ages 7–+ · 2024
Disney Stitch! (Graphic Novel)
#1 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1099

Disney Stitch! (Graphic Novel)

Ages 8–11 · 2009

The Little Kid with the Big Green Hand

Ages 6–13 · 2023

Bad Panda

Ages 7–9 · 2021

Prunella and the Cursed Skull Ring

Ages 6–10 · 2022
The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
~3.9
F&P level
~O
Publication
Published
April 25, 2023
Edition
Language
English
Type
Chapter Book · Graphic novel
Identifiers
ISBN
9781524877088

Surprise a reader with their next favorite book.

Spotted a mistake or something missing? Improve this page.

Are you the author or illustrator? Claim your book.

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo